Mundelein’s Paige Prochnow Shines as Leader on and off Court

Mundelein senior volleyball player Paige Prochnow is making waves both on the court and in the classroom. As a key outside hitter for the Mustangs, her contributions extend beyond point scoring to include uplifting her teammates and maintaining a positive atmosphere, even in challenging situations.

Standing at 5-foot-9, Prochnow has emerged as a vital player, leading the team with 203 kills, 186 digs, and 51 aces this season. Her commitment to fostering team morale is evident in her approach to the game. “My main thing is always staying positive and cheering people on,” Prochnow stated. She believes that maintaining confidence among team members is essential, especially in a sport where mental resilience is tested.

Prochnow’s dedication was put to the test during a match against New Trier in September 2024, where she suffered an ankle injury while celebrating a teammate’s crucial point. Despite the setback, her focus remained on self-improvement and supporting her teammates. “How can I get better? What can I do to make my teammates better?” she consistently asked, according to Mundelein coach Jeff Blezien.

The injury taught Prochnow an important lesson about team dynamics. “It was really hard because I love volleyball and love to be on the court,” she reflected. “But it taught me a really good lesson that you can still be a very important part of that energy from the bench.” This perspective allowed her to embrace a new role, contributing positively during practices and encouraging her teammates from the sidelines.

As the Mustangs prepare for the Class 4A McHenry Regional semifinals against either McHenry or Round Lake on October 21, 2025, Prochnow’s leadership is more crucial than ever. Her spirited presence is not only felt through her impressive statistics but also in her vocal support. “I’m a very loud player on the bench and on the court,” she said, highlighting her contrasting personality outside of volleyball.

Teammates recognize Prochnow’s uplifting influence. Senior defensive specialist Mellany Rodriguez noted, “She’s the type of teammate that will lift you up no matter what, whether you do something good or you make a mistake.” Prochnow’s ability to deliver positive affirmations is integral to the team’s morale.

Behind her energetic demeanor lies a mature understanding of volleyball’s unpredictable nature. “I just know that volleyball is a game of mistakes,” Prochnow explained. “The point doesn’t end without one of the teams making a mistake. So I really try and focus on the next point.” This philosophy extends into her academic life, where she applies the same lessons learned on the court.

Prochnow’s focus on improvement and leadership culminated in a standout performance against Warren on September 30, 2025, where she achieved 11 aces, breaking a program record and placing her among the top 30 in state history for aces in a single match. “I was really excited,” she expressed, attributing her success to team effort rather than individual accolades.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Prochnow excelled academically, earning a perfect score on the ACT. As she wraps up her senior season, she is applying to colleges with aspirations of pursuing a career in the medical field. Coach Blezien praised her as “one of the brightest students” on the team, emphasizing her balance of academic and athletic commitments.

As Paige Prochnow continues to lead her team through pivotal matches, her dual focus on sports and education exemplifies the essence of a true student-athlete. Her journey is a testament to the power of positivity and determination, both in volleyball and beyond.