Julia O’Keefe, a freshman at St. Laurence, has a notable mentor in the art of setting. Her father, Ed O’Keefe, served as Mount Carmel’s setter in 1992 when boys volleyball gained recognition from the Illinois High School Association. One of his teammates was Donovan McNabb, who went on to play as an NFL quarterback. Ed, with a background in college-level play and coaching, continues to coach in club circuits. Julia began her setting journey in fourth grade, shadowing her father. “I followed in his footsteps,” she shared. “We worked together a lot, setting in the gym and sometimes in our backyard.”
The dedication paid off for O’Keefe as she made a strong varsity debut. On Monday night, she helped lead the Vikings to a 25-17, 25-16 nonconference win over Lincoln-Way West in Burbank. Standing 5-foot-10, she contributed to 15 of St. Laurence’s 18 kills, also recording a kill, a block, and an ace. Aubrey Martinez, committed to Ball State, and Abby Ambrose each had six kills. In contrast, Lincoln-Way West, led by Emma Novotny’s four kills, struggled, surrendering 17 points due to errors in hitting and serving.
Teammates praised O’Keefe’s performance. “Absolutely amazing,” said Martinez, who also had four aces. “Working with her is great. I’m so proud, especially in this first game. You can’t tell she’s a freshman.” Martinez noted O’Keefe’s consistency in practice and during the match. “Her sets are beautiful,” Martinez added.
St. Laurence coach Ellen Yopchick was well aware of O’Keefe’s potential. Julia had thrived in eighth grade at St. Barnabas under her father’s coaching. Last November, O’Keefe played in Burbank, taking part in the Diggin’ For A Cure Tournament at St. Laurence. “She’s calm and collected,” Yopchick said. “She brings a high volleyball IQ and is a true competitor. She prioritizes her teammates in everything she does.”
O’Keefe is the fourth freshman Yopchick has promoted to varsity during her career. “It’s important they are ready emotionally and physically,” Yopchick remarked. “Julia was prepared.” Despite a loud home crowd, O’Keefe handled her role with poise. “There were definitely nerves,” she admitted. “It means you are excited, so it was great.”
Over the summer, O’Keefe earned AAU All-American honors as her club team ranked fifth nationally in Indianapolis. “I was surprised,” O’Keefe said. “I didn’t think anyone from our team would get it because we finished fifth. It was thrilling.” O’Keefe’s future looks promising, and she values the support from teammates and coaches at St. Laurence. “I love it,” O’Keefe said. “The girls are welcoming. They don’t make me feel like a freshman. My coaches and teammates push me and believe in me.”
Jeff Vorva reports freelance for the Daily Southtown.