New conference, new coach for ACC volleyball

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Aurora Central Catholic will enter the first year of the new Suburban Christian Conference with a new coach for girls volleyball, as the Chargers tabbed Jeanne Czipri to lead the program.

The 23-year-old Aurora native graduated from West Aurora in 2003 and is the volleyball director at Velocity Sports Performance in Naperville. She also spent last fall coaching the freshman "A" team at Geneva High School and has coached with the Kane County Juniors club team.

"It's been a dream to have my own program and be a head coach," Czipri said. "I didn't think I'd be getting the opportunity this soon, but this is perfect. I'm really happy. It's close to home and it's going to work out great. I'm excited to take the program to the next step."

Czipri takes over for Randy Hewitt, who resigned at end of last season after five years.

"He felt he had taken the program where he could and it was time for someone else to take it to the next step," ACC athletic director Mike Armato said. "I was definitely looking for someone with some upper-level (playing) experience."

He found it in Czipri. Following her career at West, she went on to play at the University of New Hampshire, a Division I program that competes in the America East Conference. The Wildcats qualified for the NCAA tournament and won a conference title during Czipri's time there.

A tough task lies ahead for Czipri, as nine-time state champion St. Francis joins the conference. Rosary, who lost to St. Francis in a Class 3A sectional final last year and has won eight straight regional titles, also joins the SCC.

The Chargers last won a regional in 1991-92 and their last winning season was in 1996-97.

"We want to be competitive in this super-competitive league," Czipri said. "That will take some time. I know that. Patience is a big part of the job, but my first goal is get the girls on the same page and get them training in the offseason and get them excited for summer camp."