Annie Bart gives Carmel a boost: 'She plays like there's no tomorrow.'
Carmel outside hitter Annie Bart bumps the ball during a match against St. Viator on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. (Brian O'Mahoney / Pioneer Press)
Carmel sophomore outside hitter Annie Bart is just getting started.
Through 13 matches, Bart has been a mainstay in the starting lineup and has been a consistent performer in several statistical categories. She collected a team-high five kills in Carmel’s 25-22, 25-22 win at St. Viator on Sept. 11 — the program’s first East Suburban Catholic Conference victory in nearly two years.
Bart also plays elite-level club volleyball with Sky High Volleyball, but she initially stumbled upon the sport. She credited his aunt, Huntley coach Karen Naymola, for introducing her to volleyball and launching what could prove to be a memorable career.
“I remember going to my aunt’s games,” Bart said. “I can talk about anything with her volleyball-related, and it really helps to have someone like her to lean on and talk to. She knows so much about the game.”
A former collegiate player at Eastern Illinois, Naymola said Bart attended numerous practices when she coached at Hampshire.
“(Annie) got started when she was young and fell in love with the game,” Naymola said. “It’s been an unreal experience just watching her grow as a player. I admire her passion for the game and just dedication to it. She has a passion that is contagious.
“When she plays, when she practices, she brings such an excitement and energy that’s contagious. I can't wait to continue to watch her develop.”
After playing on the freshman team last season due to a vast number of outside hitters on varsity, Bart was promoted to varsity to fill the spot vacated by Erin Taylor. Carmel coach Dave Pazely said Bart simply was caught in a numbers game last season.
“Last year, we had taken a look at her, but we had so many outside hitters and the competition was so deep,” he said. “We had the depth at that position, so we kept her down (on the freshman team). We knew she was a good player. That was never a question, but how much she has improved from last season to this season is night and day.”
In spite of a large crowd at St. Viator, the 5-foot-10 Bart wasn’t affected by the hostile environment. Bart had a key ace to hand the Corsairs a 21-18 lead in Game 1, and after a surge by the Lions, she collected a late block in Game 2.
“I was really excited going into this conference game because I thought we could win it, but I knew it was going to be a hard game,” Bart said.
Junior outside hitter Eileen Tarcha said Bart’s rapid development and uncanny poise are keys to the team’s solid start.
“Annie’s an impact player,” Tarcha said. “I think she’s adjusting really well and has become a key player for us.”
Bart has contributed by playing well on attack, through back-row defense and by providing points on serve. She recently tallied 17 kills in the Corsairs’ final two matches at the Grayslake Central Ram Invite.
“Her ceiling is very high,” Pazely said. “She’s very interested in playing volleyball somewhere in college. You take a kid with that kind of determination and ability and potential, there’s nothing but good things in the future for her.
“She plays like there’s no tomorrow, has a positive energy that’s infectious and does all the little things in practice without having to be asked. Successful teams are made better with players that do things like Annie.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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