Romeoville High School's girls basketball coach highlights Kizaria Smith's record-breaking season

The Valley View CUSD 365U Board Meeting held on April 14, 2025, showcased significant achievements in student athletics across various schools in the district. The meeting highlighted the accomplishments of the girls' basketball team from Romeoville High School, the IESA girls volleyball team from Brooks Middle School, and the bowling team from Humphrey Lukanzak Middle School.

Devon Friend, the new head coach of the Romeoville Lady Spartans, expressed gratitude to the board and acknowledged the support from the athletic director and principal. He celebrated the team's historical performance last season, where they finished with a record of 28 wins and 3 losses. Friend emphasized the importance of player development for the upcoming season, particularly focusing on Kazaria Smith, a standout player who averaged 29 points per game and received multiple accolades, including being named third team All State.

Patrick McGinnis, principal of Brooks Middle School, recognized the eighth-grade girls volleyball team for qualifying for state. He praised the students for their leadership both on the court and in the classroom, highlighting their impressive cumulative GPA of 3.74. The coaching staff was also commended for their dedication and support.

The meeting also featured the bowling program from Humphrey Lukanzak Middle School, which expanded to include 30 new athletes this year. Coach Martin shared the success of five state qualifiers, including Devin Kirkland, who placed eighth overall in the state. The program has fostered a sense of community and sportsmanship among participants, with many students gaining valuable experience and skills.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to supporting student-athletes and fostering a culture of excellence in sports and academics. The board expressed pride in the achievements of these young athletes and their coaches, setting a positive tone for future endeavors in the district's athletic programs.