Mallory Wachter wants to be an answer for Grayslake Central.
The Rams’ early results have raised the question.
“Three of our losses this season have been in three games to good teams like Stevenson, Deerfield and Mundelein, so it proves we are right there,” Grayslake Central coach Arian Colton said. “We just need to get over the top and make a play when we need to. I think it will come as the season goes along.”
Wachter, a 5-foot-10 junior outside hitter, said she believes she can make those plays for the Rams (3-3).
“I know I have a lot of work to do the rest of the season to keep improving, but I’m one of the girls on this team with some varsity experience, so I know what it takes to be successful on this level,” she said. “I want be one of the players who steps up.”
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Wachter made key contributions for the Rams last season, when they successfully defended their Northern Lake County Conference title. They finished 25-11 overall and 6-1 in the conference but lost 12 players to graduation.
Younger players like Wachter will have to rise to the occasion in order for the Rams to continue winning.
“With so many new people on the team, it’s going to take some time for everything to jell,” she said. “We all get along off the court, so I don’t see a problem getting everything going in the right direction on the court.”
Wachter, who started playing volleyball in a park district’s program when she was 7, is mainly a defensive specialist for her Sky High club team. So she’s still somewhat of a novice as an outside hitter.
“I like hitting, but I know I have to get stronger with my swing and make better decisions at the net,” she said. “I like playing all around like any player would, but in order to help my team, I have to be able to score more at the net.”
Colton sees an opportunity for Wachter this season.
“Mallory can be that leader for us, but she has to buy into her abilities and keep pushing herself to be more confident when she gets her opportunities,” Colton said.
While Wachter and the Rams try to win another conference title this season, a regional title has eluded them since 2012.
“Since coach has shown up here during the COVID season (2020), she has really given this program a boost of confidence,” Wachter said. “She makes everyone understand their importance to the team, and everyone wants to play their best for her.
“I know we lost a lot of seniors last season, but we still can make this season special if we keep working hard and keep trying to improve.”
Grayslake Central will begin its conference schedule Sept. 7 at crosstown rival Grayslake North.
“Everyone knows how important the conference games are, but we have to learn as much as we can from our upcoming nonconference games in order to be ready,” Wachter said. “Every game means something when you are trying to get better.”
Darren Day is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.