Evergreen Park’s Fiona Buchanan had a decision to make.

Growing up, she dedicated a lot of time to two sports — volleyball and competitive skating. In middle school, she started getting taller, ditched the skates and went all-in for volleyball.

“Once I got serious, I had to pick one or the other,” Buchanan said. “My mom played volleyball and I knew I wanted to do the same. I thought it would be better in the long run.”

Her mom Carolyn, by the way, was a middle hitter for Mother McAuley’s 1994 Class AA state champions, which the Chicago Tribune called “perhaps the deepest and most balanced team in state history” after the Mighty Macs won the title. Carolyn, whose maiden name was O’Brien, played in college at Indiana State, leading the Sycamores in blocking from 1995, 1996 and 1997.

Fiona, meanwhile, grew up to be a 5-foot-11 middle hitter. After her freshman year, however, she was moved to outside hitter and has played that in the spot ever since. As a junior, she powered Evergreen Park to 29 wins — the most for the Mustangs since a 30-win season in 2004.

Evergreen Park coach Brian Zofkie not only likes Buchanan’s game in the front row, he appreciates the all-around player she has become.

Evergreen Park’s Fiona Buchanan (10) puts up a block against Fenwick during a pool-play match in the Evergreen Park Invitational on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Jeff Vorva / Daily Southtown)

“She does a lot of good things,” Zofkie said of Buchanan. “She can get a lot of kills and make some clutch serves when we need it. This year as a senior, she has more of a leadership role.

“Instead of letting me be the leader or the other kids be the leaders, she really wanted to be the leader this year. I’m pretty happy and proud of that.”

It was growing process to get to this point.

“It was incremental steps every year,” Zofkie said. “She has been adding parts to her game. Her power game was always there. Now, the finesse game is there.

Evergreen Park’s Neve Hayes (2) tracks down an errant pass against Noble Street during a pool-play match in the Evergreen Park Invitational on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Jeff Vorva / Daily Southtown)

“She’s been our best passer, which has not always been the case. That’s a real big step forward. She’s been a very reliable six-rotation player.”

Buchanan embraced the challenge of switching positions.

“Getting to work all around the court is different,” she said. “In the middle, you don’t pass or do any of that. You just hit and block. It helped me be well-rounded on the court.”

Having longtime friend Neve Hayes as her setter helped make the transition go smoothly.

Evergreen Park’s Fiona Buchanan (10) goes up to tip against Oak Lawn’s Sinead Conroy (14) during a South Suburban Red game in Evergreen Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)

Hayes, a returning all-state player, has earned All-American honors twice at the USA Volleyball Nationals. The two have played together since fourth grade.

Hayes believes Buchanan had a leg up on some players who start learning the outside hitter position because of her previous experience in the middle.

“I think it’s an adjustment to play outside,” Hayes said. “But I think middle is probably the hardest position because you have to read the hitters.”

While Evergreen Park (4-3) hasn’t jumped out to a red-hot start, Zofkie remains confident with six regulars back from last year’s team that advanced to a Class 3A sectional final.

Zofkie thinks the Mustangs will heat up and contend for a South Suburban Red title. And the players share that sentiment.

“We still have a lot to work on,” Hayes said. “Some girls didn’t play club last year, so they are just getting back into it. We will keep building until we get to where we want to be.”

At the same time, Buchanan is thinking big because her competitive career is coming to an end.

Buchanan and Hayes also tasted success as 16-year-olds in 2024 when they helped their Michio club team to a third-place national finish.

“Hopefully, we can go to state and win,” Buchanan said. “I would like to go out with a bang for my last year.”

Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/08/fiona-buchanan-evergreen-park-ihsa-girls-volleyball/