Nazareth makes history with Katie Hurta named as Gatorade Illinois Volleyball POTY
LA GRANGE PARK, Ill. — In addition to winning their first IHSA Class 3A State Championship for volleyball or any girls sport in Nazareth history and having three seniors commit to playing with Division 1 schools next year, senior Katie Hurta was recently named 2021-22 Gatorade Illinois Volleyball Player of the Year, also a first for Nazareth.
The Gatorade award recognizes outstanding athletic excellence as well as high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court. This honor offers Hurta the opportunity to award a $1,000 grant to a local or national organization of their choosing that helps young athletes realize the benefits of playing sports.
“Katie can be described as one of the best all-around players in IHSA volleyball history, definitely in Nazareth program history,” said Head Volleyball Coach Melissa Masterson. “There is no question about her talent, especially in her ability to attack, set, and defense/passing. What is most impressive though, is her ability to also be a great teammate and leader.” Hurta will continue her academic and volleyball career at Indiana University in the fall.
Other D1 commits
Teammates Gillian Grimes and Abigail Reid will also pursue their academic and athletic careers at Division 1 schools. Grimes, a four-year varsity starter at Nazareth, has committed to Michigan State University, and Abigail Reid is headed to the University of Pennsylvania.
The Roadrunners finished the 2021-2022 season with a 30-7 record, led by Coach Melissa Masterson.
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