Jefferson Volleys for the Cure Oct. 18

It's been a strong season for the  varsity girls volleyball team. 

"This is actually the best season we've had since I've been here," said Troy Johnson, varsity girls volleyball coach. "We have a really good group of girls." 

The team is currently 6-2, coming off of a loss from undefeated last Thursday. 

Johnson said many girls on the Jefferson team play club volleyball, so they come to Jefferson with a good skill set. 

"It obviously makes a difference," he said. "They're a really good serving team. They're very good at returning serves and receiving." 

While Johnson notes some stand-out players, including eighth-graders Leah Rogoz, Jaida Green, Katie Rock and Haleigh Schultz and seventh-grader Alyssa Ambriz, he said the team's success comes from the group. 

"They're a very good team in spirit and unity," Johnson said. "There are 13 girls on the team but only seven to eight play. The other girls are so loud cheering that if someone has a bad play, they're the first ones chiming in. They support each other so well." 

Jefferson has two more matches and the conference tournament. The girls play Burr Ridge Middle School on Wednesday and Gower Middle School next Tuesday. 

The annual Volley for the Cure event will take place Oct. 18, during both the varsity and junior varsity Jefferson vs. Gower matches. Last year, through donations from students, school staff members, families and others. 

While Volley for the Cure events are popular at the high school level, Jefferson is one of the few junior high schools to participate in the program. Volley for the Cure started in 2006 when two rival volleyball teams in Ohio decided to work together to honor the fight against breast cancer.

The public is invited to the match, which will take place at Jefferson Jr. High, 7925 Janes Ave. The varsity match will start at 4 p.m. and junior varsity will start around 4:45 p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to wear pink. The players will wear pink shirts in lieu of their jerseys and play with a pink volleyball.

If you want to donate, contact Coach Troy Johnson at 630-985-7925 (Jefferson's main number). Proceeds from concessions during the match will be also be donated. 

The following are the rosters for the Jefferson varsity and junior varsity girls volleyball teams. 

Jefferson Varsity Volleyball Team:

• Leah Rogoz
• Kelly McLean
• Lexi Nix
• Espi Bowers
• Nilah Naponeillo
• Alyssa Ambriz (7th Grade)
• Sabrina Salani
• Katie Rock
• Gabby Smith
• Haleigh Schulz
• Jaida Green
• Kayla Korpan
• Karolina Niziolek

Managers: Ana Perez, Lindsay O’Connor, Jenny Pfeiffer and Emily
Zaprianov

Jefferson 7th Grade Volleyball Team:

• Lori Cieslarski
• Erin Myers
• Shana Johnson
• Olivia Cash
• Nicole Sawdo
• Skyler Frechette
• Kristen McCash
• Jenny Versaskas
• Jackie Ocaca
• Annie Toner
• Maddy Taylor
• Kiley Reidy
• Brooke Rychlec

Managers: Emily Little, Sarah Harris and Alicia Caffey