July 1, 2009

Oak Brook's Shannon Pitsch never forgot being reminded that she lacked the physical attributes of the prototypical NCAA Division I volleyball player.

Generally, when people tell me I can't do something, I like to prove them wrong," Pitsch said.

Oak Brook's Shannon Pitsch (right) set Bucknell University volleyball program records for assists in a career (3,597) and one season (1,199). (Photo courtesy of Marc Hagemeier/Bucknell Athletic Communications)Pitsch will now be remembered as the greatest setter for Division I Bucknell University (Lewisburg, Pa.) after completing her career as a four-year starter and two-year co-captain.

Pitsch -- a Fenwick graduate listed at 5-foot-9 -- set school records for career assists (3,597) and assists in one season (1,199 in 2006), and finished third in career aces (136). Since she was the lone setter on the court most of her career, Pitsch also had to hold her own with blocking at the net.

For the complete article by Bill Stone in the Chicago Sun Times/Clarendon Hills Edition click here