Addie Roesch Continues Volleyball Journey at Parkland College with Familiar Faces and Coaches
By FRED KRONER
The transition from high school athlete to college athlete usually involves a major transition.
For St. Joseph-Ogden senior Addie Roesch, it will simply be more of the same.
The Parkland College volleyball recruit will continue practicing in a gymnasium where she has worked out for more than half a decade.
“I started playing volleyball at age 11 for the Prime Time Volleyball Club,” Roesch said. “All of my Prime Time practices were at Parkland College and a lot of the coaches were current players at Parkland during the time.
“Last year was the year that my dreams from age 11 became reality when I received the offer to play at Parkland with some of my best friends that I have been playing with for years.”
Roesch didn’t need time to contemplate the offer.
“I knew that if I got an offer from Parkland that it would be an obvious decision,” she said. “I had been practicing at Parkland for years. I was able to make friendships with players that went through Parkland during my time playing Prime Time.”
Not only is she accustomed to the gym, but she also knows what to expect from the Cobras’ head coach, Cliff Hastings.
“Cliff Hastings had been my coach since I was 12,” Roesch said, “so the answer was obvious, Parkland is the place for me.”
She doesn’t yet know what place she will have on the court. An outside hitter at SJ-O, Roesch could remain there at the collegiate level or transform into a defensive specialist.
“When I arrive at Parkland in the fall, I know that I will be playing the role of a team player,” Roesch said.
Whatever her role, she recognizes the need for improvement in order to be a major contributor.
“There is always room for improvement in volleyball,” Roesch said. “For me, I would like to improve my vertical and my arm swing.
“These are two key aspects that will help me contribute to the team.”
Roesch was introduced to volleyball long before she joined the Prime Time program.
“I had been playing volleyball in the yard for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I remember my parents (Dave and Julie Roesch) buying me multiple volleyballs so I could work on hitting on my backyard volleyball net.
“I had loved going to the high school volleyball games as a little girl and I knew that I wanted to play on the SJ-O court someday.”
She appreciates that volleyball offers athletes a chance to get on the court even if they are not outstanding in every aspect of the sport.
“I love volleyball because it is a team sport with many unique positions,” Roesch said. “Someone could be a terrible setter but still be able to play at the highest level.
“In volleyball you don’t need to be skilled at everything and each player is able to have their one special thing that makes them successful.”
For Roesch, versatility was the key throughout her four-year prep career with the Spartans.
“Addie led our team in digs (215), kills (285) and aces (64) this past season,” SJ-O coach Abby McDonald said. “She has contributed heavily to our varsity success since her sophomore year (84-20 cumulative record during those three seasons).
“She is a great leader on and off the court and we know she will continue to do great things for her Parkland team next season.”
Roesch also had 24 blocks, 12 assists and a .294 hitting efficiency as a senior for a 29-6 squad.
As a junior on a 28-9 team, Roesch was an all-Illini Prairie Conference second-team selection.
Her recruitment to Parkland didn’t follow what many would consider the typical path.
She received her offer a year ago during her 17-and-under season.
“My future Parkland coach has been my coach at Prime Time for many years already,” Roesch said. “I asked Cliff to meet with me before one of my practices and I had a conversation about the college recruitment process and what kinds of schools I wanted to look into.
“He was so supportive and encouraged me to reach out to other coaches to find the perfect fit for me.”
The conversation was memorable for another reason.
“He also offered me a spot on the Parkland volleyball team,” Roesch said. “I knew that I wanted to stay in the area because I have a very tight-knit family and I am not quite ready to leave them.
“I also love the size of Parkland and the atmosphere that the volleyball program provides. I didn’t have much desire to go through the whole recruiting process because I already knew that Parkland was where I belong.”
Hastings and assistant coach Ron Hoppe-Hastings have turned the Parkland volleyball program into one of the nation’s elite.
During their 15-year tenure, Parkland has won 91.9 percent of its volleyball matches (735 of 800) and reached the NJCAA Division II Final Four 11 consecutive years.
A three-time National Coach of the Year, Cliff Hastings directed Parkland to championship seasons in 2021, 2016 and 2015 as well as runner-up seasons in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2014 and 2013.
Last year’s squad finished fifth at nationals with a 46-6 overall record.
Roesch’s development can be attributed to the time she has devoted to the sport.
“Practicing and playing in club volleyball tournaments year ‘round was key in making me the player that I am today,” she said. “My parents have played a key role in my volleyball career as well.
“They have supported me through every step and they have spent countless hours playing with me in the yard, driving me to tournaments, spending weekends in convention centers watching me and my team play, and they have never stopped encouraging me.”
Roesch has been on the Prime Time Blue team throughout her time with the club program. She will see a number of familiar faces when the Parkland team gathers in August.
“Many of my teammates have stayed the same and will be joining me at Parkland in the fall,” Roesch said. “It is super cool to be able to stay with the same group of girls for so many years.
“My teammates have become my best friends and a key part of the game of volleyball for me.”
She is also anxious to meet the Parkland players she does not yet know.
“I would love to improve my volleyball skills, but I would also love to make new friends and branch out,” Roesch said. “I cannot wait to contribute to the team both on and off the court.
“I’m excited to have new teammates and the opportunity to contribute to a successful program.”
Because of Hastings’ involvement with the Prime Time team, he cannot comment on recruits from the club until the current season ends in June.
Roesch is also making plans for her future beyond volleyball. She intends to major in radiology technology.
“I would like to specialize in ultrasounds and sonograms,” she said. “In 10 years, I see myself working in a hospital helping and comforting patients during their necessary medical imaging.”
Roesch played basketball through her freshman season at SJ-O before deciding to specialize in volleyball.
“I enjoy the team aspect of volleyball and I also love how intense the play is,” he said. “I love the fast pace of volleyball and how much energy radiates on the court and on the sidelines.
“I would say that my strengths are maintaining energy and intensity throughout the games. In volleyball, energy is such an important aspect to keep the team going, especially because volleyball is a game of mistakes.
“I enjoy the excitement of good plays. Physically, one of my favorite parts of the game is serve-receive. It is so rewarding to pass a perfect ball from a tough serve.”
She is content knowing that her collegiate home is only a short distance from her hometown.
“I am so glad to be staying close to home,” Roesch said. “I love the idea of coming home for family dinners and being able to see my family while still having a fun college experience.
“I am excited to move out and live with my teammates, but I am so close with my family that I could not go too far.”
Parkland is scheduled to open the 2024 season on Aug. 23 at a three-day tournament in Rockford.
