Girls volleyball: Scouting DuPage County
Addison Trail
Coach: Katie Inzinga
Last season's record: 11-25
Top returnees: Stephanie Petrbok, sr., OH; (2022 MVP); Isabella Romano-Martinez, sr. MH; Riannah Varghese, jr. S; Itzel Gamboa, jr. DS; Jaela Romeus, sr. OH; Rebecca Bonilla, sr. DS; Nellyda Padua, sr. DS
Top newcomers: Giuliana Gallo, fr. MH; Francesca Rohlfing, fr. MH; Alexandra Alaniz, so. S; Gabrielle Salyards, jr. OH; Carly Woehler, jr. OH
Worth noting: Four-year varsity player Petrbok brings experience and poise, Inzinga said, combined with varsity returning starters Romano-Martinez, Varghese, and Gamboa to set a consistent tone and growth-mindset. "We have strong leadership and camaraderie in our returning varsity members and an eagerness to compete from our newcomers," the coach said. "We have been working hard in the offseason and have brought energy, passion, and commitment to the program. We're honored to have received the ZONI Sportsmanship Award last season, and look to continue to grow and compete against a strong West Suburban Gold Conference."
Benet
Coach: Brad Baker
Last season's record: 37-5 overall; 5-1 in East Suburban Catholic, second place.
Top returners: Ava Novak, sr. OH; Christine Pullen, sr. L; Charlotte Torres, sr. L; Val Sarros, sr. M; Gabby Stasys, jr. M; Audrey Asleson, jr. S; Aniya Warren, jr. L; Morgan Asleson, jr. L; Marikate Ritterbusch, jr. L; Sophia Pursley, jr. M/OH; Ellie Stiernagle, so. S; Sophia Chinetti, so. OH; Lyn Tarnow, so. M
Key newcomers: Ella Rieser, sr. OH; Ava Leedebuhr, jr. L; Elle Williams, jr. S; Taylor Kunka, jr. L; Molly Welge, so. M
Worth noting: The 2022 Redwings achieved the program's eighth state trophy, ninth sectional title and 15th regional title over the last 15 postseasons. The 6-foot-2 Novak and 5-9 Indiana commit Warren both earned their second All-ESCC honors. Novak and Warren, considered one of the nation's best liberos, led the Redwings in kills (267) and digs (475), respectively, for the second straight season. Warren was IVCA first-team all-state and Novak was second team all-state. Colorado recruit Audrey Aselson had a team-high 747 assists. For digs, Aselson (206), Novak (197) and Morgan Aselson (128) were second, fourth and fifth. The 6-4 Tarnow, fourth in kills (184), and 6-1 Stiernagle are respectively rated among the top 40 and 150 nationally for the 2026 recruiting class. Tarnow and Stasys should form for one of the best middle combos. "This team has a lot of committed, hard-working players," Baker said. "We expect to have a very good season and are looking forward to the challenges that our state brings."
Downers Grove North
Coach: Mark Wasik
Last season's record: 14-22 overall; 1-5 in West Suburban Silver, sixth place
Top returners: Kelley Crowley, so. OH; Cailyn Myers, sr. RS; Jenny Buehler, jr. OH; Avery Presern, sr. MB; Lauren Hill, sr. S
Key newcomers: Nora Benjamin, so. MB; Alyssa Walters, jr. S
Worth noting: The Trojans missed a fifth straight regional title after beating 22-win Bartlett in the semifinals. They should be back in the mix this year. "We will be much improved," Wasik said. "We should have a balanced offensive attack both on the pins and in the middle." As a freshman, the 5-10 Crowley collected a team-high 199 kills and shared second with 26 aces. The 6-0 Buehler led in blocks (68) and was third in kills (130). Myers, a third-year varsity player committed to Belmont (N.C.) Abbey College, and Presern (40 blocks) each had 70 kills. Hill (194 assists) and Walters will compete to run a one- or two-setter offense. Defensively, the Trojans return every position but libero.
Downers Grove South
Coach: Madisen Babich
Last season's record: 14-23 overall; 5-1 in West Suburban Gold, second place
Top returners: Lexi Gagnier, sr. MH; Alex Barcenas, jr. S; Jayda Dixon, so. OH; Sylvia Masiulionis, jr. OH
Key newcomers: Lauren Curran, so. OH
Worth noting: The Mustangs continue the rebuilding process toward the quest for their first winning season since their last Gold title in 2019. They have finished second to Willowbrook in conference the past two full seasons. "I want to keep focusing on changing the culture of the program and get back to our roots," third-year coach Babich said. "My goal is to get DGS above .500 this season and get back to being a dominant program in the state."
Fenton
Coach: Adam Bloniarz (2nd year)
Last season's record: 25-11
Top returnees: Gracen Haska, sr., MH; 128 kills +. 252 hitting percentage, 62 total blocks, 58 aces, 7 assists; Geolia Valegurschi, sr., Opposite/ Outside, 164 kills .157 hitting percentage, 38 blocks, 75 aces, 155 digs, 16 assists; Lily Du, sr., Libero, 19 aces, 35 assists, 248 digs; Jordan Brown, sr., Outside, 108 kills, 25 aces, 13 blocks, 102 digs, 8 assists
Key newcomers: Mawedda Abu-shukhaidem, so, Setter; Carolina Herrera Reyesm, fr, Setter; Meylihn Aranda, jr., Setter; Yasmin Bahena, jr., Opposite; Adamaris Maldonado jr., Libero; Sara Coral, sr., Outside; Sammy Martens, jr., Opposite/ Middle; Cayden Lewis, sr., Middle; Tereza Belej; jr., Outside/ DS
Worth noting: Bloniarz is excited about the Bison's prospects for this season. "We have our main core group together once again this season as we have nine seniors on this team's roster," he said. "Our passing in the back row will be strong with Lily Du, along with our two returning senior Outsides Jordan and Geolia leading the way with a strong attack. Our senior middles Gracen and Cayden have the length and athleticism to extend a large block and run a fast tempo offense. I am super excited to have our core group together after last season's success. We finished 25-11 with the most wins in Fenton's program history. We hope this group of seniors will lead the Bison to another successful year. We brought up Meylihn Aranda last season for the last two weeks to finish out with us. Now as a junior she is looking to be our starting setter."
Glenbard East
Coach: Brad Cardott
Last season's record: 13-22
Top returnees: Sophia Sommesi, sr., OH, 130 Kills, 12 Aces, 113 digs, 33 blocks; Hannah Meyer, sr. S, 216 Assists, 11 Aces, 59 Digs, 23 kills, 4 Blocks; Lauren Bradley, sr., L, 91 Digs, 7 Aces; Gabby Walton, sr., M, 14 Kills, 19 Blocks; Stephany Sulari, sr., M, 21 kills, 7 Blocks
Top newcomers: Grace Johnson jr., OH; Izebelle McDermott, fr., OH; Veronica Witt jr., MH; Harmonee Hallman, jr. MH
Worth noting: The Rams graduated six seniors from last year and will have six new members to the varsity level. "We will be a relatively experienced team returning many key starting players at outside hitter, setter, libero, and middle hitter," Cardott said. "We have strong leadership this season and should be a well-balanced team, both offensively and defensively."
Glenbard North
Coach: Leah Harding
Last season's record: 12-22
Top returnees: Emily Cicero, sr., OH; Margaret Almonte, sr., libero
Key newcomers: Ava Diaz, sr., setter; Shannen Sullivan, sr., setter
Worth noting: "This group of seniors have worked hard to create a positive team culture, where they work hard and push each other to improve," Harding said. "We are looking forward to having more offensive options this season and a strong defense behind our senior libero (Almonte)."
Glenbard South
Coach: Chad Grant (13th year, 240-186)
Last season's record: 8-28
Top returnees: Brooklynn Moore, jr., MB, 152 kills, 38 blocks; Mira Hines, jr., S, 393 assists, 142 digs, 21 kills, 18 aces; Sofia Alcala, sr., OH, 123 kills, 151 digs, 11 aces
Key newcomers: Alyna Krabec, fr., S,; Emma Full, fr., OH
Worth noting: Grant believes the Raiders will be a strong serving team this season. "And Brooklynn Moore, who will be one of the best middles in the area by the end of the season," he said. "We have a very young team, with only one senior that will see the court, so I expect to see a lot of growth this year."
Glenbard West
Coach: Dan Scott
Last season's record: 25-13 overall; 6-0 in West Suburban Silver, first place
Top returners: Marin Johnson, sr. OH; Avery Herbert, sr. OH; Breccan Scheck, sr. M/OPP; Penny Vilkama, sr. MH/RS; Ivy Toth, sr. OPP; Lindsey Street, sr. M; Tea Alles sr. DS/L
Key newcomers: Ava Harrington, sr. MH; Gracie Patterman, sr. S
Worth noting: An experienced senior group contributed greatly to last year's first conference title since 2016 as well as the Hilltoppers' 15th 20-win season in the last 16 full seasons and ninth regional in the past 11 full seasons. The 6-2 Johnson is a two-time All-WSC Silver player committed to Southeast Missouri State. Johnson was IVCA honorable mention all-state in 2022 as she compiled 296 kills with 162 digs, 33 blocks and 43 aces through regionals. Johnson and the 5-9 Herbert should surpass 1,000 career kills this season. Thirteen of the 19 Hilltoppers are seniors. "This senior class has always been special," Scott said. "How special? We'll find out this year."
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Kelly Stapleton
Last season's record: 22-16 overall; 2-4 in West Suburban Silver, fifth place
Top returners: Ava Young, jr. L; Elizabeth Sessa, sr. RS; Grace Scott, sr. MB
Key newcomers: Emma Quast, sr. OH; Siena Steines, sr. OH; Caitlin Leddy, so. S/RS; Lauren Neiman, jr. MB
Worth noting: The Red Devils go after a third-straight 20-win season with Brown commit Sessa and Young as returning starters and seven seniors hungry to improve on 2022. "(And) they are supported by fundamentally sound underclassmen," Stapleton said. "The team has a strong outlook." Libero Young and setter Sessa were all-conference in 2021. The Red Devils probably will run a two-setter offense with Sessa and Leddy, who missed the 2022 season with a broken wrist.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Ben Goodell
Last season's record: 11-24 overall; 3-3 in West Suburban Gold, tied for third
Top returners: Claudia Budzak, sr. OH/RS; Kotryna Melstrad, so. OH; Lexi Fedinec, jr. OH/RS; Grace Heaney, sr. MB; Sophia Schiappa, sr. S; Evelyn Mansker, sr. DS/L
Key newcomers: Katarina Damis, jr. DS; Hailey Radicker, jr. OH/RS
Worth noting: The Hornets have six returning starters, including fourth-year varsity setter Schiappa and third-year varsity middle Hearney and hitter Fedinec. Budzak and Melstrad have made significant improvements. New coach Goodell has been the Hornets' varsity assistant or freshman coach over the previous three seasons. He played at Downers Grove North and club volleyball at Illinois. The Hornets also will play a more 3A-oriented non-conference schedule. "Despite graduating eight seniors, we have a strong incoming senior class that has seen significant playing time," Goodell said. "That, combined with a great group of younger talent, means that our program is on the up."
IC Catholic Prep
Coach: Nancy Kerrigan
Last season's record: 33-2, 7-0 Metro Suburban Conference.
Top returning players: Alva Falduto, sr., OH; Lucy Russ, sr., S; Alysa Lawton, sr., DS/L; Delilah Hyland, jr., MB; Jenny Fromelt, sr., MB; Kiely Kemph, jr., OH; Natalie Lawton, jr., DS; Abby Pikulik, jr., DS.
Top new players: Emily Carling, jr., OH/OPP; Maura Grogan, jr., OPP; Peyton Schmidt, jr., DS/OPP.
Worth noting: The Knights have legit state championship aspirations, with 2022 Suburban Life Player of the Year Falduto leading eight of the nine girls back that were part of the rotation on last year's team that took second place in Class 2A. Falduto, committed to Penn State as a libero, had 477 kills, 311 digs, 31 service aces, 36 assists and 29 blocks last year, and is at 802 kills for her career. IVCA The Knights expect her back just before Labor Day weekend as she competed with the USA U19 team in Croatia and from there will travel to Mexico to compete with the USA U21 team in mid-late August. Russ, another four-year varsity starter, is just 34 assists away from the 1,500 mark career and contributed 237 digs, 107 kills, and 50 service aces last year. She is also coming off of an outstanding club season where she led her First Alliance team to an AAU National Club Championship where she was named MVP. Elysa Lawton, also on that club team, had 314 digs, 50 assists and 20 service aces last year and sits at 617 career digs. Hyland (111 kills, 49 blocks), Fromelt (67 kills, 51 blocks), Kemph (89 kills, 23 digs), Natalie Lawton (154 digs) and Pikulik are also back from the defending state runners-up. The Knights are joining a new conference this year, the GCAC, with the likes of defending 4A champ Mother McAuley, Loyola, St. Ignatius and defending 3A champ St. Francis which Kerrigan anticipates will prepare her team for another deep postseason run. "Our strength is our defense and ball control abilities," Kerrigan said. "They are certainly fun to watch as they can frustrate even the highest power offenses."
Lake Park
Coach: Brian Fischer (4th year, 51-39)
Last season's record: 26-12
Top returnees: Jillian Gibbons, sr., MH, 45 kills, 54.5 blocks
Key newcomers: Sam Kuman, jr., OH; Kaileigh Krawiec, jr. S
Worth noting: The Lancers, 2022 regional champs, graduated every starter except for Jillian Gibbons. "With so many new faces we still have a lot of talent in the gym who are ready to compete and want to have the same successes last year's group found," Fischer said. "Our conference is loaded with talent every single year. So many teams could be top contenders but I believe St. Charles North, St. Charles East, and Wheaton Warrenville South are the top."
Lisle
Coach: Kendall Rivecco (2nd year)
Last season's record: 1-16
Top returnees: McKenna Kane, sr., DS; Anna Gorzkowski, so., S; Isabella Furmanski, jr. M
Key newcomers: Chloe Cappel, so., S/RH; Chloe Hrabrich, jr., DS
Worth noting: "Our team's strengths this season will lie in our exceptional teamwork, versatile player skills, and strong communication on the court," Rivecco said. "We've been working daily on creating a cohesive unit that understands each other's playing styles and anticipates each other's moves, leading to more effective plays. This has been so important for us this season because of all the new additions to the team. The depth in our attacking roster has also pushed our DS's and setters to create a faster tempo than we have had in years past which I think is going to be a key factor in their success."
Metea Valley
Coach: Dave Macdonald
Last season's record: 26-9
Top returnees: Camille Morrison, sr., OH, 243 Kills, .252 hitting %, 24 Aces, 2.5 passer rating, 26 blocks, 133 digs; Olivia Stewart, so, MH, 71 Kills, .294 hitting %, 27 blocks; Anna Murphy, sr., MH, 43 Kills, 73 blocks; Addison Torain, jr, Libero, 198 kills, 24 aces, 2.5 passer rating, 11 assists, 184 digs, 18 blocks; Kelly McGrath, jr., Setter, 45 Aces, 292 assists, 133 digs; Ashley Ward, so., Setter, 41 Aces, 399 assists, 112 digs
Top newcomers: Katie Schuele, jr., Setter, Molly Biederman sr., DS; Ava Guzaski, so., DS/OH
Worth noting: The Mustangs, who won the Class 4A state title in 2021, look loaded again. "We are looking to build on our success from the past two years and continue to fight to be one of the top teams in our conference and in the area," Macdonald said. "We had a young team last year that, after Florida commit Kira Hutson went down with a season-ending injury, won a regional title for the second consecutive year and lost in the sectional semifinal to Naperville North in 3 sets. We have seven returning players that saw varsity action last year." Morrison is back for her senior season and will anchor this year's team, Macdonald said. Opposite her will be Maddie Hopkins, who was pulled up halfway through the season last year. Torain will lead the back row and is making the transition from outside to libero with the departure of Benda Reynaga. "With the addition of transfer Katie Schuele, she will add more depth and leadership to a team that brings back both their setters from last year (junior Kelly McGrath and sophomore Ashley Ward)," Macdonald noted. Stewart and Murphy will look to build on their success from last year at the middle position. Guzaski, Biederman and junior Jenna Green will add more versatility to a team that already has a lot of it.
Montini
Coach: Erik Vogt
Last season's record: 18-17 overall; 3-3 in Girls Catholic Athletic Red, third place.
Top returners: Sienna Skarda, jr. MB/RS; Francesca Lorenzo, so. OH; Izzie Evenson, jr. OH; Ella Hermann sr. DS/L; Hailey Goetz, sr. DS; Audrey Kinney, so. L Key newcomers: Ava Mihelich, so. S/L; Sophie Maquet, fr. OH; Moira Quirk, fr. MH/RS; Madison Goetz, fr. S
Worth noting: The Lady Broncos have only three seniors but several returnees and a promising six sophomores or freshmen. New coach Vogt most recently was an assistant at Plainfield North and head coach at Plainfield Central from 2013-19. The 1st Alliance club coach already knows his new roster well. "I love the tempo we're playing right now. I'm really optimistic we're going to be a really good team," Vogt said. "Our goal is to be ready to compete hard in postseason play." The 5-10 Skarda, who earned 2022 All-GCAC Red honors, the 5-11 Lorenzo, who is looking "very, very good in practice," and 5-9 Evenson will be counted on for more offense and Hermann and Hailey Goetz for senior leadership. Adding Benet and Willowbrook makes this year's schedule even tougher.
Naperville Central
Coach: Brie Isaacson (20th year)
Last season's record: 17-19
Top returnees: Sophia Zance, sr., Middle Blocker; Sarah Butler Setter, sr.; Makenna Devick, sr., Outside Hitter; Georgia Von Lehmden, sr., Opposite
Worth noting: "We have four retuning starters for the upcoming season," Isaacson said. "With a little more experience comes more knowledge and confidence. We will be extremely offensive and gritty on defense."
Naperville North
Coach: Jennifer Urban (20th year, 530-153)
Last season's record: 35-4
Top returnees: Allison Higgs, sr., Libero; Sydney Kushner, sr., Libero; Leah Norris, sr., Setter; Liz Rossi, sr., Right Side; Simi Kapustova, sr., Middle
Key newcomers: Paige Selman, jr., Setter; Ammecy Ray, so., Libero
Worth noting: Naperville North welcomes back eight players from a successful 2022 campaign. Kapustova and Rossi return as DuPage Valley all-conference selections. "Overall ball control and defensive effort will be the strength of this team," said Urban, whose squad lost in a sectional final to eventual 4A state runner-up Benet. "The Huskies are a very hardworking and motivated team that will continue to improve as the season progresses."
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Jamie Buhnerkemper (2nd year)
Last season's record: 23-14
Top returnees: Brianna Clasen, sr., Outside; Eleanor O'Neal, sr., Right side/Middle; Alyssa Jones, jr., Libero
Key newcomers: Lauren Mariscal, sr., OH (committed to play beach at University of Tennessee Martin); Aubrey Dumstorff, fr. S
Worth noting: "With three returning starters, we are returning a huge core from last year's team and will be more balanced in our defensive efforts adding some strong defensive players to the roster," Buhnerkemper said. "This team does not give up; we might have to work out some things but this group of girls will not give up. Brie Clasen was second in overall points for the 2022 season and will continue to play six rotations for us. Eleanor O'Neal has jumped from the middle in 2022 to a pin this season. She will be a huge weapon on the right side that will nicely balance Brie."
St. Francis
Coach: Lisa Ston
Last season's record: 30-12, 7-2 Metro Suburban Conference.
Top returning players: Addy Horner, jr., S/RS; Anna Paquette, sr., OH/L; KK Dumpit, sr., S; Catherine D'Orazio, DS; Liv Basel, S; Emma Delaney, jr.; Shay McMillen, sr., OH.
Top new players: Brooklyn Johnson, MH.
Worth noting: Wisconsin recruit Horner leads a ton of experience back from the group that won St. Francis' 13th state championship last fall. Horner, a 6-foot-2, setter/rightside, had 321 kills, 372 assists, 145 digs, 80 aces and 65 blocks as a sophomore. Paquette, third on St. Francis in kills last year, and assist leader Dumpit, who had close to 500 as a junior, are other key returners. The Spartans are rejoining the GCAC with IC Catholic. "We are excited about our experienced returning players and the leadership they bring," Ston said. "It will be fun to watch this group develop chemistry and learn to compete as one unit. This year's team is driven to be successful and motivated to be highly competitive in every match we play. We have 10 seniors who will all contribute to the success of our team. Returning to the GCAC is exciting and will certainly prepare us for the postseason."
Timothy Christian
Coach: Scott Piersma (10th year, 259-95)
Last season's record: 31-8
Top returnees: Abby VanderWal, jr., OH, 52 aces, 440 kills (. 441%), 31 blocks, 276 digs; Bella Potempa, so., OH, 51 aces, 122 kills, 20 blocks, 173 digs; Clare McQuade, sr., L, 15 aces, 212 digs, 42 assists; Hope Huizinga sr., OH, 28 aces, 147 kills, 15 blocks, 130 digs; Addy Vogelzang, sr., M, 85 kills, 50 blocks
Key newcomers: Ella Rickert, so., Middle; Elizabeth Alex, so., Setter
Worth noting: Piersma, whose team was a Class 2A sectional finalist a year ago, has every reason to be excited about the 2023 campaign. "We return a large core of our team, losing a middle and a setter," the coach said. "With that in mind, we are hoping for another great season. Having Abby, Bella, and Hope back as a trio on the outside and right side, along with Addy in the middle, we have a whole lot of offensive firepower as a multi-headed monster that is tough to stop offensively. We're hoping to perform well in the new Chicago Christian Conference against Aurora Christian, Chicago Hope Academy, Christ the King, St. Edward, Bishop McNamara, Chicago Christian, Wheaton Academy, and Marian Central Catholic. After a sectional-championship appearance in 2022, we will be looking to get back to a sectional championship and hopefully make a state run in Class 2A." The Trojans will be without VanderWal until Aug. 28 because she is playing for Team USA in the U21 World Championships in Mexico. She just finished competing in Croatia at the U19 World Championships where Team USA won the gold.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Kari Galen (7th year)
Last season's record: 10-24
Top returnees: Naomi Dowd, jr., right side; Sam Miserendino, sr., L/DS; Asia Mitchell, jr., L/DS; Kaitlyn Reinhard, jr, OH;
Key newcomers: Ava Bellafiore, jr., OH)
Worth noting: "We are a young team, but return several key players with Sam Miserendino, Naomi Dowd, Asia Mitchell, and Kaitlyn Reinhard who were all starters last season," Galen said. "We welcome three new setters, two who are sophomores, and a freshman middle blocker. I believe this team has a lot of potential despite a young starting lineup. We recently did a challenge course as a team and the communication between our players helped them accomplish goals quickly. Several leaders emerged and it was great to see the chemistry between all players build off the court. It is my hope that this carries over to the court both in practice and matches this fall."
Westmont
Coach: Jason Gentile (1st year)
Last season's record: 15-20
Top returnees: Jade Curtis, sr., OH; Gianna Ricciardi, sr., S; Defne Barkan, sr., OH; Key newcomers: Denali Belmonte, sr., DS/L; Annikah Engstrom, sr., MH; Natasha Shamarina-Ege, sr., MH; Briseis Stanescu, sr., OH/RS; Daylah Belmonte, jr., DS/L
Worth noting: "The strength of our team will be the belief we have in each other and the want to fight for everyone on the floor," Gentile said. "We have a strong core of athletes who want to put in the work needed to be successful and challenge themselves every day. What has me excited about this group as a coach is knowing that these athletes want to get better every single day. They are coachable, ask questions and will do whatever it takes for the team to succeed."
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Leah Dunlap (2nd year)
Last season's record: 12-18
Top returnees: Kiki Shields, Kiera Morrison, Abby Rathbun
Key newcomers: Katelyn Kulesza, jr., setter, Mary Partrick, jr., OH
Worth noting: Dunlap says this is a very competitive group. "Practices have been great and the girls are really fighting for positions," she said. "We are a smaller team than last year, with only 11 girls on varsity, and all of them are committed to the program's success."
Wheaton North
Coach: Justin Hineman
Last season's record: 21-16 overall; 3-4 in DuKane Conference, fifth place
Top returners: Olivia Zamis, jr. MH; Halina Istanbouli, jr. OH; Delaney Ingbretson, sr. DS; Juju Fender, sr. S
Key newcomers: Izzy Gibbons, jr. S/RS; Mackenzie Nettles, jr. OH/RS; Emily Rochford, fr. S/RS; Ellie Danly, sr. S; Mary Kate Whittington, so. OH/RS; Emilia Lee, jr. DS; Kate Koliopolous, jr. DS; Hannah Van Denend, so. MH/RS; Aleksa Vasiliauskas, sr. RS/OH; Ella Petruczenko, sr. MH; Mirabel Barbera, sr. DS; Makayla Hammer, so. OH
Worth noting: Coming off their first 20-win season since 2017, the Falcons seek to continue the momentum with excellent depth that includes several underclassmen. Last season, the 6-3 Zamis had a team-high 74 blocks and was second in kills (116). Fender shared second with 33 aces and added 90 assists. Hineman anticipates trying multiple lineups early to find his best combinations and relying on strong serving to disrupt opponents' systems. "We have girls that have made significant improvements this off-season and are ready to prove they belong (in our lineup)," Hineman said.
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Bill Schreier
Last season's record: 22-15 overall; 5-2 in DuKane Conference, tied for fifth place
Top returners: Rebecca Bellows, sr. S; Lauren Coyne, jr. OH; Maddy Mlady, sr. MH; Brooke Allred, sr. MH
Key newcomers: Mackenzie Krzus, so. OH; Katie Dragas, so. MH; Cate Cassin, jr. OH
Worth noting: The Tigers are even taller than 2022 and have an experienced talent base. Bellows, the 6-1 setter committed to Wake Forest, is a fourth-year starter. Nationally-rated 6-3 college prospect Coyle, who was IVCA honorable mention all-state, and the 6-0 Mlady are third-year starters. The three captains are joined by 6-1 Allred as returning starters. "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," Schreier said. Bellows, the Tigers' 2021 kills leader, switched last season to setter, her more natural position. Now moving to their more natural attack spots are Coyne, the 2022 leader in kills and aces, and Mlady, the blocks leader the past two seasons. Add to that offensive firepower from newcomers complemented by solid ball control and defense. "It is going to be exciting to see what they accomplish," Schreier said.
Willowbrook
Coach: Irene Mason
Last season's record: 36-3 overall; 6-0 in West Suburban Gold, first place
Top returners: Calli Kenny, sr. S; Hannah Kenny, jr. S/RS; Elle Bruschuk, sr. MB; Anna Mariner, jr. OH; Elisa Chivilo, sr. DS; Keri Ostrowski, sr. DS; Eliza Ramey, sr. MB
Key newcomers: Lily Javier, jr. OH; Wendy Pollak, jr. OH/RS
Worth noting: The past two seasons, Warriors have won 73 matches and reached the 2021 super-sectional and 2022 sectional final. With five returning starters, led by sisters and college recruits Calli Kenny (Marquette) and Hannah Kenny (Louisville), expectations are soaring. "The energy in the gym has been electric. The girls have all been competing and training hard all summer, and it shows," Mason said. "We will continue to be intense, hard-working and enthusiastic on defense and we have quite a few terminators on offense." Both Kennys were IVCA honorable mention all-state last season. The 5-9 Calli, a three-time all-conference setter, had team bests of 259 kills, a .356 attack percentage and 78 aces with 322 assists. The 5-7 Hannah, twice all-conference, had a team-best 376 assists, 248 kills and .335 attack percentage with 29 blocks, 59 aces. The 5-10 Bruschuk led in blocks (43), Chivilo was third in serve receptions (109) and Marinier was fourth in kills (104). "This group has the potential to be the greatest volleyball team Willowbrook's ever seen," Mason said.
York
Coach: Danny Piwowarczyk
Last season's record: 26-12 overall; 3-3 in West Suburban Silver, fourth place
Top returners: Emelyn Stettin, sr. S/OPP; Jessie Trapp, jr. OH; Amalia Toliopoulos, so. S/OPP/OH; Addy Hesch, sr. L; Piper Barber, sr. L
Key newcomers: Katie Day, so. OPP/OH; Lilly Roach, jr. MH
Worth noting: The Dukes have eight seniors and return six starters and 11 postseason players who contributed to their first regional title and 20-win season since 2019. The 5-11 Stettin and 5-9 Trapp earned 2022 All-WSC Silver honors and were IVCA all-state honorable mention. Stettin had a team-high 50 aces after a single-school record 59 in 2021, and was second with 356 assists and third with 171 kills. Trapp had a team-best 275 kills with a .247 attack percentage. Hesch (204), Stettin (176) and Barber (153) were third through fifth in digs. Recruited as a setter, Toliopoulos was fourth with 136 kills in her breakout freshman debut. A late callup, Day had 16 blocks in 24 sets. "There is a lot of talent on this roster," Piwowarczyk said.