Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Hannah Bornemann

Every coach in America, in every sport, at every level, uses the word sacrifice when speaking to their athletes. The sacrifice of time from family and friends, the sacrifice of oneself for the betterment of their teammates, and the sacrifice of letting go of the athlete they currently for the athlete they can become. Senior volleyball player Hannah Bornemann has spent thousands of hours sacrificing and perfecting her craft, which is why she is this week’s Oswego East student athlete of the week.

Hannah began her volleyball career in the 4th grade, and has always been around the Oswego East program. Head volleyball coach, Adam Thurlwell, says, “I can remember her in our Little Wolves camp from when she was very young.” He goes on to add, “seeing the maturation process and the evolving end product is something she should be proud of, as we as a staff are extremely proud of her.”

For serious high school volleyball players, there is no real off time as high school season ends and club season picks up shortly after. Hannah’s parents, Donna and David, have watched Hannah sacrifice so much for the sport she loves. “During club season (nine months) she practice four days a week, sometimes four hours a day, with tournaments on the weekend.” They go on to add, “Practices and tournaments have fallen on Friday night football games, homecoming, school dances, events, and many family get togethers.”

Fortunately for Hannah, that hard work paid off last club season when her Sports Performance Volleyball Club claimed a national championship in the classic division at the AAU Nationals in Orlando, Florida. Donna Bornemann remembers Hannah’s feelings afterwards, saying, “I could feel the sense of relief that all the hard work and sacrifices had paid off for her and her team during that moment.”

On the court for the Wolves, Hannah is the unquestioned leader and captain of a senior heavy team. As a leader, Hannah leads both by example, and when needed, she provides encouragement or lets her team know when they need to step up their level of play. “Hannah worked to embrace and earn the role of captain this off-season and season,” says Thurlwell. He goes on to add, “[Hannah] does a great job of saying what needs to be said before a coach needs to step in.”

Hannah has helped lead the team to an 12-8 start, including going 5-0 in conference play, and highlighted by a win last week vs. Plainfield North, as well as a win last night vs. crosstown rival Oswego. As of last week, she is the team leader in assists with 303, and aces with 31, and is currently tied for the team lead in blocks with 15. The team is shooting for the best overall record in volleyball history, as well as a school first conference championship.

The sacrifices Hannah has made have paid off as she has earned a scholarship to Division II powerhouse Trevecaa Nazarene University. Not only has she earned this scholarship through hard work and sacrifices, but Thurlwell believes she can be a major player for Trevecca, “Hannah has the characteristics and skill set of a collegiate volleyball player. Her drive, maturity, passion for success, and competitiveness will all help her excel at the next level.”

Despite the many sacrifices Hannah has had to make honing and perfecting her skills, she manages to excel in the classroom as well. Hannah has sacrificed many nights sleep to earn a 3.4 G.P.A. and a 23 on the ACT. At Trevecaa, Hannah hopes to major in psychology and use that degree to become a sports psychologist by helping athletes work through the same rigors and challenges she has faced.

Hannah’s sophomore English teacher, Heather Zaehler, fondly remembers Hannah as not only a gifted student, but a leader in the classroom. “Hannah is kind, caring, and respectful. She is a team player inside and outside the classroom,” says Heather. She goes on to add, “Hannah grew to be a leader in my class. She had no problem taking the lead in small and large group discussions. She was also respectful of other students with different viewpoints or ideas. She led by example by staying focused and being respectful in class.”

Although Hannah’s sacrifices have led her to a college scholarship, she has unfinished business left in her senior season. By starting the year 6-0, Hannah and her teammates are in a great position to do what no other Wolves’ volleyball team has ever done by winning conference. As she reflects on her sacrifices and what it took to reach her goals, Hannah advises future Wolves to, “live in the moment and don’t take anything for granted. Don’t let other people influence your decision-making process.” Before Hannah embarks to Nashville to play for Trevecca, we at East will be paying close attention to her and her teammates as they look to re-write the record books.