Abby Inman’s Dedication to Improvement
Stevenson High School’s outside hitter, Abby Inman, has established herself as one of Lake County’s top volleyball players. Despite her previous success, Inman was determined to enhance her skills over the offseason. ‘As soon as my junior season ended, I started working out in our school’s expansive gym,’ she shared. Inman also received private lessons from Sky High volleyball club coaches and joined their elite team, setting the stage for a stellar senior year.
Standing at 5-foot-11, Inman impressed coaches during summer league play. Stevenson coach Tim Crow noted her dominance, saying, ‘She looked like one of the best players on the court.’ This level of play is set to bolster the Patriots’ performance this season. Last year, they ended with a 24-13 record, securing second place in the North Suburban Conference and advancing to the Class 4A sectional semifinals.
Impressive Stats and Leadership
Inman’s stats speak for themselves, with 328 kills and 270 digs last year. These achievements earned her all-conference honors and all-state honorable mention. Her role as team captain was also a valuable experience. Inman remarked, ‘Having insight into practice routines and knowing the team’s focus during challenges was crucial. Being a captain means supporting the team and helping others succeed.’
Leadership isn’t about being the loudest or the best, but about elevating everyone else.
Reliable and Versatile on the Court
Senior right-side hitter Audri Linnane emphasized Inman’s reliability. ‘Abby is outstanding in pressure situations; her smart placement and enhanced power make her an essential part of the team,’ Linnane said.
Inman’s journey started with tennis, a solo sport she played for five years before turning to volleyball in seventh grade. ‘Volleyball’s team aspect appealed to me. Forming friendships and enjoying the sport’s competitiveness has been rewarding,’ she recalled.
Evolving Playstyle
Upon entering Stevenson, Inman joined the freshman A team and adapted to the six-rotation position. ‘Initially, I focused on hitting hard, but I soon learned to aim for strategies that secure points for the team,’ she explained.
Even during her freshman year, Inman’s potential was evident to Coach Crow. ‘Her focus has always been exceptional,’ Crow stated. ‘Abby’s dedication to improvement is apparent as she continues to excel each year.’