Lockport’s Natalie Bochantin Wins Prestigious Porter Pride Award

Lockport junior Natalie Bochantin received the prestigious Porter Pride award at the school’s volleyball banquet, recognizing her contributions both on and off the court. This accolade, determined by player votes, underscores her impact as a positive force within the team during the season.

The 5-foot-7 setter expressed her gratitude, stating, “It made me feel just really appreciated.” Bochantin focused on fostering positivity and supporting her teammates throughout the season, a commitment that resonated with her peers.

In a thrilling match on November 6, 2025, Bochantin played a pivotal role in leading Lockport to a 21-25, 25-20, 25-21 victory against the host Tigers in the Class 4A Joliet West Sectional championship. This win propelled the Porters, who are now 32-7 for the season, into the next round where they will face Oak Park-River Forest on November 9 at 19:00.

The standout performer for Lockport was senior Bridget Ferriter, who celebrated her 18th birthday by delivering an impressive performance with 19 kills. Ferriter noted the urgency of the match, saying, “It was kind of like do or die. After we lost the first game, we had to step it up. I think we really did.”

Bochantin made significant contributions as well, achieving team highs against Joliet West with 29 assists and nine digs. She also scored an ace among her nine service points, showcasing her all-around skills as a setter. Reflecting on the match, she remarked, “After losing to them earlier in the season and starting off the way we did, it was pretty cool to come back with such high energy.”

Throughout the season, Bochantin has excelled in her role, accumulating a remarkable total of 699 assists, 216 digs, and a team-leading 63 aces. Her coach, Nick Mraz, highlighted that her achievement of the Porter Pride award stems from more than just statistics. “Porter Pride means you pretty much do everything the right way—in the classroom, on the court, leadership, character traits, all of the above. For us, she’s the energy,” Mraz stated.

Ferriter, who voted for Bochantin, expressed her admiration, noting, “It’s so much fun to play with Natalie. She’s so exciting and has such a good attitude. I think that’s what makes her so good as a player.” She emphasized Bochantin’s supportive nature, stating that she “will never get mad at you, even when you mess up,” highlighting the trust they share on the court.

Bochantin shares setting responsibilities with teammate Malley Green, operating within Lockport’s 6-2 offensive system. Initially, Bochantin ran a 5-1 offense until Green returned from injury. “It was a lot of responsibility, but my teammates made it easier,” she said, acknowledging the importance of their communication.

Beyond her technical skills, Bochantin is known for her vibrant personality, often bringing humor to practices with her unique collection of shirts. “It’s important to keep the positive vibes up during practice, so once in a while, we do funny shirt day. It gets everyone talking,” she added with a laugh.

As the Porters prepare for their upcoming match against Oak Park-River Forest, Bochantin’s blend of skill, leadership, and positivity will be crucial as they aim for further success in the postseason.