By Livvi Anderson
As Allie Quigley spoke from a ferry in Seattle, the former Joliet Catholic Academy (JCA) volleyball standout and WNBA star took a moment to reflect on her time as an Angel. Her journey to professional sports might have taken her to arenas across the country, but her roots are firmly planted in Joliet. “The work ethic… it all started at JCA,” Quigley said. “I learned what it means to work hard and be around women who are hard workers.”
The JCA Angels volleyball program has established itself as one of Illinois’ most dominant programs. Known for their resilience and determination, JCA’s volleyball players put in countless hours of practice and conditioning, pushing each other to be the best. “We cared about winning and we always wanted to do better.” Quigley added.
And win she did, as Quigley led JCA to its first volleyball state title as a senior in 2003. Under the guidance of coaches like James Kelly, Connie Smyder, Kathy Major, Christine Scheibe and LaKisha Cameron, JCA ranks among the Top 5 in state history in IHSA state final appearances and trophies. The program is tested annually in the rugged East Suburban Catholic Conference, while also playing in events that draw national competition like the Asics Challenge in Chicago.
Competing at that level requires great athletes, and JCA has a history of producing standouts, with Allie Quigley as one of the brightest stars to have emerged from the school. She credits her JCA days as a pivotal period in her athletic career. “I was surrounded by such talented players,” Quigley said. “We all pushed each other to be better.”
Quigley was not alone in her talent. She shared All-State honors with teammate Maggie Karges during their state title season, while that squad also featured Lauren Las, who went on to play at Harvard. Quigley and company laid a path for future Angel volleyball stars like Samantha Tortollelo and Kelly Murphy to make state runs of their own.
Allie reflected on the community that surrounded her during her high school playing career, “friends, family, everyone came down to watch us play… it was pretty awesome.” The winning tradition at JCA is supported by the community and the hardworking Angels themselves. “It’s not easy to be a JCA player but that’s what made us so good”.
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.