Everything that senior outside hitter Hope Wagner is achieving on the volleyball court for Aurora Christian has come the old-fashioned way — by putting in the necessary hard work.
At the start of club season last December, Wagner clocked in hours to become even better at her craft, expanding her game in the back row. It led to her college commitment to Milwaukee.
“I came in hours early to work on serve receive and defense,” Wagner said. “I pushed myself. I left school early to get there early and do that. It really paid off.
“I feel like I wasn’t as comfortable with serve receive and defense and that’s become one of my strengths.”
As a result, the 6-foot-1 Wagner is off to a strong start this fall for the Eagles (12-0), who won the Conquer Classic at Schaumburg Christian last weekend. She’s put down a staggering 144 kills and ranks second on the team with 79 digs.
Wagner also has stepped up her leadership, particularly after last week’s injury to senior setter Breanna Hard. Aurora Christian coach Mayra Johnson hopes Hard will be back in a few weeks.
Aurora Christian’s Hope Wagner (7) serves the ball against Aurora Central Catholic during a nonconference match in Aurora on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Mark Black / The Beacon-News)
“She’s a great all-around player,” Johnson said of Wagner. “The other great aspect of her in the back row is we can use her as a hitter in the back row. She’s grown maturity-wise, too.
“Keeping the team strong is part of leadership, and that’s important. That will prepare her for the next level.”
Wagner took her leadership skills to a new level Friday. The night before the Schaumburg Christian Tournament, Wagner hosted a team-bonding event at her house.
The goal was to not only build more team chemistry but also to make the two new setters, sophomore Mary Kendall and freshman Dannon Marshall, feel more at home.
Aurora Christian’s Hope Wagner (7) goes up for a kill against Wheaton Academy during a Chicagoland Christian Conference match in Aurora on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
“It changed our mindset a little bit,” Wagner said of the injury to Hard, who’s been on varsity all four seasons with her. “It will be about building them up. They’re a freshman and a sophomore.
“It can be really intimidating. I know how they feel.”
Johnson has tried to temper expectations for the young duo.
“I know this is going to be new and it’s very high pressure, but at the same time, this is a great opportunity,” Johnson said. “We’re not expecting perfection. We’ve been able to get some reps in with our hitters.”
A big part of Wagner’s growth, meanwhile, simply came with age.
Aurora Christian’s Hope Wagner (7) celebrates a point against Aurora Central Catholic during a nonconference match in Aurora on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Mark Black / The Beacon-News)
“I would say there has been a really big shift in my confidence,” Wagner said, looking back on her high school career. “Freshman and sophomore years, I didn’t have as much confidence.
“I feel confident in each part of my game, not just hitting.”
Landing on a college choice also helped put Wagner at ease.
“It was a longer process than I had hoped,” she said. “I had to stay committed to it the whole time, tried to play super well every tournament because you never know who’s watching.
“I’m really happy with my decision.”
Despite the bump in the road, Wagner still has lofty goals this season for herself and the team.
Aurora Christian’s Hope Wagner (7) cuts a shot past the block against Aurora Central Catholic during a nonconference match in Aurora on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Mark Black / The Beacon-News)
Individually, Wagner hopes to have at least 10 kills in each match as she marches her way toward potentially reaching the 1,000 mark for her career.
The main team goal is finally getting over the hump and winning a regional title.
“We’re so close every year,” Wagner said. “I have full confidence that we’re going to do it. This team is really something special. We’re everybody’s best friend. We have chemistry like no other.”
Johnson knew all along this was going to be a special group.
“This is somewhat expected for what I planned,” Johnson said. “I think a lot of people are looking at us because they’re surprised at what’s happening, but the girls worked really hard for this.
“It’s coming.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
