In the first set of the Leyden girls volleyball team’s match against Oak Park-River Forest, Eagles junior Beatriz Verin shanked a pass.
The Huskies — one of the best teams Leyden had seen through 19 matches this season, according to coach Danielle Kowalkowski — can have that effect on opponents. But Verin, the starting libero, was quick to apologize.
“She shanks the pass and goes, ‘Oh no, I’m so sorry,'” Kowalkowski said. “And I start laughing, because how can you not? I said, ‘Don’t apologize, you just had three great digs before that.’ She’s just always striving to get better, and has really high expectations of herself.
“She’s a pleasure to coach, she’s really just the best kid.”
Leyden (4-15) fell to Oak Park 24-26, 25-11, 25-9 on Sept. 28.
The Eagles started six seniors last season, and returned just two players who saw the varsity floor in 2016. It’s the sort of scenario that creates an opportunity for players to assert themselves and become key contributors. Verin, a Schiller Park resident, has done just that.
After splitting time as a libero on the sophomore team last year, Verin entered the 2017 varsity season in a libero battle with senior Lizbeth Sarabia, who had previous experience playing defensive specialist.
It became apparent that Verin would not be denied.
“She just knows so much about the game,” Kowalkowski said. “Her court awareness is on a different level for our team.”
Sarabia is again playing defensive specialist for the Eagles this season.
Chalk up Verin’s success to her relentless work ethic, according to Kowalkowski, and her desire to play beyond high school.
“I knew I was going against a senior in the preseason, and a good senior, but this was very important to me,” Verin said. “I’d love to play volleyball in college. And to do that, you pretty much need to be a starter as a junior. So being able to make that happen, it was a big accomplishment and something I’m proud of.
“I just love the game so much. I could play volleyball every day, all day long. So playing in college would be such a dream come true, really.”
While Verin is focused on Leyden’s season, she is working to grow as a leader and looking ahead to next year.
“We’ll be well prepared for next year, for the challenge that the year presents,” Verin said. “This is a good learning year for everyone.”
Junior outside hitter Destiny Corral and junior setter/right-side Kimberly Silva are expected to share the marquee with Verin next season.
“Players even now, the freshmen and sophomores, they look up to (Verin) as a leader, as a star in our team and a role model,” Kowalkowski said. “They look at her and strive to get better. So even though we’re rebuilding a bit this year, that mindset alone and her presence will lead to improvement next season. There’s no doubt.”
Rich Mayor is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
