Marist Boys Volleyball Wins Fourth State Title

CHICAGO — Marist High School tore through the IHSA boys volleyball finals this past weekend in Hoffman Estates, winning its fourth state championship. Marist is the only Chicago school ever to win a boys volleyball state title.

The RedHawks finished the 2023-2024 season 39-2, notching their ninth straight East Suburban Catholic Conference Championship, under the leadership of head coach Jordan Vidovic.

Marist easily beat Walter Payton College Prep (Chicago) in the quarterfinal match, 25-17 and 25-15.

Then it was on to a wild semi-final set defeating two-time defending state champ Glenbard West High School (Glen Ellyn), 28-26 and 26-24 to reach the state finals.

The RedHawks toppled York Community High School (Elmhurst) in the June 1 finals match, 26-21 and 28-26. The second set featured 20 ties and five lead changes. Down 20-22, Marist surged ahead of York with three straight points, capturing the state title.

It's the fourth state championship and the first since 2019 for Marist, which came in ranked No. 2 in the nation in the USA Today/American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.

RedHawk hitter Ethan Kuziela was the 2023-2024 team MVP.

Junior setter Christian Teresi (St. Catherine of Alexandria School) was ESCC Player of the Year, 1st Team All-State, Southtown Player of the Year, and All-American candidate.

Nathen Toth (Cardinal Joseph Bernardin), the junior outside hitter, State Finals MVP, 2nd Team All-State, All-Area, and Karch Kiraly TOC All-Tournament (California).

Senior outside hitter Luke Brannnigan (Century Jr. High of Orland Park), was ESCC All-Conference, 3rd Team All-State, All-Area, and Karch Kiraly TOC All-Tournament (California).