’s Hallie Steponaitis had a record-setting start to her senior year and ended it with a state medal. In volleyball, the 6-foot-1 outside hitter put together one of the most dominant seasons in McHenry County history, recording a school-record 565 kills, along with 58 aces, 48 blocks and 172 digs. Steponaitis surpassed 300 kills in her first 22 matches and went over 400 by early October, earning her honors.
Steponaitis’ 565 kills were the 16th most in state history, according to IHSA.org, and represent one of the most dominant offensive seasons in area history. Only Richmond-Burton graduate Ali Frantti tallied more single-season kills among local players when she had 603 during the 2014 season in which she won Gatorade Player of the Year for Illinois.
Steponaitis could not be slowed by opponents, and her outstanding senior year helped the Streaks win their first regional championship in 2006. During the spring, Woodstock’s girls track and field team captured the Kishwaukee River Conference title, and Steponaitis collected the third state medal of her career when she finished fourth in the high jump at the Class 2A state meet. For her achievements, Steponaitis is the 2024 Northwest Herald Female Athlete of the Year.
Crystal Lake Central’s Katie Hamill, Huntley’s Dominique Johnson, Marian Central’s Ella Notaro and Johnsburg’s Caitlyn Casella also were considered. Local orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Rochell will donate $2,500 to Woodstock in Steponaitis’ name thro.
