Girls volleyball: Scouting Fox
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: Michelle Chavez (5th year)
Last season's record: 18-17
Top returnees: Zoey Chavez, sr., libero; Emilee Anderson, sr., outside; Cate Glavin, sr. middle
Key newcomers: Abigail Brinka, fr, outside
Worth noting: Chavez says the Chargers' strengths this season will be their bond and their want for this to be a fun season. "The fact that these girls make me smile each and every day, because of that I am excited to have a fun season with this group," she said. "This will be another special group of girls because I have been with them since they were freshmen. They are a great group of girls. They have so much fun together and it shows on the court. Also, my youngest is now a senior, so I get a chance to coach her one last time." Zoey Chavez led the conference in digs last season.
Aurora Christian
Coach: Mayra Johnson (3rd year, 16-43)
Last season's record: 13-17
Top returnees: Jada Haymon, sr., MH, 112 blocks; Julia Waltmire, sr., L/DS, 333 digs; Madalynn Johnson, jr. OH/DS, 81 kills, 146 digs; Hope Wagner, so., 85 kills and 30 serve aces; Breanna Hard, so., 212 ball handling asst, 147 digs and 35 serve aces
Worth noting: "This is a young group that will now have played for two years together. The chemistry is great," Johnson said. "They have lots of talent and energy." Hope Wagner and Madalynn Johnson are returning all-conference players. "This team is like the underdog," Johnson said. "When I came in as coach three years ago there were only two players on the team who had club experience. As my AD said, 'It's going to take 3-5 years Mayra to rebuild this program.' We ended our season last year losing the championship regional match in the third set. These players have been preparing throughout the summer and in club to take back that regional championship. Our ACS gym hadn't been that electric in a while. We only have 6 home games this year, so we are going to make them the best we can."
Bartlett
Coach: Robert Schwantz (6th year, 90-53)
Last season's record: 22-9
Top returnees: Caris Castaneda, sr, setter ; Megan Hartge, sr., right side; Ashlyn Lomax, jr., right side; Sarah Savoia-Free, jr,, setter; Jaden Lindstrom, sr., outside hitter; Macy Medendorp, sr, outside hitter
Key newcomers: Sam Buss, so., outside hitter; Martyna Sowiak, jr. middle; Sydney Johnson, jr., libero
Worth noting: The Hawks set a school record for wins in 2022 and won the Upstate Eight championship undefeated but lost in the first round of the state playoffs. They look loaded again this year. with all-conference returnees Medendorp and Lindstrom leading the way. "We have a lot of veteran leadership returning," Schwantz said. "Six of my starters are back, so they know the speed of the varsity game and what it takes to win at this level. Great group of girls who are hungry to win and have the energy to sustain a successful run at a repeat conference title and hopefully our first regional title in school history. We are very optimistic about this upcoming season."
Batavia
Coach: McKenna Kelsay (third season)
Last year's record: 18-18, 2-6
Top returners: McKenna Bremner, jr., S/RS; Teagan Rokos, jr., DS/L
Top newcomers: Hallie Crane, jr., OH; Morgan Raiser, fr., S/RS; Brooke Robertson, Sr., M
Worth noting: The Bulldogs will look virtually brand new after graduating 13 seniors and returning only two in McKenna Bremner and Teagan Rokos. The absence of star setter Amanda Otten is the most notable, but there will be plenty of opportunities for others to step up into prominent roles. "I am super excited to see the hard work that these girls are putting in on and off the court to create that," Kelsay said. "We are looking forward to playing the tough schedule that we do in both our DuKane Conference and tournaments. We are going to be seeing some of the top teams in the state consistently and can't wait to battle each and every night."
Burlington Central
Coach: Julia Smagacz (second season)
Last season: 18-18, 8-10 FVC (tied for sixth)
Top returners: Leah Freesemann, jr., OH; Brianna Gritzman, jr., L; Ashley Arceo, sr., S; Ashli Bonds, sr., OH; Sarah Jack, jr., S; Emily Maramba, jr., RS; Delilah Ostrye, jr., DS
Key newcomers: Rukmini Gangavarapu, so., MB; Julia Johnson, so., RS; Haidyn Schatz, so., OH; Angelina Drew, sr., RS
Worth noting: The Rockets fell to St. Francis 24-26, 25-10, 25-14 in the Class 3A St. Francis regional championship. Central last won a regional title in 2014.. … The team graduated its captain Brooke Hoffman who is now at NCAA Division II Mar Hills University (North Carolina). … Freesemann led the Rockets offensively in many matches last year. ... Smagacz said the team's biggest strengths are its depth and versatility. "With the majority of our core players returning, we are looking to improve upon last season's conference and overall records and make a statement in the FVC," Smagacz said.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Patty Langanis (29th season)
Last season: 17-20, 5-13 FVC (eighth)
Top returners: Morgan Haslow, sr, L; Ellie Gilbert, sr., OH; Lucy Wittenberg, so., L; Addison DeKett, jr., RS
Key newcomers: Taylor Nygren, sr., MB; Veronica Bijos, jr., OH; Sarah Barklow, sr., MB; Olivia Kessler, sr., S
Worth noting: Cary-Grove lost to St. Viator 25-15, 25-16 in the Class 3A Wauconda regional championship. … The Trojans graduated both of their All-FVC picks in middle blocker Tricia Kennedy (266 kills, 151 digs, 58 aces, 61 blocks) and setter Isabelle Strader (340 assists, 104 digs). … Langanis said the Trojans won't be outworked. "We are very excited about this group's work ethic," Langanis said. "They are giving everything they have and are ready to compete. We know we'll see major improvement as the season progresses."
Crystal Lake Central
Coach: Amy Johnson (third season)
Last season: 21-16, 13-5 FVC (second)
Top returners: Mykaela Wallen, jr., OH-RS; Mia Ginter, jr., L; Vivian Akalaonu, sr., MB; Siena Smiejek, jr., MB; Gabbie Anderson, jr., S; Anna Starr, so., OH-RS; Abigail Gallagher, jr., OH-RS; Marissa Stavropoulos, sr., S; Makenna Grams, so., OH-RS; Emily Mazza, so., MB; Quin O'Donnell, sr., OH-RS; Tessa Popp, so., DS; Alexis Hadeler so., OH-RS
Key newcomers: Becca Kuehn, jr., RS-S; Angel Rodriguez, jr., DS; Olivia Doppke, jr., MB
Worth noting: The Tigers finished second in the FVC after going 8-10 and tying for sixth place in 2021. Central fell to Prairie Ridge 25-12, 24-26, 25-17 in the Class 3A Crystal Lake South Regional championship. ... Wallen had 172 kills and 327 digs, and Hubacher had 189 kills and 44 aces. ... Smiejek, an All-FVC member, led the team with 58 blocks. ... "The young Tigers of last year are another year older and have set expectations high," Johnson said. "We are expecting to continue to fight hard for each and every point and display a love and passion for the game and each other."
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Annie Moore (second season)
Last season: 24-11, 12-6 FVC (third)
Top returners: Gabby Wire, sr., OH; Morgan Johnson, jr., OH; Bella Toniolo sr., OH; Kendall Brandt, jr., MB
Key newcomers: Grace Meyer, sr., S; Olivia Apt, jr., S; Maddy Cook, so. DS; Laken LePage, so., DS; Bobbi Wire, fr., OH; Logan Georgy, fr., MB; Emma Feinberg, fr., DS
Worth noting: Moore led the Gators to their third straight season with 20 wins in her first year. … Gabby Wire had 327 kills, along with 296 digs and 97 assists. She'll play next year at DI Wisconsin-Milwaukee. … Johnson will help form a dynamic attack with Wire. Johnson had 214 kills, 50 aces and 220 digs as a sophomore. … The Gators will have to replace setter Emma Stowasse. She had 716 assists and 42 aces, surpassing 1,000 career assists. Libero Kaityln Brandt (298 digs, 40 aces) also graduated. … "I'm super excited about the team," Moore said. "This group of girls is extremely hardworking and energetic. They strive to be better with every touch and have very high expectations. With so much young talent, we'll need to spend more time finding our rhythm, but the future looks very bright."
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Alexis Cayton (first season)
Last season: 21-12, 10-8 FVC (fourth)
Top returners: Courtney Komperda, sr., S; Sydney Komperda, sr., L; Audrey Prusko, sr., MB; Taylor Findlay, sr., OH; Coley Di Silvio, jr., MB
Key newcomers: Allison Mathesius, jr.; Riley Jedras, jr.; Maura Minogue, so.
Worth noting: Cayton takes over for Tiffany Dumas, who has been a coach on the varsity team since 2016. … The Chargers made huge strides last year and improved by 13 wins, going from last to fourth place in the FVC ... D-C fell to Hampshire 23-25, 25-15, 25-23 in the Class 4A Hampshire regional final. … Prusko was named the team's MVP with 221 kills, 43 aces and 50 blocks. The Chargers graduated setter Kylie Hanson, a four-year player who did a little bit of everything with 211 kills, 49 aces, 124 digs and 249 assists. … "We ended on a great note last year and are ready to do the same this year with hopes of taking it farther," Cayton said. "This group of players is very special. They have worked so hard to make it to their senior year and to leave a legacy at Dundee-Crown. As a staff, we could not be more proud of them."
Elgin Academy
Coach: Debra Marusich (8th year)
Last season's record: 15-15
Key newcomers: Isabella Shababy, so., Setter
Worth noting: Marusich says it is a rebuilding year for Elgin Academy, "but the players know the hard work they need to put in and they are showing great attitudes and effort." The Hilltoppers lost nine players from last year's team to graduation.
Geneva
Coach: Lauren Kosecki (third season)
Last year's record: 17-20, 5-3
Top returners: Reilly Day, sr., L/DS; Charlotte Potvin, sr., MH; Fiona Turnbull, jr., MH; Sam Vanda, jr., OH
Top newcomers: Lillian Hallahan, jr., OH
Worth noting: The Vikings are in good position to contend in the DuKane Conference and the postseason. Despite graduations of Lauren Benson, Mia Kane and Abby Buban, Geneva has plenty of returning experience to rely upon. Vanda is a constant threat to score on the outside in her third varsity season and Day's consistency in the defensive end will be prominent.
"We have added some strong younger players that will be instant contributors. We will be stronger in each position this coming season," Kosecki said.
Harvest Christian
Coach: Andy Kownacki
Last season's record: 16-15
Top returnees: Alyssa Burke jr.,OH; Taylor Martin, jr. ,L/DS; Chace Welsh, sr., MH; Ella Schoenberg, jr., S; Madison Tatum, sr., S; Kenzie Weidman jr., OH.
Top newcomers: Malea Learned so, MH
Worth noting: The Lions won the NAC title last year and have several returning players from that team. "With the core of the team returning, I am hoping we can continue to develop and hone in on our skills and focus on controlling and bettering every control. Playing in the moment," Kownacki said.
Hampshire
Coach: Rejhan Vunic (second season)
Last season: 16-21, 3-15 FVC (10th)
Top returners: Jorah Rutter, jr., S; Katelyn Petterson, so., OH-RS; Elizabeth King, so., OH-RS; Sam Freeman, so., MB; Peyton Wurtz, so., DS
Key newcomers: Anna Schiltz, so., MB; Hailey Homola, so., MB
Worth noting: Hampshire defeated Dundee-Crown 23-25, 25-15, 25-23 to win the Class 4A Hampshire regional final for the team's first regional championship since 2008. … Rutter tallied 428 assists as a sophomore, Petterson had 111 kills as a freshman, and Freeman had 56 blocks as a freshman. … The Whips graduated top hitter Gabi Peter who had 261 kills and 68 aces. Peter, who led the team in kills and blocks every year from her sophomore to senior year, is now at UIC. … "Young and driven group," Vunic said. "Looking forward to seeing the growth and see how high they can push their ceiling."
Huntley
Coach: Karen Naymola (12th season)
Last season: 32-7, 18-0 FVC (first)
Top returners: Morgan Jones, sr.; OH; Georgia Watson, jr., OH; Mari Rodriguez, jr., L/DS; Alex Goritz, jr., L/DS; Lizzy Williams, sr., L/DS; Laura Boberg, sr., S
Key newcomers: Siena Robertson, jr., OH; Jocelyn Erling, jr., MB; Avery Gonzalez, sr., MB
Worth noting: The Red Raiders won their sixth straight regional and third straight sectional titles. Barrington held off three match points to stun Huntley 10-25, 25-14, 28-26 in the Class 4A Dundee-Crown supersectional. ... The Raiders will look very different after graduating several impact players including setter Maggie Duyos (Austin Peay), Avary DeBlieck (Loyola), Ally Panzloff (Brown University) and libero Luma Acevedo. ... Jones had 201 kills. She added 49 aces and 156 digs and is committed to DI Missouri. ... Watson stepped up in the playoffs last year for an injured DeBlieck. She tallied 211 kills, 40 blocks and 127 digs. She committed to Kentucky on Monday. ... Gonzalez is committed to DII Illinois-Springfield.... Naymola isn't expecting a big drop-off with new players ready to take on key roles. "I believe this team will be strong," Naymola said. "People assume since we lost so many seniors that we will be down this year. However, this group of kids work hard, and I think we will surprise a lot of teams. Offensively, we will have so many strong options, we will run a fast offense and it will be hard to stop."
Jacobs
Coach: Mike Depa (third season)
Last season: 13-22, 8-10 FVC (tied for sixth)
Top returners: Gracie Breeze, sr., L; Abby Deacon, sr., S; Cassie Gorrity, sr., OH; Carter Papp, sr., MB; Lily Pentz, sr., MB; Ali Pierre, sr., MB; Meghan Retzler, sr., S; Isabella Van De Burgt, sr., OH; Teagan Van Stone, sr., RS
Key newcomers: Mia Koltuniuk, jr., RS; Jordan Miller, jr., OH
Worth noting: The Golden Eagles dropped seven of their last eight matches last season but put up a strong fight against Hononegah in the Class 4A Jefferson regional championship before falling 25-18, 25-23. … Pierre earned All-FVC honors with 103 kills and 30 blocks. Teagan Van Stone had 94 kills. … Jacobs has 13 upperclassmen on its roster, including nine seniors. … "We have a lot of senior leadership," Depa said. "I see us as a team that will frustrate other teams with the way we play defense. In addition to our defense we have a well-rounded group of girls who can put the ball down from multiple positions on the court."
Kaneland
Coach: Cynthia Violett (11th season)
Last year's record: 30-7, 14-1
Top returners: Rosie Karl, sr., OH; Sofie Knauzer, sr., MH; Mia Vassallo, sr., L
Top newcomers: Morgan Beam, jr., MH; Delaney Calebrese, sr., OH
Worth noting: The Knights have become a juggernaut in volleyball the past number of seasons, and this roster expects no different moving forward. Vassallo, who is currently uncommitted, was Interstate 8 MVP last year. Karl, who is committed to the Aurora University, also returns for the reigning conference champions and sectionals finalists. "Kaneland has hopes again to be in the running for the conference title with a lot of good competition. We're also hoping to earn a fifth straight regional title," Violett said.
Larkin
Coach: Kaylee Dries (1st year)
Last season's record: 0-25
Top returnees: Ericka Bonilla, sr., OH/DS; Mya Bermudez, sr., libero
Key newcomers: Mackenzie Wemken, so., setter
Worth noting: "Even though they had a rough last season, they're excited to get back out there," Dries said of the Royals. "They have shown so much strength and motivation. I'm just excited to keep helping them learn and grow and hopefully bring in a few wins. Eiyalin Tomassini and Mya Bermudez both are very supportive of their teammates. I think they'll be able to bring the team together and uplift the energy when we need it."
Prairie Ridge
Coach: Stefanie Otto (27th season)
Last season: 16-22, 9-9 FVC (fifth)
Top returners: Ashley Stiefer, sr., MB; Mackenzie Schmidt, sr., MB; Amelia Bowen, sr., MB-OPP; Grace Jansen, jr., S; Addi Gertz, sr., OH
Key newcomers: Maizy Agnello, fr., OH; Tegan Vrbancic, fr., DS-L; Allie Rogers, jr., DS-L; Adeline Grider, fr., OH
Worth noting: The Wolves defeated Crystal Lake South in the semifinals and Crystal Lake Central in the final to win the Class 3A Crystal Lake South regional final for Prairie Ridge's first regional title since 2018. … The Wolves graduated top outside hitter Katya Flaugher, who was led the area with 355 kills, along with 34 aces and 199 digs. … Jansen had 376 assists, 59 kills and 41 aces and was named to the All-FVC team. Stiefer tallied 114 kills and Schmidt had 106. … "We have a lot of new faces this year," Otto said. "Our expectations are to be in every match and see how the experience upperclassmen can mesh with the freshmen and how fast they can compete at the varsity level."
Rosary
Coach: Franky Martinez (fourth season)
Last year's record: 18-18, 8-0
Top returners: Lilly Caruso, jr., S; Molly Lambert, jr., S; Clare Mceniry, jr., OH; Lilli Riddiford, so., S
Top newcomers: Sarah Nierman, jr., MB
Worth noting: Rosary returns quite the extensive list of talent from last year's 18-18 team. Mceniry led the team in kills. Lambert led in aces and was among the top two in assists. Riddiford and Caruso both offer a lot of athleticism on the court and allows lineup versatility. Sarah Nierman is a name to watch in the coming weeks for Rosary. "(We have) a huge junior class. We have one senior this year, Maggie Smith, is also returning," Martinez said.
South Elgin
Coach: Jesse Bossenga(1st year)
Last season's record: 13-21
Top returnees: Jazmine Binion, sr., OH, 176 kills; Paige Genke, so., S, 234 assists; Nora Kulak, sr., S, 261 assists, 107 digs
Key newcomers: Grace Bach, jr., M; Alena Amel; so, M
Worth noting: "This year's team has a lot of potential and room for growth," said Bossenga, who takes over for Joni Plach, who retired after 17 years. "We have a great mix of young and experienced players that should let us run a diverse offense and control the ball. Jazmine gives a big arm on the outside, and we have a lot of size in the middle that should make things difficult for other teams. I am excited to see the level that we can reach as we come together as team and learn to compete." Binion is a returning all-conference player.
St. Charles East
Coach: Kate McCullagh (first season)
Last year's record: 33-9, 5-2
Top returners: Sarah Musial, sr. S;
Top newcomers: Tatum Ahrens, jr., OH; Roshni Dave, MH/S
Worth noting: The Saints enter a new era after the retirement of former coach, Jennie Kull. McCullagh, who coached the boys varsity team in the spring, is leading the girls varsity squad moving forward after the program's state tournament appearance last fall. Virtually all of the major contributors, except for Musial, graduated, so this will be interesting to see how the pieces come together.
St. Charles North
Coach: Lindsay Hawkins
Last year's record: 29-9
Top returners: Alex Bardouniotis, sr., OH; Haley Burgdorf, so., OH; Katie Scherer, sr., L/DS
Top newcomers: Mia McCall, so., S; Noelle Nyman, sr., MH
Worth noting: The North Stars graduated standout setter Jessica Parker, but still have perhaps the best one-two scoring punch in the DuKane Conference in Burgdorf and Scherer, who had a combined 507 kills last season. Add in Alex Bardouniotis, who was third in kills (146), third in blocks (35) and fifth in digs (25), it's a legitimate top scoring trio. "The athleticism of [Bardouniotis] is amazing. She has a wide range of what she can hit. We've had her in the middle, on the outside, the right side, so we're really excited for how far she's come and the level she's playing at," Hawkins said.
St. Edward
Coach: Dawn Gross (4th year)
Last year's record: 8-25
Top returnees: Caitlyn Madsen, sr., Outside Hitter; Taryn Lemezis, sr. libero; Morgan Lutzow, sr., D/S; Alaina Nolan, so., MH; Samantha Pogorzelski, so, setter
Top newcomers: Emma Pedres, sr., Opp/Setter; Savannah Lynch, fr., Middle Hitter.
Worth noting: With a wealth of returning talent, Gross is understandably excited about the 2023 season. "We have five seniors this year that are ready to win and help build a strong team," she said. "I have one junior new to varsity and seven sophomores. Ultimately we are a young team but we have a lot of strength in key areas. We plan on running a fast offense , have a strong defense and surprise some teams. This is a harder conference but that drives us to play harder and better. I am looking forward to a better season this season."
Streamwood
Coach: Kelsey Kruel (1st year)
Last year's record: 5-28
Top returnees: Kaleigh Allender, sr., OH
Top newcomers: Gionna Terry, fr., OH
Worth noting: "I was coaching in the conference at a different school for the last six years and based on what I've seen from this program so far, we should absolutely be taken seriously," Kruel said. "These girls have been showing up mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared to compete at a high level. Streamwood is a program to keep an eye on this year and in the coming seasons.
West Aurora
Coach: Brandon Vicory (2nd year)
Last season's record: 10-22
Top returnees: Maureen Pokryfke, jr., Outside Hitter; Brooke Wisniewski, sr., L/DS; Morgan Marziani-Radomski, sr., L/DS Autumn Granholm sr., Outside Hitter.
Key newcomers: Sara Tarr, jr., Outside Hitter; Taylor Baratta, jr., Middle Hitter; Taylor Paul, jr., Opposite Hitter; Sydney Wagner, so, Opposite Hitter; Ella Maxwell, so., Setter; Natalie Mitchell so.,Outside Hitter; Alexis Jaquez, fr., DS; Rachel Hannon, jr., Setter; Delaney Hopkins sr., Middle
Worth noting: "Our team is extremely driven and well-rounded," Vicory said. "We are excited to see a team, with a lot of young talent, grow as individuals and as a team."
Westminster Christian
Coach: William Benenhaley (2nd year)
Last year's record: 2-18
Top returnees: Tara Ischar, sr., middle blocker; Olivia Harnek, sr., Outside; Emma Faidley, sr., Middle blocker
Worth noting: "Our focus this year has changed to being more consistent which should give us a winning season," Benenhaley said.
- Jake Bartelson and Alex Kantecki from Shaw Media contributed to this preview.