Oswego Sophomore Hadley Engler Makes Immediate Impact in Volleyball Debut

Oswego native Hadley Engler, originally attending Benet as a freshman, decided to transfer closer to home after spending a year commuting to Lisle. Her decision stemmed largely from the arduous daily travel. Engler shared, “I’d say I just wanted to get back home. It had a lot to do with the commute. It’s been good so far. I definitely feel welcomed.”

The sophomore middle hitter debuted in volleyball for the Oswego Panthers during their season opener against Waubonsie Valley on Tuesday night, leaving a strong impression. Despite focusing primarily on basketball during the offseason, Engler seamlessly adapted to the new school setting, demonstrating her skills in Oswego’s 25-19, 25-19 nonconference victory. Engler successfully scored on all four occasions she was set in the middle, enhancing the Panthers’ lineup alongside Dayton-bound senior outside hitter Hannah Herrick and junior outside hitter Sarah Gilio, both achieving seven kills each during the match. Waubonsie’s performance included Ava Edozien leading with five kills, while Anna Axelsen and Belle Black contributed three each.

Engler’s volleyball practice predominantly occurred on sand as she played sand volleyball twice a week and occasionally trained indoors. Oswego coach Gary Mosley remarked on Engler’s readiness, saying, “I thought I would have to shake a lot of rust off. No, she was ready to go from day one. It’s amazing. She doesn’t play club.” Mosley praised Engler’s quick adaptation, despite her limited exposure with the team prior to tryouts, “She comes in here and reps with us from tryouts on, no summer camp with us or anything. Finding the rhythm that she did right away, we wanted to set that tone. She did that for us.”

Engler feels a strong connection with the team, noting, “A lot of it is my teammates. They’ve been really welcoming to me. They’re just nice. It’s been nice to connect with them.” Her familiarity with Oswego and its residents further facilitated her integration. Engler commenced her Oswego debut with a significant play, securing a 12-6 lead for the Panthers in the initial game with her first kill. A match photograph featured Oswego’s Sara Gilio hitting past Waubonsie Valley’s Ava Edozien.

Even as Waubonsie briefly leveled the score at 17-17 in the second game, errors and decisive plays from Gilio enabled Oswego’s victory. Waubonsie coach Noel Soto acknowledged the team’s perseverance, “They fought all the way. Our problem was we didn’t execute when needed. We knew what we needed to do.”

Coach Mosley highlighted Engler’s seamless fit within the team, attributing it to her vibrant personality and innate talent, “The energy is so cool. She fits right in. I’m glad she’s so outgoing because that’s the whole squad. She fits right in with her bubbly personality — really good vibe with her.” He emphasized her athletic prowess, “The athleticism is the first thing you see. When she came in, the first thing I saw on the first day was her bounce. Pin to pin, she’s amazing. We’re trying to get her footwork fine-tuned.”

A match photograph captured Oswego’s Hadley Engler and Hannah Herrick blocking against Waubonsie Valley. After witnessing Oswego’s potential in the front row, Engler is optimistic about the team’s prospects. She expressed, “I definitely think we’ll be really good. I know we will. I’m really excited for us.”

Paul Johnson, the author of the article, is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.