Girls volleyball: Scouting Cook County
Barrington
Coach: Michelle Mayer (12th season)
Last season’s record: 28-10, 8-2 in the MSL West
Top returners: Eve Adler (5-10, jr, S), Kalyn Brookbank (6-1, jr, OH), Jaelyn Connole (5-8, sr, S), Ella Krull (5-8, sr, L/DS), Alessandra Mirkovich (5-11, jr, MB), Toni Rojas (5-5, jr, DS/L), Kinley Shinhoster (5-6, so, OH), Maddie Regas (5-7, sr, OH/DS), Lexi Szlezak (5-8”, jr, OH)
Top newcomers: Ingrid Wright (5-9, sr, MB), Scout Matiyow (5-8”, so, OH), Lauren Turza, (5’9, so, OH), Madison Boyum (5-10, sr, MB)
Worth noting: The Fillies return with a loaded lineup but will need to fill the offensive void left by graduates Whitney Mall and Addie Brookbank. In their absence, the offensive charge comes from returners Brookbank, Connole and Szlezak, followed by the new additions of Shinhoster, Matiyow and Turza. The middle game remains a physical stronghold, anchored by returning middle Alessandra Mirkovich and bolstered by fresh depth from Wright and Boyum. Adler and Connole are poised to run the team’s fast and explosive offensive again while defensively Krull, Regas, and Rojas are expected to step up and sustain their solid performance. With the team's mix of experience, youth, and athleticism, the Fillies are well-positioned to make a run at the MSL conference title and be a formidable threat deep into the postseason. Coach Michelle Mayer, who has more than 600 career wins, led the Fillies to fourth place in the Class 4A state finals in 2023 and a MSL championship.
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Tara Braceros (first season)
Last season’s record: 20-15, 9-1 in MSL East (tied for first)
Top returners: Cameron Damm, (sr. MB), Tetiana Kutsyk (sr. OH), Amelia Palubsk (sr. OH), Ava Lo Verde (jr. L), Alexandra Tohter (so. S), Abigail Connelly (jr. RS)
Top newcomers: Sofi Dahl (jr. MB), Olivia Hill (so, RS), Bianca Valdecantos (so, DS)
Worth noting: While the Bison graduated several key players from last year’s team that tied for first in the MSL East, they return a strong core ready to build on last season’s success and make a push for the postseason. Seniors Damm, Palubski and Kutsyk are all back for their final year. Damm was an all-conference selection last year, leading the team in aces (45) and second in blocks (45). Palubski and Kutsyk, both six-rotation outside hitters, finished first and second in kills with 184 and 229, respectively. Tohter also returns after a standout freshman season in which she tallied 616 assists. Joining the group of veterans are several new faces who have shown strong promise during summer camp and summer league. Braceros, who directed the Elk Grove program the last five years, said the team is focused, hungry to compete, and committed to growing together both on and off the court.
Conant
Coach: Brian Donlan (first season)
Last season’s record: 9-26, 2-8 in the MSL West
Top returners: Feyza Erturk (jr., OH), Olivia Hohl (sr., OH), Lelah Lee (jr., MB) Ruhi Shah (sr., DS), Imma Papucci (sr., DS), Sienna McCarthy (so., S) Liv Stanich (sr., RS)
Key newcomers: Natalie Jaracz (sr., MB) Nika Putro (fr., OH), Molly Swearingen (sr., RS), Gianna Fresso (sr., DS), Maya Bondinell (sr., DS), Krishi Patel (sr., S)
Worth noting: The Cougars roster has a nice blend of experienced varsity players led by Shah, a four-year varsity player, while also welcoming in some talented new players. "The girls have been working really hard since the start of the season on creating a cohesiveness that has led to high-energy practices," Donlan said. "We're Cougars are looking forward to having a fun competitive season.
Elk Grove
Coach: Patrick Hennelly (first season)
Last year's record: 12-20, 0-10 in the MSL East
Top returners: Senior Reese Wadas (OH), Senior Liv Eugene (Setter), Junior Angelica Dylag (OH) and Senior Aubrey McHorney (MH).
Worth noting: Hennelly begins his first season as Grenadiers girls coach but has been the boys volleyball coach at Elk Grove for the past three seasons as well as seven years coaching under-level girls volleyball. "I am excited to be walking into a program with an overwhelming amount of talent," Hennelly said. "That paired with a new sense of motivation and drive. I am excited to make an impact in the MSL to put Elk Grove on the radar for many years to come." Hennelly said the Grens have a number of returning players dedicated to winning at all costs. "We also are bringing three underclassmen to the court who we are excited to add to the already-lit fire of our returners. With new leadership and a common team goal, we are excited for the season of new growth," he added.
Fremd
Coach: Pete Gavin (fourth season)
Last season’s record: 33-7, 10-0 in MSL West
Top returners: Akshara Jay (5-11, sr., Opp/S), Emily Karmazin (6-3, sr., MB), Greta Thompson, (6-0, sr., OH), Harper Neill (5-9, so., OH), Ella Castelloni (5-7, jr., DS),
Top newcomers: Marcelina Cebula (5-10, sr., OH), Zoey Bending (6-1, sr., MB)
Worth noting: Coming off an impressive 33-7 season, the Vikings had a great summer and are looking to be very competitive again this season according to coach Pete Gavin, who led the Vikings to the Mid-Suburban League championship last fall. "Ball control and serving will be our strength," he said. "We will need to work through a few things to start the year, but I feel confident that we will be a very difficult team to beat come the state series. The girls on this team have high expectations and great work ethic to pair."
Hersey
Coach: Laura Gerber (fourth season)
Last season's record: 18-18, 6-4 (2nd in the MSL East)
Top returners: Macey Teuscher (sr. OH), Freya McBride (so. L), Ana Spillson (sr., OH), Vicky Vasilopoulos (sr. S), Aubrey Widmeyer (sr. OPP), Lily Mattix (jr., MB)
Key newcomers: Rachel Stark (sr., S), Morgan Matteucci (fr. MH)
Worth noting: The Huskies graduated seven seniors so this year they'll have a new group of players. "We are excited to be playing a very strong schedule to get us ready for playoffs," said Hersey coach Laura Gerber. "This is a great group of players and we are looking forward to a successful season."
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Pat Moran (eighth season)
Last season’s record: 16-19, 4-6 in MSL West
Top returners: Nadia Nowak (sr. OPP), Maddie Wadas (sr. OH), Grace Ikhbileg (sr. L), London Hampton (jr. DS)
Key newcomers: Melody Tsolomon (jr., S), Bella Whalen (so., MH), Danielle Sasu (sr. MH), Lilah Scott (jr. OH)
Worth noting: The Hawks have unfortunately lost middle hitter Kailey Whalen for the season due to a shoulder injury. "Our other middle hitters have been working hard to fill this void," said Hawks coach Pat Moran. “We will have a young team this fall so competing in this new division of the conference realignment will be a great opportunity for us to grow together these next few years."
Leyden
Coach: Emmett O'Keefe (second season)
Last year's record: 15-19, 2-4 in West Suburban.
Top returners: Sarah Skorna (5-9, sr. RS, 104 kills), Olivia Prokop (5-4, sr, L, 154 digs) Aleksandra Manojlovic (5-7, sr., 385 assists)
Worth noting: The Eagles are looking to finish above .500 overall and in the conference and trying to build a team based on defense and effort. O'Keefe added that he would like to see his team advance at least to the regional final.
Maine East
Coach: Rintu Philip (17th season)
Last year's record: 9-22, 1-9 in CSL North
Top returners: Siobhan Kelly (sr., OH), Deziree Brucal (sr., OH), Saphia Worden (sr., L), Annabel Di Benedetto (so., RH)
Key newcomers: Natalija Dasic (sr., S), Amanda Jade Sofia Estuita (sr., DS), Abigail Vasquez (sr., DS)
Worth noting: Coach Rintu Philip says leadership and confidence from veteran players who have been on varsity for three years will be the difference-maker this season. Kelly and Worden have been key contributors for several years, and now as seniors, are playing their best volleyball. Di Benedetto has made a big jump in her game, alongside Brucal, who has also elevated her play. "With the addition of some key new players filling the roles we missed last year, we’ve strengthened our defense and closed important gaps," Philip said. "This is a special group of girls, determined to make this a memorable season."
Maine South
Coach: Jon Weiland (second season)
Last season’s record: 21-10, 6-4 in the Central Suburban South (third place)
Top returners: Teagan Heneghan (sr., S), Kiley Andrews (sr., OH), Emily Curry (sr., MB), Lia Petrides (sr., MB), Sophie Burda (sr., DS), Emma Lesch (jr., L), Vasara Rauda (jr., S), Safia Orucevic (jr., OH)
Key newcomers: Katie Krueger (jr., MB), Alex Galimski (so., OH), Chloe Keuter (so., DS/L)
Worth noting: The Hawks graduated two of their top hitters but return a lot of key pieces including setters Heneghan (333 assists, 124 digs, and 47 aces) and Rauda (212 assists). Orucevic (103 kills, 24 blocks, and 122 digs) will look to take over as the primary outside while Lesch (110 digs) returns as the libero. Some new faces will join a few returners who are looking forward to making a name for themselves. "We have some high expectations after a very successful season," said Hawks coach Jon Weiland. "And hope to finish with a regional championship or more this year."
Maine West
Coach: Nora Feyerer (seventh season)
Last year's record: 10-23, 5-5 in CSL North
Top returners: Arianna Clarino (so., OH), Jeni Garcia (so., OH/DS), Ava Roback (sr., S), Gwen Wilson (jr., OH), Bella Jacobshagen (sr., DS), Olivia Wiodarcyzk (jr., DS)
Worth noting: As she begins her seventh season, Warriors coach Nora Feyerer welcomes four seniors, five juniors, five sophomores and a freshman. "We have graduated only two seniors from last season so we are returning the majority of our team," Feyerer said. "We have a really strong back row and the girls are battling it out for playing time and for the libero jersey." Feyerer said this year's team includes the most depth in the back row she’s had in seven seasons. "We are returning the majority of our hitters as well as our setter," Feyerer said. "Everyone on this team has been competing hard and we look forward to seeing them grow throughout the season."
Palatine
Coach: Dan Gavin (20th season)
Last season’s record: 23-14, 6-4 in MSL West
Top returners: Zoe Johnson (sr., OH), Brooklyn Chesak (sr. OH), Alaina Ratay (jr. S), Delila Kessler (sr., MB), Sydney Branch (sr., DS) Sammie Kendrick (sr., DS)
Key newcomers: Kate Gurion (sr., RS), Baeley Berry (so., OH/MB), Quinn McMahon (so., MB), Kiya Chesak (so. OH/RS), Lauren Zapata Sainz (sr., RS/OH)
Worth noting: Johnson, Ratay, Brooklyn Chesak, Branch, Kessler and Kendrick were key contributors to a successful season in 2024 but this is a group that has been fueled all off-season by a sense of having unfinished business after a tough loss to Stevenson in the regional final last October. "The girls have worked relentlessly in their off-seasons to ready themselves for what should be a fun season," said PIrates coach Dan Gavin. "And we are excited to add some talented sophomores (Kiya Chesak, McMahon and Berry) as well as two seniors (Gurion and Zapata) to the mix. This is a group that seems to be selfless and more than willing to play for each other. If we consistently focus on our controllables and on getting incrementally better everyday, I am excited to see what we can accomplish."
Prospect
Coach: Alaina Mowinski (first season)
Last season’s record: 14-20 , 3-7 in the MSL East
Top returners: Allison Linke (sr. OH), Aimee Ciupeiu (sr., OH), McKenzie Bronder (sr. PINN), Kelly Conley (sr., RH), Samantha Skowronski (sr., MB), Alexandra Cline (sr. MB), Annika Dolney (sr,. MB), Anna Range (so., RH).
Key newcomers: Alexa Zaharia (sr., L), Julie Ratzki (jr., S), Kalina Manova (jr. L/DS), Reese DeCook (so., S), Elyse Kennedy (so., OH/DS), Lila Zlydaszyk (so. L/DS)
Worth noting: The Knights graduated five seniors last year, including standout libero Anna Garland, who went on to commit to Geneva College in Pennsylvania. Despite that loss, the team retains a strong core with returning leaders. The top three hitters in both kills per set and hitting percentage (All-Area basketball standout Linke, Ciupeiu and Range) are back to anchor the offense. Defensively, the Knights also return their top three blockers (Linke, Ciupeiu and Dolne), providing a steady presence at the net. While most of the passing unit will feature first-time varsity players, the team boasts a veteran offensive core with multiple seasoned attackers. "This combination of new energy in the back row and experienced firepower at the net should create a dynamic balance, giving us depth and room for growth as the season unfolds," said first-year coach Alaina Mowinski, who has coached club volleyball for several years and played volleyball at John Carroll University in Ohio and Loyola High School.
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Jack Nickle (third season, 52-24)
Last season’s record: 30-9, 9-1 in the MSL East (first place)
Top returners: Lainey Griffiths (jr. S), Bella Zielinski (jr., OH) Dalia Grandberry (sr. MB),
Key newcomers: Ashely Perns (jr., L), Isabella Isla (Jr., OH/RS)
Worth noting: The Mustangs graduated seven seniors and six starters after a historic run last year. This year's varsity team will have many new faces along with some key returners from last season. Zielinski, who had 162 kills last season, will be moving from the right side to the outside and will be providing offensive firepower. Junior Lainey Griffiths, who set out of the front row last season, will take over a larger role in running the offense this year. Grandberry, who had 49 blocks last year, also returns to provide a strong presence at the net. "There are also many other new players on our roster who are competing hard and looking forward to a great season," said Mustangs coach Jack Nickle, who led the Mustangs to a Mid-Suburban League divisional championship for the first time in 28 years.
Schaumburg
Coach: Adam Bloniarz (first year)
Last season’s record: 5-30, 0-10 in the MSL West
Top returners: Avery Duever (so., OH), Larisa Baldwin (sr., L), Ivayla Goranova (jr., OH), Urte Luksas (so., M), Katelynn Caldwell (sr., S), Maddy Zinchuk (jr., OH), Maggie McClain (sr)
Key newcomers: Addison O'Neil (jr. S), Victoria Golofit (jr. S), Kaylee Vazquez (jr., MB), Iris Park (sr., RS), Cloe Tziforos (jr. RS), Maddie Krahulik (so., OH), Bella DiGioia (so., L), Nayah Parikh (so., M)
Worth noting: The Saxons rostered 15 athletes this season with seven returning players and eight newcomers. "We are a young team and really excited to start the season," said first-year coach Adam Bloniarz. Top returning athletes to watch are Duever, Goranova, Baldwin, Luksas and Caldwell, who will be leading the team as one of our senior captains. First-year coach Adam Bloniarz has been at the helm of the Fenton girls and boys volleyball programs, where he led the girls team to a 25-10 record (most wins in program history) in his first season. "This group has been a lot of fun to work with," Bloniarz said of his Saxons girls. "They've challenged each other day-in and day-out since summer camp."
Schaumburg Christian
Coach: Steve Burmaster (third season, 44-11)
Last season’s record: 23-3, 9-1 in the Northeastern Athletic
Top returners: Lydia Lopez (jr., L), Eunice Cho (so., S), Giada Falco (so. ,OH) Sarah Perfanov (jr., OH)
Key newcomers: Lizzie Tomasek (so., MB), Maddie Gross (so., MB), Harper Bisterfeldt (fr., OPP).
Worth noting: Last season the Conquerors earned a conference championship as they went 3-0 at the NAC Conference Tournament and then advanced to the regional semifinal losing 2-1 to sectional finalist St. Edward. Lopez was the 2024 team MVP for the Conquerors. Despite losing two senior starters (Tenuto and Williams were selected to first-team all-conference), Burmaster said the returning four starters will mesh nicely with the additions to this year's team. "Despite being a young team, they are experienced, have good ball control and serve tough," he added. "And our floor leader (second-year varsity starter Eunice Cho) will be directing a 5-1 offense to keep opposing teams off-balance throughout each match."
St. Viator
Coach: Charlie Curtin (19th season, 368-281)
Last season’s record: 27-10, 3-3 ESCC (fourth place in the East Suburban Catholic)
Top returners: Avery Albritton sr., OPP), Erin Lynch (sr., OH), Mary Francl (sr., OPP), Grace Geary (sr., MB), Olivia Walberg (jr., MB/OPP), Abigail Sheldon (sr., OH)
Key newcomers: Olive Meyer (jr., S), Rose Berlen (jr. S), Gabriella Vitullo (sr., DS), Kate Adamski (jr., DS), Kayli Burke (sr., DS), Lizzie Somodi (sr., OH), Molly Huber )(so., MB), Alexa Hunt (jr., OH)
Worth noting: The Lions return four starters from last year's 27-win, regional championship team, including New Hampshire commit Albritton, Nazarene commit Francl and four-year varsity starter Lynch. Combining that trio with powerful middles Geary and Walberg, setters Meyers and Berlen will have plenty of firepower to get the ball to. Newcomers Vitullo, Adamski and Burke will present a challenge to any opposing attackers as they have a second level when going for the ball. "The energy in the room is different this year," said Lions veteran coach Charlie Curtin who is 32 wins away from 400 for his career. "These ladies have a championship mindset and aren't going to let anything stand in their way. As a group they have set their goals and have no reason they can't achieve them. To see them get along both on and off the court is a coaches' dream. We are looking forward to a very fun and entertaining season."
Wheeling
Coach: Jason Kopkowski (18th season, 226 wins)
Last season’s record: 19-17, 3-7 in the MSL East
Top returners: Amelia Sopel (sr., S), Lindsay Kane (sr., OH), Alaina Costello (sr., OH) Roxana Miloucheva (sr,, M), Vanessa Siergiejuk (sr., MB), Olivia Gielas (sr., DS/OPP)
Key newcomers: Daniella Dichoso (sr., L/DS), Abby Thengil (sr., L/DS), Olivia Murphy (jr., OH) Viki Gielas (sr.,DS), Gracyn Buchwald (sr., OH); Sophia Lucas (sr., MB), Anna Golikova (fr., OH/M), Naomi Conklin (jr., OPP), Kate Nin (jr., OH), Audrey Justiniani (jr., S), Sabrina Luca (jr., OH), Adrianna Burzawa (jr., L/DS), Amands Fielding (fr., S).
Worth noting: The Wildcats come into this season with a ton of experience. With 11 seniors on the roster, coach Jason Kopkowski is hoping all of that experience pays off. "We have many returning players," he said. "We also have a number of new seniors who will contribute to varsity for the first time fully understanding the expectations.“ Golikova is a freshman who is expected to make an immediate impact. "She has been playing club volleyball and is one of the most dynamic freshmen I have seen throughout my career," Kopkowski said. "Overall, we look forward to this season with different teams in our division and a competitive tournament schedule at Libertyville/Warren, Round Lake, and our tournament later in the season." The Wildcats also have a well-rounded nonconference schedule with Maine East, Waukegan, Mundelein, Leyden, St. Viator, and Lake Forest.