Senior outside hitter Luka Kostic was among the key components in the Lyons Township High School boys volleyball team’s memorable 2023 postseason run.
The 6-foot-4 Kostic and the Lions haven’t forgotten the spirit and focus on fundamentals that carried them to a program-best second-place state finish and a 35-7 record.
“We want to see what we did well last year and continue that success,” Kostic said. “One thing we were really good at was serve receive and the first touch of the game. We’re trying to practice [those elements]. Serving and passing are a big part of the game.”
The Lions have high hopes behind three senior starters from the 25-18, 25-20 state championship loss to perennial power Glenbard West: Kostic, setter Tommy Culver and Zaccary Ruiz.
Kostic was named third-team all-state by the Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association and earned All-West Suburban Conference Silver Division honors. The Silver had the state’s top three finishers with Oak Park and River Forest finishing third.
The 6-3 Culver and 6-2 Ruiz will play at Augustana. Kostic still is finalizing his college plans.
“We are excited for the upcoming season, with a great blend of returners and newcomers,” LTHS coach Brad Skendzel said. “Consistency will be our key.”
In 2023, Kostic was second on the Lions in kills (259) and aces (28) to graduated Sam Levinson and fourth in blocks (50).
“I just hope to be a leader on the court, help guide the team to, hopefully, another big state run and personally improve with many of the skills — be really aggressive at the net, be confident and just overall be a big leader on the court in order to help others,” Kostic said.
Culver was second in assists (302) in a two-setter offense with graduated Carson Turner. Last season’s starting libero, Ruiz collected a team-best 191 digs. He expects to see more action at outside hitter, his usual position in club volleyball, after 57 kills as a junior.
“I think we have a lot of team chemistry,” Ruiz said. “Last year was a big transition, playing a new position. It was definitely exciting to be on the court and play for all of those moments in big games.”
Vaughn Guilfoile, a 5-10 junior, will contend for libero. Another offense weapon should be 6-4 junior Tyler Chambers at the outside or middle.
Seniors Mike Badrov and Tim Shepard are returning letter winners. Other players include senior Tobey McLaughlin, juniors Patrick Ahrens, Thomas Buzzelli, Brenik Griffin, Lukas Jameikis, Cooper Komsthoeft, Gavin Monckton and Matthew Rife, and sophomore Brody Lee-Caracci.
“We had a great season last year and it’s up to us to keep it going,” said Badrov, the third-string middle hitter in 2023. “We want to have more people come out to the games.”