Chyla Jukes is not your typical 13-year-old.
Not only is she already in high school after starting kindergarten early, she is playing a key role for Mother McAuley’s varsity volleyball team.
On Sept. 24 at McAuley, she got her introduction to arguably Illinois’ greatest rivalry in any girls sport: McAuley vs. Marist volleyball.
“I saw the crowd and was like, ‘Oh my gosh,’” Jukes said. “But once I got in the game, I was completely fine. My team supported me through all of it.”
Jukes had back-to-back kills in the first set to help give the Macs a lead over the RedHawks. The Mighty Macs went on to win 25-17, 17-25, 25-22.
One of the players to help Jukes get through the big moment was senior captain Cayla Prohaska, who finished with 14 kills and seven assists.
“She is a really good role model for me,” Jukes said. “She is never in her head. And seeing Cayla motivates me (to believe) since she can do it, I can do it.”
“She’s amazing,” Prohaska said. “Her coming in and being able to have that confidence and that attitude starting off right away swinging big is something that is rare for a freshman.
McAuley (17-1 after a win over St. Laurence on Sept. 25) has a rich volleyball history of success on the court. One reason is its Big Sister-Little Sister program. This year, Jukes and Prohaska just so happen to be paired up.
“We match kids up, younger kids to older kids,” McAuley coach Jen DeJarld said. “Cayla looks out for Chyla and helps her with whatever she needs.”
Not having a practice since their road trip to Las Vegas might have played a role in the RedHawks’ loss. But they are not too worried.
“We haven’t practiced since we got back,” Marist coach Jordan Vidovic said. “We learned so much this weekend. We’re really excited to now get a chance to look at all that stuff, and this game too, and figure stuff out.”
Just like the Macs, Marist (15-3 after the McAuley loss) had a senior-freshman duo making an impact: senior right side Savanah Weathers (15 kills, three blocks, eight digs) and freshman setter Haven Enselman (35 assists, eight digs).
“Haven is really learning to handle that level,” Vidovic said. “She started to bring it out when we needed it. Weathers carries huge responsibility, and has a great demeanor. Her presence really helps out the other players a lot.”
DeJarld noted how much Jukes has taken from not just Prohaska but all her teammates. This has played a role in her development and more Mac victories.
“Chyla has a lot of respect for every girl on this team,” DeJarld said. “She knows she is the young one and follows their lead.”
Jukes heard a lot coming into the game about the McAuley-Marist matchups from her teammates. Now she can’t wait for more matchups where the game is on the line.
“I think I play better under pressure,” Jukes said. “It gives me the motivation to put the ball down. I am like, ‘We’re winning this and I am going to do everything I need to help win this rally.'”