Naperville Central senior Kate Torti knows the longer the journey, the sweeter it is when the destination is reached.
The 5-foot-3 libero came to that understanding after gradually climbing the ladder before making her varsity debut this season.
“Everyone who enters the program, obviously their ultimate goal is to play on varsity,” Torti said. “So this year being my first (varsity) year and also being my last year in the program has just made it 10 times more special.
“Being a senior on varsity also is just a special role because we get to lead everyone and be a role model for everyone. It’s definitely been a fun experience.”
The Redhawks (22-10, 7-1) are having a lot of fun and need one victory in their final two matches to win the DuPage Valley Conference title. Torti has been one of the main drivers of that effort with her effervescent personality and dogged determination on defense.
“Kate is just a really hard worker,” Naperville Central coach Brie Isaacson said. “I don’t think I can think of a day since our season started where she hasn’t been on the ground, running into the wall, doing all of those things that we ask our kids to do.”
Torti, who has 129 digs and 19 aces this season, is at her best when the Redhawks need it most.
“I’ve put a lot of pressure on our group to be the best it can be, but her in particular just because that’s her role on the team as a libero,” Isaacson said. “She has responsibilities in serving and passing and playing defense, but she also has a big role when we’re out of system.
“When you’re playing good teams, a lot of the game is out of system, and the team that ends up winning the match is who manages those moments the best.”
That’s when Torti thrives.
“I really enjoy playing my position and getting the opportunity to work with all the other girls,” she said. “I feel very honored to be such a crucial aspect because you can’t really get anything else going without the defense.”
Senior right-side hitter Georgia Von Lehmden, a San Jose State commit, has known Torti for years. Von Lehmden was pumped when she learned Torti had made the varsity team.
“Just knowing the kind of person she is outside of volleyball, it’s incredibly amazing to have Kate as a teammate,” Von Lehmden said. “Playing with many different liberos across club and high school, Kate is by far my favorite.
“She gives so much effort in practice, and that is easily reflected in games. She does so much for our team.”
Including things that can’t be measured by statistics.
“She is incredibly selfless,” Von Lehmden said. “She puts others above herself, and when things get crazy on the court, she is extremely steady and regroups everyone and gets everyone in the same head space so we can put emotions aside and win.”
Torti’s steady rise is a sterling example of perseverance.
“We’re not used to something taking so long,” Isaacson said. “Like if you need a question answered, you Google it on your phone and get an immediate response.
“Sometimes that translates over to athletics. If we don’t get what we want immediately, then there must be something wrong, or we’re not as good, or we blame coaches.”
Not Torti.
“Kate is a great example of a kid who just kept working and doing the right things, maybe didn’t get what she wanted exactly when she wanted it, but it didn’t deter her,” Isaacson said.
“When I look at her journey, she’s a great example of sticking with something that you’re really passionate about — because not all things happen fast, and I think that’s an incredible life lesson as our kids navigate through.”
Torti hopes others will follow her lead.
“My advice for everyone that is in a similar situation is to enjoy each year as it is but also continue to keep working really, really hard,” she said. “Because you’re going to end up getting to that spot that you want to be, and it will make it that much more worth it.”
Torti, who aspires to become a physical therapist, will not play volleyball in college. But she leaves the sport with wonderful memories.
“Volleyball has been a great experience,” she said. “But I’m excited to move forward and do new things and use the skills that it’s taught me to be successful later on in life.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
