Spencer Sachs first started playing volleyball in seventh grade, for the same reason that lots of kids do lots of things — his friends were playing it.
“My parents didn’t play; I really didn’t have any reason to join,” Sachs said. “But all my friends were trying out for the team, so I thought, I guess I’ll give this a try.”
It turned out to be the right move.
Sachs, now a senior at Deerfield High School, signed his letter of intent last week to play for UCLA, traditionally one of the top college volleyball programs in the country.
More Top Picks Best Amazon Prime Day Sofa Deals 2026
“I’m ecstatic,” Sachs said. “I still can’t believe everything worked out. This is my dream school, and to be able to go there and play volleyball is just amazing.”
While he may have started playing the sport later than some, he’s made up for it with his passion.
“Ever since the seventh grade, I’ve been hooked,” he said. “Not a day goes by, not an hour goes by, when I’m not thinking about the sport. I just love it. I’m probably thinking about it too much.”
His high school coach, Eugene Chung, has seen that passion play out.
“He’s worked really hard since he came here to become a better player, and we’ve seen it pay off,” he said. “It’s one of those situations that you want to see for all kids — where they are rewarded for the fruits of all the labor they put into the sport.”
Sachs has been part of a Deerfield team that has excelled the past two years. In 2013, the Warriors finished in the top eight in the state, losing a close three-game match to eventual state champ Downers Grove South. Last year, the team made it to the final 16 before losing to the eventual state runner-up, Warren High School, in another grueling three-game match, falling in the final game 27-25.
“Spencer’s been a part of a very good run,” Chung said. “He’s developed into a very good outside hitter and all-around solid player.”
Sachs isn’t your prototypical outside hitter, a position where size is usually a big factor. But Sachs, who’s “just 6 foot tall with my shoes on,” has made up for his lack of height with his jumping ability.
“I’ve really worked at increasing my vertical jump,” he said. “I’ve managed to get it up to 41 inches. So while I’m only 6 feet tall, I feel I can still play at the same level of those guys who are 6-4 or 6-5.”
Once at UCLA, he may have to adjust to a new position.
“Now there, you’re going up against guys who are 6-11,” he said. “I may not be able to play (outside hitter) there. Most likely I’ll be on the back line. But we’ll just see what happens. (UCLA volleyball coach John) Speraw is amazing, and I trust him. I’ll do anything he asks.”
Of course, Sachs has his senior season at Deerfield to think about first. The team has just started training in preparation for spring, and he’s hoping to continue the streak of strong performances at the state level. But the Warriors will have to overcome the loss of 10 seniors.
“Losing 10 seniors is tough,” Chung said. “We definitely have our work cut out for us. But we are returning our two setters, who have another year of experience. And Spencer, of course, is back for one more year. I expect that we can get back to being ranked (in the state’s top 20), but our guys are really going to have to earn it.
“A lot of teams are probably doubting us right now, because so many people graduated,” Sachs said. “But I think we can surprise a lot of people.”