Warsaw senior Kennedy Lauck (13) has committed to continue her volleyball career with the University of Illinois-Springfield. InkFreeNews file photo by Mike Deak

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of college signing stories for Warsaw Community High School athletes. Warsaw canceled its signing day ceremony in mid-December.

By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – Teams knew she was coming at them, they just couldn’t do anything about it.

Kennedy Lauck was the pulse of Warsaw’s high-powered volleyball offense in 2020, and that translated to an opportunity at the next level. Lauck has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her volleyball career with the University of Illinois-Springfield.

Lauck had a standout season for the Tigers. Helping the team to its first outright Northern Lakes Conference title in nearly 20 years, Lauck was the team leader in both kills (212) and blocks (58), and had a sterling 43 percent kill percentage. Lauck also added 30 aces, which tied for second-best on the squad.

Before the season had even began, Lauck and teammate Betty Barnett were named to the Under Armour All-American preseason watch list. Following the season, Lauck’s awards rolled in, being named All-NLC as well as IHSVCA All-District and Northern All-Star. The 4.2 GPA student at Warsaw was also an Academic All-State selection.

For her career at Warsaw, Lauck piled up 766 kills, 106 blocks and 79 digs in four varsity seasons.

“Kennedy has left her mark on our volleyball program as a player that achieved many awards and accolades,” said Warsaw head coach Chandra Hepler. “Her attitude was infectious and her leadership was a powerful influence on our team this season. I am so proud of her commitment to excellence, and the way she developed this year, leading her teammates on and off the court.

“I know she will continue to bring all that she has learned and the kind of player she has become into the gym and classroom at the University of Illinois-Springfield. I could not be more excited or happy for her future as a Prairie Star.”

The Prairie Stars, coached by Trey Salinas, did not compete the fall of 2020, but will assume a calendar in the spring of 2021. Salinas, in his six season, led the team to a 19-14 mark in 2019. The Prairie Stars are an NCAA Division II program and is part of the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

Lauck was very active at Warsaw, serving as a member of the Octagon Club, Tiger Leadership Council and National Honor Society. She looks to continue her academic sights on exercise science.

What attracted Lauck to U-I-S was simple, “The great coaching staff, beautiful campus, great academics, especially for my major. It felt like home as soon as I visited.”