Peg Kopec (right) has built the St. Francis High School Girls Volleyball team into one of the most recognizable programs in not only Illinois, but the nation. Kopec is the all-time leader in state history in coaching victories, and also ranks in the Top 10 nationally. She is the only coach in St. Francis history and has amassed over 1,200 career victories since beginning the program in 1974. That total also includes 11 state titles. The Spartans made their 19th state final appearance in 2014 and when Kopec was asked if reaching the state tournament “ever gets old” she provided perspective on what she hopes the accomplishment means to her players in both the short- and long-term:

"It never gets old. We are so excited to be here!

This weekend will be one of the thrills of these young ladies lives.

I hope it isn’t the thrill of their life.

But I hope it’s in the top 10."