SBA's Jaegle to play for NCC

ST. BEDE — St. Bede Academy senior Cassie Jaegle has shown that her work in the offseason has really translated her into an all-around player on the volleyball court.

That work has helped Jaegle achieve one of her goals to play volleyball at the college level and continue her education at North Central Illinois College in Naperville on academic scholarship.

“Coach Karen (Kunka) has been to our summer camp, and I got to know her that way,” Jaegle said. “Her and the coaches at St. Bede really challenged me to become an all-around better player, and I think I achieved that.”

Jaegle did just that as she began to get recognized around the state for her service game during her junior year. She stands in the IHSA record books as second all-time with consecutive points served in a match (31), and is tied for seventh all-time for most consecutive points served in a game (20).

It was heading into her senior year that she wanted to develop her play. Jaegle was a first-team selection in the Tri-County Conference and All-BCR in 2007. The St. Bede MVP led the Lady Bruins with 268 kills, 78 digs and 183 points. She was also named to the Tri-County Conference All-Tournament team.

“A willing kid that just loves to play volleyball,” Lady Bruins coach John Fusinatto said. “I think playing club ball helped her take her game to that next level.”

Jaegle looked at some other schools, but said, she really felt comfortable at North Central. The Cardinals were fourth in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin under third-year coach Karen Kunka.

“They also lost four or five seniors on the team, so the chance for me to play, right away, is there,” Jaegle said. “I have to work, but I think I can play as a freshman.”

Jaegle is currently spending her time outside of the classroom playing club ball and improving her game even more.

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