By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Emerson Spiez was curious about a change.

After emerging as a talented setter throughout middle school, she became interested with the idea of making a position switch and eyed becoming a defensive specialist.

Her heart was there and she also had a club coach who was willing to listen. He offered Spiesz the chance to experiment with the opportunity and what they soon realized was that Spiesz excelled in the libero role.

The opportunity also allowed Spiesz to accelerate her chance to play varsity volleyball for Aurora.

As a freshman, the depth chart was deep with talent and it is likely that Spiesz would have been trapped behind other talented players.

Instead, as the team’s defensive specialist, she was able earn a spot on the court immediately.

It has been a perfect match ever since.

Now a junior, Spiesz was a critical component to the team’s Suburban League American Conference championship last season. She totaled 342 digs in 2023. She has 331 more this year and has already celebrated a milestone with 1,000 career digs, with more games remaining this year and all of her 2025 senior season still ahead.

This year, Spiesz’s numbers include 331 digs.

All of it comes as no surprise to head coach Katie Cicione.

“Emerson brings immense value to our program and volleyball community as a whole,” Cicione said. “She has a mature and wise voice that sets a strong example for others. By holding herself to a high standard, she pushes everyone around her to work harder, aligning with a core value of our program.

“Emerson is also an outstanding role model,” Cicione added. “For instance, after playing Kent Roosevelt last week, she noticed an athlete who had been injured during the match. After the game, Emerson rallied the entire varsity team to go under the net, give the Kent player a high five and wish her a speedy recovery.”

It comes down to the fact that volleyball is more than just a sport for Spiesz.

It captured her heart a long time again. Back when she was very young, and her family would take trips to California to watch her cousins play high-level club volleyball.

It sparked Spiesz’s desire to be like them, and she started playing when she was 6.

“Once I started playing, I knew I found the sport I loved,” Spiesz said. “I loved atmosphere and my teammates. I used to also be very big into soccer, and I loved soccer, too, but when I got to high school, I knew I wanted to only play volleyball.”

Aurora’s volleyball program instantly benefitted.

“I started at Aurora when Emerson was a sophomore, and I have witnessed her tremendous growth as both an athlete and leader,” Cicione said. “In just my second year here, it is clear that she is leading our program toward excellence. She knows that her role extends beyond being an athlete. She’s a key role model for the program and isn’t afraid to use her voice when we need her most. The high standard she holds, not only for our program, but for me as her coach, has truly made our program stronger.”

Even from a position on the court that can oftentimes get overlooked.

“The focus tends to be on dominant offensive players, however, every point begins with defense and Emerson is crucial to ours,” Cicione said. “She covers a significant portion of the court, allowing our offense to operate at a high level because we can count on her. Emerson also brings a determined mindset — often vocalizing that no ball should go untouched, which sets the tone for our team’s defensive effort each game.”

The power of change.