Women's Volleyball

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Nov. 20, 2008

By Mike Koon, Illinois Sports Information

To say the Bazzetta family bleeds orange and blue would be an understatement. Both Bob and Mary Jean Bazzetta graduated from Illinois as did about two dozen in their extended family. From a young age, they would bring their daughters down to see football and basketball games and share their love of the university. All four of their daughters attended Illinois, including Julie, a current freshman.

But the last eight years have been something even more special for the family as first Kathleen, and for the last four years Lizzie, have been starters for the Fighting Illini volleyball team. Saturday is Senior Day at Illinois - a night schools honor four years of hard work and dedication to the program. The day is often emotional, a few times nostalgic, and a chance to play on the home court one last time. Saturday's match with Michigan State will mark the final regular season match that a Bazzetta will be in the line-up at Huff Hall. One last time for the fans to chant "Zetta" when one serves.

"It's definitely flown by," Lizzie said. "I can't believe it's been eight years."

Although there certainly were a lot of Illini in the genes, there wasn't any pressure for Lizzie to follow in her sisters' footsteps.

"She really wanted to play at the highest level she could," Bob Bazzetta said. "Illinois gave her the opportunity to do it. It was a combination of a lot of things. The familiarity with the whole school and how comfortable we were coming down there did help lead it to be the right place for her."

"Having been around here for the four years before I came to school I think helped make me feel comfortable," Lizzie added.

A place to call home

Although Lizzie can't remember exactly the first time she stepped into historic Huff Hall, she has fond memories of the place.

"I don't think any place is going to be able to top Huff," Lizzie said. "I was at the match when Kat and Illinois beat USC. That's one memory I'll never forget from a fan's standpoint. Playing here with all the Stuff Huffs and the great student crowd is something I'll always have. It's been a second home for my entire family coming down here. My extended family comes down here. It's just a place I love to be at."

"Having both Lizzie and Kathleen play at Illinois has bonded all of our girls together," Mary Jean said. "Their friendships crossed over. They played with the same sets of people at different times. The coaching staff has provided a wonderful experience that they felt comfortable with."

Finding a set position

Lizzie Bazzetta will leave Illinois fourth on the school's all-time assists list with more than 3,700. Much has changed for Bazzetta from coming in as a freshman to her strong leadership role this season.

From the beginning, she became close friends with the incumbent setter, Stephanie Obermeier who played a key role in her development.

"Starting out freshman year I just wanted to be able to contribute," Lizzie said. "I started out the year playing back row some times. I was thrown in there as a hitter when we had some injuries and I passed until I started setting. I was best of friends with Steph Obermeier and still am. That helped my transition. She was great."

Once settled in the position, Lizzie was determined to do whatever it took to help the team win.

"My freshman year was a real transition time," she said. "I worked every day with Kevin and Flynn and the rest of the coaches with my setting technique. Besides that, I've learned so much about the game. It's a lot more than setting a good ball. There's understanding the system that Kevin wants us to run and getting the right hitters in the right positions to win games."

After converting from a right side hitter, Bazzetta made her first start on Oct. 7, 2005 and continued as Illinois' main setter in 2006, ranking sixth in the conference in assists per game (13.64) and earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and All-Tournament accolades at the Marquette Kickoff event.

Each year has been different for Bazzetta. As a junior, she shared time with freshman Hillary Haen while earning All-Tournament at the State Farm Illini Classic. It was then that she began to really emerge as a leader on the team.

"I tried to be to Hillary what Steph was to me, somewhat of a mentor."

Heading into the 2008 season, Illinois had an extended spring thanks to an overseas trip to Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. It also meant running the 6-2 system with both Haen and Bazzetta sharing the setter's role.

"The coaches felt that each of us had strengths and if we could combine those strengths, we were going to be better off as a team," Lizzie said.

Besides seeing the transition of her role, Lizzie has also seen the evolution of the Illini program back into a national contender. With a 21-7 overall record and third-place conference standing, Illinois is primed for a return to the NCAA Tournament.

"I don't think I could have asked for a better last season," she said. "I'm not ready for it to end yet. All the hard work that the core of this team has put in since last January is now paying off. It's more than I could ask for in terms of how I want to go out."

Turning the page

Although Lizzie and the Illini will likely have an extended season this year, come some time just before Christmas a chapter will be closed and another opened for Lizzie and the rest of the family.

"Eight years is a long time, but it's been fun," Bob said. "We've made a lot of road trips. It has given us a new connection to the university and influenced my youngest to go to Illinois. We've also had eight years of parents -- some that were here before, some that came in after us, but they've been great."

"For eight years, every weekend has been scheduled for you," Mary Jean said. "I can't imagine next year just coming down a couple of times. I'm probably going to have to develop some other hobbies."

"I don't know what life is going to be like without volleyball," Lizzie said. "Club was very intense all through high school and that competitiveness has continued in college. Next semester I don't know what I'm going to do with all my time. I'm definitely going to stay in shape. I'm still contemplating going on a European tour, but I think I need to take some time to see what it's like away from volleyball. I have a feeling I'm going to miss it."

The future is bright for Lizzie, though. A top-notch student and Academic All-Big Ten honoree will apply to physician assistant school and medical schools with plans to pursue a career in the healthcare field. Still, Bazzetta has helped leave a legacy for Illinois volleyball that will last for years to come.

"I'm proud to say I'm part of where Illinois volleyball is headed," she said, "Because I think they are really going places in the future."