Volleyball Player Leila Taylor Shines in Early Season

Senior middle hitter Leila Taylor from Lincoln-Way East is having an impressive start this season. Her offseason training with the Chicago-based Lights Out Volleyball organization is evident in her performance. The 5-foot-11-inch Taylor pushed herself with intensive training, focusing on lifting and conditioning.

“I’ve been training hard with lifting and conditioning,” Taylor said. “This year, I increased my efforts. At Lights Out, I played against more skilled players. That’s helped me this year.”

Lincoln-Way East, last year’s SouthWest Suburban Conference champion, maintains a strong start, finishing third at the competitive 32-team Mizuno Crimson Classic over the weekend. The Griffins, now at 5-2, perform well even without Eastern Michigan recruit Klarke Mosby, who is recovering from knee surgery. Taylor’s advancement in the middle proves advantageous.

“Last year, she began with us as a junior and has improved significantly,” coach Sean Burns commented on Taylor. “She excels in terminating balls and blocking. Her work in the middle benefits the team, freeing up the outsides.”

Kolby Ross, a junior outside hitter committed to Illinois, praises Taylor. “She adds energy and strength,” Ross remarked. “Even when tired, she performs well and motivates others. She’s enjoyable to be around.”

Taylor, originally from Chicago, moved to the south suburbs where her passion for volleyball increased before attending Lincoln-Way East. “I knew volleyball was my choice,” Taylor stated. During grade school, she and her sister Liyah stood out as the best players on their team, often collaborating to lead plays.

Taylor hoped to team up with Liyah this fall, but Liyah, also a junior middle hitter, sustained a season-ending injury during the summer.

“We would pass to each other and set to each other and try to do everything,” Taylor added.

In coaching news, Sandburg coach David Vales reached significant milestones over the weekend. He secured his 900th win overall in a 25-21, 25-21 victory over Hinsdale Central at the Mizuno Crimson Classic. The following day, he achieved his 500th win as a girls coach with a 25-15, 19-25, 15-9 win in the Silver Division over Wheaton Warrenville South.

The win over the Tigers was notable as it came against Bill Schreier, an accomplished coach with over 1,000 wins. “He has a ton of wins,” Vales remarked about Schreier. “In the 2021 season, I faced him twice. Getting my 500th against him is special.”

Marist’s team also showcased new talent. Despite losing some players due to graduation, the defending Class 4A state champions, Marist, saw strong early performances. Junior middle hitter Sommer Shaw, senior middle Kate Steinmetz, and senior defensive specialist Ariella Link gained significant playing time. Coach Jordan Vidovic noted their efforts. “These girls are stepping in well,” Vidovic said. “The offense is effective and they are playing assertively.”

Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.