Before entering high school, Marist’s Michael Forbes explored a variety of sports. When reflecting, he easily listed his experiences. “I played everything,” Forbes stated. “I played basketball. I swam. I ran. I did a little football.” Yet he never played volleyball until his freshman year, after other sports faded away. “Some friends invited me to join the volleyball team,” he said, referring to teammates Billy Bochenczak and Drew Fielder. “I thought, ‘Sure, why not?’ Now I love it.”
On Friday, Forbes showcased his passion in the state quarterfinals at Bolingbrook, where he helped the RedHawks progress to the semifinals for the third consecutive year with a 25-22, 25-19 win over Lane Tech. The junior middle hitter contributed six kills. Ball State recruit Briggs Corona led Marist (30-7) with ten kills, while freshman Max DeHoyos added five. Fiedler provided 20 assists. For Lane Tech (27-14), Mohamed Abdelradi and Carver Forsman tallied eight and six kills, respectively. Marist advanced to face Oak Park-River Forest (32-5-1) in the semifinals.
Forbes reflected on why volleyball grabbed his attention. “Volleyball is addicting,” he explained. “I love the pace and the teamwork involved. It’s unlike any other sport.”
Speaking of differences, this Marist team diverges from their past state-championship-winning groups. Forbes, despite starting volleyball as a freshman, didn’t anticipate reaching the state finals. Yet, he believed their collective effort would bring them this far, even after a rough initial practice.
“It was rocky at first,” Forbes recalled. “We just needed to get connected.”
Under Coach Jordan Vidovic’s leadership, Marist aims for a fifth consecutive state championship. While some expect Oak Park-River Forest and Glenbard West to compete in the finals, Vidovic takes pride in Marist’s unexpected journey to the Final Four.
“We didn’t forget what previous teams accomplished,” Vidovic acknowledged. “The current team learned and embraced their roles.”
Team dynamics significantly contributed to their success, even with the loss of 10 seniors. Fiedler, though initially doubtful on paper, reflected the team’s confidence.
“We lost many seniors, but we knew our potential,” he declared.
Michael Forbes, standing at 6-foot-2, entered the state quarterfinals boasting 305 kills, 87 blocks, 151 digs, and 25 aces. This performance earned him first team all-state honors from the Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association, an impressive feat in his third year.
“It’s awesome,” Forbes expressed. “Receiving this recognition was surprising and motivating.”
Looking ahead poses challenges for Marist’s competitors. While they focus on the present, many underclassmen will return next season, likely making them strong contenders. Forbes summed up their mindset.
“We know people doubt us, but we put our heads down and work hard,” he said.
Leave a Reply