Langanis: ‘I’ll never forget’

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CARY – Something felt completely different with this year’s Cary-Grove girls volleyball team, and coach Patty Langanis noticed it last spring.

The Trojans wanted to put in extra time, both in the weight room and on the court, to get better. The players had no problem honing new techniques. They got along well and encouraged one another with an affection only possible through true team chemistry.

Langanis realized that this team’s goals, although lofty, were attainable.

So when Langanis’ team went to the IHSA Class 4A state finals and won C-G’s first team state title, beating Lyons, 25-23, 25-17, in the state championship match, it was a dream realized as much through dedication and love as it was through talent.

“It’s a team I’ll never forget,” Langanis said. “I’ll always remember the things they taught me, the things we accomplished together and how much we liked spending time together.”

For guiding the Trojans through a 38-4 season and for helping them achieve their dreams, Langanis is the Northwest Herald Girls Volleyball Coach of the Year, as selected by the sports staff with input from local coaches.

McHenry coach Jeff Brunstrum, Huntley coach Michelle Jakubow-ski and Crystal Lake Central coach Doug Blundy also were seriously considered for the award, which goes to Langanis for the first time in her 15-year tenure with the Trojans. She is 413-150-2 (.731) during that time.

Langanis won a state title as a high school player in Sturgis, Mich., but said coaching a team to a state championship was far more fulfilling.

“We did this together,” Langanis said. “Obviously, I had a hand in different areas of it and we did a lot of the work together, but I feel so fortunate to share this opportunity with them. When I did it as a player, I enjoyed the experience, but to help create that experience was something really special to me.”

C-G met every goal that it outlined for itself this season, culminating in the state championship. The Trojans won the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division title outright and won regional, sectional and supersectional titles. Of their four losses, only one came against an Illinois team – Hampshire.

The Trojans have had a week to let the magnitude of all they accomplished settle in and now that it has, Langanis is ready to hit the gym again.

“I think we all miss one another now,” she said. “This team was successful in so many ways that I think we all wish we could practice one more time, or play together one more time. It’s strange that we won’t ever be able to.”