GALESBURG — After winning a second straight Arrowhead Conference championship last season, the Sandburg volleyball team aims for a three-peat this fall.
The Chargers finished 2023 with a 26-15 overall record and won the conference title with a 9-1 mark. It was the 10th Arrowhead championship in program history and fourth in the past six years.
Sandburg kicks off its 2024 schedule with six matches at the Opening Weekend Tournament from Friday-Sunday in Rockford. Sandburg’s first home match is 6 p.m. Aug. 29 vs. Illinois Central. Chargers home games can be seen live on the Sandburg YouTube channel.
KEY RETURNERS
Natalie Burden (New London, Iowa/New London), sophomore outside hitter
• All-Arrowhead Conference selection last season as a freshman.
• Led the Chargers with 332 kills, averaging 2.42 per set. Also totaled 41 aces.
• Chargers coach Todd Winkler: “Natalie’s worked so hard in the offseason to get stronger and faster, and it has paid off. She’s reached the next level and will make a big impact for us again this year.”
Madeline Mooney (Metamora, Ill./Metamora), sophomore libero
• All-Arrowhead Conference selection last season as a freshman.
• Played in all 41 matches and led Sandburg with 761 digs, which ranked sixth in NJCAA Division II. Her 5.55 digs per set were 17th nationally.
• Finished second on the team with 54 aces.
• Winkler: “Madeline is as good as always defensively, but she’s become a great leader on the court and is communicating to lead our defense.”
Grace Vyhnanek (Colchester, Ill./West Prairie) sophomore setter
• All-Region 4 and All-Arrowhead Conference selection last season as a freshman.
• Racked up 1,179 assists last season, good for 13th in NJCAA Division II.
• Winkler: “I’m looking for Grace to read the court and run a very fast offense for us. Grace has been working hard in the offseason, and she’s great at finding the right hitter at the right time.”
KEY NEWCOMERS
Taylor Wagner (Plymouth, Ill./Southeastern), sophomore outside hitter
• Transferred to Sandburg after playing in 2022 at Western Illinois, where she saw action in 15 matches.
• Winkler: “Taylor’s a powerful outside who will help us score offensively. She’s smart and has many shots she can use.”
Olivia Falborg (Davenport, Iowa/Davenport North), freshman middle hitter
Winkler: “Olivia’s will be explosive in the front row hitting and blocking for us. She gives us good depth and is a great pair to our other middle, Ayla Cannon.”
Abigail Shaffer (Carthage, Ill./Southeastern), freshman setter
Winkler: “Abigail’s effort on the court so far has been off the charts. She’s multi-talented and can play multiple positions, so I expect big things from her this season.”
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS SEASON?
Winkler: “I think this team is capable of making a deep run in the postseason if we stay healthy.”
MATCHES TO WATCH
The Chargers will see plenty of action in the first 10 days of the season as they play 12 matches, including two against teams in the NJCAA Division II preseason rankings (Aug. 27 at No. 23 Sauk Valley and Aug. 29 vs. No. 6 Illinois Central).
THIS WILL BE SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF …
Winkler: “This will be a successful season if we can slow down and enjoy the small things in this season. This team is close and focused. They just need to enjoy the memories.”
2024 SANDBURG VOLLEYBALL ROSTER2024 SANDBURG VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
PHOTO GALLERIES: Flickr | sandburgchargers.com
***Story and photo courtesy of Sandburg Athletics***
