The girls’ volleyball team had another historic season. They went 20-7 and undefeated in conference play. This was also their ninth straight year winning districts. They then made it all the way to the State Semifinals where they lost in heartbreaking fashion to St. Henry 3-1. Even after a tough loss, the team can still celebrate the accomplishments of their amazing season!
This year’s varsity team consisted of seniors #4 Haley Wilson, #7 Madelyn Mudra, #13 Giada Spisak, #15 Sofia Pichert, and #27 Anna Jirmasek. Along with juniors #11 Genna Gallucci and #18 Julia Jurkiewicz and sophomores #9 Mia Mudra, #14 Emily Slusher, and #17 Peyton Bechlem.
There were five senior players with CVC and All- District Honors. Wilson earned CVC MVP, All-District First Team, and All-Ohio 3rd Team. Spisak and Mudra earned CVC and All-District Honorable Mention. Pichert earned CVC 2nd Team and All-District 3rd Team. Finally, Jirmasek earned CVC 1st Team and All-District Second Team. Wilson also achieved 1000 career kills throughout her time at IHS, as well as Jirmasek, earning 1000 career digs.
After losing five seniors from last year’s team, the players had to switch up positions. “Asking players to play positions needed, which was not always their natural position, was a challenge,” Coach Anthony Messina explained.
To continue their legacy, Jirmasek and Spisak are advancing to play college volleyball.
“I’m committed to play middle, and I’m one of eight recruits for Kenyon,” said Spisak, “I can’t wait to continue my career outside of the Independence courts as I feel that there’s so much more I can expand on in this new environment. I’ll have the opportunity to advance my skills and transfer into the collegiate level while playing amongst all of my talented teammates.”
Along with Spisak, Jirmasek has committed to continue to play volleyball at Loyola University Chicago as a DS/Libero. “Independence Volleyball has helped me prepare for college because it made me be more of a versatile player and do what’s best for the team,” Jirmasek said, “Freshman year I was the libero and then my sophomore – senior year I was a OH/DS. It has also helped me realize that teamwork and leadership go a long way!”
The IHS volleyball team secured their spot at States after their win against Dalton High School. The Devils won in 3-1 sets, becoming Regional Champions and State Bound. “It was fun and exciting to get to state with a different group of girls and play with them!” Jirmasek explained. “The players evolved into a team at playoff time and enabled us to get to the state final four! Tremendous job of peaking at the right time!” Coach Messina said.
The IHS volleyball team had a memorable season this year, earning the titles of Sectional, District, and Regional champions. “I think the season went a lot better than anyone was expecting!” Wilson expressed, “In August, none of us were really sure how the season would go, but ending up in the final four was quite amazing!”
