Marian's Gilleland poised beyond her years

Abby Gilleland, a junior at Marian Central, will be returning for a second year as the Hurricanes’ starting volleyball setter. (Amanda Schwengel – aschwengel@nwherald.com)

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

WOODSTOCK – Abby Gilleland didn’t seem like a sophomore last fall.

The Marian Central volleyball standout had the poise and calm of a varsity veteran, taking over an offense that reached the IHSA Class 3A supersectionals a year before.

Gilleland was so masterful in setting up Marian hitters last season that it prompted opposing coaches and fans to recheck the roster.

Yep. Just a sophomore.

“It was hard for people to believe because she always handled herself with so much maturity for her age,” Marian coach Laura Watling said. “ ... And I think she’s gotten even smarter since last year.”

Gilleland said after summer camp last week that her court vision feels sharper. On a team that might be underrated this season, she expects her setting responsibilities to be less daunting than they were last fall.

There was some nervousness behind the poise, even if no one saw it.

Gilleland played under the guise of someone older for years, routinely setting for teams an age group older than her own during club volleyball seasons with Sky High. Playing against older competition challenged Gilleland to assert herself as a leader.

Still, Gilleland assumed she would be second-guessed. She said the reservations caused her to play cautiously when she is most comfortable being an aggressor.

“I had to feel like they were accepting me before I felt completely comfortable,” Gilleland said. “Once I felt more comfortable, I fell into my role.”

By midseason, about the time Marian took on Crystal Lake South in a nonconference match, Gilleland shed the shy play.

It ended up being a watershed match for Gilleland, her teammates’ respect seeming to come in conjunction with her decision to play more aggressively.

“That match was so competitive and I felt like [during] that game, everyone was on the same page,” Gilleland said. “I felt like I opened up.”

There won’t be a comfort curve this year. Gilleland is past that.

This summer Gilleland was named the MVP at the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships in late June, a tournament her Sky High 16 Black team won.

It is one of many experiences on Gilleland’s résumé she hopes will help her be a consummate leader on a Hurricanes team with a solid mix of veterans and newcomers.

“Getting the MVP award was very humbling,” Gilleland said. “I assumed it would go to one of our hitters. I was really surprised.

“The leadership role is kind of in my personality. ... I feel like being able to bring the national experience will benefit the whole team. As long as I’m calm, it will help keep the whole team relaxed.”

Watling already has noticed Gilleland instilling her signature poise in Marian’s new varsity players.

“She is sharing ideas on and off the court,” Watling said. “Her communication with the team so far has been outstanding.”