Claire Mahoney always seems to be in control where the Lake Forest girls’ volleyball team is concerned.
“She’s a very strong leader for us,” Lake Forest coach Molly Grzesik told the Chicago Tribune. “A setter has to understand everyone’s role on the court.”
Mahoney’s value for the Scouts extends far beyond just her on-court contributions. Her teammates unanimously selected her as one of their captains just two weeks after the team began convening for practice.
Molly Grzesik
| lakeforestschools.org
“That was really special when I learned that,” Mahoney told the Tribune. “It means so much to me, as it shows my teammates respect me and trust me as a leader. It gives me more confidence to lead by example.”
It’s the way Mahoney learned to do things while growing up as a club player for Net Force Volleyball of Waukegan under Coach Bill Eager.
“I got a lot of wisdom on what makes a good team, how you can effectively lead a team,” she said. “Every girl is different in how they need to be led and pushed.”
Mahoney’s leadership was on full display during a recent match against Niles West where she rallied and inspired her team back into contention in a hard-fought two-set loss.
“She said she leads her team when they hear communication from her,” Grzesik said. “It can make a difference in the team pushing to be their best. We tell her and all the captains they are making a presentation each day at practice by how they play.”
For Mahoney, there is just one way to play.
“Staying positive and reinforcing that we need to work hard,” she said. “It’s super important to commit to what you are doing on the court and leading the team as a group.”
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