Grant Urban’s Journey from Multi-Sport Athlete to Key Player

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In seventh grade, Grant Urban played soccer, baseball, and basketball. During his senior year at Lincoln-Way East, he emerged as a football recruit and a pivotal volleyball player. Urban didn’t foresee this trajectory. “I had no idea where my career would go,” he said. “I thought I would be a professional soccer player.”

Urban is set to kick for the Wisconsin-Whitewater football team. Currently, he aims to propel Lincoln-Way East in a successful postseason run. As a senior outside hitter, Urban recorded nine kills in a 25-17, 25-21 victory over Lincoln-Way West, clinching the Kankakee Regional championship.

Junior outside hitter Carter Geiger contributed six kills and nine digs for Lincoln-Way East (28-10). The team secured its third consecutive regional title and 18th overall. Other standouts included Henry Yacobozzi with five kills, Rylan Kim with 23 assists, and Marty Dwyer who tallied 14 digs. Lincoln-Way West (22-15) saw Colin Baikie lead with 10 kills. David Neylon added five kills, Aiden Kettelson notched 18 assists, and Mason Thompson secured 14 digs.

Urban has thrived on varsity for three years despite a late start in volleyball. “It’s easier to excel at any sport if you’re as athletic as he is,” Lincoln-Way East coach Kris Fiore remarked. “He could excel in basketball as well.” Geiger noted Urban’s motivation skills, saying, “He inspires everyone.”

Lincoln-Way East gets ready to face Lincoln-Way Central (30-6) at 10 a.m. in the O’Fallon Sectional semifinals. The Knights previously defeated Homewood-Flossmoor to win the Andrew Regional. Lincoln-Way East, enjoying a 13-match winning streak despite early season challenges, is prepared.

Geiger acknowledged the team’s energy: “The season didn’t start well, but we rallied. The bench’s enthusiasm is vital.”

Urban has not only excelled but also contributed off the field. During football season, he supported Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer. He raised about $1,000 by collecting pledges for each point he scored. “I wanted my season to impact off the field,” Urban said. “Family support played a huge role.”