Built by Fred Rakers in the 1980’s, for over five decades the Mater Dei volleyball program has been a cornerstone of athletic excellence, community spirit, and the fostering of deep, family-like bonds among players and coaches. This legacy is not only one of state championships, eight to be exact, and competitive success, but also a culture that prioritizes consistency, fairness, and resilience—values instilled by Fred Rakers, the program's founder, and continued by his son, Chad Rakers.
When asked about the secret to Mater Dei's long-standing success, Chad Rakers highlighted the importance of "consistency and fairness," values that his father preached and lived by from the beginning. According to Chad, “Being consistent and fair means being honest with your players about their roles, their performance, and their growth. You can’t let anything like favoritism or outside influences overshadow effort and skill." This unwavering commitment to fairness and integrity has been instrumental in creating a program where players trust the process and one another.
Fred Rakers debuted as the Mater Dei head coach during the 1976-77 season, when the squad finished with a 9-8 record. The program has never had a season where they finished below .500 since. Two years after his inaugural campaign the Lady Knights made their first IHSA state final appearance and brought home a fourth-place trophy. Fred would go on to collect 14 state final trophies in his career, including six championships before retiring after the 2010-11 school year.
Initially uncertain if he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, Chad discovered a passion for coaching during his time as a student-teacher. His early experiences in coaching were humbling, yet he found joy in watching young athletes develop both on and off the court.
Chad describes how his father gradually handed over responsibilities, starting with offensive duties, then defensive ones, until Chad was ready to manage the entire program. When he took the reins from his father in 2011, he brought his own energy and coaching style while honoring the program’s established traditions. The smooth transition of leadership was underscored by their strong working relationship. Chad recalls the adjustment period, noting, “The first year working together was tough. We had to learn to listen to each other. But once we did, we became a great team, and the results showed.” Together, they secured two consecutive state championships, one with Fred “at the helm” followed by another in Chad’s first year as head coach.
Fred Rakers passed away from cancer in 2014, leaving behind one of the most decorated coaching legacies in IHSA history. Chad reflected, “obviously it is still a big hole on the bench for me, but he's such a piece of the program. I always think about what he would do? Dad, what would you do in this situation? How would he handle this? Is this the right move? …he's been a piece of it the entire time. He's always on my mind as far as how to run things.”
Chad continued his fathers legacy and long-term goals for the team, to be a family. This isn’t just a catchy slogan, it’s a guiding principle that prioritizes players' well-being and development as people over performance on the court. Chad explains, “Family first has always been our policy… that always comes first. It's so much more important than any game. I don't care if it's a playoff game, there are things you can't get back and big moments are big moments.
The sense of community extends to the larger Mater Dei family, which gathers every year for the annual "Pink Out" game, a rivalry match against neighboring Breese Central. This game, which raises money for families in the community affected by cancer, originated in the early 2000s and has since become a meaningful tradition. “There’s always someone in the community who needs help,” Chad says. “With a full gym of supporters, we’re able to raise money that goes directly to families in need. It’s our way of giving back and teaching the girls that part of being in this program is using their skills to help others.” Chad's personal connection to the cause, having lost both his parents to cancer, adds an emotional depth to this annual event.
Perhaps one of the most unique traditions in the Mater Dei program is the “Winner’s Creed,” a short motivational creed that Fred Rakers introduced in the 1980s. The players recite it together before every game as a reminder of their strength and unity. “Before every game, we pray, then recite the Winner’s Creed. It’s been our mantra for years, reminding the girls that no matter what obstacles they face, they can overcome them if they believe in themselves and each other,” Chad shares. The creed, displayed on the wall in memory of Fred Rakers, serves as a testament to the program’s deep roots and enduring values.
The Rakers legacy extends beyond trophies and titles. While the championships have been significant milestones, Chad emphasizes that the true reward of coaching comes from witnessing his former players’ successes in life. “I feel it most when I get to see my old players,” he says. “Seeing them grow, seeing what they’ve done with their lives—it’s incredible. Whether it’s a wedding, a new family, or even watching their own kids play, those moments mean the most to me.”
Through all the wins and losses, Mater Dei volleyball has consistently upheld the principles of hard work, respect, and camaraderie. While Chad stepped down from coaching in 2023, he ensured a smooth handover by training his assistant coaches, all former Mater Dei players who understand and appreciate the unique culture he and his father cultivated. His intention was to create a sense of continuity, one that will preserve the legacy of Mater Dei volleyball well into the future. Coincidentally, Mater Dei secured a State Championship that same year.
For the Rakers family and the generations of Mater Dei volleyball players, this program has always been about more than just sports. It’s a lifelong bond, a commitment to excellence, and a community of support that extends beyond the court. As Chad put it simply, “When you believe in yourself and each other, you can achieve great things. And that’s something that goes well beyond volleyball.”
This story is a part of the IHSA celebration of the first 50 years of the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Series. Click here for more on the Top 50 programs during the first 50 years.
