Julia Reidig stepped into an unfamiliar role in the fall of Woodstock.
The Blue Streaks junior, who plays as a libero for VC United's club team at Love's Park, was asked by Woodstock coach Jimmy Neal to become the team's starting setter.
Neal said Woodstock had only three players available in the Kishwaukee River Conference with club experience, including 6-foot-1 outside hitter Harry Steponaitis. I felt that everything was complete.
Although initially shocked, Leidig saw the switch as a good thing.
She was able to add new skills to her resume while helping the Streaks chase a historic season.
Not only did Leidig find comfort over time as Woodstock's starting setter, but he also set school single-season records with 634 assists, 51 kills, 59 aces, and 163 digs, earning him Northwest Herald All-Area honors. won an honorable mention.
Leidig's versatility stood out to Southern Illinois coach Ed Allen and his assistants. On April 22, Leidig announced his commitment to the NCAA Division I Salukis. The last time she visited Carbondale schools was during spring break in Woodstock.
“They liked that I could do more than just pass,” Leidig said. “I knew it was the best option for me and in the end it really helped my IQ level. I knew I could do it. It took hard work and support from my teammates and batsmen, especially DI batsmen like Harry.”
Woodstock had a breakout season, going 12-2 in the KRC and finishing second behind Richmond-Burton, going 26-11 overall and defeating Crystal Lake South for its first regional title since 2006. Obtained.
Woodstock's season ended with a 25-21, 22-25, 28-26 loss to Prairie Ridge in one of the most memorable games of the season for McHenry County. The Streaks had match point at 26-25 in the third set, but could not put the Wolves away.
“Looking back, I was like, 'Wow, I actually did this,'” Leidig said. “We didn't expect something like this to happen this year. We were really there to play for the girl next door. It wasn't about how we were doing or what anyone did wrong. It wasn't about anything. We just played for each other.
“[Neill] He pushed us every day because he knew what we were capable of. We fought to the end. It was a great season. ”
Leidig was introduced to volleyball by her mother, who was a coach at Northwood Middle School in Woodstock. Julia knew early on that volleyball was something she wanted to pursue.
“I always attended her practices and loved it,” she said. “I played a little bit of soccer until I was probably 9 or 10 years old, but I wanted to dedicate all my time to volleyball. I like playing with girls who want the same things as me. . I'm positive towards everyone and I like to talk to everyone.”
Leidig had some growing pains as he adjusted to his new position, but the support of his teammates was a big help.
Steponaitis, who was named the 2023 Northwest Herald Volleyball Player of the Year, had one of the best seasons in McHenry County history, racking up 565 kills, which ranks 15th in state history. She will play next year at DI Jacksonville University in Florida.
“I wasn't scared, but I thought, 'Oh my god, this is going to be so different,' especially when it comes to doing it at the varsity level,” Leidig said. “[Steponaitis] Made me look pretty good outside. I'm not a bad setter, but like many experienced players, I couldn't put together the same set every time.
“She got there most of the time and got crazy kills. She never complained. It was great to see her on the court. She made me feel safe and happy at school. I was able to obtain an assist record.
One game that showed the Streaks were no fluke was when they defeated crosstown rival Woodstock North in the North. In that match, Leidig made three big blocks in the second set to seal the victory.
“Those three big blocks were unbelievable,” Neal said after the game. “She sets because she's an unselfish player. She does what we need her to do, steps up and just runs with it.”
Looking back, Leidig is happy to have taken on this challenge.
“It's best to be open to change,” Leidig says. “I don't think I would have been as successful if I had been depressed.”
Leidig doesn't know what position he'll play in high school next year. In college, she is looking forward to even bigger challenges.
“I want to push myself. I know it's going to take a lot of effort to get playing time,” Leidig said. “Everyone in college has one goal in mind. We all want to be the best players we can be. I think that will push me even harder and make me an even better player.”