Sophomore Libero Emma McAuliffe OLCHS October Athlete Of The Month

OAK LAWN, IL — How does a volleyball player make her presence felt in only her first year on the varsity team? Well, she breaks the school record for digs in a season with 419. She is named the team’s Most Valuable Player. She earns honors as an All-South Suburban Conference Red player. She is voted as the Oak Lawn Community High School October Athlete of the Month.

Sophomore libero Emma McAuliffe did all those things, and certainly made her presence felt on the volleyball court for the Spartans by starting every match this season. She simply took over in October with 130 digs and 179 receptions in the month. She anchored the Oak Lawn defense with consistent play and made spectacular saves to keep the ball in play and give the offense a chance to score.

“Emma broke the school record for single-season digs, surpassing the old record by 23 digs,” said OLCHS head coach Kathleen Miller. “She worked hard to elevate her game every day she stepped on the court, and she developed more confidence and leadership as the season progressed.”