Naperville Central sophomore Georgia Von Lehmden isn’t intimidated by playing varsity volleyball for the first time.
Perhaps that’s because she’s surrounded by kids who are in the same boat.
Von Lehmden, a 6-foot-1 opposite, is one of 12 varsity newcomers on Naperville Central’s 14-player roster. She was on the JV team last season.
“It’s a totally new experience for me,” Von Lehmden said. “The atmosphere is so much different, so it’s like a new way of playing, but it’s so much fun.
“I’m just such a competitive person. Any ball that I can hit, I just go for it right away.”
Naperville Central coach Brie Isaacson noticed that competitiveness and work ethic.
“As a sophomore, she is one of the first kids in the gym,” Isaacson said. “She comes in for extra reps. She’s always engaged and always listening. She has great passion for the game.”
That passion is going to help Von Lehmden and her teammates navigate the often bumpy road early in the season.
The roster — Isaacson’s youngest ever — includes three sophomores and nine seniors who are making their varsity debuts. Junior middle Sophia Zanca and senior middle Nina Davis are the only players with previous varsity experience.
“We’re looking for some leadership from them, but we’re also looking for some leadership from kids who haven’t been leaders before,” Isaacson said. “The more that we play, the more that will start to develop. It just takes time and experience, and we don’t have either yet.”
The Redhawks (0-2) lost to Fremd 25-21, 25-21 in their season opener Monday and lost to Wheaton Warrenville South 25-21, 25-16 on Tuesday.
Naperville Central had only seven kills against the Tigers (1-0), but Von Lehmden had four of them and has been efficient with the few chances she’s had.
“We’re still working on consistent passing to get her involved,” Isaacson said. “When she does get the ball, she does a great job terminating it.
“She has great ability, but she’s young. So she’s going to have to grow into her body and learn no matter how good of a lower-level athlete you are, the game is faster at the varsity level. She has to learn the speed of the game, as do the other kids. But the more we play, the more that comes naturally. We’re learning and growing together.”
Von Lehmden is learning quickly and is awed by the competition.
“Everybody in our program wants it, but on varsity you’re playing for your school, all the levels are out there cheering for you and more parents are showing up,” Von Lehmden said. “It’s just crazy.”
Senior Luka Vetaite, who plays outside and defensive specialist, is glad Von Lehmden is on varsity.
“I played with her all of last season, and seeing her grow as a player, it made realize what she is made of,” Vetaite said. “I’m really impressed.
“She grew so much since club season, and she got much more consistent, not only playing-wise, but she developed more skills off the court. And personality-wise she’s very good at lifting up other people when they’re down.”
Von Lehmden wasn’t down after the loss to the Tigers, and she had Isaacson beaming with pride with her answer when asked what role she foresees for herself this season.
“Wherever my coaches put me is where I’m going to play,” Von Lehmden said. “Whether it’s on the bench cheering on my teammates or if it’s on the court, I’m just going to do everything I can to keep the ball up or encourage my teammates to play their hearts out with every point.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
