Stephanie Brandys (Allison) began her volleyball career at Sandburg, playing as a freshman on the sophomore team. After one month, she was moved up to the varsity team where she became the starting setter. She served as the starting setter her freshman, sophomore, Junior and Senior years. In 1998, she led her team to the first girl’s state championship in Carl Sandburg history. Her team defeated defending state champion Mother McAuley in super sectionals, as well as undefeated Lake Forest and Naperville Central to earn the state championship title. Throughout her athletic career, she received many honors including: Daily Southtown/Star Player of the week, Various Publications All-Area team junior & senior year, All Conference junior & senior year, All State special mention Junior year, All State 1st team Senior year, Nike Challenge, Rich East and AP All Tournament Team Senior year, Fox sports Preps Plus Player of the Week senior year, Daily Southtown Player of the Year senior year, Paul Mitchell All American Honorable Mention senior year, and Volleyball Magazine Fab 50 senior year.
At Sandburg, Stephanie excelled academically. She was very involved in Varsity Club, as well as the Junior Leaders program. She graduated in the top 25% of her class, and continued her volleyball career at Eastern Illinois University for her first 1 ½ years in a defensive capacity before transferring to Lewis University her remaining years where she was the starting setter junior year and starting Libero senior year, where she earned GLVC All-Conference honors. She graduated with her BS in Marketing.
After college, Stephanie coached for a local area volleyball club for 6 years. She also coached private setting lessons to local youth. She remained an active player in various leagues & tournaments, as well as playing in the Adult club volleyball community. She began her professional career in the business field, and after almost 9 years, she felt the urge to serve her community and help others. She left her established career to become a first responder as a 911 telecommunicator. She has worked for DuPage Public Safety Communications for over 10 years. She has excelled professionally, serving as a Certified Training Operator, member of the Public Education team, is recipient of the Wall of Life award for providing life-saving CPR instructions to a community member in need, and most recently is the recipient of the Award of Valor through the DuPage 100 Club.
Stephanie is now residing in the Northwest Suburbs with her husband, that she met playing volleyball, and her 6-year-old son. She would like to thank the Sandburg community, coaches and teachers for helping her achieve both her athletic, professional and community service goals.