Marist’s Sommer Shaw Steps Up in Volleyball Amid Rigorous Training and Competition

A few times weekly, Sommer Shaw from Marist and her mother, Sharon Wilson, enjoy running together. Their pit bull, Joe, tags along for a mile or two. As they run at Commissioners Park in Alsip, Shaw often pulls ahead, using the time for extra training.

“It helps build my stamina for long matches,” Shaw explained. That extra training paid off recently. Shaw, a junior middle hitter, scored five kills and three block assists, leading Marist to a 25-13, 25-11 victory over St. Laurence in the GCAC Red matchup in Chicago.

Michigan commit Maggie Kurpeikis topped Marist with 13 kills and six digs. Taylor Berg, heading to Western Michigan, added six kills and five digs. Maeve Gill contributed four kills. Haven Enselman recorded 26 assists and six digs, while Ariella Link had 14 digs and four assists. So far, Marist has won all 14 games, averaging a 12.6-point victory, with no opponent scoring more than 18 points against the defending Class 4A state champions.

“I’m glad we started strong,” Shaw said. “We’re fierce and aiming to win every match.”

Abby Ambrose led St. Laurence with four kills and two block assists, while Clancey Bowen managed three kills and two block assists. The match marked the first meeting of the two programs, attracting a large, enthusiastic crowd to Marist’s gym.

Shaw, standing 6 feet tall, is new to Marist’s experienced lineup but fits in well. “She’s a silent killer,” Kurpeikis said. “She’s quick and adept at moving side to side. Her jumping is impressive, allowing her to get on top of the ball.”

“She jumps sneaky high,” coach Jordan Vidovic said of Shaw. “She’s among our highest touchers. She’s getting comfortable with our speed and will only improve.”

With the merger of GCAC and East Suburban Catholic Conference, 21 teams are divided into three divisions. The GCAC Red includes Marist, Mother McAuley, Benet, St. Laurence, Wheaton St. Francis, Loyola, and Montini. Teams play each other once. The conference has seen 13 Class 4A state titles in 14 years.

Marist will face nationally ranked teams in tournaments in Las Vegas, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the McAuley-hosted Asics event, testing Shaw’s endurance.

“We’re eager to face the best teams,” Shaw said.

Shaw’s journey in volleyball began in eighth grade with club play. Three years on, she’s a starter on a top-tier team.

“Friends encouraged me to try volleyball,” Shaw said. “After attending training camps and small tournaments, coaches noticed me.” Shaw joined 1st Alliance and found her path in the sport.

Shaw’s dedication to volleyball is evident. “I love the volleyball environment,” she shared. “The support from friends motivates me.”

Reporter Jeff Vorva writes for the Daily Southtown.