Galena High School senior Gracie Furlong is on track to make history in her volleyball career. Over the weekend, she reached a major milestone by recording her 1,000th career kill during a match against Glenbard North, becoming the first Galena player to do so since her sister Katie achieved the feat in 2016.
“It’s a huge achievement to reach 1,000 kills because each one has to be earned,” said Galena coach Dennis Wills. “Watching her play is impressive. She’s already notched over 100 kills this season, and we’re just getting started.”
On Tuesday, Furlong added 21 more kills and 28 digs in a comeback victory over Rockford Christian, winning 15-25, 25-23, 25-19.
“Gracie has the ability to take over a set,” Wills added. “Her game keeps getting better, and no one can match her work ethic.”
Furlong, who recently committed to play Division I volleyball at Bradley University, had a standout junior season. She finished seventh in Illinois Class 1A with 416 kills and ranked in the top 50 for digs with 316. Her performance earned her numerous accolades, including first-team all-state honors from the Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association and MVP at the IHSA 1A state tournament. She was also a unanimous first-team selection in the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference, helping lead Galena to its first state volleyball title.
“Last season was incredible, but even though we lost some key players, I believe this year’s team has the potential to be even better,” Furlong said. “The younger players are improving every day, and we have great role players, which we lacked last season.”
As a senior, Furlong has embraced her leadership role on the team.
“With so many younger players, I want to be there to support them and show them it’s okay to make mistakes,” Furlong explained. “I also have to stay positive because I know they’re watching me.”
Coach Wills praised Furlong’s leadership, saying, “She knows what it takes to lead a team and understands what’s being asked of her. The younger players look up to her, and she’s great at mentoring them.”
With her college commitment finalized, Furlong feels a sense of relief heading into the season.
“The recruiting process was long and stressful,” she said. “I thought about playing both basketball and volleyball, but volleyball has always been my passion. Now I can focus on enjoying my final season as a Pirate.”
Furlong will follow in the footsteps of her older sisters, Katie and Maggie, who both played college volleyball.
“They were a big help during the recruiting process,” Furlong said. “I remember watching them play in college and thinking that I wanted to compete at that level. It’s crazy to think that next year, it’ll be me.”
