In the spring, during the club season, Hampshire’s Elizabeth King committed to Illinois-Chicago.
It has unlocked something inside of her.
Free from the pressure of trying to impress college scouts, the self-proclaimed quietest kid on her 14U team a few years ago has come out of her shell and is letting it be known this season.
“Now, every time I play, I literally think to myself, ‘I am a D-I volleyball player,’” King said. “I’m going to kick some butt every time.”
The senior outside hitter didn’t have one of her signature performances for the Whip-Purs in Thursday’s 25-13, 25-20 Fox Valley Conference win at Dundee-Crown, but she still set the tone.
King led both teams with six kills and added an ace and a block for Hampshire (5-0, 4-0). Katelyn Petterson served five aces and added three kills. Lily Ingve notched three blocks.
Erin Bruce paced Dundee-Crown (1-3, 1-3) with four kills.
Hampshire coach Omar Cortez has noticed the difference in King’s mentality so far this season.
“I think the biggest thing is playing with a little more confidence,” Cortez said. “The pressure of wanting to commit, wanting to play well, it puts pressure on her.
“This year, one of the biggest things I told her is to go out there and be who you are. You’re committed. You don’t have to worry about those things anymore.”
King committed back in March to UIC and immediately felt different. From then on, the once-quiet King started to become the alpha that was in her all along.
“I was less nervous about playing and college coaches watching me,” King said. “The rest of the club season after committing, it was like, ‘Ok, just play volleyball. Be yourself. You’re fine. You’re a good volleyball player.’”
Even King is surprised that she committed so close to home. Like many high school seniors, the lure of hitting the road on your own has its appeal. UIC just happened to win her over.
“I told myself I was going to get out of here,” King said. “I was going to go to Florida, California, Hawaii, furthest I possibly could
“UIC, I love the coaches. They are my personality. I love the team. I’m really excited.”
King tallied three kills and a block Thursday as the Whip-Purs raced to a big win in the first game. Dundee-Crown shook that off, however, and started off the second game up 7-4.
Although Hampshire was able to rally for the win, for first-year coach Patty Langanis, that’s a sign of progress from the young Chargers.
“We’re really focused every week on taking strides forward,” Langanis said. “Hampshire is an incredibly talented team and they’re firing from all positions. We didn’t have much to lose.
“This was a true test. If we can battle Hampshire, then I think we can get some more wins in the Fox Valley.”
The confidence that King is exuding also has extended to the rest of the team.
In addition to King’s college commitment, Kylie Lambert (Arkansas Tech) and Anna Schiltz (Morehead State) also have found their future homes.
The struggles that Hampshire encountered at times last fall have started to fade with experience.
“Last year, we doubted ourselves a little bit during matches,” Cortez said. “I think we’re learning how to play with a little more confidence now. We don’t panic when we get into tight situations.”
Hampshire is already making waves in the first two weeks of the season, which hasn’t come as a surprise to King. With the lofty expectations she has, this is expected.
“We’ve honestly grown together as a team on and off the court,” King said. “We’re best friends off the court. We’re reaching state. I see it in like big letters. I just see it, so I’m really excited.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
