ESPNHS Volleyball: Mater Dei
Kirstin Olsen
John Geldermann/Volleyshots.comSara Hughes, a junior at Mater Dei, says making a choice between sand volleyball and indoor volleyball was one of the hardest things she's ever had to do.
Sara Hughes, a junior setter at Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), has decided to follow her heart and play sand volleyball at USC.
The decision wasn’t easy.
Hughes is a star both indoors and outdoors, and had offers from multiple schools. Hughes sets and hits for Mater Dei, and she does it all on the beach, winning tournaments since she was 12. She also won an indoor gold medal at the Junior Olympics with her club team, Long Beach Mizuno Rockstar.
We caught up with Hughes about her recent decision and future in volleyball.
ESPNHS: What made you choose sand at USC?
Sara Hughes: The opportunity to compete in collegiate sand volleyball has always been a dream of mine. During the recruiting process I always told the coaches that I wanted to play sand, or indoor and sand. I chose USC because ever since I went on my unofficial, everything flowed perfectly and I knew it was the place for me. Both the school and Anna (Collier), the sand coach, matched up to my goals entirely.
ESPNHS: Was it hard to choose between sand and indoor?
Hughes: Choosing between sand and indoor was one of the hardest things I have had to do. I would think about it consistently, but at the end of the each day I knew sand was my real passion. I still have the option of playing indoors after two years.
ESPNHS: What advice did your parents and coaches give you?
Hughes: My parents knew it was going to be a very tough decision for me, so we talked about it every day and they helped me come to my decision. Ultimately they told me it was my decision to make, but they helped me through it. My coaches always gave me positive feedback about playing sand in college, but they also wanted to see me play indoor. In the end, when I chose sand, they were all very happy for me.
Kat Monk StudioSara Hughes, a junior at Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), has decided to play sand volleyball at USC. Women's sand volleyball is set to debut as an emerging Division I sport this spring.ESPNHS: Are you going to continue to play indoor?
Hughes: Yes, for both my club and high school team. I love playing indoor and I will miss it, but for now I am going to enjoy playing it will my teammates at Long Beach Mizuno Rockstar 17.
ESPNHS: How was the recruiting process for you?
Hughes: The recruiting process was both exciting and stressful. It started in eighth grade with my first unofficial visit. Many colleges from around the country were recruiting me for indoor. I was humbled by the amount of interest from top programs. Ultimately I talked with both my parents and coaches to see which school was both academically and athletically suited for my goals. Staying on the West Coast was also a priority.
ESPNHS: What other schools were you considering?
Hughes: Some other schools that were considering me were Stanford, Pepperdine, UCLA, Hawaii, Arizona, Long Beach State, Cal, Texas, Florida, UNC, Washington, San Diego, LMU and UCI, among others. I would like to thank everyone for their interest in me.
ESPNHS: What was the big deciding factor?
Hughes: The big deciding factor for every school was they had to have sand volleyball.
ESPNHS: How do you plan to train for beach?
Hughes: I train for the beach every Sunday with USA coaches Jon Aharoni and Jose Loiola getting prepared with the other national-team members for the world championships in the summer. Also in the summer I compete in many tournaments, both amateur and professional. I also go to Huntington with friends or for pick-up games on the men’s courts.
ESPNHS: How do you feel about playing for Anna Collier?
Hughes: I am beyond excited to play for Anna Collier, she is such an amazing coach and I can’t wait to learn so much from her and become a better player. She and I have already set some short- and long-term goals during our discussions.
ESPNHS: Who is going to be your partner in college?
Hughes: I am not quite sure, that is for Anna to decide for me.
ESPNHS: What kind of partner are you hoping for?
Hughes: I am hoping for a partner who is just as committed to beach as I am. I want to win a national championship at USC and I want my partner and all of my teammates to think the same way.
ESPNHS: How does it feel to be one of the first women to have the opportunity to play a new college sport?
Hughes: It is such a great honor. USC has presented me with the opportunity to focus on my passion and become the best student-athlete I can be.
ESPNHS: What advice do you have for other volleyers out there trying to decide between sand and indoor?
Hughes: Follow your heart on your decision because ultimately you know deep inside what you really want. Do not be afraid to put in the extra time for sand volleyball. The cross-training has helped me in both sports
ESPNHS: What are your goals for volleyball?
Hughes: To win many national championships at USC and to have a future career as a beach volleyball player in the FIVB world tours, and then, of course, the main goal is to make it to the Olympics to represent USA.
John Geldermann/Volleyshots.comSara Hughes, a junior at Mater Dei, says making a choice between sand volleyball and indoor volleyball was one of the hardest things she's ever had to do.Sara Hughes, a junior setter at Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), has decided to follow her heart and play sand volleyball at USC.
The decision wasn’t easy.
Hughes is a star both indoors and outdoors, and had offers from multiple schools. Hughes sets and hits for Mater Dei, and she does it all on the beach, winning tournaments since she was 12. She also won an indoor gold medal at the Junior Olympics with her club team, Long Beach Mizuno Rockstar.
We caught up with Hughes about her recent decision and future in volleyball.
ESPNHS: What made you choose sand at USC?
Sara Hughes: The opportunity to compete in collegiate sand volleyball has always been a dream of mine. During the recruiting process I always told the coaches that I wanted to play sand, or indoor and sand. I chose USC because ever since I went on my unofficial, everything flowed perfectly and I knew it was the place for me. Both the school and Anna (Collier), the sand coach, matched up to my goals entirely.
ESPNHS: Was it hard to choose between sand and indoor?
Hughes: Choosing between sand and indoor was one of the hardest things I have had to do. I would think about it consistently, but at the end of the each day I knew sand was my real passion. I still have the option of playing indoors after two years.
ESPNHS: What advice did your parents and coaches give you?
Hughes: My parents knew it was going to be a very tough decision for me, so we talked about it every day and they helped me come to my decision. Ultimately they told me it was my decision to make, but they helped me through it. My coaches always gave me positive feedback about playing sand in college, but they also wanted to see me play indoor. In the end, when I chose sand, they were all very happy for me.
Kat Monk StudioSara Hughes, a junior at Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), has decided to play sand volleyball at USC. Women's sand volleyball is set to debut as an emerging Division I sport this spring.Hughes: Yes, for both my club and high school team. I love playing indoor and I will miss it, but for now I am going to enjoy playing it will my teammates at Long Beach Mizuno Rockstar 17.
ESPNHS: How was the recruiting process for you?
Hughes: The recruiting process was both exciting and stressful. It started in eighth grade with my first unofficial visit. Many colleges from around the country were recruiting me for indoor. I was humbled by the amount of interest from top programs. Ultimately I talked with both my parents and coaches to see which school was both academically and athletically suited for my goals. Staying on the West Coast was also a priority.
ESPNHS: What other schools were you considering?
Hughes: Some other schools that were considering me were Stanford, Pepperdine, UCLA, Hawaii, Arizona, Long Beach State, Cal, Texas, Florida, UNC, Washington, San Diego, LMU and UCI, among others. I would like to thank everyone for their interest in me.
ESPNHS: What was the big deciding factor?
Hughes: The big deciding factor for every school was they had to have sand volleyball.
ESPNHS: How do you plan to train for beach?
Hughes: I train for the beach every Sunday with USA coaches Jon Aharoni and Jose Loiola getting prepared with the other national-team members for the world championships in the summer. Also in the summer I compete in many tournaments, both amateur and professional. I also go to Huntington with friends or for pick-up games on the men’s courts.
ESPNHS: How do you feel about playing for Anna Collier?
Hughes: I am beyond excited to play for Anna Collier, she is such an amazing coach and I can’t wait to learn so much from her and become a better player. She and I have already set some short- and long-term goals during our discussions.
ESPNHS: Who is going to be your partner in college?
Hughes: I am not quite sure, that is for Anna to decide for me.
ESPNHS: What kind of partner are you hoping for?
Hughes: I am hoping for a partner who is just as committed to beach as I am. I want to win a national championship at USC and I want my partner and all of my teammates to think the same way.
ESPNHS: How does it feel to be one of the first women to have the opportunity to play a new college sport?
Hughes: It is such a great honor. USC has presented me with the opportunity to focus on my passion and become the best student-athlete I can be.
ESPNHS: What advice do you have for other volleyers out there trying to decide between sand and indoor?
Hughes: Follow your heart on your decision because ultimately you know deep inside what you really want. Do not be afraid to put in the extra time for sand volleyball. The cross-training has helped me in both sports
ESPNHS: What are your goals for volleyball?
Hughes: To win many national championships at USC and to have a future career as a beach volleyball player in the FIVB world tours, and then, of course, the main goal is to make it to the Olympics to represent USA.
By Walter Villa
Howard SimmonsSam BedardSaturday’s SportsTownChicago.com high school all-star game featured 36 seniors from across Illinois, including four who recently celebrated state titles.
The four are Meghan Haggerty and Jenna Jendryk from Class 4A Benet Academy (Lisle); Sam Bedard from 3A Mater Dei (Breese); and Shannon Foley from 2A Notre Dame (Quincy).
Bedard, a 5-9 setter, was named MVP of Saturday’s match after her Team White defeated Team Pink 3-1. She had eight assists and six digs.
Promoters of Saturday’s event were able to raise nearly $2,000 toward breast cancer research, which went to A Silver Lining Foundation.
Bedard, a Murray State recruit, had a great senior season, helping lead Mater Dei (41-3) to a second straight state title and a spot in the final POWERADE FAB 50 national rankings.
Howard SimmonsJenna Jendryk“My next goal is to start as a freshman (at Murray State),” said Bedard, who plans to study criminal justice. “It’s going to be hard, but I’m going to push myself.”
Haggerty, a 6-3 middle hitter, signed with Wisconsin, and Jendryk, a 6-0 outside hitter, is a Virginia Tech recruit. They combined to lead Benet to a 39-3 record and became the first Benet’ girls team ever to win a state title.
Pretty soon, though, Haggerty and Jendryk will split up for college.
"Meghan wanted to stay close to home, and I wanted to go away from home,” said Jendryk, who had a match-high seven kills on Saturday. “I’m definitely the adventurous type.”
Foley, a 5-7 libero who has yet to pick a college, led the way for Notre Dame (27-9). The multi-sport star already has won
Howard SimmonsShannon Foley three state titles: soccer as a sophomore, basketball as a junior and volleyball as a senior.
"I think I will play soccer in college,” said Foley, who mentioned Eastern Illinois, Maryville and St. Ambrose as possible destinations. “It’s the sport I’ve played the longest, since I was 3 or 4.”
A forward, Foley scored 46 goals the past two years and made first-team All-State last season. She made second-team All-State in volleyball.
Miami recruit has good genes
Caiti Donahoe, a senior setter for Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), has a famous grandfather.
He’s Earl Morrall, 77, the former NFL quarterback who started 12 games in the Miami Dolphins’ 17-0 perfect season of 1972.
Morrall played 21 seasons in the NFL, won three Super Bowls, made two Pro Bowls and earned one league MVP trophy. At Michigan State, he also played shortstop in the College World Series.
“Not a bad gene pool for Caiti,” said Hugo Jimenez, who has coached Donahoe at the club level for Boomers.
Donahoe, who has a scholarship to play for Miami, is a talented athlete in her own right.
Her coach at Gibbons, Kathryn Farland, said Donahoe was a starter since the first day of her freshman season.
“Caiti is the type of athlete that doesn’t come around often,” Farland said. “She has amazing hands.”
Howard SimmonsSam BedardThe four are Meghan Haggerty and Jenna Jendryk from Class 4A Benet Academy (Lisle); Sam Bedard from 3A Mater Dei (Breese); and Shannon Foley from 2A Notre Dame (Quincy).
Bedard, a 5-9 setter, was named MVP of Saturday’s match after her Team White defeated Team Pink 3-1. She had eight assists and six digs.
Promoters of Saturday’s event were able to raise nearly $2,000 toward breast cancer research, which went to A Silver Lining Foundation.
Bedard, a Murray State recruit, had a great senior season, helping lead Mater Dei (41-3) to a second straight state title and a spot in the final POWERADE FAB 50 national rankings.
Howard SimmonsJenna JendrykHaggerty, a 6-3 middle hitter, signed with Wisconsin, and Jendryk, a 6-0 outside hitter, is a Virginia Tech recruit. They combined to lead Benet to a 39-3 record and became the first Benet’ girls team ever to win a state title.
Pretty soon, though, Haggerty and Jendryk will split up for college.
"Meghan wanted to stay close to home, and I wanted to go away from home,” said Jendryk, who had a match-high seven kills on Saturday. “I’m definitely the adventurous type.”
Foley, a 5-7 libero who has yet to pick a college, led the way for Notre Dame (27-9). The multi-sport star already has won
Howard SimmonsShannon Foley "I think I will play soccer in college,” said Foley, who mentioned Eastern Illinois, Maryville and St. Ambrose as possible destinations. “It’s the sport I’ve played the longest, since I was 3 or 4.”
A forward, Foley scored 46 goals the past two years and made first-team All-State last season. She made second-team All-State in volleyball.
Miami recruit has good genes
Caiti Donahoe, a senior setter for Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), has a famous grandfather.
He’s Earl Morrall, 77, the former NFL quarterback who started 12 games in the Miami Dolphins’ 17-0 perfect season of 1972.
Morrall played 21 seasons in the NFL, won three Super Bowls, made two Pro Bowls and earned one league MVP trophy. At Michigan State, he also played shortstop in the College World Series.
“Not a bad gene pool for Caiti,” said Hugo Jimenez, who has coached Donahoe at the club level for Boomers.
Donahoe, who has a scholarship to play for Miami, is a talented athlete in her own right.
Her coach at Gibbons, Kathryn Farland, said Donahoe was a starter since the first day of her freshman season.
“Caiti is the type of athlete that doesn’t come around often,” Farland said. “She has amazing hands.”
Inside the FAB 50: Mater Dei marches to title at Cal Challenge
October, 17, 2011
10/17/11
5:08
PM ET
By Kirstin Olsen
Josh Holmberg/ESPNHSMaddie Frome of Mater Dei made the all-tournament team.Unranked Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) pulled off some big upsets over the weekend to win the Cal Challenge at Alliant University in San Diego.
On the way to the title, the Monarchs beat No. 11 Marymount (Los Angeles) 25-17, 25-22 in the quarterfinals; La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) 25-21,25-22 in the semis and then avenged an earlier loss to No. 39 Corona del Mar (Newport Beach, Calif.) 29-27, 32-30 in the final.
Sophomore outside hitter Frankie Shebby had an excellent weekend and earned MVP honors. Senior outside hitter Maddie Frome and senior middle blocker Annie Flynn were also named to the all-tournament team.
Mater Dei has a ton of talent and carries a roster of 22 players. Their passing was spot-on this weekend, and they were able to get their offense going to beat some great teams.
No. 14 Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission, Kan.) won the State Line Showdown at Blue Valley Northwest, rallying to beat Blue Springs (Blue Springs, Mo.) 29-31, 25-17, 26-24 in the final. The Stags, who improved to 35-3, boast senior right side Shelby Workman, who is a Kentucky commit. The Stags' three losses this year are all to No. 4 St. James Academy (Lenexa, Kan.).
No. 42 St. Joseph’s Academy (St. Louis, Mo.) will be traveling to Arizona this week to play in the Nike Tournament of Champions, where 54 teams from all over the nation are competing. St. Joseph's is led by junior setter Alyssa Jensen, a Cal commit, and Natalie Gower, a 6-foot-4 junior outside hitter who is considering Tennessee, TCU, Northeastern and Maryland.
Josh Holmberg/ESPNHSMaddie Frome of Mater Dei made the all-tournament team.On the way to the title, the Monarchs beat No. 11 Marymount (Los Angeles) 25-17, 25-22 in the quarterfinals; La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) 25-21,25-22 in the semis and then avenged an earlier loss to No. 39 Corona del Mar (Newport Beach, Calif.) 29-27, 32-30 in the final.
Sophomore outside hitter Frankie Shebby had an excellent weekend and earned MVP honors. Senior outside hitter Maddie Frome and senior middle blocker Annie Flynn were also named to the all-tournament team.
Mater Dei has a ton of talent and carries a roster of 22 players. Their passing was spot-on this weekend, and they were able to get their offense going to beat some great teams.
No. 14 Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission, Kan.) won the State Line Showdown at Blue Valley Northwest, rallying to beat Blue Springs (Blue Springs, Mo.) 29-31, 25-17, 26-24 in the final. The Stags, who improved to 35-3, boast senior right side Shelby Workman, who is a Kentucky commit. The Stags' three losses this year are all to No. 4 St. James Academy (Lenexa, Kan.).
No. 42 St. Joseph’s Academy (St. Louis, Mo.) will be traveling to Arizona this week to play in the Nike Tournament of Champions, where 54 teams from all over the nation are competing. St. Joseph's is led by junior setter Alyssa Jensen, a Cal commit, and Natalie Gower, a 6-foot-4 junior outside hitter who is considering Tennessee, TCU, Northeastern and Maryland.
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GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL RANKINGS
| Rank | School (City, State) | Rec |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LaVista South Papillion, NE | 41-0 |
| 2 | Lake Travis Austin, TX | 50-0 |
| 3 | Assumption Louisville, KY | 43-1 |
| 4 | St. James Academy Lenexa, KS | 47-1 |
| 5 | Berkeley Prep School Tampa, FL | 30-2 |
| See the full girls' volleyball rankings » | ||