New Trier volleyball’s coaches reach 800-win milestone

At the advice of her predecessors, Hannah Hsieh has never been one to pay close attention to coaching milestones.

But a recent remark from the spouse of her assistant coach, Katie Hielscher, brought on a realization that the longtime New Trier girls volleyball coaching duo was closing in on a historic milestone.

This past weekend, Hsieh and Hielscher earned their 800th win at the helm of the Trevians girls storied program, which they took over 30 seasons ago.

“I’m just really proud of the program that Katie and I have built together,” Hsieh said. “We have met just some of the best kids in the school through the girls volleyball program.”

There are countless memories and takeaways from the pair’s tenure, but the first trip down state and of course the “bus rides and funny moments” are some of the “really critical memories,” said Hsieh, who even estimated that she hasn’t missed a game over the 30-year run.

But perhaps Hsieh’s biggest takeaway is the joy that she and Hielscher still find in coaching.

“We just love coaching and we love the excitement of playoffs,” Hsieh said. “We always joke around about how many people our age get to feel butterflies still. We just love it. We love the team and we love the girls and the parents.”

Since winning the state’s inaugural title in 1974, the New Trier program has gone on to become a state power, ranking No. 48 in the IHSA’s list of top 50 girls volleyball programs. The Trevians have won 35 regional/district titles and 15 sectional crowns and have made eight appearances in the state finals, winning two other state trophies (2012: second; 2013: third).

Trevians junior Kate Andersons said playing for Hsieh and Hielscher is all it’s cracked up to be.

“They’re both amazing coaches,” she said. “I really see their passion in the sport. They get so excited every single game, they’re always there to support us, and it’s so much fun having them as our coaches and our mentors. It’s a really fun experience and I’m so proud of all their wins.”

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