SPORTS IN KANSAS HOISINGTON — Sports in Kansas is featuring Hoisington's Division 1 volleyball recruit Sofia Simic as a Player to Watch for 2025. The 6-foot-2 junior outside hitter Simic is one of the most highly recruited Kansas volleyball players. Simic is verbally committed to the University of Illinois. She has chosen the Illini over offers from Colorado, Colorado State, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Miami, Fla. Tennessee, Texas Tech, Kansas, Baylor, Florida, Alabama, Northwestern, Central Florida and Utah. “I truly believe the culture and community surrounding Hoisington volleyball is something special,” Simic said. “We truly enjoy being out there and getting to work together. I'm excited to see how that will shine this season.” Simic’s impressive list of accolades includes First Team All-State and First Team Central Kansas League honors. She’s been invited to the Under Armour Next Camp and will train with the USA National Development Program. She holds the single season state record for most aces and surpassed 1,000 career winners after two seasons. In 2024, she racked up 729 winners, hit .385, and tallied 164 aces. As a freshman, Simic delivered 339 winners, 4.4 kills per set and hit .301. Her 73 aces led the Cardinals. The Cardinals (41-5) defeated Neodesha 25-19, 25-13 for third place after losing to 3A runner-up Nemaha Central 25-21, 22-25, 25-23 in the semifinals. Hoisington downed Neodesha 25-18, 25-21, Girard 25-23, 25-16 and Frontenac 25-14, 25-21 in pool play. Simic delivered 32 winners, 13 serves and 9 digs in the 3-set semifinal showdown. Hoisington also returns Kelsi Maier, Kinley Wilkens, Addison Hanzlick and Brynn Tarlton for coach Mykala Reidl. Sofia's sister Mila is a freshman who is projected to make an immediate impact. Sofia comes from an athletic family. Her mom played volleyball at Alabama and her dad Milan played basketball at Stephen F. Austin, Texas. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack forward Milan Simic was named to the Southland Conference Academic All-Conference team as a senior. Simic, a 6-7 forward from Jagodina, Yugoslavia. Simic earned a bachelor's degree in finance. Simic recorded a season high nine points and seven rebounds in Stephen F. Austin's' 95-50 win over Schreiner, Texas.