Wesselman To Play at Rend Lake

Another Nashville student is moving on to play sports at the next level. On Monday, surrounded by her parents, future coaches, and coaches of the past, Abby Wesselman signed the papers officially making her a Rend Lake Lady Warrior volleyball player. Wesselman was a four-year varsity libero for the Hornettes. Coach Josh Konkel is going to remember her most for her fearless attitude and her “amazing” defensive plays, one that he thinks is going to make her successful at the next level.

“She’s not afraid of anything. She can pass anything she wants to, anything she puts her mind to, so I think having that fearless mentality to go after everything will definitely suit her well at the college level,” Konkel said.

Reggie Bateman, Rend Lake’s Head Coach, has had Wesselman on his radar since her junior year.

“I noticed her because she was loud, and as a passer or volleyball player, you want someone that is loud. Then I started watching her and realized, wow she can play,” Bateman said.

Bateman said when Wesselman’s senior year rolled around, as soon as he was able to talk to her, she was one of the first people he reached out to.

For Wesselman, the decision to choose Rend Lake was an easy one.

“It’s close to home, and I’ve known Reggie for a while, and I just wanted to keep playing volleyball no matter what,” Wesselman said.

The locality of the college played a big factor in her decision, as she thinks her biggest adjustment will be living away from home.

“I really just want to make that 15-minute drive, but now I just have to figure out how to do stuff away from home,” Wesselman said.

She is most looking forward to the different competition, and the opportunity to meet all her new teammates. Wesselman describes the snowy trip up to Bloomington for state as her favorite memory while playing Hornette volleyball. Abby plans on studying early childhood education and become a teacher. She is the daughter of Brian and Jamie Wesselman.