Warren’s Ruth Ziegler could have waited to make her college choice.

However, when Ziegler spent some time in Normal before the start of her junior season, she knew Illinois State was the place for her.

“Everything about ISU really stood out for me — from the facilities to the players and, of course, the coaches,” Ziegler said. “I really loved the coaches and entire atmosphere.”

Despite having an important decision out of the way, the 6-foot-3 Ziegler didn’t rest on her laurels during her senior season.

Ziegler, the 2023 News-Sun Girls Volleyball Player of the Year, finished with 339 kills, 163 digs, 45 aces and 19 blocks at outside hitter, a new position, as the Blue Devils (26-11) reached a Class 4A sectional championship match this season.

Ziegler, who had been a middle hitter, had 249 kills and 51 blocks as a junior.

“We transitioned Ruth to the outside this season, and the success of her year speaks to her versatility as a volleyball player,” Warren coach Yun Chen said.

Ziegler, an All-North Suburban Conference pick, credited her teammates.

“I had some ups and downs at times this year, but I know a lot of that came from being closely watched by opposing teams,” she said. “Thankfully, my teammates came through so we could spread the load around.”

Junior outside hitter Lauren Schilz, who had 174 kills, is one of those teammates who helped make the Blue Devils’ offensive attack more balanced.

“Everyone really keyed on Ruth all season, so we tried to help take some of the pressure off,” Schilz said. “She’s so strong and powerful that it didn’t matter that teams put their best blockers on her because she could usually hit over or through them. It was fun playing with someone so talented.”

Chen had a front-row seat for Ziegler’s development from a wide-eyed freshman to one of the top players in the state.

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“To be on this journey with Ruth has been just amazing, but more importantly than to see her growth as a volleyball player was to see her grow as a young lady,” he said. “She’s such a great person.

“On the court, we haven’t had many more talented players here at Warren than Ruth. We are going to miss her.”

The Blue Devils went 88-38 with a pair of regional titles during Ziegler’s four seasons. Her high school career ended with Warren’s loss to North Suburban Conference rival Libertyville in a sectional final.

“I’m proud of what this team has accomplished this season against some really good competition,” Ziegler said. “We made sure every team we played worked hard to beat us.”

Ziegler can set her sights on her future at Illinois State after signing her national letter of intent. She expected the letters and phone calls from college programs would end after she verbally committed, but there will always be a demand for a player with her skills.

“Yeah, the stuff kept coming, but I didn’t mind too much because I was happy with my choice,” she said. “I guess that just showed I was wanted, and that’s always a good feeling to have.”

Darren Day is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.