Libertyville’s Sesi Shines as Volleyball Team Reaches State Semifinals

In August, Libertyville’s senior outside hitter, Carsen Sesi, faced uncertainty about her volleyball future. She had not played a prominent role the previous season, even as the Wildcats advanced to a Class 4A supersectional. “It was toward the end of the summer, and honestly, probably when school started, and I hadn’t decided whether I wanted to play,” Sesi explained. “It was a huge decision whether I wanted to keep doing this. It made me question whether I’m good enough to do this or do I have the potential to drive myself.”

Fortunately, Sesi proved to be instrumental for her team. She became a top hitter for the Wildcats, who boast a 39-1 record as they prepare to face Joliet West (37-3) in the state semifinals at CEFCU Arena. Sesi’s performance includes 243 kills, 33 blocks, and 67 digs, making her a key player when it matters most.

“She wasn’t fully in the rotation last year, so this was her experience,” Libertyville coach Greg Loika said. “It’s really indicative that patience pays off, and she’s been excellent all season long. When she and junior outside hitter Emmi Zovistoski are hitting well and attacking aggressively, we’re just really tough to stop.”

The Wildcats, advancing to the state semifinals for the first time since 2014, have beaten every team they faced, losing only once to Lake Zurich — a loss they avenged twice, notably in the Lake Zurich Sectional championship. Sesi’s nine kills were pivotal in the Wildcats’ 25-19, 25-23 victory.

Reflecting on this achievement, Sesi stated, “They got us on their best day, so I entered that game with the mindset that the previous result didn’t matter. I felt like that was a team and result I wanted to avenge, and this is for my senior season. I left everything on the court.”

Sesi’s clutch performances continued with the Wildcats’ 25-20, 25-20 win over St. Charles North in the Fremd Supersectional, closing out both sets with decisive kills. She elaborated, “At the end of both, they were kind of coming back on us. I felt like, ‘No, this is ending now. If I’m getting the ball, this is going down. This is for my team and for my season.’”

Libertyville’s Carsen Sesi is pictured spiking the ball past Lake Zurich’s Sage Olson during the Class 4A Lake Zurich Sectional championship match. (Brian Hill / Daily Herald)

Engaging with her teammates inspired Sesi to recommit to volleyball. “It really took me to be interacting with the girls,” she said. “I love this team, and I love the girls on this team. It made me want to work hard for myself because I knew I had the support from my coaches and the girls wanted to see me succeed.”

Sesi began playing volleyball in eighth grade, later than many of her peers, which meant she had much to learn. “I’ve always had to work super hard,” Sesi said. “Last year, I was disappointed not playing much, but I knew I had a role to fill — being a supportive teammate and working my hardest.”

Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. “There’s been a lot of talent around the last few years, but we always knew how good she could be,” said Libertyville junior middle hitter Vivian Lang. “She’s improved a ton. One thing that really makes her successful is that she’s really versatile. She has a lot of different types of shots. She hits deep. She hits long.”

This weekend, Sesi and the Wildcats aim to bring their A-game to the state tournament in Normal.

Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.