Two years ago, Mya Donnelly began her journey on the varsity team as a freshman at Lincoln-Way Central. She credits the older players for teaching her valuable lessons during that time. Now, as a junior outside hitter standing at 5 feet 11 inches, Donnelly is sharing her knowledge with younger team members. Freshman Erin Sammon and sophomores Leah Freiberg, Madison Rademacher, Tessa Garcia, and Zoey Terrell join Donnelly in the varsity lineup, where she takes on a mentoring role.

“I had role models who led me, and now I get to guide the underclassmen,” she said. “It’s enjoyable to be in that leadership position. I remember my own fears as a freshman on the varsity team.” Those nervous days are over for Donnelly, who is now a formidable opponent on the court. She recorded 11 kills, including eight in a pivotal second game, leading her team to a win over Chicago Christian with scores of 14-25, 25-14, 25-20.

Contributions came from various players, with Ella Thompson adding seven kills and Terrell delivering four aces. Garcia participated with 11 assists, and Isabella Bendoraitis provided 10 assists. On the other side, Chicago Christian’s Quinn Grevengoed led with 12 kills, Ella Agema added nine, and Grace Gordon had six aces. After losing the first set by 11 points, Donnelly’s performance sparked a turnaround, as she delivered three kills in a four-point span, helping her team regain the lead at 8-5.

The Knights gained confidence and dominated the match. “It was like a switch flipped,” Donnelly said. “I had to step up as a leader and bring confidence. The line hit is my strength, and I targeted it persistently.” Bendoraitis contributed by serving six consecutive points, which included three aces to conclude the second game.

In the decisive set, Thompson led with four kills while Terrell added three aces, two kills, and a block. During the match on August 25, 2026, Donnelly was seen gearing up to serve against Chicago Christian.

“During the first game, we struggled to connect as a team,” Donnelly reflected. “Our serve-receive was challenging, but we played much better afterward, and our bench brought energy.” Adjusting to life without last year’s senior players was a concern, but the first game was promising.

Donnelly’s performance was key to the comeback. “Mya excelled in the second set,” Bendoraitis noted. “She has the team’s best swing, with great ball awareness.” During pauses in the game, Donnelly communicated strategies with her coach.

Coach Amy Bernhard recognized initial nervousness in her team but observed improvements in the sets from Bendoraitis and Garcia, enabling the hitters to excel. “Mya went on a crucial run,” Bernhard said. “Though she’s not a senior, she’s a leader. I’ve worked with her long enough to view her as one.”

Donnelly and teammate Madison Rademacher shared a light moment after scoring a point against Chicago Christian. Donnelly’s volleyball journey began in second grade after she disliked cheerleading, prompting her mother to explore another sport for her. “I fell in love with volleyball and have pursued it since,” Donnelly said. She values the close-knit team environment. “Being connected with teammates on and off the court strengthens us mentally. It’s enjoyable to be part of our team culture.”

The article concludes by acknowledging the contribution of Jeff Vorva, a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.