Benet’s Claire Weathers weathers all competition

Benet’s junior Claire Weathers knew that the Redwings had a huge hole to fill in the Libero after the graduation of the four -year starter Aniya Warren.

But Weathers was ready to face the coat.

“It is definitely an honor in its place,” she said. “He is someone I admired during the three years when I am here, and it’s just such a good model.

“I learned so much by looking at her and training in the same gymnasium with her for two years.”

Warren, a first -year student at Wisconsin, was the best classified Libero in the country last season. The triple choice of all the States and the double player of Naperville Sun of the year supported the Redwings to three consecutive finalists of the 4A class.

Weathers has been a passionate lining in the past two seasons.

“She occasionally came to the JV court and just encouraged me,” said Weathers. “She was such a good threshing woman and still encouraged passes.

“She was a great busy, so it’s certainly something she would go beyond me.”

If the 5 -foot 9 inch Weathers had an apprehension on the follow -up of the traces of Warren, she did not show it. Benet has a long tradition of exceptional freedom, notably Natalie Canulli, Sheila Doyle, Tiffany Clark, Hattie Monson and Warren.

The possibility of adding to this line is both privilege and pressure.

“I think it is difficult to take someone’s jersey like that, but she did it with nothing other than humility and grace,” said the senior sector Benet Ellie Stiernagle about Weathers. “Every day she showed why she should be Libero and how hard she works.

“Every day, she is in the gymnasium, she tries the hardest of the team. She is the rock for the rear row at the moment, so I think it was just incredible.”

Indeed, the Redwings (21-2) continued to flourish with Weathers bearing the Jersey Libero, which is constantly to be won. Benet’s list includes five other Libes, including Seniors Abby Lee and Erin Johnson, who contribute as defensive specialists. Weathers at 168 excavations and 26 AS, the two summits of the team.

“We rival a lot, whether it is the defense, whether it was a service, and she won these competitions,” said Benet coach Brad Baker. “We put pressure on the gymnasium daily to win.

“You have to be the best to get to the receive, to be the best for defense, and if you dominate in our gymnasium, you can wear this jersey. It was the best.”

Weathers’ rise in power is impressive for a first -year university actor in a program that is stacked with the talent of division I and has high expectations.

“She is one of the new parts, and she continues to feel more comfortable to play with all girls and assume more responsibilities as Libero,” said Baker. “We hope she continues.”

Weathers was loved by Stiernagle, a validation of the northwest, and strikers like Brooklynne Brass, a recruit from Maryland.

“You cannot play volleyball without having a good regular service reception, so it brings a lot of consistency to the rear row,” said Stiernagle. “If she couldn’t do that, I don’t think she could play.

“It is just a great energy. It encourages us every time, and it is really confident.”

Weathers demonstrated that during the victory of Benet 25-11, 25-16 against Downers Grove North during the Wheaton Classic championship match on September 20 at Wheaton Warrenville South. She had eight service points with four of the 12 ASs in the Redwings.

“Coherence is something that I strive, and it is something that I have worked very hard over the years,” said Weathers. “So, once I got my rhythm, I tend to do very well.

“My best strengths are definitely my service receive and my defense. I try to bring this to the field every day. It’s just pleasant to be surrounded by other incredible passers -by and defenders who give me the impression of belonging here. ”

Brass said it was good to have such a reliable defender who can vibrate the offensive.

“He is a very good controller in the rear row,” said Brass. “I have the impression that it digs all the balls that arise and really facilitate the strikers.

“She does a very good job with her death. I always try to encourage her because she is a very good player.”

Time will tell us if Weathers joins the pantheon of great Benet Liberos, but that is its goal.

“Yes, this is definitely something I work towards,” she said. “I just work to improve myself every day, and I am confident in me. I think we can bring this team back to the state. ”

Matt Le Cren is an independent journalist.