Aleks Slesers was a versatile player throughout his career at Libertyville.
Slesers’ ability to fit into a lineup at several positions makes him a valuable asset. But his desire to be a six-rotation outside hitter made him work just a little bit harder in the gym and weight room to become an all-around star.
“I think that I can be a go-to player for any team, so I made sure I was ready when my time came last season,” he said.
The 6-foot-2 Slesers was a key contributor in the Wildcats’ run to the state semifinals in 2022, and he continued his standout play this season.
Slesers, the 2023 News-Sun Boys Volleyball Player of the Year, led the North Suburban Conference with 356 kills and also had 502 receptions, 144 digs and 41 aces for Libertyville (21-12).
“Aleks is one of the most explosive and dynamic athletes we have had in our program for some time,” Libertyville coach Jenny Smith said.
Slesers was the Wildcats’ libero at the beginning of the 2022 season.
“As a junior, he started our season as a libero due to his great court sense, excellent defense and serve-receive ability,” Smith said. “Midway through the season, he earned a six-rotation outside hitter spot mainly due to his athleticism and explosiveness while attacking from anywhere on the court.
“This season, Aleks has held onto that six-rotation outside role but has added another one of more importance — leader and captain. He is a fantastic teammate who holds his teammates accountable but also has the knowledge and confidence to instruct and coach up his fellow athletes.”
Slesers knew it would be difficult for Libertyville to duplicate its 2022 success and rose to the occasion. His number of kills this season ranks second in program history behind former Ohio State star Jack Stevens. He ranks third in career digs.
“Aleks is a competitor through and through and has the on-court intelligence that allows him to be the most impactful athlete on the court — just a phenomenal volleyball player,” Smith said.
Slesers said he’s more proud of the team’s accomplishments.
“We lost a lot of great players from last season’s team that got to state for the first time, but we knew the coaches and the players we had back had put in a lot of work to keep this program at a high level,” he said. “It was fun to have another season with some pretty good results.
“We feel we’ve put this program on the map now, and hopefully it can stay at the top.”
Slesers is planning to attend Marquette and could try to walk on to the men’s golf team or keep playing volleyball with the club team.
“I’m still working hard in the weight room,” he said. “I have gained 15 pounds since competing this spring for Libertyville. No matter what happens, I want to be ready to help any team any way that I can.”
Darren Day is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.