Daily Herald girls volleyball season preview
Barrington
Coach: Michelle Mayer (13th season)
Last season’s record: 25-13, 9-1; regional champions, MSL champions
Top returners: Eve Adler, 5-10, sr. RS, Kalyn Brookbank, 6-1, sr, OH, Alessandra Mirkovich, 5-11, sr, MB, Toni Rojas, 5-5, sr., DS/L; Kinley Shinhoster, 5-6, jr, OH, Lexi Szlezak, 5-8, sr., OH, Scout Matiyow, 5-8, jr,, OH
Top newcomers: Madyson Black, 5-10, so, OH, Avery Dusenberry 5-7, so DS/L, Catherine Petitgout, 5-11, fr., RS, Anya Dunstan , 6-2, fr. MB
Outlook: The Fillies return with a loaded lineup but will need to fill the void left by graduates Jayelyn Connole, Ingrid Wright and Madison Boyum, as well as defensive standouts Ella Krull and Maddie Regas. In their absence, the offensive charge will come from returning standouts Brookbank and Szlezak, along with newcomers Black, Dunstan and Petitgout. The middle remains a physical stronghold, anchored by returning middle Mirkovich and bolstered by fresh depth from Dunstan and Maddie O’Connor. Adler is poised to once again lead the team’s fast and explosive offense. Defensively, Rojas, Shinhoster, Matiyow and Dusenberry are expected to step up and sustain the Fillies’ strong defensive performance. With a mix of experience, youth and athleticism, the Fillies are well-positioned to make a run at the MSL title and emerge as a formidable threat deep into the postseason under coach Michelle Mayer, a winner of more than 600 matches in her career which includes a fourth-place finish in the Class 4A state tourney in 2023.
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Tara Braceros (second season)
Last season’s record: 14-18, 4-6, fourth in MSL East
Top returners: Olivia Hill, jr. OH/RS, Ava Lo Verde, sr. L, Sofi Dahl, sr. MB, Sasha Tohter, jr.. S
Key newcomers: Alli Fritzsche, sr. RS/OH, Sophia Schranz, jr. OH
Outlook: While the Bison graduated four seniors and 40% of their offense, they return four starters. Tohter will continue to run the offense and look to get the ball to big hitters, Hill and Dahl and Lo Verde will wear the libero jersey for the second straight year and anchor the Bison defense. The team is a combination of experience and fresh faces so the Bison look to compete in the new MSL and make a postseason run. "It is a very fun team and the culture is even stronger than last year," said coach Tara Braceros, who directed the Elk Grove program (her alma mater) for five seasons . "They are competing hard in the gym and are striving to make each other better."
Conant
Coach: Brian Donlan (second season)
Last season’s record: 7-29, 0-10, sixth in MSL West
Top returners: Feyza Erturk, sr., OH; Nika Putro, so., MB; Reese Nelson jr., RS
Newcomers: Maya Mikolajczyk, so., OH; Emily Russo, sr., MB; Lily Thornley, jr. RS; Chelsea Hanson, sr., S; and Sachi Patel, sr., DS
Outlook: The Cougars graduated nine seniors and five starters so this year’s lineup will be primarily a new one. The biggest loss to graduation is Ruhi Shah, who was the team leader as the libero for her entire four-year career. This season, the Cougars offense will be led by returning starter Feyza Ertuck (76 kills last season). Coach Brian Donlan is looking forward to Nika Putro (49 kills), Reese Nelson (38 kills) and new varsity players Mikolajczyk and Thornley bringing an aggressive front-row presence. Defense and setting will be an area of focus. "We are young but they are bringing a lot of passion and intensity to our early season practices," said Donlan, who is excited to see his team improve upon last year's record.
Elk Grove
Coach: Celina Wlodarski (first season)
Last season’s record: 15-17, 3-7 in MSL East
Top returners: Angelica Dylag, sr., OH; Nadia Baranowski, so., OH; Makayla Medina, jr. S, Maya Wojnar, jr. DS/L
Key newcomers: Sadie Lehnert, sr., DS/L, Elizabeth Kowalik, jr., DS/L, Natalia Zajac, so., MB
Outlook: The Grenadiers graduated eight seniors, most notably captain and outside hitter Reese Wadas, captain and middle blocker Aubrey McHorney and libero Mari Tan. There are a variety of returners to this year's varsity lineup, including sophomore outside hitter Nadia Baranowski, as well as junior setter Makayla Medina who found herself in the varsity lineup toward the end of last season. Senior Angelica Dylag will also return. Dylag currently has 520 career kills and 323 digs, putting her on the record boards at Elk Grove prior to the start of her senior season. The Grens were fifth in the MSL East last fall and first-year coach Celina Wlodarski says her team is coming into this season with “grit, energy and a relentless spirit that will be tough to compete against." Wlodarski, a 2014 graduate who played volleyball at Elk Grove, is in her sixth season coaching in the program.
Fremd
Coach: Pete Gavin (fifth season)
Last season's record: 31-9, 8-2, fourth place in Class 4A
Top returners: Harper Neill, 5-9, jr., OH; Madison Drenth, 5-11, sr., S; Zoe Horn, 6-1, jr., OH; Cayla Chepulis, 5-11, sr., MB; Reese Newton, 5-4, so., L; Scarlett Zientara, 5-8, so., OH/DS,
Top newcomers: Karina Podstawka, 5-8, Sr., OPP; Lisbet Dickinson, 5-8, jr., S/OPP, Hannah Pentzien, 6-1, fr., OH, Aisha Arslanagic, 5-11, Jr., MB; Emma McGoldrick, 6-1, Jr., MB; Emma Weaver, 5-8, So., OH/DS
Outlook: Many faces are gone from the Vikings' Class 4A fourth-place team from last year, but coach Pete Gavin says this group has been "a blast to be around" this summer. "We graduated much of our offensive production from last season, but the girls have worked tirelessly and made tremendous progress," Gavin said. Neill, who recently signed with Loyola, continues to impress Gavin. "She grew up in a volleyball family — both of her parents are coaches and her sister is a setter at Lawrence University," he said. "And Harper has been in and around our gym for years. Her ball control is exceptional, but her volleyball IQ may be even more impressive."
Hersey
Coach: Laura Gerber (fifth season at Hersey, career record 391-233 includes at Prospect)
Last season's record: 22-15, 0-0, third in MSL East
Top returners: Freya McBride, sr., L, Lily Mattix, sr. MH, Mahi Vullakula, sr. Opp, Morgan Matteucci, so. MH
Key newcomers: Karina Boduch, fr. OH, Marlow Das, fr. MH, Cassidy O'Brien, sr. OH
Outlook: Hersey graduated nine seniors and the Huskies are excited to rebuild this year. The biggest loss to graduation is Macey Teuscher who led the team in kills last season. The Huskies will be led by seniors McBride, Vullakula and Mattix, and sophomore Morgan Matteucci. "With their leadership and ability we will expect to go deep into postseason play," said coach Laura Gerber. "We are going to be young but we have some very talented players joining us this season. We're excited to get going."
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Pat Moran (ninth season, career record 99-145)
Last season's record: 13-22, 0-10, sixth in MSL East
Top returners: Lilah Scott sr. OH; Melody Tsolmon, sr. setter; Bella Whalen, jr. MH
Key newcomers: Hanna Buhayova, so., L; Abi Bathuyag, so. OH; Alexa Sankey, jr. MH; Julia Zablotny jr. S
Outlook: Veteran coach Pat Moran says his Hawks have a nice mix of returning players as well as young talent. "Our girls had a great off-season and improved a lot," Moran said. "Lilah Scott is taking the next step to become a big-time outside hitter at the varsity level." Hoffman switches divisions in the MSL which Moran says should lead to being more competitive in conference play. "We are excited for this season with this group," he added. "We are going to be a scrappy group that plays with a lot of energy on a regular basis."
Leyden
Coach: Emmett O’Keefe (third season, career record 26-45)
Last season’s record: 11-26, 2-4 in WSC Gold
Top returners: Kasia Wadolkowski, jr., S
Outlooking: The Eagles will have 10 new varsity players on the roster, with only one starter returning in Wadolkowski. The team will be focused on developing a consistent and aggressive style of play and figuring out which lineups will help them be successful. “I am excited for all of the potential and dynamic athletes we have on our varsity team this year,” coach Emmett O’Keefe said. “Now we have to work on developing from a collection of athletes to an organized and focused volleyball team.”
Maine East
Coach: Maggie Chwieralski (first season)
Last season’s record: 8-23, 2-9 in the CSL North
Outlook: First-year coach Maggie Chwieralski says she has a talented group of younger players, including a strong junior class and three freshmen, who will bring fresh energy, athleticism and new skill to the roster. "We have an exciting mix of experienced seniors and emerging young talent,“ said Chwieralski, who played at Maine East where she graduated in 2016. "I'm excited to give back to the program that helped shape me as an athlete and a person." Chwieralski was a two-time all-conference selection, varsity captain and MVP her senior year. She helped the Blue Demons to a CSL conference and regional championship in 2014. She received multiple awards playing at Clarke University and has also coached girls and boys volleyball at the MOD Volleyball Club.
Maine South
Coach: Jon Weiland (third season, 41-23 career record)
Last season’s record: 20-13, 5-5 in CSL South
Top returners: Safia Orucevic, sr., OH; Emma Lesch, sr., L; Vasaura Rauda, sr., S; Alex Galimski, jr., OH/RS; Martyna Gancarz, sr., OH; Chloe Kueter, jr., DS; Katie Krueger, sr., MB; Olivia Crawford, sr., MB; Maeve McGovern, sr., S
Key newcomers: Nicole Todorov, fr,. OH; Farah Ajanovic, fr., OH/RS
Outlook: Coach Jon Weiland's Hawks are returning a core of their team, including their two kill leaders: Orucevic (272 kills) and Alex Galimski (143). Gancarz can make an impact from either pin spot. She was mainly a right side last year and will make the move to outside this season. Lesch (333 digs and 43 aces in career) and Rauda (470 assists and 55 aces) return for their third seasons as libero and setter, respectively. With the new double libero rule change, Chloe Keuter could be used more effectively as a second libero defensive specialist. Krueger and Crawford return with varsity experience as middles while McGovern makes the move from right side to setter. With tons of returning varsity experience, this team is hungry to make a run at a CSL South title, and it hopes to get past the regional final where they have been eliminated the last two years.
Maine West
Coach: Payton Litney (first season at Maine West, 35-34 at Lisle High School)
Last season’s record: 9-23, 3-7, eighth place in CSL North
Top returners: Gwen Wilson, sr. OH; Olivia Bialek, jr. L; Lena Galus, so, pin
Outlook: The Warriors are under new leadership this season as former Conant setter Payton Litney takes charge of the program. "While maintaining key starters and the addition of talented underclassmen, I am excited for a successful season and a new era for Maine West girls volleyball," said Litney, who went on to be a all-N4C selection at the College of DuPage where she led the nation in setting assists before an injury cut short her 2022 season. Litney was the head coach at Lisle the last two years.
Palatine
Coach: Dan Gavin (21st season)
Last season’s record: 29-8, 10-0, MSL West champions
Top returners: Alaina Ratay, sr. S; Baeley Berry jr, Pin/MB; Kiya Chesak, jr. pin
Key newcomers: Kiera Schmidt, sr. Pin; Grace Kline, sr. MB; Quinn McMahon, jr. , MB/Pin,; JJ Bruns jr. S, Violet Hoffman, so, DS/L; Ella Huyse, jr. DS/L; Allison Alanguilan, jr. DS/L
Worth noting: The Pirates have some significant roster turnover from last year but coach Dan Gavin says it's an exciting group of athletes who love being in the gym together. "There's no egos in our gym." he said. Having the experience of Ratay, a four-year starter, will help with the transition for this new group. "Her work ethic and character are a great model for the younger girls and in my mind, she is one of the top setters in the state," Gavin said. Berry spent most of last year in the middle. Chesak's improvement over the off-season is noticeable. "The hard work is really showing up both skill wise and in terms of her explosiveness," Gavin said. Schmidt offers a lot of flexibility, being able to play either pin with the ability to go six rotations if needed. Kline (Wisconsin Lutheran basketball commit) brings energy and athleticism in the middle. McMahon is another explosive athlete who can attack from anywhere. Newcomers Hoffman, Huyser and Alanguilan will anchor the ball control while Bruns is an up-and-coming setter who can help spell Alaina when needed.
Prospect
Coach: Alaina Mowinski (second season)
Last season’s record: 15-15, 7-3, second in MSL West
Top returners: Anna Range (OH, RS), Elyse Kennedy (OH/RS/DS), Reese DeCook (S), Kalina Manova, sr., L/DS, Julie Ratzki, sr. S, Lila Zlydaszyk
Key newcomers: Cara Benassi, MB, Ella Brown, MB, Marley Camardella, fr., MB, Danielle Lira, L/DS, McCall Tauber, RH, Juliette Vegter, OH, Amelia Wiech, fr. , OH, and Maggie Gilmer, OH, Giuliana Sammartino, sr. OH/ DS
Outlook: The Knights graduated eight seniors last year and six starters so this year’s lineup will be mostly new. The biggest loss was Allison Linke and Aimee Ciupeiu who led the team in both hitting and blocking, and also Alexa Zaharia, who was the libero for most of the season. Coach Alaina Mowinski, who played at John Carroll University in Ohio, directed the Knights to a 7-3 mark in the MSL divisional play.
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Jack Nickle (fourth season, 69-43)
Last season’s record: 17-19, 3-7, fifth place MSL divisional play
Top returners: Lainey Griffiths, sr., S; Bella Zielinski, sr., OH; Ashley Perns, sr., Libero; Harper Giersch, Jr. OH/RS; Giselle Vasquez, sr. MB, Isabella Isla, sr., Setter/RS, Liz Sanchez, sr. MB
Key newcomers: Libby Hamman soph, OH/RS; Sophie Wery, soph, MB/RH; Olivia Isla, soph, OH/L
Outlook: The Mustangs will be returning a strong senior class with some younger players who will be coming in to play key roles. A large group of these seniors gained experience last season and are ready to hit the ground running. "We have been super proud of the growth that some of our younger players have made during the off-season," said coach Jack Nickle. "And several of them are ready to be major contributors."
Schaumburg
Coach: Adam Bloniarz (second season)
Last season’s record: 14-22, 4-6, fourth in MSL divisional play
Top returners: Avery Duever, jr., OH; Urte Luksas, jr., MH; Ivayla Goranova, sr., OH
Key newcomers: Sarah Perfanov, OH, Natalee Tang, L, Lenna Vendel, S, Leah Caccioppo, S/RS
Outlook: The Saxons graduated three seniors, including two starters, but return much of last year's core. While there will be new faces stepping into the setter and libero roles, Schaumburg will lean on returning standout Avery Duever, who led the area with 267 kills last year, while also contributing 209 digs and serving as the team's top serve-receive passer as a sophomore. Joining her is Urte Luksas, who emerged as a force at the net last season, finishing with 106 kills and 30 blocks while providing a steady defensive presence.
St. Viator
Coach: Charlie Curtin (20th season, 400-289)
Last season’s record: 32-8, 4-2, third in East Suburban Catholic
Top returners: Olive Meyers, sr., OH; Rose Berlen, sr., S; Olivia Walberg, sr., Opp; Molly Huber, jr., MB
Key newcomers: Lea Allemand, jr. L; Quinn Jones, jr. Opp; Abby Bomely, jr., S; Allison Wade, so., MB; Katherine Courtney, jr., OH
Outlook: The Lions graduated eight seniors and five starters who had a huge impact on the success last fall for coach Charlie Curtin, a winner of 400 matches. Erin Lynch, a four-year starter and the program’s all-time kills leader with 970, graduated. Walberg, who had 163 kills, will be a key part of the offense. Meyers, who had 37 aces, will look to keep opponents out of system as she embraces a new role as a six-rotation outside hitter. Curtin likes the way Berlen connects with her hitters. Curtin added that Huber provides stability in the middle and looks to build on her 26 blocks during her sophomore campaign. "We will be a younger team this season," Curtin said. "But we have already showed promise and the willingness to get out of our comfort zone."
Wheeling
Coach: Jason Kopkowski (19th season, 250 career wins)
Last season’s record: 24-12, 6-4, third in MSL divisional play
Top returners: Anna Golikova, so, OH; Adriana Burzawa, sr., L
Key newcomers: Olivia Murphy, sr, OH, Jillian Franz, sr, MB; Naomi Concklin, sr, OPP; Sabrina Luca, sr, DS/OH; Amanda Fielding, so, S; Harper Foley, jr., MB; Amelia Jaworski, so, MB
Outlook: The Wildcats graduated 10 seniors and five starters. The biggest loss to graduation was Amelia Sopel and Alaina Costello, an all-conference setter and All-Area outside attacker, respectively. Returning is Anna Golikova, an all-conference outside attacker, and Adriana Burzawa at libero. Newcomers who will make an immediate impact including senior Olivia Murphy on the outside, senior Naomi Concklin on the right side and sophomore Amanda Fielding at setter. Amelia Jaworski is another sophomore that has potential as a developing middle attacker. "We look forward to growing as a team and competing on a nightly basis," said coach Jason Kopkowski. "We have strong leadership on the team and good discipline."
Addison Trail
Coach: Katie Inzinga
Last season’s record: 12-22, 3-3 (fourth West Suburban Gold)
Top returning players: Frankie Rohlfing (6-2, sr., MB), Giuliana Gallo (5-11, sr., OH)
Blazers outlook: Addison Trail has five players back from a year ago, headlined by University of Findlay-bound Rohlfing (60 blocks) and Gallo (235 kills, 197 digs and 40 aces)… Rohlfing and Gallo were both all-WSC Gold picks in 2025.
Benet Academy
Coach: Brad Baker
Last season’s record: 39-3 (Class 4A state runner-up)
Top returning players: Claire Weathers (sr., libero), Sophia Youssef (sr., S)
Redwings outlook: Youssef, committed to Washington University in St. Louis, will set this year for the 4A runners-up after playing middle a year ago… Youssef and Weathers both started last year… Benet, a four-time state champion, has won 10 state trophies in the last 18 years (six in the last seven years the tournament was held) and 92% of the players who have been on the varsity team since 2007 have made a trip downstate… The Redwings are looking for their 19th straight regional title… Baker has put together another loaded schedule that includes four tournaments and matches against state notables such as Marist and Mother McAuley.
Coach’s quote: “I’m excited to get the season started,” Baker said. “We have a lot of exciting possibilities ahead of us, and I think we’re going to be a really fun team to watch. I’m looking forward to seeing what this group can accomplish together.”
Downers Grove North
Coach: Mark Wasik
Last season’s record: 27-12, 5-1 (second West Suburban Silver)
Top returning players: Nicole Liu (5-9, sr., OH), Sienna Shelton (6-0, sr., MB-RS), Ellery Cabai (5-9, jr., S-OH), Angelika Krob (5-6, sr., libero), Madi Mastalarz (5-9, soph., S)
Key newcomers: Samantha Hancock (6-1, jr., MB), Brynne Burkhardt (5-10, sr., OH)
Trojans outlook: Liu (268 kills, 46 aces, 175 digs), Shelton (86 kills, 66 blocks, Clarion University commit), Cabai (215 assists, 142 digs, missed last third of season due to injury) and Mastalarz (511 assists, 161 digs, team-high 38 aces) all helped North win a Class 4A regional and reach a sectional title match… Mastalarz ran a 5-1 last season as a freshman.
Coach’s quote: “We are very excited about this season because we have a lot of the pieces needed to be a very solid team given we are returning the majority of our starters from a team that had elite success last year,” Wasik said. “This team is very balanced and versatile. We can run several lineups and present different looks for our opponents from one set to the next.”
Downers Grove South
Coach: Madisen Babich
Last season’s record: 29-9, 6-0 (West Suburban Gold champions)
Top returning players: Jen Curran (sr., MB-OH), Claire Cushing (sr., MB-RS), Leah Blaylock (sr., DS)
Key newcomers: Cassidy Tellers (jr., OH), Bridget Bastian (sr., S), Ava Havle (jr., S)
Mustangs outlook: Curran is committed to the University of New Hampshire, while South will be bolstered by the addition of Tellers from Providence Catholic.
Coach’s quote: “We anticipate to be strong in the conference and an above-.500 team,” Babich said. “We had key graduates last season, but we have pieces to step up now who were starters as juniors and now need to be leaders on the court their senior year.”
Glenbard East
Coach: Brad Cardott
Last season’s record: 13-23, 5-1 (second Upstate Eight East)
Top returning players: Belle McDermott (6-0, sr., OH), Claire Bolda (5-10, sr., MB), Bridget Crocker (6-1, sr., MB), Abby Michelon (5-7, jr., S-OH)
Key newcomers: Olivia Stieve (5-7, soph., S), Eileen Urbina (5-6, soph., libero) Mia Sommesi (5-8, soph., OH)
Rams outlook: East returns eight players from a year ago, including one starter. All-state first-teamer McDermott (436 kills, 45 aces, 258 digs, 49 blocks), Bolda (24 kills, 27 blocks), Crocker (39 kills, 20 blocks) and Michelon (36 aces, 100 kills, 153 digs) all contributed.
Coach’s quote: “Our returners set a solid foundation for us, and we are also welcoming young newcomers in crucial positions,” Cardott said. “We are looking to build off the pieces we retained and compete toward the top of our conference this season.”
Glenbard North
Coach: Carrie McCann
Last season’s record: 19-15, 2-5 (sixth DuKane)
Top returning players: Abby Graf (sr., S), Lucy Perez (sr., libero)
Key newcomers: Sonia Khodan (jr., MB), Alexis Muller (jr., OH)
Panthers outlook: Graf (more than 600 assists, 35 aces) and Perez (215 digs) started last season and are two of three returning players for North.
Coach’s quote: “We will be young and growing this season, but we have power hitters in the front with Alexis Miller and Sonia Khodan,” McCann said. “I think we will be scrappy on defense with a strong set of defensive specialists in the back row.”
Glenbard South
Coach: Chad Grant
Last season’s record: 20-17, 3-3 Upstate Eight East
Top returning players: Alyna Krabec (5-3, sr., S), Emma Full (5-7, sr., OH), Rebecca Johnston (5-10, sr., OH), Julia Alcala (6-0, jr., MB), Eva Bogdanov (5-6, soph., S), Makenna Minkley (5-2, soph., libero), Rylan Juhl (5-2, sr., DS)
Key newcomers: Estelle Eltigani (5-10, soph., MB), Natalie Puchalski (5-5, fresh., OH)
Raiders outlook: A two-time all-UEC pick, Krabec (402 assists, 164 digs, team-high 54 aces) has a shot to break the school record for service aces this season and will add hitting duties to her to-do list this fall… Johnston (139 kills, 11 blocks, moving to the outside for the first time), Alcala (57 kills, 30 blocks), Bogdanov (315 assists, 106 digs, 44 aces), Minkley (162 digs, 32 aces) and Juhl (150 digs, 28 aces) give the Raiders plenty of returning experience.
Coach’s quote: “We will adjust the way we play to our players’ strengths,” said Grant, who noted height on the pins will be a challenge to overcome. “We will need to rely much more on defense than blocking. We have good servers and our smaller players have the ability to control the ball well and make smart decisions at the net. I am confident we will be more competitive than we look on paper.”
Glenbard West
Coach: Dan Scott
Last season’s record: 28-10, 3-3 (fourth West Suburban Silver)
Top returning players: Cara Herbert (sr., S), Farryn Burridge (sr., MB)
Hilltoppers outlook: Burridge (189 kills, 78 blocks) was an all-state second-team pick, while Herbert (710 assists) and Ella Rowe were all-state honorable-mention picks… Scott said height in the front and back rows will be a major strength… The coach also said to watch Grace Markey and Emily Jurek, who he noted are both coming into their own as sophomore defensive specialists.
Coach’s quote: “This is the best version of the West Suburban Silver Conference I can remember,” Scott said. “There could be four teams ranked in the top 15 by the end of the season. Every win will be hard to come by.”
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Kelly Stapleton
Last season’s record: 16-18, 2-4 (fifth West Suburban Silver)
Top returning players: Kaleigh Kozlowski (5-11, sr., OH), Anna Crittenden (6-0, soph., MB), Natalie Flores (5-7, soph., libero), Maeve Bergin (5-8, soph., S)
Key newcomers: Emme Campos (5-7, fresh., S-OH-DS), Julia Koziol (5-9, soph., OH)
Red Devils outlook: Kozlowski (125, kills, 91 digs, 35 blocks), Crittenden (67 kills, 51 blocks), Flores (207 digs, 20 aces) and Bergin (95 digs, 28 aces) played in the majority of matches last season…Flores will shift from a defensive-specialist role to the libero spot, while Bergin will move from a defensive specialist last year to a setting position.
Coach’s quote: “We will be a very young team on the court,” Stapleton said. “We are likely going to have four sophomores and one or two freshmen in the starting lineup. This group is relentless in pursuing the ball and making opponents earn their points.”
Hinsdale South
Coach: Ben Goodell
Last season’s record: 18-18, 5-1 (second West Suburban Gold)
Top returning players: Bella Farrare (6-0, soph., MB), Charley Cook (5-7, sr., OH-RS), Payton Hallman (5-5, sr., libero), Desi Ivanova (5-7, sr., S)
Key newcomers: Jillian Ockrim (5-4, jr., OH), Cianna Piazza (5-6, soph., OH)
Hornets outlook: South returns three starters from a team that won a Class 3A regional title for the first time in a decade… Farrare (70 kills, 36 blocks as a freshman starter), Cook (53 kills), Hallman (233 digs) and Ivanova (233 assists, 59 digs) are all varsity-tested veterans … Cook played right side on a senior-heavy team last fall and will see time possibly at both the outside and right-side positions.
Coach’s quote: “Our strengths will be strong, consistent serve-receive and scrappy, aggressive defense,” Goodell said. “We will force other teams to earn their points.”
IC Catholic Prep
Coach: Karen Russ
Last season’s record: 12-21
Top returning players: Jade Dimitrakos (sr.), Meggie Goggin (soph.), Libby Phillips (jr.), Mary Hill, Mia Mendel
Knights outlook: The Knights have three starters back… Russ said Dimitrakos, Goggin and Phillips, as well as Hill and Mendel, will help shape the ICCP offense and defense… ICCP is part of an expanded Girls Catholic Athletic Conference in a division with Joliet Catholic, Aurora Central Catholic, Resurrection, Trinity, De La Salle and Marian Catholic… The Knights will play in four tournaments “that will challenge our team to get us where we need to be for a long playoff run,” Russ said.
Coach’s quote: “Our strengths will be our passing, defense and serving,” Russ said.
Lake Park
Coach: Brett Anetsberger
Last season’s record: 11-25, 0-7 (eighth DuKane)
Top returning players: Kaitlyn Grumeretz (6-1, jr., MB), Makenna Townsend (5-9, jr., OH), Evelyn Voytek (5-8, soph., S), Isabella Aguinaga (5-9, sr., RS)
Key newcomers: Lilah Cocat (6-2, soph., MB), Malia Charse (5-10, soph., OH), Tatiana Salazar (5-3, soph., libero)
Lancers outlook: Lake Park returns five starters in senior setter Addison Norberg, Aguinaga (85 kills, 34 blocks, 43 digs), Townsend (170 kills, 174 digs, 41 aces), Grumeretz (58 blocks, 57 kills) and all-DuKane pick Voytek (359 assists, 168 digs, 50 aces).“Evelyn has the passion and knowledge of a seasoned volleyball player,” Anetsberger said. “She leads the offense with confidence and is always striving to make herself and this program better.”
Coach’s quote: “We are returning almost all of our young roster,” Anetsberger said. “We are continuing to rebuild with a very talented, young roster that will be starting one senior. We had to diligently navigate a period of challenge and growth last year to remain committed to overcoming obstacles and building a stronger future.”
Lisle
Coach: Jen Ward
Last season’s record: 18-18, 7-7 (fourth Illinois Central Eight)
Top returning players: Emily Staley (6-1, sr., MB), Sam Buchelt (5-9, jr.), Jaya Claussen (5-8, jr., S)
Key newcomers: Alaina Schroeder (6-1, jr., OH), Elliott Parks (5-8, soph., S), Olivia Chan (5-4, soph., libero)
Lions outlook: New coach Ward has no returning starters back from last year’s team…. Staley registered 35 blocks as a junior.
Coach’s quote: “We graduated several key players, but we should be competitive,” Ward said. “We are working hard to play together defensively and our attacking at outside will be strong. More than anything, people who watch us play will see a scrappy defensive and blocking team.”
Metea Valley
Coach: Dave MacDonald
Last season’s record: 14-21, 2-8 (fifth DuPage Valley)
Top returning players: Katie Wagner (jr., OH), Alana Schille (jr., RS-S), Allyse King (sr., OH), Raina Parekh (sr., MB), Sienna Bialek (sr., libero), Ishana Harish (jr., MB)
Key newcomers: Da’Miya Bettis (soph., OH), Rachel Keeler (sr., S), Maya Urban (jr., S), Emma Spucys (jr., MB), Caroline Candela (jr., DS)
Mustangs outlook: MacDonald said the Mustangs will lean heavily on returners King, (70 kills, 63 digs), Parekh (64 kills, 43 blocks), Bialek (118 digs, 26 aces), Schille (104 kills, 33 blocks, 31 digs) and Wagner (120 kills, 142 digs, 17 aces). MacDonald also is excited to see what Harish can do with her position change from outside to middle.
Coach’s quote: “The key to our success will be playing great defense and finding consistent ways to score points,” MacDonald said. “Most importantly, we have a team that genuinely enjoys being around one another. We believe strong chemistry will help us stay connected and weather any challenges or tough stretches that come our way.”
Montini Catholic
Coach: Erik Vogt
Last season’s record: 23-13, 6-2 (second Girls Catholic Athletic Red)
Top returning players: Moira Quirk (6-1, sr., MB-RS), Avalyn Dekesyer (5-8, sr., S), Hope Garland (5-8, jr., libero), Michaela Haggerty (5-8, jr.), Victoria Reed (5-7, soph., OH)
Key newcomers: Addison Cox (5-3, fresh., libero-DS)
Broncos outlook: Six starters are back from a team that won a regional title and more than held its own in the GCAC Red… Quirk (179 kills, 110 blocks, Queens University commit) and Dekesyer (626 assists, 241 digs, 65 kills, 41 blocks) were all-GCAC Red picks…. Garland (391 digs, 73 assists, University of Nevada commit), Haggerty (115 kills, 79 digs) and Reed (170 kills, 174 digs) also were heavy contributors… Montini’s new division of the GCAC features Marist, Mother McAuley, Benet, Loyola, St. Laurence and St. Francis. ”Our conference is easily the strongest in the state,” Vogt said.
Coach’s quote: “We are a very experienced team that has finished high in the conference and has won two regional titles back to back,” Vogt said. “We are upperclassmen heavy and have competition for all starting positions.”
Naperville Central
Coach: Eric Kaisling
Last season’s record: 23-13, 8-2 (DuPage Valley champions)
Top returning players: Alexa Novak (5-6, sr., S), Annabelle Kritzer (6-4, sr., MB), Kaylee Buda (5-2, sr., libero-DS), Zoey Horn (5-7, sr., libero-DS), Olivia Monteith (5-7, jr., OH)
Key newcomers: Suzie Holloway (5-11, jr., RS-MB), Brooklynn Macko (6-1, sr., MB), Mila Norkett (5-11, sr., OH)
Redhawks outlook: The defending DVC champions return several key players…Kritzer is committed to play basketball at Drake, while Norkett is committed to play volleyball at Carthage…Novak, Buda, Horn and Monteith also were notables from last year’s squad.
Coach’s quote: “I believe we will be a solid defensive team due to our experience and height,” Kaisling said. “Offensively, we will have several players we expecting to step up and be contributors.”
Naperville North
Coach: Nate Bornancin
Last year’s record: 22-15, 6-4 (third DuPage Valley)
Top returning players: Joelle Pye-Blacknard (5-10, sr., OH), Grace Anderson (5-11, sr., S), Emma Chang (5-10, sr., OH), Jocelyn Jamrosz (5-9, jr., OH)
Key newcomers: Mina Cairns (5-10, soph., OH), Maisyn Grier (5-4, sr., libero)
Huskies outlook: Pye-Blacknard (436 career kills) and Anderson (649 assists, 101 kills, 48 aces) were all-DVC selections…Pye-Blacknard is committed to Lipscomb University, while Bornancin is excited for fans to see Anderson play this fall. “She has to be one of the top setters in the state,” he said of Anderson, who plays for the Sports Performance club. “She has gone to another level…” Chang (172 kills, 28 aces) and Jamrosz (101 kills, 14 blocks) give Anderson even more options… Grace Anderson and Kristen Anderson are twins on the team… Chang is a quadruplet but her siblings don’t play the sport… Jessica Shah has a twin sister… Bornancin was junior middle Karolina Bilvinaite’s first-grade teacher… Multiple players on the team scored 30 or higher on the ACT…Five starters are back with three having 3-4 years of varsity experience.
Coach’s quote: “We are not the biggest team, but we are probably the oldest,” Bornancin said. “We kept 10 seniors who are driven to make this last year the best year.”
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Jamie Buhnerkemper
Last season’s record: 22-14, 7-3 (tie second DuPage Valley)
Top returning players: Tatum Kelly (5-11, jr., S), Ariana Owiti (5-9, jr., OH), Alexandra Durkin (5-9, jr., OH)
Key newcomers: Katie Weiss (5-10, soph., MB)
Wildcats outlook: University of Illinois commit Kelly was a unanimous all-DVC pick a year ago and a Daily Herald All-Area selection… Owiti also returns after earning a Wheaton Classic all-tournament nod last year as a sophomore… Weiss played on the varsity last year, but Buhnerkemper noted she has grown into her game this season… Neuqua returns four starters, a defensive specialist and a middle.
Coach’s quote: “We have matured as a team,” Buhnerkemper said. “Three-year varsity starters will be leading the group. We will be fighting for first (in the DVC). We need to stay consistent.”
St. Francis
Coach: Lisa Ston
Last season’s record: 25-13, 3-4 (Girls Catholic Athletic Red)
Top returning players: Holly Muisenga (5-10, sr., RS), Grace Grover (6-0, sr., MB), Lauren Flamme (6-0, soph., OH)
Key newcomers: Leigh Krzus (6-2, soph., S), Claire Greene (6-0, soph., OH)
Spartans outlook: St. Francis is coming off a 2025 campaign where it won a Class 4A regional… Three starters return, while Lorraine Surina will play beach volleyball at Charleston, but suffered a knee injury during the state semifinal soccer game this spring… Ston noted Grover has all the shots in the middle and is taking a leadership role, while Krzus had a great offseason.
Coach’s quote: “Our team features a strong mix of seasoned returners and enthusiastic newcomers, each of whom will contribute in meaningful ways,” Ston said. “This year’s squad is determined to succeed and motivated to compete at a high level every match.”
Timothy Christian
Coach: Scott Piersma
Last season’s record: 29-6, 10-0 (Chicagoland Christian champions)
Top returning players: Audrey Williams (6-1, sr., MB), Kate Vogelzang (5-7, sr., DS), Mia VanHekken (5-8, jr., OH), Alexis Brandsma (5-4, jr., DS), Maddie Rudman (5-11, soph., OH)
Key newcomers: Avery Tazelaar (5-10, sr., MB), Peyton Dorsey (5-9, soph., RS)
Trojans outlook: Timothy won the CCC regular-season and conference tournament titles on its way to also winning a Class 3A regional crown…Four starters are back in Williams (140 kills, .445 hitting, 40 blocks), Vogelzang (281 digs, 33 aces, 53 assists), VanHekken (121 kills, 81 digs, 61 aces) and Rudman (52 kills, 30 blocks, 51 digs)… Rudman moves to the outside after playing on the right her freshman year… Williams earned all-state honorable-mention honors last fall.
Coach’s quote: “While we lost a lot at the net to graduation, we return all of our back defensive unit,” Piersma said. “Kate Vogelzang and Alexis Brandsma give us a solid duo that we can count on in serve-receive and defense. If we can play well in that phase, then the offense (VanHekken, Williams, Tazelaar and Rudman) will be able to look like years past.”
West Chicago
Coach: Adrian Porcayo
Last season’s record: 14-18, 3-3 (fourth Upstate Eight East)
Top returning players: Brielle Borner (sr., OH), Piper Kiser (sr., MB)
Key newcomers: Soraya Arshad (jr., S)
Wildcats outlook: Porcayo’s squad has two starters back… Borner is committed to Carthage College.
Westmont
Coach: Jason Gentile
Last season’s record: 30-6, 10-0 (Chicagoland Prep champions)
Top returning players: Kotryna Vanagas (5-10, sr., OH), Alice O’Connor (5-6, sr., OH), Ryley Johnson (5-7, sr., S), Grace Shannon (5-10, sr., MB), Layla Bunch (5-9, sr., OH)
Key newcomers: Gwyneth Jindra (5-8, jr., S-RS), Grace Détente (5-6, sr., libero)
Sentinels outlook: The defending Chicago Prep Conference champions and Class 2A regional titlists have five starters back with Vanagas (385 kills, 235 digs, 56 aces), O’Connor (102 kills, 123 digs, 55 aces), Johnson (539 assists, 66 aces, 35 kills), Shannon (79 kills) and Bunch (109 kills, 96 digs, 44 aces) putting up strong numbers… Vanagas earned all-state third-team honors and was joined on the all-Chicago Prep team by Bunch and Johnson.
Coach’s quote: “The team’s strength will be our offense and commitment to playing hard together,” Gentile said. “We have a talented group of athletes who are committed to being the best version of themselves. They strive hard to achieve the most they can and have a high belief in each other.”
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Cody Nielsen
Last season’s record: 18-17, 3-4 (fifth Chicagoland Christian)
Top returning players: Ava Yaros (MB), Stephanie Thelen (OH), Addie Vanderlugt (OH), Penny Park (S), Emily From (libero), Emma Boerman (libero)
Key newcomers: Aubrey Howe, Kaia Leninger, Noelle Nichols, Laura Hein, Ashley Adams, Bella Delgado, Kenzie Leninger
Warriors outlook: Wheaton Academy reached a sectional semifinal a year ago and has four starters back, including all-CCC selection Yaros… Looking at the conference, Nielsen said Chicago Christian and Timothy Christian will present the biggest competition. “We will definitely be in the running for a conference championship,” Nielsen said.
Coach’s quote: “Our strengths will be service pressure and depth,” Nielsen said.
Wheaton North
Coach: Justin Hineman
Last season’s record: 22-15, 5-2 (second, DuKane)
Top returning players: Emily Rochford (5-10, sr., S), Addison Clausing (6-2, jr., MB), Annalouisa Marchis (5-10, sr., OH), Kate Kluckman (5-10, jr., OH)
Key newcomers: Sophia Wellman (5-5, sr., RS-S), Sasha Benson (5-7, soph., DS), Abby Callahan (5-8, sr., OH), Addi Williams (5-6, jr., DS), Sienna Wedow (6-1, jr., MB), Addi Deetien (5-10, sr., MB), Bella Giovanis (5-5, jr., DS), Gia Gubenko (5-5, jr., DS)
Falcons outlook: Rochford (340 assists, 138 kills, 42 aces), Clausing (76 blocks) and Marchis (248 kills) started on a Falcons team last year that finished second in the DuKane Conference and made a Class 4A regional final.. Rochford and Marchis were all-DuKane honorees… Rochford, a four-year varsity veteran, needs 312 assists to hit 1,000 for her career.
Coach’s quote: “We are looking to continue an upward trajectory and compete for our first regional championship since 2016,” Hineman said. “It should be another challenging slate of DuKane matchups. We hope to be competitive and compete to stay near the top of the conference standings.”
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Bill Schreier
Last season’s record: 16-20, 2-5 (fourth DuKane)
Top returning players: Alison Coyne (5-10, soph., S), Khloe Dudick (5-10, sr., OH), Eva Feely (5-10, sr., MB), Willow Boecker (5-10, sr., MB), Maggie Nikischer (5-2, jr., libero-DS)
Key newcomers: Lina Mieliauskaite (5-11, soph., MB-OH), Audra Warren (6-1, soph., MB-RS), Mia Kantowski (5-9, jr., S), Evelyn Detwiler (6-3, sr., DS-libero)
Tigers outlook: Coyne (551 assists, 221 digs, 80 kills, 60 aces), Dudick (134 kills, 47 digs) and Feely (37 kills and 30 blocks) are program captains, while Boecker (34 kills, 24 blocks) and Nikischer (179 digs) are two-year varsity starters… Coyne’s mother, Melissa Rooney Coyne, is a member of the WWS Hall of Fame. Melissa’s brother, Sean Rooney, won the Tigers’ boys program’s first state title, won an NCAA indoor title at Pepperdine and an Olympic gold medal.
Coach’s quote: “I think the strength of this team will be in their resiliency,” Schreier said. “We were competitive and battle tested last year. This has been a lot to get to this point and they are really excited to get on the court against an opponent. We will go through some growing pains early as we incorporate younger players with our returners, but the talent in the gym cannot be denied.”
Willowbrook
Coach: Irene Mason
Last season’s record: 20-16, 4-2 (third West Suburban Gold)
Top returning players: Tess Doyle (5-6, sr., libero), Maggie Hurley (6-1, sr., MB), Evelyn Lammers (5-11, soph., OH), Melanie Marinier (5-5, sr., S)
Key newcomers: Paige Marinier (5-8, fresh., S), Bryna Meeker (6-0, fresh., MB), Tessa Burritt (5-8, soph., MB)
Warriors outlook: Willowbrook has six returning starters, including all-WSC Gold pick Doyle (321 digs, 64 assists, 42 aces), who also was named Team MVP a year ago… Doyle and Hurley (155 kills, 36 digs, 38 blocks) both have college playing aspirations… Lammers (164 kills, 78 digs, 43 aces as a freshman) and Melanie Marinier (176 assists, 106 digs, 15 aces) also were key contributors last fall…. Mason said Hurley has gotten even better this year with her skills and confidence now at an all-time high, while Doyle dominated and controlled the court last year and is even stronger and more impressive this year.
Coach’s quote: “Our strength will be our defense,” Mason said. “We have a solid group of returners who understand the speed of the game and what it takes to win, and an eager group of new players that is working hard to get up to speed. We are going to grind hard, compete for every ball and go all out every game.”
York
Coach: Danny Piwowarczyk
Last season’s record: 24-13, 2-4 (West Suburban Silver)
Top returning players: Eileen Carroll (5-8, jr., OH), Madelene Braathen (5-6, sr., S), Emma Braathen (5-6, sr., libero), Aniella Villatoro Nevarez (5-10, sr., OH), Lila Bennis (5-6, jr., DS), Taylor Stepanich (5-10, sr., MB), Maggie Lombardi (5-9, sr., S)
Key newcomers: Alivia West (5-10, soph., RS), Kendall Ives (5-7, jr., RS), Nyla Palumbo (5-11, jr., MB)
Dukes outlook: York lost two four-year varsity starters, but has seven starters with a lot of lifetime volleyball played, Piwowarczyk pointed out. “The seven returners have all played club since fifth or sixth grade and will help make us a very consistent team that makes few mistakes,” he said… Carroll is a three-year varsity starter and is poised to take a big leap, the coach added… Bennis also provides experience as a three-year varsity player and will help hold down the back row… Piwowarczyk said sophomore West is the type of player who can change a match with how hard she can hit and has a bright future… Sophomore Valentina Paros, who touched the highest of anyone in the program as a freshman, is out for the season after having surgery.
Coach’s quote: “Our five returning seniors have tremendous work ethics and provide tremendous leadership and will see plenty of court time,” Piwowarczyk said.
Aurora Christian
Coach: Mayra Johnson
Last season’s record: 28-5, 5-2 (third Chicagoland Christian)
Top returning players: Katie Maddox (sr., OH), Chloe Meyer (sr., MB), Mary Kendall (jr., S), Madison Wagner (jr., libero)
Key newcomers: Grace Beebe (jr., DS), Bella Mouis (fresh., MB), Gabby Rogers (fresh., DS), Mylee Mouis (fresh., RS-OH), Hannah Johnson (fresh., S)
Eagles outlook: Aurora Christian, which won a Class 1A regional title last year for the first time since 2017, returns one starter in Maddox. Johnson said to keep eyes on Maddox stepping into a leadership role on and off the court and senior Meyer as a starting middle and being dominant in that position.
Coach’s quote: “We have young talent that is coachable and competitive,” Johnson said.
Bartlett
Coach: Bob Schwantz
Last season’s record: 11-18, 4-2 (third Upstate Eight West, fifth overall Upstate Eight)
Top returning players: Brianna Petrasiunas (sr., RS), Summer O’Reilley (sr., libero), Chloe Ohm (sr., MB), Caylee Kurzynski (sr., libero-DS)
Key newcomers: Loriley Fuentes (fresh., OH), Elena Thanasenaris (fresh., MB), Maria Bialek (soph., MB), Grace Thanasenaris (jr., RS), Abbey Wilkens (jr., S)
Hawks outlook: Five starters are back for the Hawks, including all-UEC honorable-mention picks Petrasiunas and Kurzynski… Schwantz called Petrasiunas one of the best blocking right-side hitters he has ever seen. “Brianna has something to prove this season,” he said… Fuentes, who plays club out of the Aurora-based Sports Performance, is a strong, disciplined hitter who can play all six rotations. “There is a very bright future for her in our program,” Schwantz said.
Coach’s quote: “We have four strong pin hitters, two experienced setters and a really good block at the net,” Schwantz said. “If this team can gel quickly, I think we have a real shot at winning the West Division and playing in the UEC championship match in October.”
Batavia
Coach: Tom Barry
Last season’s record: 17-18, 4-3 (fourth DuKane)
Top returning players: Morgan Raiser (6-0, sr., S-RS), Olivia Dibiase (6-0, sr., MB), Delaney Wik (5-5, sr., libero), Penelope Schultz (6-3, sr., MB), Sofie Wojtkiewicz (6-0, soph., OH), Elle Jones (6-1, sr., RS)
Bulldogs outlook: Barry is fired up about this season, which sees the Bulldogs return five starters, including Raiser, Dibiase and Wik, who have been varsity contributors since their freshman seasons. Schultz and junior Amber Gabris also are back. Raiser, all-DuKane last season, led Batavia in kills, assists, blocks and aces… Dibiase, Wik and Schultz were all-DuKane honorable mention selections.
Coach’s quote: “We have a group that has been battle-tested in an always tough DuKane Conference and understands what it takes to compete at a high level,” Barry said. “We believe this could be a special year for Batavia. If we are going to make a run at a conference championship, we believe this is the year. We have the senior leadership, experience, size and depth to compete with the best teams in the area.”
Burlington Central
Coach: Julia Smagacz
Last season’s record: 20-16, 8-10 (eighth, Fox Valley)
Top returning players: Ainsley Wilson (6-4, sr., MB), LaRaiya Cunningham-Duncan (5-7, jr., OH), Lexi Yanez (5-1, sr., libero), Niyati Kasireddy (5-10, jr., RS), Makenna Manganiello (5-6, sr., S), Tiernan Naus (5-3, sr., S)
Key newcomers: Lani Akenten (5-11, fresh., OH), Lexi Pineda (5-5, jr., OH), Gabby Alesi (5-4, sr., S)
Rockets outlook: Central made its first sectional championship appearance last year since 2013… Wilson is committed to Division I Dayton… The Rockets have six starters back and add freshman outside Akenten who Smagacz noted “is a powerhouse and will make a statement this season,” she said.
Coach’s quote: “We are combining a solid group of returners with some powerhouse newcomers,” Smagacz said. “Our depth and well-roundedness will definitely be strengths. We are looking to improve upon last year’s conference record and make a statement in the FVC.”
Cary-Grove
Coach: Taylor Rominski
Last season’s record: 9-27, 2-16 (ninth Fox Valley)
Top returning players: Brooke Mason (6-1, sr., RS), Morgan Evelo (5-6, sr., S), Kara Dunker (soph., libero)
Trojans outlook: Mason (73 kills, 16 blocks in league play), Evelo (433 assists, third in the league) and Dunker started last season… Dunker started at libero as a freshman last year before being injured halfway through the season.
Coach’s quote: “The strength of our team will be our connection and our scrappy defense,” Rominski said.
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Jorie Fontana
Last season’s record: 14-17, 8-10 (tie fifth Fox Valley)
Top returning players: Bobbi Wire (5-7, sr., OH), Layla Addison (5-1, sr., DS), Joanna Kruzolek (5-8, sr., OH), Sahara Okirika (5-7, jr., MB-OH), Nora Wiggs (5-10, sr., S)
Key newcomers: Logan Georgy (6-2, sr., OH), Olivia Kouretsos (5-5, sr., OH), Makayla Westermann (6-1, soph., MB), Peyton Ziegler (5-6, sr., S)
Gators outlook: Fontana has five starters back, including all-FVC pick Wire (team-high 266 kills, 181 digs). Addison (team-high 345 digs, team-high 24 aces), Kruzolek (236 kills, 20 blocks), Okirika (team-high 36 blocks, 89 kills) and Wiggs (498 assists, 18 aces) all were key contributors.
Coach’s quote: “We will be experienced,” Fontana said. “Most are seniors who have played together on a few different teams so they know each other well. They are able to work through tough drills together because they know how to support one another. For us, the goal this season is simple. We expect to be right there competing for a top spot (in the FVC). It’s going come down to execution, resilience, staying healthy and who survives the grind of a tough conference season.”
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Patty Langanis
Last season’s record: 18-18, 8-10 (tie fifth Fox Valley)
Top returning players: Tori Brents (5-11, S), Erin Bruce (6-1, OH), Kate Graham (5-10, OH)
Key newcomers: Nina Marcanti (sr., libero)
Chargers outlook: Brents, headed to Division I Loyola Chicago, is a returning all-FVC pick and one of four starters back for veteran area coach Langanis…. In addition to Brents, Langanis said to keep an eye on Bruce… Langanis said Crystal Lake South, Huntley and Crystal Lake Central will be tough in the league. “We will be competitive and have a chance to break into the top four,” she said.
Coach’s quote: “Our offense will be solid,” Langanis said.
Geneva
Coach: Lauren Kosecki
Last season’s record: 22-17, 5-2 (second DuKane)
Top returning players: Emma Peterson (6-1, jr., OH), Ally Stevenson (5-4, sr., S), Zori Malone (5-10, jr., OH)
Vikings outlook: The DuKane runners-up and Class 4A sectional finalists return four starters, including Peterson (378 kills) and Stevenson (660 assists), who were both all-DuKane picks… Malone added 202 kills. “Emma and Ally both led the team last year and are returning,” Kosecki said.
Coach’s quote: “We have several players returning and they want to have a better season than last year,” Kosecki said. “Everyone in our conference is always competitive. I believe based on our returners, we will be able to compete.”
Hampshire
Coach: Omar Cortez
Last season’s record: 31-6, 17-1 (Fox Valley champions)
Top returning players: Ella Ingve (S), Megan Spenk (OH), Kiera Skerke (OH), Lily Ingve (OH)
Key newcomers: Layla Fredrick (6-1, soph., MB), Skylar Hainey (6-1, soph., S), Mackenzie Skidmore (5-9, jr., S).
Whip-Purs outlook: Three starters are back for a Hampshire squad that registered 31 wins and won the Fox Valley Conference for the first time since joining the circuit with a robust 17-1 mark. “I think everyone in the FVC is going to be tough to beat,” Cortez said. “I know we aren’t the same team everyone hated playing last season and all the talent we had, but we will still be fighting and surprising a lot of teams this season, for sure.”
Coach’s quote: “I believe this group can keep up with any team athletically,” Cortez said. “One of our biggest strengths is the number of options we have at different positions. Our players are versatile and can take on different roles when needed.”
Huntley
Coach: Karen Naymola
Last season’s record: 32-8, 15-3 (tie second Fox Valley)
Top returning players: Izzy Whitehouse (sr., OH), Mia Jacobelli (sr., OH), Izzy DeLeon (sr., S), Rylie Galanis (jr., MB), Lucy Watson (jr., RS-MB), Sydney Elm (sr., L-DS)
Key newcomers: Claire Dugena (soph., RS), Jordyn Borkowski (soph., libero-DS), Madison Marlowe (soph.), Leah Walker (fresh., S), Kendall Malatia (fresh., DS)
Red Raiders outlook: Whitehouse, headed to Division I Boise State for beach volleyball, led Huntley in kills and aces and was second in digs on her way to all-FVC and All-Area accolades. “Izzy is a player to watch with her explosiveness and ability to score for us at any opportunity and being an undersized opportunity is very impressive,” Naymola said… Jacobelli was second on the team in kills… Huntley has four starters back but lost starting senior Summer Massow over the summer to a knee injury, Naymola noted… Galanis stepped in during the middle of last season and continues to be a key contributor offensively and with her block, Naymola said… The coach added the speed of the Red Raiders offense will be a strength.. “We have so many talented setters who can all set a very fast tempo ball,” Naymola said.
Coach’s comment: “I expect us to compete for the conference,” Naymola said. “Obviously, the Fox Valley is stacked and it’s going to be a battle, but we can’t wait for the challenge and will hopefully regain the conference title.”
Jacobs
Coach: Mike Depa
Last season’s record: 18-19, 8-10 (tie fifth Fox Valley)
Top returning players: Rachelle Zieba (5-10, sr., OH)
Key newcomers: Adele Kron (6-2, fresh., OH), Autumn Swanson (5-7, soph., MB), Lauren Sandage (5-4, jr., S), Delaney Campbell (5-8, RS)
Golden Eagles outlook: Jacobs returns only one varsity player (Zieba, 68 kills, 83 digs, 13 blocks) from a team that reached a Class 4A regional final…. Depa said Zieba, who is looking at playing at McHenry County College next season, and Kron both have the ability to terminate the ball and are a couple of players to watch. “I am excited to see how they perform,” he said… Depa noted Huntley, Hampshire and Prairie Ridge are usual tough teams to play in the FVC.
Coach’s quote: “I hope with our younger team, we are working hard and making every game a difficult match for whoever we play, “ Depa said.
Kaneland
Coach: Cynthia Violett
Last season’s record: 12-24, 4-6 (fourth, Interstate Eight)
Top returning players: Eliza Bruhl (6-1, soph., OH), Natalie Remsen (6-1, soph., MB), Frankie Rio (5-8, sr., S)
Key newcomers: Emma Brost (5-9, soph., OH), Lauren Sharp (5-5, soph., libero)
Knights outlook: Kaneland, which reached a Class 3A regional final last year, returns three starters and will start a total offive5 sophomores this fall… Bruhl and Brost will lead the way at the pins… “As outside hitters, Eliza and Emma bring a lot of talent in six rotations with strong arm swings,” Violett said… In terms of the Interstate Eight, “I believe most of our conference will be tough with leading schools such as LaSalle-Peru,” Violett said. “I believe we will be fighting for a conference championship.”
Coach’s quote: “We’re young with five starting sophomores who have been playing together for awhile and are hungry to compete,” Violett said.
Marmion
Coach: Megan Wille
Last season’s record: First season as a girls program
Key newcomers: Camilla Del Rosario (OH, libero), Aaliyah Wiley (utility), Macy Restaino (S)
Cadets outlook: This is Marmion Academy’s first year as coed… The Cadets will play a JV schedule and offer select freshman games as well… Wille said this first team will be about 80% freshmen and 20% sophomores (82-18 to be exact)… “We have a younger team, but I think that as we got out to compete, we will be looking toward what we are able to do better as a program,” she said.
Coach’s quote: “All of the players have come in and put in extensive work on the court for speed and agility,” Wille said. “They have been beyond flexible while coaches and myself coordinate the format for this season. Although we are a new program with no history and battling other programs who have worked together for years, we are ready to make a footprint. We are grateful for the phenomenal group of girls we have.”
River Valley Christian
Coach: Will Benenhaley
Last season’s record: 15-17, 8-1 (second Northeastern Athletic)
Top returning players: Karis Meeker (soph., OH), Jessica Vambute (sr., OH), Zoe Nwole (sr., OH), Amelia Herther (jr., libero)
Rams outlook: River Valley is the result of Harvest Christian and Westminster Christian in Elgin combining forces (officially) after co-oping last year… Meeker (172 kills), Vambute (154 kills, 45 aces), Nwole (40 blocks) and Herther (388 digs) are part of a group of five returning starters. “This year will be different, as we have gone from being two separate schools to co-oping last year, which had its own difficulties,” Benenhaley said. “Now this year, we are a new school where we are all excited to work together every day.”...Benenhaley said Schaumburg Christian will be a key foe in the Northeastern Athletic. “The outlook for this season will be first in conference,” he said.
Coach’s quote: “Our strengths this season will be our faith in God,” Benenhaley said. “This will be our focus as we will show our faith every match and glorify God with all we do. We also will be focused on being very consistent with all we do.”
South Elgin
Coach: Jesse Bossenga
Last season’s record: 24-12, 5-1 (second Upstate Eight West)
Top returning players: Kate Fenner (6-2, sr., MB), Bri Decheva (5-7, sr., libero), Camryn Boyd (6-1, soph., OH)
Key newcomers: Gracyn Dovichi (5-9, soph., S), Thalia Thornton (5-8, fresh., OH), Ashley Kleczewski (5-6, soph., OH), Olivia Arnel (6-0, jr., MB-RS), Arissa Williams (5-11, jr., MB)
Storm outlook: Boyd (291 kills, 178 digs, 35 aces, 24 blocks) is a returning all-state honorable-mention pick and an all-UEC selection for South Elgin, which reached a Class 4A regional final last year. Boyd, Fenner (111 kills, .371 hitting, 45 blocks) and Decheva (239 digs, 26 aces, moving from outside to libero) all started last season…. Dovichi takes over the starting setter position, while Bossenga is looking for Fenner to put up numbers indicative of an even bigger impact along the net. “Kate has a chance to bring our game up another level through her impact both offensively and defensively,” Bossenga said.
Coach’s quote: “We hope to be in line to compete for a conference championship,” Bossenga said. “We have fallen just short to West Aurora the past two seasons and know we will have to play at a high level to replace them at the top of the UEC West. The rest of the conference continues to improve so we have work to do to put ourselves in the conversation as one of the best on either side of the conference.”
St. Charles East
Coach: Jessa Henry
Last season’s record: 13-22, 3-4 (fifth DuKane)
Top returning players: Scarlett Dickerson (5-10, sr., OH), Gianna Gjokaj (5-5, jr., libero-DS), Mackenzie Finn (5-9, sr., RS), Francesca Fevold (5-9, jr., S), Nora Lange (6-1, MB), Kate Fitzgerald (5-9, MB)
Key newcomers: Tessa Schneider (5-8, jr., S), Emma Phillips (5-8, jr., OH), Gigi Marziani-Radomski (5-5, jr., libero-DS), Rachel O’Sullivan (5-7, jr., libero-DS), Ally Bishop (5-5, sr., libero-DS), Stella Trask (5-10, MB), Ashley Mancera (5-10, sr., MB)
Saints outlook: Dickerson, headed to Union College in upstate New York, averaged 2.6 kills per set in 2025, while Gjokaj averaged 2.5 digs per set (209 total). Finn (1.2 kills) and Fevold (370 assists, 162 digs and Lange (77 kills, 30 blocks) were also contributors… Phillips is returning from an injury that kept her off the court last year… Henry said the teammates and leaders Gjokaj and Fevold “really set the tone for this team and this program,” she said. “As two key positions, they are the best teammates, the best leaders and will continue to outwork people in this conference.”
Coach’s quote: “Our strengths as a team are going to be on the defensive end,” Henry said. “We have countless incredibly talented liberos/defensive specialists in our program. Along with defense, I think behind the service line, we will be a force to be reckoned with.”
St. Charles North
Coach: Lindsey Hawkins
Last season’s record: 34-4, 7-0 (DuKane champions)
Top returning players: Addison Kashuba (sr., libero), Ellie Sutter (sr., OH), Brynn Hopkins (jr., MB), Erin Skidmore (jr., DS), Anna Bryniczka (sr., S)
Key newcomers: Maddy Lewis (jr., MB), Mya Mikos (jr., OH)
North Stars outlook: “We are looking to rebuild after having graduated some of the best players in the state of Illinois and sending a core group off to play Division I college volleyball,” Hawkins said. “Many of the girls have been on the team the last few years, but have filled role player spots and are now being asked to step up and lead both physically and vocally. A lot of learning is happening and a lot of growth, but it will take some time.”
Coach’s quote: “Defensively, we will be tough and frustrate teams, so we are looking at that aspect of our game to keep us competitive,” Hawkins said. “There are many teams in the conference who are at a point now that we were at last year where their core group of starters are finally seniors and have really come into their own, so I think the conference will be tough this year.”
St. Edward
Coach: Dawn Gross
Last season’s record: 11-25, 3-4 (tie fifth Chicagoland Christian)
Top returning players: Giana Forlini (5-5, OH-DS), Allison Lazzar (5-10, jr., MB), Gaby Resendiz (5-5, jr., S)
Key newcomers: Nuala Kiley (5-6, soph., libero-DS), Jayla Crawford-Rodriguez (5-6, jr., OH-MB-RS), Emma Fargo (5-3, sr., DS), Sophia Morgan (5-8, soph.., MB-RS), Lizzy Goto (5-8, fresh., MB), Bella Aranetta (5-0, fresh., S-DS), Izabela Labedz (5-4, fresh., OH-DS)
Green Wave outlook: St. Edward graduated 10 seniors from last season’s squad… Forlini, Gross noted, will be a solid outside hitter this season and strong server, while Lazzar will be a force to be reckoned with at the net, can swing from all three positions and has an “incredible block and serve,” she said. “We are looking for a great season with her,” she said…. Resendiz, a junior setter, “is ready and stronger than ever to run our offense,” Gross said.
Coach’s quote: “We are in a rebuilding season, but we will keep getting better throughout the season and blossom by regionals,” Gross said. “Don’t underestimate the height of our team. We are looking forward to working hard as we rebuild and surprise a few teams.”
Streamwood
Coach: Joanna Sharp
Last season’s record: 4-28
Top returning players: Emily Mendez, McKenzie Alonso, Erika Serafini
Key newcomers: Gionna Terry, Ilana Petreikis
Sabres outlook: Sharp said a few players to keep an eye on are Mendez, Petreikis and Terry. “They are highly motivated to win,” she said… In the Upstate Eight, Sharp noted Elmwood Park, Riverside-Brookfield and South Elgin are tough opponents. “We will be working to get to .500,” she said.
Coach’s quote: “Our strength is we have an all-senior team,” Sharp said.
West Aurora
Coach: Alyssa Farney
Last season’s record: 21-13, 6-1 (Upstate Eight West champions, second overall Upstate Eight)
Top returning players: Natalie Mitchell (5-7, sr., OH), Anna Tarr (5-10, sr., RS), Janessa Garcia (5-1, sr., defensive specialist-libero)
Key newcomers: Izzy Moneze (5-7, jr., OH), Paige Werve (5-11, soph., OH-MB), Aiyanah Vega (5-7, sr., OH-RS)
Blackhawks outlook: Team captain Mitchell (210 kills, 43 aces), is a two-time all-conference player and West Aurora’s only returning starter, while Tarr and Garcia also played a year ago… Mitchell is a four-year varsity veteran. “Natalie is a kills machine, a veteran, a captain and our offensive anchor,” she said… Tarr was hurt most of last year, but “is a calm and cool leader looking to bounce back this year,” Farney said… Garcia (231 serve-receive attempts, 96 digs) is a junior defensive specialist “looking to build on a good year,” Farney added… Farney is also excited about newcomer Moneze, an athletic junior with a big arm and dynamic playmaking abilities.
Coach’s quote: “We will be a very young team, and we are really excited to grow, but also ready to win,” Farney said. “We feel we will be able to compete with anybody, with Riverside-Brookfield and South Elgin being our biggest challenges. Even with a young core, we are looking to compete and to win the conference.”
Did not respond to requests for information: Aurora Central Catholic, Elgin, Larkin, Rosary
Antioch
Coach: Jimmy Lallaman
Last season’s record: 10-24, 2-5 (sixth Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Nora Ultsch (5-9, sr., OH), Payton Burris (5-3, sr., DS-libero)
Key newcomers: Hazel Ultsch (5-6, fresh., OH)
Sequoits outlook: Antioch returns six starters, including all-Northern Lake County selection Nora Ultsch, who registered 148 kills and 146 digs…Burris is back on defense after posting 207 digs as a junior… Lallaman said Ultsch and her freshman sister, Hazel, will be threats on the pins with aggressive attacks and a huge drive to find ways to score… Lallaman said while there are a lot of young teams in the NLCC, Lakes, Grant and Wauconda return seasoned veterans. “We should be able to hang with those seasoned lineups and be able to cause some upsets,” he said.
Coach’s quote: “Our strength will be keeping the ball alive and being able to generate an offense out of system,” Lallaman said.
Carmel Catholic
Coach: David Pazely
Last season’s record: 28-11, 2-4 (fifth East Suburban Catholic)
Top returning players: Charlotte Shepherd (5-9, jr., S), Shea Kelly (6-2, jr., RS), Brailyn Albanese (5-11, jr., OH)
Corsairs outlook: Pazely returns nine players who started matches on last year’s Class 3A sectional finalist, including Shepherd, who was an all-ESCC pick and is already over the 1,100 career assist mark in 3 varsity seasons. Shepherd is being recruited by Division I colleges and is about to join the respected Milwaukee Sting club program…. Kelly also is being recruited by colleges and Pazely said is moving faster, jumping higher and hitting harder… Scarlett Olszowka was ESCC honorable-mention all-conference and was a Daily Herald All-Area pick along with Shepherd. Albanese, a Daily Herald honorable mention All-Area selection, who sets in club, was second on the team in kills and is aiming for the top spot this year, Pazely said… Carmel basketball standout Liv Johnson recently won an AAU basketball national title and was MVP for the season and now shifts gears to the volleyball court... Carmel is in the second division of the newly expanded Girls Catholic Athletic Conference and was ranked sixth in that division’s preseason ranking. “We will be aiming to change that and hopefully earn promotion into the top division when realignment happens,” Pazely said.
Coach’s quote: “We should have a strong net presence this year,” Pazely said. “We have height, explosiveness and power. We also have an athletic setter who makes good decisions to keep our offense balanced.”
Grant Community
Coach: JP Gizowski
Last season’s record: 13-20, 4-3 (fourth Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Kara Schubert (6-1, jr., MB), Zendrea Pfau (5-5, sr., libero), Sienna Enters (5-10, jr., OH)
Key newcomers: Zoe Freund (5-9, sr., OH)
Bulldogs outlook: Grant features nine returning players, including all-NLCC picks in Schubert (182 kills, 62 blocks), Pfau (214 digs) and Enters (176 kills)… Schubert is committed to Loyola-Chicago. “Kara is used to being the youngest girl on the court but now she is playing with kids her age,” Gizowski said. “She has only become a stronger player and will be exciting to watch…” Gizowski said Freund will be a strong newcomer who can put the ball down. “Zoe fills a gap we had in our offense this year,” he said… Gizowski said Lakes and Grayslake Central are teams to watch in the league. “With us returning many players while also adding strong newcomers, we are looking to be competitive with those teams,” he said.
Coach’s quote: “We will have a strong offense with threatening middles,” Gizowski said. “This team also has plenty of chemistry since they all played on varsity together as freshmen and sophomores and are now juniors and seniors.”
Grayslake Central
Coach: Arian Colton
Last season’s record: 26-12, 6-1 (second Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Amiyah Miller (sr., MB), Ansley Carlson (jr., OH)
Key newcomers: Molly Strahan (soph., MB-RS), Genevieve Hollenstein (fresh., OH)
Rams outlook: Miller, Carlson and Alivia Salzman started last year for a Rams team that won a Class 3A regional title… Colton noted Lakes and Grant will be strong in the NLCC. “I feel pretty confident we will all battle for the conference title,” she said.
Coach’s quote: “We are going to be a very different team this year,” Colton said. “We are looking to control the ball from the service line and in serve-receive. We have some really dynamic attackers. I am excited to see this group come together.”
Grayslake North
Coach: Nikki Kirchway
Last season’s record: 13-21, 3-4 (fifth Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Ava Werner (sr., RS), Jenna Marasco (jr., OH)
Key newcomers: Aubri Williams (fresh., OH), Ava Becerra (jr., DS), Emme Bond (jr., RS-MB), Kinley Haroldson (fresh., DS)
Knights outlook: Werner, a four-year varsity starter, is back after an all-NLCC junior season (138 kills, 58 digs, 44 aces, 12 blocks)… She and Marasco (54 kills, 35 digs, 7 aces) are North’s only two returners from last year’s team… Williams, Kirchway noted, potentially will be a six-rotation player. “Aubri is a very strong player offensively and defensively and will bring a huge impact as a freshman to our team,” she said.
Coach’s quote: “We are a young team with talent,” Kirchway said. “Our defense, hustle and serving will be strong and we are working on keeping opponents out of system. As a young team, I don’t know where we fit in the conference, but I do know we will be competitive.”
Lakes
Coach: Sarah Yeager
Last season’s record: 25-10, 8-0 (Northern Lake County champions)
Top returning players: Addison Sundquist (5-10, sr., RS), Brynn Skinner (5-8, jr., OH), Sammi Madsen (6-0, sr., S), Lovelyn Zamora (5-5, sr., libero), Isabel Stauber (5-9, sr., OH)
Key newcomers: Cassidy Norris (5-7, soph., OH), Gianna Burmeister (5-10, fresh., MB), Maddie Lage (5-5, soph., DS)
Eagles outlook: The defending Northern Lake County champions are in a good position once again with five returning starters with Sundquist (the NLCC player of the year, 219 kills, 113 digs), Skinner (145 kills, 238 digs, 37 aces), Zamora (278 digs, 27 aces) and Stauber (160 kills, 88 digs) earning all-NLCC honors. “We are fortunate to return a strong core of experienced players who have played significant roles in our program,” Yeager said. “Their experience and leadership will be especially important as we look to build on last season’s success…” Middle blocker Emily Johnson, Yeager said, is also someone to keep an eye on. “She will be someone to watch in the middle of the court,” she said. “She has the potential to be a major strength for us offensively and defensively.”
Coach’s quote: “We have a group of seniors who have invested a lot into this program,” Yeager said. “They are motivated to take the step and have the hunger to do more. After falling in the regional championship last year, there is definitely a sense of unfinished business, and that should provide plenty of motivation.”
Lake Zurich
Coach: Rachel Wiatrowski
Last season’s record: 19-15, 5-2 (third North Suburban)
Top returning players: Sage Olson (jr., S-RS), Emerson Smith (sr., OH), Ella Elsen (sr., S)
Bears outlook: Lake Zurich has nine returners from a 2025 squad that advanced to a Class 4A regional final… Olson, committed to Notre Dame, was the co-player of the year in the North Suburban Conference as a sophomore, while Smith and Elsen joined her on the all-NSC team… Olson registered 305 kills, 278 setting assists and hit .374 last year, while Smith had 167 kills and Elsen had 382 assists.
Coach’s quote: “We have a good returning group of athletes,” Wiatrowski said. “We have some very tough sophomores and juniors who will fill out our roster.”
Libertyville
Coach: Greg Loika
Last season’s record: 32-8, 7-0 (North Suburban champions)
Top returning players: Charlie Fleegle (sr., libero), Elle Knight (6-1, sr., RS), Emerson Zovistoski (5-10, jr., OH), Vivian Lang (6-3, jr., MB), Romy Fleegle (soph., DS), Ella Obourn (sr., DS), Brynn Colton (soph., S), Carsen Sesi (sr., OH), Mairead Fleming (sr., S)
Key newcomers: Hailie Knight (jr., MB), Reilly Sutter (6-0, soph., OH), Liz Galloway (5-11, RS), Karly VanHeirseele (6-0, MB)
Wildcats outlook: While Libertyville lost some key players, including Daily Herald Lake County All-Area Captain Claire Evans, the news is far from glum with five starters back, including all-staters Charlie Fleegle (Illinois State commit) and Knight (217 kills, Rhode Island commit), along with Zovistoski (157 kills, Jacksonville commit)… Loika said Knight, Lang and Zovistoski will be key to bringing more offense, while setters Colton and Fleming will continue to steer the ship with more experience from last year’s Class 4A supersectional run… Loika added the defense will run through Charlie Fleegle but flanked by strong passers in her sister Romy and three-year varsity passer Obourn…Loika also said to keep an eye on 6-3 junior middle Lang, who is stronger and faster and will be relied on to be available when passers keep the Cats in system.
Coach’s quote: “Currently, we’re focused on being a defensive-minded team, tough to score on and ready to transition to offense quickly,” Loika said.
Mundelein
Coach: Jeff Blezien
Last season’s record: 20-18, 4-3 (fourth North Suburban)
Top returning players: Caitlyn Pyke (5-6, sr., libero), Tanner Leedle (5-8, sr., OH), Ela Campo (5-10, jr., MB), Donnelley Wyss (5-11, soph., RS)
Key newcomers: Serena Dodd (5-11, jr., MB), Shayla Agarwal (5-4, jr., S)
Mustangs outlook: Pyke (313 digs, 53 assists, 27 aces) was an all-NSC pick, while Leedle (200 kills, 146 digs), Campo (49 kills, 31 blocks) and Wyss (67 kills, 21 blocks) round out a list of four returning starters for the Mustangs, who won a Class 4A regional title last year… Blezien said Pyke and Tanner both fly under the radar, but will have a huge impact… He added Campo will be one of the top middles in the league due to increased physicality that will help the under-6-footer compete against the top middles in the area… Agarwal will be part of a 6-2 offense, is consistent and sets a very hittable ball, Blezien added.
Coach’s quote: “Our strength will be serving and defense,” Blezien said. “We lost our primary attackers from last year, but the girls have worked really hard in the offseason and this will be the most athletic team I’ve had in my three years. We may have a few growing pains at the beginning, but we will be in a good spot to compete with the top teams once we get to October.”
Round Lake
Coach: Alma Sierra
Last season’s record: 4-26, 1-6 (seventh Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Jennifer Perez Cervantes (sr., MB), Briseida Ortega (sr., DS), Grace Hadick (jr., OH)
Key newcomers: Roxanne DeJesus (fresh., OH-DS)
Panthers outlook: Round Lake has one returning starter and 4 additional returning varsity players. “We are rebuilding and developing a new core of players,” Sierra said. “Our greatest strength will be the desire to work hard, compete for one another, and put the team first. Their willingness to learn, grow and build something together will be a major strength. They are ready to embrace the challenge…” Hadick is stepping into a major leadership role as she takes on a starting outside position. “Grace is ready to take the next step and become a key contributor and leader,” Sierra said… Freshman newcomer DeJesus brings energy, athleticism and a willingness to learn, Sierra added. “She has the potential to make an immediate impact as a defensive specialist while also developing her skills as an outside hitter,” she said.
Coach’s quote: “With eight seniors graduating, we have a young group ready to work hard, grow together and build something special this season,” Sierra said.
Stevenson
Coach: Tim Crow
Last year’s record: 24-13, 6-1 (second North Suburban)
Top returning players: Ryler Bondad (5-6, sr., S), Abigail Inman (5-11, sr., OH), Audri Linnane (5-11, sr., RS), Jane Tan (5-8, sr., S), Maya Patryarcha (5-10, sr., MB), Zuzanna Wal (5-6, sr., libero), Cate Taborek (6-0, jr., MB), Lydia Fakhoury (5-10, soph., OH), Priscilla Weisner (5-8, jr., OH-libero)
Key newcomers: Meda D’Ammando Stapuilonyte (5-10, sr., OH-RS), Sraavya Aduri (5-10, jr., MB), Lydia Meng (5-9, fresh., S-RS), Brook Bush (5-6, sr., OH-libero), Bella Wytrzmalski (5-9, jr., OH-RS), Alice Yevtukhov (5-10, jr., MB)
Patriots outlook: Crow brings back six of nine rotation players from a 2025 team that won a Class 4A regional title and finished second in what again figures to be a competitive North Suburban Conference… Bondad (454 assists, 203 digs, 37 aces) and NSC kills leader Inman (328 kills, 207 digs and 37 aces) were both all-NSC and All-Area selections… Linnane (149 kills, 62 blocks), Tan (371 assists, 120 digs, 24 aces), Patryarcha (73 kills, 42 blocks) and Wal (224 digs, 25 aces) all played key roles a year ago… Crow noted Taborek has shown strong improvement from last year… In terms of the league, Crow sees Stevenson battling it out with Libertyville and Lake Zurich for the top spot in the North Suburban.
Coach’s quote: “We are experienced and deep,” Crow said. “Ryler, Abigail, Audri and Maya are all three-year starters and will be expected to lead the way.”
Vernon Hills
Coach: Max Spiglanin
Last season’s record: 22-14, 8-2 (Central Suburban North champions)
Top returning players: Kiersten Cieslinski (6-1, sr., OH), Mya Beitzel (6-0, sr., MB), Allyson Koetz (5-6, sr., libero), Aria Shah (5-6, soph., S)
Key newcomers: Elliana Russell (5-10, soph., MB), Claire Ayvazian (5-7, soph., libero-OH)
Cougars outlook: Vernon Hills is fresh off its second conference title and returns six starters along with several other players who gained meaningful varsity experience last season… Cieslinski (school-record 335 kills, 152 digs, 44 aces) was an all-state second-team pick and is headed to Marshall University…Beitzel (109 kills, team-high 46 blocks) was the team’s most improved player last season, while Koetz led the team with 241 digs to go with 32 aces and Shah had 314 assists and 41 aces….Ayvazian split time between defensive specialist and libero as a freshman (233 of 237 serves, 19 aces, 159 digs), while Beitzel provides an experienced presence at the net. “Claire’s all-around skill set makes her valuable in every phase,” Spgilanin said. “Mya’s continued development as an attacker makes her impactful on both offense and defense...” Spiglanin said Niles North, Highland Park and division newcomer Deerfield are team’s to watch in the CSL North.
Coach’s quote: “We should be a balanced and adaptable team,” Spiglanin said. “Our lineup flexibility will allow us to play at different tempos and make adjustments throughout a match.”
Wauconda
Coach: Rebecca Muff
Last season’s record: 12-21, 5-2 (Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Karson Kunz (MB), Naomi Strickland (MB), Avery Geoghan (S), Olivia Jones (OH), Makayla Berg (OH), Gabriella Lichon (libero)
Key newcomer: Brooke Anderson (sr., libero-DS)
Bulldogs outlook: Six main starters return with Berg (OH-RS) and four-year starter Geoghan (S-DS) earning all-NLCC honors and Stella Lennox being a recipient of the NLCC sportsmanship award… Newcomer Anderson is committed to the University of Dubuque... Muff said Berg, who led the Bulldogs offensively as a sophomore, has continued to develop as an attacker and she expects Berg to step as a leader as well… As a setter, Muff noted, Geoghan has the ability to impact every part of the Wauconda offense, while contributing defensively and from the service line. “Her leadership on the court will be important for us,” Muff said.
Coach’s quote: We have a group willing to work and we have several athletes who can contribute in multiple positions,” Muff said. “We want to be a team that plays with energy, serves aggressively, defends relentlessly and isn’t afraid to compete through long rallies. Our goal is simple: keep raising the standard at Wauconda and see how far this group is willing to take it.”
Did not respond to requests for information: Warren Township