Bisch begins new era for GHS volleyball
By Joe Pritchett
Chatham Editor
It's the dawning of a new era for the Glenwood High School volleyball program in 2009.
Brittany (Koester) Bisch, a 2003 GHS graduate, takes over the reins of the program from Larry
Sample, who guided Glenwood to its most successful three-year run in school history from 2006-2008.
Sample has retired, and the greatest player the program has ever seen, Hannah Werth, has
graduated and moved on to the University of Nebraska.
Enter Bisch, a three-sport star in high school who played softball at the University of Illinois. She
served as an assistant to Sample the past two seasons.
The Titans are coming off three straight CS8 titles, two solo, as well as a deep postseason run to
the final eight in 2007. Glenwood fell to Champaign Centennial at the Mt. Zion Sectional last season.
"Sample set a solid foundation for the program," Bisch stated. "I am trying to continue it the best I
possibly can."
Yes, there will be differences, she said, as the girls have been doing a lot more weight room work
and fitness training.
And while many have focused on Werth the past three years, there is also plenty of talent on the
Glenwood team. The Titans also have plenty of height and experience.
Junior Tori Falter takes over Werth's role as frontline hitter and backup setter, and there will be plenty
of competition for playing time. Senior Abby Cress returns as the No. 1 setter, and the array of front row
hitters includes Alexa Frank, Emily Lundin,
Ali McGrath and Ashley McGrath, with Shea Elmore, Chelsea Payne and Meaghan Fischer providing
flexibility to play in the front or back. Sophomore Bre Gardner is also in the mix.
Defensive specialists Jenna Taft and Courtney Kliment will compete for the libero position.
The program seems to have a freshman or two come along on the varsity every year recently, and
this year is no exception. Taylor Copp, a standout athlete the past couple of years at Glenwood Middle
School, is expected to make an impact for the Glenwood varsity volleyball team this season.
"I'm looking forward to seeing her progression," Bisch stated. "She's very athletic and was very
impressive over the summer."
"I'm excited, and I think the girls are excited," Bisch added. "They come to practice every day to get
after it and get better. They know they can't slack off at all, and they are a fun group to watch too."
The program's recent success is not lost on Bisch, who added, "Teams will be excited to play us,
and they are going to be coming after us. I think our girls aren't worried about that, but I think they
recognize there will be a bullseye on them."
The schedule is very tough, as it has been in recent years. Glenwood opens the season next
Tuesday at Quincy before the Edwardsville Tournament next weekend. There will be a number of
strong teams there and the Titans should be able to get a good read on where they stand at that point.
Other tournaments on the schedule are at Glenbard West and Quincy Notre Dame, along with the
Titan Invite Oct. 10.
By Joe Pritchett
Chatham Editor
It's the dawning of a new era for the Glenwood High School volleyball program in 2009.
Brittany (Koester) Bisch, a 2003 GHS graduate, takes over the reins of the program from Larry
Sample, who guided Glenwood to its most successful three-year run in school history from 2006-2008.
Sample has retired, and the greatest player the program has ever seen, Hannah Werth, has
graduated and moved on to the University of Nebraska.
Enter Bisch, a three-sport star in high school who played softball at the University of Illinois. She
served as an assistant to Sample the past two seasons.
The Titans are coming off three straight CS8 titles, two solo, as well as a deep postseason run to
the final eight in 2007. Glenwood fell to Champaign Centennial at the Mt. Zion Sectional last season.
"Sample set a solid foundation for the program," Bisch stated. "I am trying to continue it the best I
possibly can."
Yes, there will be differences, she said, as the girls have been doing a lot more weight room work
and fitness training.
And while many have focused on Werth the past three years, there is also plenty of talent on the
Glenwood team. The Titans also have plenty of height and experience.
Junior Tori Falter takes over Werth's role as frontline hitter and backup setter, and there will be plenty
of competition for playing time. Senior Abby Cress returns as the No. 1 setter, and the array of front row
hitters includes Alexa Frank, Emily Lundin,
Ali McGrath and Ashley McGrath, with Shea Elmore, Chelsea Payne and Meaghan Fischer providing
flexibility to play in the front or back. Sophomore Bre Gardner is also in the mix.
Defensive specialists Jenna Taft and Courtney Kliment will compete for the libero position.
The program seems to have a freshman or two come along on the varsity every year recently, and
this year is no exception. Taylor Copp, a standout athlete the past couple of years at Glenwood Middle
School, is expected to make an impact for the Glenwood varsity volleyball team this season.
"I'm looking forward to seeing her progression," Bisch stated. "She's very athletic and was very
impressive over the summer."
"I'm excited, and I think the girls are excited," Bisch added. "They come to practice every day to get
after it and get better. They know they can't slack off at all, and they are a fun group to watch too."
The program's recent success is not lost on Bisch, who added, "Teams will be excited to play us,
and they are going to be coming after us. I think our girls aren't worried about that, but I think they
recognize there will be a bullseye on them."
The schedule is very tough, as it has been in recent years. Glenwood opens the season next
Tuesday at Quincy before the Edwardsville Tournament next weekend. There will be a number of
strong teams there and the Titans should be able to get a good read on where they stand at that point.
Other tournaments on the schedule are at Glenbard West and Quincy Notre Dame, along with the
Titan Invite Oct. 10.
Chatham Clarion
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Issue Date: Aug. 27, 2009
