When fans watch New Trier junior Julia Maisel on the volleyball court, they see how one player’s energy, enthusiasm and determination can make a difference for an entire team.
“I really like to energize our team, especially when they get down,” said Maisel, the Trevians libero. “Energy is a big part of how we play.”
Despite Maisel’s 14 digs, including several of the acrobatic category, fourth-seeded New Trier lost to fifth-seeded Niles West 25-21, 24-26, 25-22 in the Class 4A Maine West Regional championship game on Oct. 27. The Trevians had beaten the Wolves the previous three times they played this season.
Behind the help of Maisel, the Trevians (25-11) rallied from a 19-13 deficit in the deciding set, to tie the score at 22-22.
During that 9-3 run, Maisel had two passes to set up New Trier kills, and on two other occasions she raced from one side of the court to the other to make a point-saving dig.
“I was just trying to keep the ball in play,” said Maisel, a Glencoe resident. “It was disappointing. A tough loss. But I’m proud of this team.”
Her determination can be traced, in part, to practice, where the Trevians play a game called Dig or Die. In the 6-on-6 game, the first team to 10 wins. However, if a team lets the ball hit the floor, its score goes to zero.
“I’ve learned every single play is important,” Maisel said. “You just can’t let the ball hit the floor.”
Maisel’s effort has caught the attention of New Trier coach Hannah Hsieh.
“Julia works very hard on her game,” Hsieh said. “Her serves have really improved over these last three weeks. You can see her enthusiasm after she gets a service point.”
Against Niles West, Maisel did a little jump and wore a big smile each time she had a service winner.
“I get very excited on my serve,” Maisel said. “When I get an ace (or service winner), it really pumps up our team.”
Maisel also pumped up her team during one of the early Saturday morning practices this season, according to senior middle hitter Callie Fauntleroy.
“It was early and we were all very tired. Julia comes in with all this energy. She woke us all up,” Fauntleroy said.
Notes
* Maisel has played on the Wildcat Juniors Volleyball Club for the past five years. She will be trying out for their senior level team this season.
* Maisel is particularly focused on academics, taking all honors classes.
“I really enjoy physics, drawing and painting,” she said.
Mark Perlman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
