York's Rose always played big

There stood York's four senior volleyball players, dressed up as the main characters from the Wizard of Oz for a homecoming decoration in the school's main hallway.

It's appropriate.

This group has guided the Dukes program on quite a magical Yellow Brick Road these last four years.

Since 2008 York has won 30 or more matches every year. The Dukes have been to three sectional finals, and last year York went to the state volleyball tournament for the first time. York's 30-3 regular season this fall included winning the West Suburban Silver championship, one of the better conferences around.

In two weekends a first state title could be next.

“It's been a long trek,” York coach Patty Iverson said, “with a wonderful group.”

At the center of it all is Caroline Rose.

A four-year starter and now three-time All-Area selection, Rose has grown into one of the state's best outside hitters and all-around talents. During the regular season Rose led the Dukes in kills with 247 and digs with 253 and also had 33 blocks and 29 aces.

Other players perhaps dominated more in one facet of the game. Nobody mastered every nuance better than Rose.

“She's just a rock for them,” said Benet coach Brad Baker, who knows a talented player when he sees one. “She's a six-rotation kid that does every skill and does every one at a high level.”

Those varied talents make Caroline Rose the captain of the 2011 DuPage County Daily Herald All-Area girls volleyball team.

Sometimes size doesn't matter

Rose, who will play next year at Western Michigan, doesn't exactly fit the mold of a dominant outside hitter.

She stands just 5-foot-8 in a position made for and filled by 6-footers.

It was soccer, not volleyball, that was her first love. In fifth grade a few of her friends decided to try out for volleyball, and Rose tagged along.

“I've been playing ever since,” said Rose, the first member of her family to play volleyball. “I love the team camaraderie that comes with volleyball and the pace of the game.”

Rose showed an impressive skill set playing varsity as a freshman, but some still probably wondered if she could dominate at her size.

She has answered that question.

Rose was York's most improved defensive player as a sophomore and put down 201 kills with 296 digs during the regular season. She followed that up with a 355-kill, 369-dig junior year.

Baker watched Rose throw down 21 kills against his stacked lineup of 6-footers at the Benet Invite this year.

“Her size is what makes her unique,” Baker said. “I'm sure she's had people in her life say, ‘You're too small.' She has just consistently not cared. When you have skills like that sometimes size doesn't matter.”

“She seems to play with no fear,” said Hinsdale Central coach Sheralynn Kellough. “The thing I'm most impressed with is how aggressive she is at the net and on defense. She always seems to stay aggressive yet make smart decisions.”

Rose has learned to adapt by hitting varied shots to combat the inevitable block or double block that comes her way. The ability to hit from the back row only makes Rose that much more difficult to game plan against.

She also gained a unique perspective playing defensive specialist for her First Alliance club team for two years.

“I was able to see some things that you don't necessarily see as a hitter,” Rose said. “I've learned to use different shots and not just pound the ball.”

Don't be confused, though — Rose can get up.

She can touch 9 feet, 3 inches, and that leaping ability and endurance for long matches comes from heavy weight training. Rose and her teammates hit the weights three times a week during the summer, twice a week during the season.

“She loads up that squat rack,” Iverson said. “Power cleans, squats, lunges — she's in there. Her and Sam (Schrenker) are definitely our strongest players. Caroline needs to be strong to elevate her game, literally.”

A positive burst of energy

Rose, the oldest of three siblings, counts “Parenthood” as her favorite television show and the “Blind Side” her favorite movie.

It's fitting.

Rose's personality is very much nurturing, caring and positive.

York's continued success this season is in part because of the bonds Rose and the seniors have built with the Dukes' four sophomores.

“The whole squad has been more competitive because of it,” Iverson said. “They have grown really close.”

Rose is also a regular helper in Iverson's cohort class. Once a week she goes there to aid freshmen with reading, helping them with words they do not understand.

If teaching is not in her future, Rose said she has always aspired to work in the United Nations.

Iverson has enjoyed watching her drive and determination.

“She is very positive and very upbeat when she plays,” Iverson said, “very calm and patient. I have never seen her get angry with anyone. She has always been this positive burst of energy.”