‘Libertyville’s Kellie Hopper is starting to dream big.
Hopper said she worked hard during the offseason to increase the chances of following in the footsteps of one of her more heralded teammates.
Junior setter Peyton O’Brien, a teammate of Hopper’s dating back to middle school, wrapped up her college recruiting early on by committing to Mississippi.
But seven matches into the season, Hopper has been a huge factor in Libertyville’s strong start.
Behind a solid effort from Hopper and O’Brien, the Wildcats pulled out a thrilling 21-25, 25-18, 25-14 win over Glenbrook South in Saturday’s championship match of the Crosstown Classic in Libertyville.
Hopper, a junior outside hitter, refined many parts of her game in hopes of showcasing her all-around abilities. She said watching O’Brien’s recruiting and eventual commitment has motivated her to play in college.
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“I have some schools that I’m looking at out west, but nothing is set in stone yet,” Hopper said. “But that’s my goal. Hopefully some day.
“It motivates me a lot because I know where Peyton is at and where I can get at in a few years.”
Hopper’s fingerprints were all over Saturday’s championship comeback for Libertyville (6-1).
She closed out Game 2 with a kill and an ace. In Game 3, she pounded a kill and then scored a point when her bump — with her back to the net from deep in the back row — trickled a few inches across the net to slow down a potential rally by the Titans.
“I just was playing loose, not thinking, just having fun, and always kept my energy up the whole time,” Hopper said. “My whole game has improved since last year, but my hitting and shot selection has improved the most.
“I feel I’ve been pretty consistent this year, and this tournament was pretty good for me.”
O’Brien said she has built a strong chemistry with Hopper, helping the Wildcats entertain thoughts of winning the North Suburban Conference.
Hopper finished with 12 kills and three aces in the championship match, while O’Brien added 21 assists and six kills.
“Kellie played absolutely incredible and we were able to run the middles,” O’Brien said. “And that opened up Kellie on the outside.”
The 6-foot Hopper showed her potential with a breakout sophomore season, finishing with 177 kills, 201 digs, 37 aces and 25 blocks, according to Libertyville coach Greg Loika said.
“Kellie has been growing steadily from her with her ability to play six rotations and attack from anywhere,” he said. “She took over (Saturday’s) match. When she’s on serving, it’s very hard to pass.
“Kellie has a nice window. She doesn’t need a ball in one particular space to make something happen with it.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.