The University of Missouri’s Maizy Agnello has deep roots in volleyball, cultivated from childhood through her mother Hilary’s passion for the sport. Growing up in Crystal Lake, Maizy often witnessed her mom play along Lake Michigan, a continuation of her athletic journey from Penn State. This early exposure instilled a love for volleyball in Maizy.
Labor Day weekend marked a notable date on Maizy’s calendar. She eagerly anticipated the chance to play with her team, the Missouri Tigers, against the top-ranked Nebraska at Wrigley Field during the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week. However, before this important match, Agnello and her teammates visited Oak Street Beach to support former Mizzou player Kylie DeBerg at the AVP League Championship.
Cheering in pinstriped ‘Mizzou’ jerseys, the Tigers created a vibrant presence in the stands. Agnello emphasized the unique bonding experience it provided, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Although DeBerg and her partner Betsi Flint lost in three sets against the Brooklyn Blaze, the event offered inspiration for Agnello’s future beyond college volleyball.
For Agnello, witnessing the AVP championship was an eye-opener about continuing a volleyball career after college, as opportunities in the sport expand. Brandie Wilkerson, Canada’s silver medalist from the 2024 Summer Olympics, emphasized the growing popularity of volleyball, highlighting the significance of the event. Wilkerson, along with Melissa Humana-Paredes, secured a semifinal victory over the Blaze and progressed to Sunday’s final.
Chicago served as a prime AVP tour location for seasoned athletes. Among them was Maizy Agnello, aspiring for a professional future like Kylie DeBerg and Miami Mayhem’s Kelly Cheng, who with Megan Kraft, defeated the San Diego Smash in straight sets.
“It’s special because the crowd that comes out knows volleyball,” said Kelly Cheng, appreciating the knowledgeable Chicago audience.
The competitive day concluded with the New York Nitro’s James Shaw and Chaim Schalk defeating Miami Mayhem’s Andy Benesh and Taylor Crabb in the last match. Shaw relished the Chicago atmosphere, mentioning how passionate locals are about volleyball.
This weekend combined thrilling matches and personal milestones for players like Agnello, who treasures the chance to play at Wrigley Field, connected to childhood Cubs game memories with her father. As the weekend unfolds, players continue to fuel the sport’s growth and inspire future generations.
Andy Martinez contributed the coverage of the AVP League Championship and the broader volleyball events in Chicago.
AVP League Championship at Oak Street Beach Sunday’s Schedule:
- 10 a.m.: Women’s Semifinal — Austin Aces (Taryn Brasher/Kristen Cruz) vs. Miami Mayhem (Kelly Cheng/Megan Kraft)
- 11 a.m.: Men’s Semifinal — Palm Beach Passion (Trevor Crabb/Phil Dalhausser) vs. San Diego Smash (Chase Budinger/Miles Evans)
- 1 p.m.: Women’s Championship — Palm Beach Passion (Melissa Humana-Paredes/Brandie Wilkerson) vs. TBD
- 2 p.m.: Men’s Championship — New York Nitro (Chaim Schalk/James Shaw) vs. TBD