Last year, Hutsyn Timosciek joined her football-playing brothers, Hayden and Hyatt, in bringing home a state medal for Lockport.
Hutsyn helped the Porters take third in Class 4A for girls volleyball, following in the footsteps of her brothers, who played for the school’s Class 8A football state champions in 2021.
In her mind, that was just the first step, however.
“They won state for the first time in like 20 years,” Hutsyn said. “I support them, they support me. We’re a very sporty family. My goal is to win a championship — preferably this year.”
Judging by another strong performance Tuesday night, Lockport should be in that conversation.
The 5-foot-11 Timosciek produced five kills for her team’s first 10 points, sparking the Porters to a 25-15, 25-17 win over host Stagg in a SouthWest Suburban Conference opener in Palos Hills.
Lockport’s Hutsyn Timosciek (14) goes up for the kill against Stagg during a SouthWest Suburban Conference match in Palos Hills on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (Gary Middendorf/ Daily Southtown)
The left-handed Timosciek, a junior right-side hitter, finished with eight kills to lead the way for Lockport (15-3, 1-0). Junior setter Natalie Bochantin reached the 1,000 mark for her career with seven assists and also added three aces. Malia Cole complemented Timosciek with six kills.
Junior setter Mally Green returned to action after an injury, chalking up seven assists and three aces, while Bridget Ferriter chipped in with six digs for the Porters. Sophomore outside hitter Katy Zumerchik paced Stagg (9-9, 0-1) with five kills.
Lockport coach Nick Mraz thinks that the success of her older brothers has been providing fuel for Timosciek’s fire.
“Obviously, seeing her brothers do it is great motivation,” Mraz said of Hutsyn. “She got a taste of it last year with a young core, and it does make her and the returners hungry.”
Lockport’s Malia Cole (15) puts away a shot against Stagg during a SouthWest Suburban Conference match in Palos Hills on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (Gary Middendorf/ Daily Southtown)
Timosciek said she is proud of her brothers. Hayden, who is now on Purdue’s roster as an offensive lineman, was the quarterback for Lockport and then for one game at Bowling Green. Hyatt, who transferred from Northern Illinois, is a sophomore tight end at Tennessee-Martin.
Hutsyn is also proud of her teammates. The Porters began the season with five straight wins, including a 29-27, 18-25, 15-10 victory over powerhouse Benet in the Crimson Classic semifinals.
“We have a lot of the same people as last year,” she said. “We’re like a family and we play well together. We know what we need to do to win.
“We have really aggressive hitters and smart setters to read the court really well. Our defense is really good. We’re all really connected very well. I feel like that’s really going to help us.”
Lockport’s Hutsyn Timosciek (14) looks to hit through the block against Stagg during a SouthWest Suburban Conference match in Palos Hills on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (Gary Middendorf/ Daily Southtown)
Timosciek is one of the big reasons why Lockport looked good during the early going, and now the calendar is about to flip to the key month of October.
“She brings in some really aggressive attacks and a good, competitive mindset,” Bochantin said of Timosciek. “She helps us elevate our game. She really keeps us on the ball.”
Mraz had a hunch Timosciek was going to have a breakout season this fall. She already has 143 kills, second on the team only to Ferriter with 165, and also owns a .327 hitting percentage.
“She far exceeded what I thought she could do,” Mraz said of Timosciek. “She had some big matches last year. But this year, she is hitting consistently every single night.
“And she can hold her own on defense as well.”
Timosciek said the recruiting process hasn’t started yet, but she hopes to find a college that will allow her to study industrial engineering and play volleyball. She took up the sport at age 3.
“I honestly love the competitiveness,” she said. “Everyone on the court has a chance to do their part and touch the ball. I love how it’s such a team sport. That’s probably my favorite part.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/23/hutsyn-timosciek-lockport-stagg-ihsa-girls-volleyball/
