Richards coach Nick Costa and senior middle hitter Julia Niemeyer had an eye-opening conversation just before the season.
“She qualified for state in track last year and she also plays basketball,” Costa said of the 6-foot Niemeyer. “She is high level in all three sports.
“I was sitting looking at lineups and stuff, and I pulled her aside. I said, ‘Honestly, in your senior year, you could be looking at Female Athlete of the Year.'”
Niemeyer’s reaction?
“I had never thought about that at all,” Niemeyer said, smiling. “It would be a cool experience, especially to talk about in the future with my family or my kids.”
She was a star player on the volleyball court Thursday night as Richards defeated host Shepard 25-12, 25-15 in a South Suburban Red opener.
Niemeyer led the offense with six kills and three blocks for the Bulldogs (2-4, 1-0). Allison Dole had four aces, while Cory Zamlynski added 11 assists and Amanda Dole delivered six digs.
Lexi Jensen totaled five kills for Shepard (1-5, 0-1). Megan Kempczynski added 10 assists and Abbie Statham-Ball contributed eight digs.
Niemeyer, meanwhile, made a major impact in Game 2.
She had two early kills as Richards opened up a 5-2 lead. Later, when Shepard whittled down a double-digit deficit to seven points, she used two more kills to squash the rally.
For the season, Niemeyer has 22 kills and nine blocks.
“I look to swing straight down,” Niemeyer said. “But if see an open spot on the side, that’s where I’ll go.”
“I love volleyball. This has been the most fun season so far for me. And I feel like track is definitely helping me play better.”
Niemeyer’s junior season was her first on the track team. She qualified for state in the long jump and also competes in high jump.
This summer, she competed in a heptathlon at the AAU Junior Olympics in North Carolina, taking 24th place out of more than 80 athletes.
It was fun — and fruitful.
“Competing in track has made a big difference for me in volleyball,” Niemeyer said. “Especially in the jumping aspects, it was very helpful.”
In volleyball, Costa has coached her at all levels, for two years on the JV team and two years on the varsity.
“As I went up, she went up too,” Costa said, laughing. “The cool part about that is I’ve gotten to experience all of the growth she’s had in those four seasons.
“From junior season to this season is the most improvement that she’s made, in terms of taking what she’s done in other sports, conditioning-wise and leaping ability. She’s made a big leap in leaping and in the leadership roles she takes.”
The other standout Thursday for the Bulldogs was Allison Dole.
The 5-foot junior contributed on defense with two digs but also had a big night from the service line.
Early in Game 1, she served for seven straight points, landing an ace along the way.
“I’m trying to get the digs up for the team, but I really enjoy serving,” Dole said. “This was a pretty big step going up to the varsity, but I’m handling it.”
The defense was expected. The serving has been a major bonus.
“Allison definitely plays bigger than she is,” Costa said. “As far as her serving goes, we put her in that role and she flourished in it, so we were like, ‘We’ve got to continue that going.
“Short, long, one, five or six, wherever you need her to serve, she’ll get it done.”
When Niemeyer rotates to the back row, Dole steps in and serves.
“She does a really good job when comes in for me,” Niemeyer said. “It’s just amazing. Aces every single day, all day.”
