College Volleyball Takes Center Stage in Chicago

Maizy Agnello, an outside hitter for the University of Missouri, has been immersed in volleyball from a young age. Growing up in Crystal Lake, Agnello watched her mother, Hilary, play volleyball along Lake Michigan, after her collegiate career at Penn State. This connection to the sport sparked Agnello’s own passion for volleyball.

Agnello’s excitement built as she awaited Labor Day weekend, knowing she would play against No. 1 Nebraska at Wrigley Field as part of the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge. Before that match, Agnello and her team were at Oak Street Beach for the AVP League Championship, supporting Mizzou alumna Kylie DeBerg and Betsi Flint of the Dallas Dream.

The Tigers cheered from temporary bleachers, wearing pinstriped ‘Mizzou’ baseball jerseys. Agnello expressed the importance of the shared experience with her team, noting, “We get to share this experience together, and we’re never going to forget it.”

Beyond supporting her team, Agnello saw the AVP Championship as an opportunity to envision a volleyball career beyond college. She reflected on the increasing opportunities for athletes after college.

Brandie Wilkerson, an Olympic silver medalist, acknowledged volleyball’s growing popularity, especially in women’s sports. Wilkerson and her teammate Melissa Humana-Paredes advanced to the finals, showcasing the competitive spirit at the Oak Street Beach event.

Kylie DeBerg, paired with Kelly Cheng, pushed forward in the tournament. Cheng appreciated the knowledgeable Chicago crowd, noting how they understood the complexities of volleyball.

The event concluded with a strong performance by James Shaw and Chaim Schalk of the New York Nitro, who defeated the Miami Mayhem’s Andy Benesh and Taylor Crabb. The Nitro advanced to the semifinals after beating the Austin Aces earlier.

James Shaw shared his enthusiasm for Chicago and the passion for volleyball he found here, making it a memorable location for the AVP tour.

Agnello reflected on the significance of playing at Wrigley Field, aligning the experience with her childhood memories of Cubs games. The weekend’s events promised to elevate the profile of volleyball in Chicago.

Andy Martinez is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.

AVP League Championship Schedule at Oak Street Beach:

• 10 a.m.: Women’s semifinal — Austin Aces (Taryn Brasher/Kristen Cruz) vs. Miami Mayhem (Kelly Cheng/Megan Kraft)
• 11 a.m.: Men’s semifinal — Palm Beach Passion (Trevor Crabb/Phil Dalhausser) vs. San Diego Smash (Chase Budinger/Miles Evans)
• 1 p.m.: Women’s championship — Palm Beach Passion (Melissa Humana-Paredes/Brandie Wilkerson) vs. TBD
• 2 p.m.: Men’s championship — New York Nitro (Chaim Schalk/James Shaw) vs. TBD