The Saint Ignatius College Prep community is remembering former student-athlete Hazel Krauss as her former volleyball team continues its state playoff run following her death.
As the Saint Ignatius Wolfpack competed in the Girls Volleyball State Playoff regional tournament, players and coaches carried the weight of losing a former teammate described by those who knew her as a leader.
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“It’s just a tough time,” said Kayla Malec, a coach with Chicago Elite Volleyball.
Malec coached Krauss beginning when she was 12 years old. Krauss wore No. 41 and served as a captain for Chicago Elite Volleyball.
“Hazel was all about the business, all about volleyball, all about getting better. And just everything a coach would want in a player,” Malec said.
The 19-year-old, a freshman at the University of Florida, was killed over the weekend in a crash while crossing the street.
According to police in Gainesville, Florida, the crash happened when a driver swerved to avoid a car but instead struck another vehicle and Krauss.
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A nurse who was driving by stopped to help until first responders arrived.
SEE ALSO | Nurse helped University of Florida student, St. Ignatius grad killed in crash: ‘She wasn’t alone’
“She wasn’t alone and there were people there that cared for her. And that we really tried to help her and care for her wellbeing,” said Porchia Hardy, who stopped to assist Krauss.
The loss has deeply affected those who coached and played alongside Krauss.
“Heartbreaking. I’ve been coaching now for nine years, and I’ve never experienced something like this,” Malec said.
“It’s difficult as a coach because you love these kids like they’re your own,” she added.
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Malec said she continues to think about the memories she shared with Krauss.
“I just want to give her a hug, but all I can do is remember all the good moments that we had with her, all the times we came back and got a win,” she said.
In a statement, St. Ignatius College Prep said, “Hazel reflected the very best of what we hope to see in our graduates: a willingness to grow, intellectual curiosity, faith, love for others, and a sincere commitment to justice.”
As family, friends and teammates mourn her loss, Malec said Krauss’ legacy will continue through the athletes she inspired.
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“I’m motivated, now more than ever, as a coach to continue to do my job, and continue to touch these ladies and bring good moments because we had so many good moments with her, and we just want that to live on forever,” Malec said.
Gainesville police said a drunk driver was arrested at the scene, but that vehicle was not involved in the crash. No arrests have been made in connection with the collision.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
