The tears in August from the eyes of Homewood-Flossmoor senior Ihuoma Ozoh were a lot different last year than this year.
A 6-foot-3 middle hitter, Ozoh was injured in 2024 at the Chicago Christian Tournament. And when she was told the news that her right ACL needed surgery?
“I cried,” she said. “I cried.”
The Clemson recruit returned to action in Monday night’s season opener and then played again Tuesday night for the Vikings — and her comeback was emotional as well.
“Man, I was tearing because it was a feeling I missed and it’s not a feeling you can get anywhere else,” Ozoh said. “I was just glad to be back. I’ve come full circle.”
H-F is also glad to have her on the court again. The Vikings rolled past Beecher for a 25-17, 25-13 nonconference victory in Flossmoor one day after getting swept away by Joliet West.
Wisconsin commit Kymora Scott and Makayla Cooper each tallied six kills Tuesday for H-F (1-1). Angelena Alborn added three aces, all in an eight-point streak that turned an 11-9 deficit to a 17-11 lead in the first game. Na’imah Calhoun contributed 18 assists, while Sydney Skinner had six digs.
Beecher (0-1) was paced by junior outside hitter Elena Kvasnicka, who tallied eight of the team’s nine kills.
Ozoh, meanwhile, is being slowly worked back into the lineup for H-F. She played one game in each match, and on Tuesday, she had two kills on two swings and added a block assist.
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Ihuoma Ozoh (7) pushes for a block against Beecher during a nonconference match in Flossmoor on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Those numbers may be small, but first-year coach Nate Nesbit knows her value to the Vikings even if she isn’t putting up monster stats just yet.
“The defense centers around her,” Nesbit said of Ozoh. “She puts up such a big block and takes up so much of the court that it makes everyone else’s job easier when she’s there.
“She’s also an exciting presence. When she gets that kill, get out of her way. She’s screaming. She’s excited. She brings energy she didn’t have last year when she was still trying to be a part of the team.”
Nesbit wants to take it easy with Ozoh for a little while longer.
“We probably are looking at her as a block sub where she’s getting a little bit less time at least until she’s getting back to speed,” he said. “Obviously, going to Clemson next year, we want her to start getting those reps and we want her healthy and strong for that playoff push come October.
“We’re getting her ready.”
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Ihuoma Ozoh (7) and Alayna Frangella (1) celebrate after the final point against Beecher during a nonconference match in Flossmoor on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Ozoh also plays basketball for H-F and had to miss that season last winter, but she plans on coming back for her final go-round.
“I’m definitely coming back for basketball,” she said. “I’ll be strong enough — stronger than I’m feeling now.”
Cooper, a senior middle hitter, appreciates seeing Ozoh back on the volleyball court.
“I missed playing with her so much,” Cooper said. “She is such a big component to this team. Her energy is great. It’s crazy.”
Ozoh used the same word to describe Cooper’s play against Beecher.
“Her game is crazy,” Ozoh said. “Man, she was slamming that ball down and I’m like, ‘OK.’ I think she hit someone on the head. I’m proud of her.”
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Ihuoma Ozoh (7) tries to block a hit by Beecher’s Elena Kvasnicka (12) during a nonconference match in Flossmoor on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Ozoh related how her injury came about when an opposing player went under the net.
“I landed on her foot and my knee turned in a way it shouldn’t,” she said.
At the same time, Ozoh’s injury gave her a new appreciation for sports.
“Being back is something I am so grateful for,” she said. “I didn’t play for such a long time. I just appreciate the little things, and it’s making me happy being back.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
