University of Missouri’s Maizy Agnello has been around volleyball her entire life. As a Crystal Lake native, she watched her mother, Hilary, play at Lake Michigan after her college days at Penn State. This exposure to the sport influenced Agnello’s passion and commitment. ‘My mom sometimes played at the beach,’ Agnello shared. ‘She joined lower leagues and played with her college friend. So I’ve been attending beach games, volleyball matches, and even Cubs games for a long time.’

Labor Day weekend is significant for Agnello as the Tigers are set to face No. 1 Nebraska at Wrigley Field, part of the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge. Before this event, Agnello and her team supported Mizzou alumna Kylie DeBerg at Oak Street Beach during the AVP League Championship. The team sat in bleachers, sporting pinstriped ‘Mizzou’ jerseys, cheering and enjoying music. ‘We’re all together, sharing this unforgettable experience,’ said Agnello. ‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’

The AVP championship provided Agnello a glimpse into potential future volleyball careers. ‘Being here at the beach is inspiring,’ Agnello said. ‘It shows possibilities for continuing to play after college are expanding.’

Olympic silver medalist Brandie Wilkerson, alongside teammate Melissa Humana-Paredes of the Palm Beach Passion, advanced to Sunday’s final after defeating the Brooklyn Blaze. Wilkerson remarked, ‘Volleyball holds a special place in women’s sports. We’re now filling massive stadiums, which feels right.’

For two-time Olympian Kylie DeBerg, playing in Chicago is a highlight of the AVP tour. DeBerg and teammate Kelly Cheng, part of Miami Mayhem, secured a semifinal spot after defeating San Diego Smash in straight sets. ‘The crowd here knows volleyball,’ Cheng said. ‘Chicago appreciates intricate play and challenging maneuvers, which is remarkable for athletes.’

The day concluded with New York Nitro’s James Shaw and Chaim Schalk causing an upset by defeating Miami Mayhem’s team in straight sets. The Nitro, having earlier triumphed over the Austin Aces, advanced to a semifinal.

Shaw, experiencing a form of homecoming, expressed his affection for Chicago. ‘Playing here is always enjoyable,’ he commented. His wife, Molly Shaw, also represents New York Nitro, though they didn’t reach the quarterfinals. ‘I love the passion for the sport here,’ Shaw added.

This marked the culmination of an exhilarating first day of volleyball in Chicago. Agnello reflected, ‘I’ll tell my kids about playing on Wrigley Field in the future. Sharing this experience and helping grow the sport is special.’

AVP League Championship Schedule at Oak Street Beach

• 10 a.m.: Women’s semifinal – Austin Aces (Taryn Brasher/Kristen Cruz) vs. Miami Mayhem (Kelly Cheng/Megan Kraft)
• 11 a.m.: Men’s semifinal – Palm Beach Passion (Trevor Crabb/Phil Dalhausser) vs. San Diego Smash (Chase Budinger/Miles Evans)
• 1 p.m.: Women’s championship – Palm Beach Passion (Melissa Humana-Paredes/Brandie Wilkerson) vs. TBD
• 2 p.m.: Men’s championship – New York Nitro (Chaim Schalk/James Shaw) vs. TBD