When examining the strengths of Buffalo Grove junior libero Kiarra Akiyoshi, coaches and players speak about her aggressiveness, speed and volleyball knowledge.
But what speaks volumes about Akiyoshi is the fact that as a sophomore last season, on the varsity, she was appointed co-captain. It’s rare, to say the least, that a young player receives that honor and responsibility.
“Even as a sophomore, she was very mature for her age,” Buffalo Grove coach Matt Priban said. “Typically you wouldn’t put a sophomore in that situation unless you felt they were definitely ready for it. People right away last year in camp were looking up to her.”
For Akiyoshi, it was quite an experience.
“It was a little hard because I was with a lot of seniors,” she said. “Kind of weird with the other upperclassmen on the team. But it was a big honor and really cool.”
Akiyoshi said that the team, especially the seniors, supported her immediately.
Buffalo Grove finished 19-16, second in the Mid-Suburban League. Bigger things are expected this year, especially looking at Buffalo Grove’s performance in the Energy Summer League. The Bison went 11-2. Even more impressive was that 15-16 players showed up game in and game out.
“I was able to put in different groups of girls to get a look at combinations for the upcoming season,” Priban said.
Akiyoshi said she is even more comfortable taking on a leadership role.
“I’m a positive person overall,” she said. “That’s even more important on the court to be enthusiastic, loud, and talkative. Keep everyone positive.”
“If we make a mistake Kiarra is always encouraging us,” senior outside/right side hitter Sara Tolvstad said. “She tells us not to worry, that we’ll get the next one.”
Akiyoshi started playing in seventh grade at Thomas Middle School in Arlington Heights. That same year, she started playing with the Rolling Thunder club team and has continued to do so.
Priban talks about how Akiyoshi excels at serve-receive and knowing exactly where she needs to be on the court. And of course it always comes back to her leadership abilities.
“Even when she’s on the bench for one of our rotations, she’s still talking, encouraging people on the court,” Priban said.
Akiyoshi added: “Libero is a feeder to our offense and defense which is super important. Being able to touch the ball all the time is my favorite part.
“It’s about being a leader in the backcourt and all over the court.”
Mark Perlman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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