AVP League Championship and College Volleyball at Wrigley Field

University of Missouri outside hitter Maizy Agnello has volleyball in her blood. Growing up in Crystal Lake, she watched her mother, Hilary, play near Lake Michigan post her Penn State career. Agnello recalls, “My mom would sometimes play here at the beach. She would play in lower leagues and with her college friend.” Such experiences forged her interest in volleyball, alongside visits to beach games, volleyball matches, and Cubs games.

Agnello had eagerly anticipated Labor Day weekend. Missouri Tigers were set to clash against No. 1 Nebraska at Wrigley Field, featuring in the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge. Before this awaited game, Agnello and her team supported Mizzou alum Kylie DeBerg, playing alongside Betsi Flint at the AVP League Championship at Oak Street Beach. The Tigers donned pinstriped “Mizzou” jerseys, cheering in the bleachers behind the court.

“We’re all there together experiencing this. It’s unforgettable,” Agnello shared. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

DeBerg and Flint battled the Brooklyn Blaze duo, Lexy Denaburg and Julia Donlin, in a quarterfinal match. Despite their loss, Agnello admired DeBerg’s skills after meeting her.

Agnello dreams of a post-college volleyball career, inspired by the AVP championship. “Playing here shows you can continue beyond college,” Agnello said. “Opportunities to play after college keep expanding.”

Brandie Wilkerson, a 2024 Olympic silver medalist with Canada, echoes the enthusiasm for volleyball’s growth. Wilkerson and teammate Melissa Humana-Paredes advanced to Sunday’s final, having defeated the Blaze in the semifinals.

Wilkerson noted, “Volleyball holds a special place, especially in women’s sports. College volleyball has always thrived, and now massive stadiums fill up.”

Chicago represents a premier AVP tour stop for Maizy Agnello, Kylie DeBerg, Kelly Cheng, and partners. Cheng, with teammate Megan Kraft, triumphed over Megan Rice and Geena Urango of San Diego Smash.

Cheng observed, “Chicago’s informed crowd appreciates the sport’s nuances,” enhancing the athletic experience.

The day concluded with an upset by the New York Nitro’s James Shaw and Chaim Schalk over Miami Mayhem’s Andy Benesh and Taylor Crabb.

Shaw cherished Chicago’s passionate volley crowd, expressing his love for playing there.

Agello looks forward to telling her future kids about the Wrigley Field experience, combining her Cubs game memories with volleyball’s growth.
Andy Martinez, a freelance reporter, crafted this Chicago Tribune article.

AVP League Championship At Oak Street Beach

• Sunday’s schedule:
• 10 a.m.: Women’s semifinal — Austin Aces vs. Miami Mayhem
• 11 a.m.: Men’s semifinal — Palm Beach Passion vs. San Diego Smash
• 1 p.m.: Women’s championship — Palm Beach Passion vs. TBD
• 2 p.m.: Men’s championship — New York Nitro vs. TBD