Engler Impresses in Volleyball Debut after Transfer to Oswego

Hadley Engler, originally from Oswego, made the decision to join Benet as a freshman. After enduring a year of commuting to Lisle, Engler chose to transfer back home during the summer. The daily drive was a significant factor in her choice. It had a lot to do with the commute. It’s been good so far. I definitely feel welcomed, she remarked.

Engler made her volleyball debut for the Panthers on Tuesday night during their season opener against Waubonsie Valley. Despite spending her offseason concentrating on basketball and adjusting to a new school, she demonstrated prowess in Oswego’s 25-19, 25-19 victory. Engler successfully executed all four of her middle attacks, contributing to the Panthers’ (1-0) solid performance along with Dayton-bound senior Hannah Herrick and junior Sarah Gilio, who achieved seven kills each in the match. Ava Edozien led Waubonsie (0-1) with five kills, while Anna Axelsen and Belle Black both contributed three.

Engler’s volleyball practice in the offseason focused on sand volleyball, played twice weekly, supplemented by occasional gym work. I thought I would have to shake a lot of rust off, admitted Oswego coach Gary Mosley, but Engler was immediately ready to compete. Her transition and immediate impact caught Mosley’s attention. She doesn’t play club. She comes in here and reps with us from tryouts on, no summer camp with us or anything. Finding the rhythm that she did right away, we wanted to set that tone. She did that for us, Mosley said.

Knowing much of the team from her hometown aided her integration, with no loss of chemistry despite her year’s absence. The teammates have been really welcoming to me. They’re just really nice. It’s been really nice to connect with them, Engler expressed. Starting in her Oswego debut, Engler only played in the front row but made an instant difference, securing her first kill to expand the Panthers’ lead to 12-6 in the opening game. Oswego’s Sara Gilio showcased her skills by hitting the ball past Waubonsie Valley’s Ava Edozien in a memorable nonconference match in Oswego.

When Waubonsie levelled with a 17-17 tie in the second game, mistakes and Gilio’s pair of kills enabled Oswego to prevail. Waubonsie coach Noel Soto recognized their effort. They fought all the way. They never gave up. Our problem was we didn’t execute when we needed to execute. We knew what we needed to do, Soto commented. Engler’s fitting presence was also emphasized by Mosley. She fits right in. I’m glad she’s so outgoing because that’s the whole squad. She fits right in with her bubbly personality — really good vibe with her, Mosley noted.

In addition to her energy, Engler possesses natural physical skills that are challenging to inculcate. The athleticism is the first thing you see, Mosley noted. He was impressed by her agility from her first practice session, noting her ability to move efficiently across the court. For a kid that doesn’t play the sport like the rest of them do, it’s very natural and it’s just awesome, Mosley remarked.

After seeing Oswego’s effective front-row offense, Engler is optimistic about the team’s future. I definitely think we’ll be really good. I know we will, Engler predicted confidently about the team’s prospects.

The article by Paul Johnson, a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News, captures Engler’s journey and the promising start of her volleyball career with Oswego.