St. Charles North’s Brynn Hopkins was in a unique position during her first two varsity seasons.
Hopkins was the lone underclassman on a star-studded team filled with Division I recruits. What many people didn’t realize behind the scenes, however, was the pressure she felt to perform.
More Top Picks Linsoul Kz Zsn Pro X
“I felt like I couldn’t mess up,” she said. “Now, I feel like I can swing at any ball.
“It’s definitely less pressure and all the girls are so supportive, so I feel like I can be more aggressive at the net and play for my teammates.”
Hopkins showed off that progression Wednesday night. The junior middle hitter has blossomed into a star, dominating with seven kills and two blocks for the host North Stars in a 25-20, 23-25, 25-16 nonconference win over Jacobs.
Ellie Sutter led St. Charles North (17-10) with 11 kills and two aces, while Mya Mikos managed nine kills and Emily Hougland added five. Rachelle Zieba paced Jacobs (7-21) with eight kills and four blocks. Violet Rebacz added three kills.
While it’s understandable to hear Hopkins talk about feeling pressure playing alongside someone like Haley Burgdorf — the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year who’s starting as a true freshman at Penn State — the reality was far from her perception.
“We were unaware the last two years, but it was a lot of pressure for her to be a freshman on that team with those girls,” North Stars coach Lindsey Hawkins said. “A 14-year-old playing with women like that was intimidating for her.
“She thought she was the weak spot on the team and we were like, ‘That’s not true. You are one of the most athletic girls, even on that team, that we have on the court.’ I think mentally that was a lot of pressure.”
With age and opportunity comes wisdom, and now, Hopkins has settled in and turned into a dominant force on the court.
“She just feels so free playing this year, which is great because we use her a lot,” Hawkins said. “She feels more like herself and not so afraid to make errors.”
Hopkins had only two kills in the first game Wednesday as the North Stars cruised to the win.
In the second game, however, Jacobs played what coach Michael Depa called the cleanest game of the season to force a third game.
“We limited our errors and let them make some errors,” Depa said. “It doesn’t always have to be flashy, just make it clean.”
Zieba was a big part of it all over the court. From block kills, tips, kills from the back row — you name it, she displayed her versatility.
“She’s our vet on the team, she’s taking control, and she needs to,” Depa said of Zieba. “She’s got to make sure she’s the one keeping us centered and focused on what we need to accomplish.”
Hopkins admitted St. Charles North could have played better Wednesday, but she’s happy with how the season has gone.
Despite heavy graduation losses, the North Stars are putting together another solid season.
More Top Picks Best Standing Desk Converters For Home
“We did lose big players, but our connection and bond are so good,” Hopkins said. “We didn’t have to build that. We were all so close. That’s really helping us this season.
“I feel like we’re playing better when we’re playing looser.”
That includes Hopkins, who said she’s undecided on whether or not she wants to continue playing in college. Regardless of that decision, she’s playing like herself and having fun this fall.
“I just love being someone that people can look up to now,” Hopkins said. “It’s so fun playing with everyone else, too.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.