By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

High school volleyball previews for the 2024 season.

AURORA

Head Coach: Katie Cicione, 6th year overall, 2nd year at Aurora, 76-59 career record.

Coaching Staff: Emma Strobel, Madison Wade.

2023 Record: 19-6 overall (single-season school record for wins), Suburban League champions.

Returning Letterwinners (4): Lana Witmer, sr.; Emerson Spies, jr.; Dylan Tschudy, soph.; Aubrey Verdova, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (7): Amanda Chmielewski, Brooke Gecina, Ava McGovern, McKennah Metzger, Cailor Roche, Ollie Salgado, Madeline Shanholtzer.

Hitters and Blockers: The group will be led by Aubrey Verdova, Addyson Rumskey and Annie Treccia.

“Aubrey’s competitive edge will be a key factor in our success this year,” Cicione said. “She is extremely focused on becoming the best version of herself for our program. Her mature, high volleyball IQ sets her apart and will greatly contribute to our team’s performance.

“Addyson is a joy to watch. She celebrates every moment and is a great competitor.

“Annie’s cool, calm and collected demeanor is a huge asset to our program. She performs exceptionally well in any game situation.”

Setters: Freshman Kaylie Liepins will step into the role, along with junior Emerson Spiesz and sophomore Dylan Tschudy.

“Kaylie’s technique and athleticism will be crucial for our success. She consistently competes at a high level during the club season and excels in pressure situations.

“Emerson is a big voice for our program. She is a standout athlete, who competes at a high level, but she’s an even better mentor.

“Dyland is a standout defensive specialist, who sets high standards that inspire those around her to work harder. Her aggressive mentality helps her thrive in her role.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Presley Courtad, fresh.

CRESTWOOD

Head Coach: Wanda Hoffman, 32nd year, 500-243 career record.

Coaching Staff: Jade Bretz, Holly Tayerle.

2023 Record: 16-9 overall.

Returning Letterwinners (5): Audrey Fusci, sr.; Maddie Dustman, sr.; Kayleigh Helm, sr.; Abby Guyette, sr.; Hannah Ward, sr.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Jazmyn Stevens, Zoe Babnik, Kaitlyn Huffman, Roxxy Bretz.

Hitters and Blockers: Maddie Dustman is a very powerful hitter regardless of her position and one of the team’s “go-to girls,” according to Hoffman.

Hannah Ward runs the middle for the Devils.

“She has a very niche reach and court vision,” Hoffman said.

Kayleigh Helm is a finesse hitter and reads the floor well.

Jackie Blasiole adds depth at the net with her leaping ability and aggressive swing.

Setters: Abby Guyette returns and will play all around.

“She is a solid player anywhere on the court.”

Mia Kalista makes the Devils’ 6-2 strong.

“She works well with our hitters. Sometimes she will be running our offense or helping out on defense.”

Defensive Specialist: Aubrey Fusci is the team’s Libero. She is a three-year varsity player and steady leader.

“She will be the vocal leader on the floor.”

Aubree Sorboro will be another defensive specialist.

Underclassmen to Watch: Jackie Blasiole, fresh.; Abby Hayes, fresh.

FIELD

Head Coach: Beth Dyer, 8th year, 54-82 career record.

Coaching Staff: Dan Battaglia.

2023 Record: 10-14 overall, 5-9 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (6); Logan Nichols, sr.; Olivia Dyer, sr.; Mady Stelzer, jr.; Kash McClendon, jr.; Mollie Mathews, jr.; Addy Lay, jr.

Letterwinners Lost (7): Kenzie Herndon, Chloe Miller, Taylor Ober, Ireland Totaro, Zoe Evans, Ava Sheeler, Kaelyn Masturzo.

Hitters and Blockers: The offensive and defensive attack at the net will be highlighted by Logan Nichols, Mady Stelzer and Mollie Mathews.

“Mady is a smart volleyball player, who has shown tremendous growth each year. Mollie plays with a lot of passion and can hit the ball hard. Logan is also a smart player, who can be deceptive with her hitting and tipping.”

Setters: Olivia Dyer returns after leading the team in assists with 293, while Addy Lay is the team’s other setter. Both provide experience.

Defensive Specialist: Carly Eldreth and Caleigh Docherty step in as the Libero.

“Both players provide great hustle and are great at communicating.

GARFIELD

Head Coach: Ali Roach, 7th year, 74-39 career record.

Coaching Staff: Becky Van Kirk, Alyssa Shirkey, Tara Lawson.

2023 Record: 16-8 overall.

Returning Letterwinners (6): Hannah Kernig, sr.; Kyla Grace, sr.; Reese Shirkey, jr.; Lily Shay, jr.; Mandy Cardinal, jr.; Charlee Hill, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (3): Montana McGranahan, Addisyn Miller, Gabe Groves.

Hitters and Blockers: Hannah Kernig is a solid middle hitter, as well as the team’s leading blocker.

Reese Shirkey will be another strong hitter, along with Charlee Hill and Kyla Grace.

Additional depth will be provided by Lola Lake and Kylee Near.

The team will be without standout Mandy Cardinal, who continues to recover from a knee injury.

Setters: Shirkey ran the court for the team’s 5-1 last year, but will be used as a hitter this season.

Freshman Tenley Korosec will also be a setter.

Defensive Specialist: Lily Shay and Grace form a strong defensive back row for the G-Men.

“We will also rely on strong defense from Charlee Hill, Payton Soltis and Angel Grace,” Roach said.

Underclassmen to Watch: Charlee Hill, soph.; Tenley Korosec, fresh.; Lola Lake, sr.; Payton Soltis, soph.; Angel Grace, soph.

KENT ROOSEVELT

Head Coach: Jen Melchiori-Chlad, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Alayna Chlad-Pallay, Hayley Chlad-Boling, Theresa Bailey-Sarfver.

2023 Record: 8-16 overall.

Returning Letterwinners (5): Norah Redfern, sr.; Virginia Catalucci, sr.; Camryn McLaughlin, jr.; Lainey Schuck, jr.; Jorja Crabtree jr.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Allison Gableman, Delaney Jones, Emily Derry, Maddie VanDamme.

Hitters and Blockers: A strong and experienced group includes Norah Redfern, Camryn McLaughlin, Lainey Schuck and Jorja Crabtree.

Setter: Virginia Catalucci is a talented player that returns to run the offense.

Defensive Specialist: Three juniors, who are new to varsity action this fall, will step into the Libero role: Adriana Child, Layla Call and Taryn Jones.

Promising Newcomers: Kayleigh Parks, soph.; Natalie St. John, soph.

RAVENNA

Head Coach: Sara Haldi, 7th year.

Coaching Staff: Hannah Chris, Mary Manke, Tara Ransom, Kyla Carney, Rocky Orr, Alyssa Orona, Makenzi Thompson.

2023 Record: 4-19 overall, 0-14 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (6): Taylor Brown, sr.; Shyanna Dillbeck, sr.; Jocelyn Impiccini, sr.; Mackenzie Ervin, jr.; Jalysia Thompson, jr.; Kasey Sterba, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (6): Abigail Schofield, Lillian Schofield, Zoey Kitts, Kashmir Stevens, Madeline Fedor, Skylar Walker.

Hitters and Blockers: The Ravens return a pair of all-league players in Shyanna Dillbeck, who was named First Team All-Metro Athletic Conference, and Taylor Brown, who was named Honorable Mention.

Dillbeck was also named the team’s Offensive Player of the Year and set two single-season records for kills and blocks.

Also at the net will be Mackenzie Ervin and Jalysia Thompson.

Setters: Dillbeck will also be a setter, along with Jordyn Allen and Breena Kainrad.

Defensive Specialist: Kasey Sterba will be the team’s Libero this season.

Underclassmen to Watch: Kasey Sterba, Jordyn Allen, Charleigh Weger.

ROOTSTOWN

Head Coach: Cassie Braden, 11th year.

Coaching Staff: Dana Tingler.

2023 Record: 17-4 overall, 10-0 Portage Trail Conference, league champions.

Returning Letterwinners (7): Allison Strickland, sr.; Addy Germann, sr.; Jersee Traina, sr.; Nadia Lough, sr.; Addie Biggin, jr.; Colbie Curall, jr.; Sophi Smith, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Shelbie Krieger, Zoe Pastva, Boston Silveus, Taylor Banks, Brooklynn McIntyre.

Hitters and Blockers: Curall will continue to be the Rovers’ blocks leader.

“Her jumping ability is crazy, and she just has a natural ability to track the ball,” Braden said.

Lough will miss the season with a torn ACL.

Braden said that Strickland has stepped up as an attacker, along with her primary setting responsibilities.

Sophi Smith will also add a presence at the net, along with depth provided by Jersee Traina, Alyx Burrell and Kaylynn Serene.

Setters: Strickland enters her fourth season on the varsity team and will remain the team leader.

“We have some great talent in the setting position.”

Kylie Shelly and Lindsay Putnam will also see time as setters.

Defensive Specialist: “This is probably the most defensive team I’ve ever coached. I have many girls who could step into these positions.”

Most notably is Addie Biggin and Addy Germann.

“Both girls have Libero experience and are talented defenders.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Sophi Smith, Lilly Kamenash.

SOUTHEAST

Head Coach: Mary Tarka, 50th year, 750 wins.

Coaching Staff: Sharil Shamblin, Abby Dohse.

2023 Record: 5-18 overall, 3-7 Portage Trail Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (4): Alaina Dohse, sr.; Alex Hrkach, sr.; Savannah Bailey, jr.; Leila Evans, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Norah Truex, Skylar Werschey, Kylie Bailey, Tori Healy, Izzy Schuller.

Hitters and Blockers: Returning letterwinner Leila Evans, a sophomore, returns to lead the team as a middle hitter.

Setters: Senior Lilly Massrock, along with sophomore Neena Truex, will handle the setting.

Defensive Specialist: Returning letterwinner Alex Hrkach will be a key here, along with senior Brooklynn Beetler and senior Kaylee Hines.

Underclassmen to Watch: Neena Truex, soph.; Elise Kennedy, soph.; Renne Sutliffe, soph.; Reyna Ripley, soph.

WATERLOO

Head Coach: Aleck Franks, 4th year, 12-53 career record.

Coaching Staff: Megan Coley.

2023 Record: 7-14 overall.

Returning Letterwinners (6): Isabella Kozma, sr.; Alexis Eddy, sr.; Arianna Rebecchi, sr.; Delaney Miller, jr.; Brilyn Eddy, jr.; Kristlyn Kehrer, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (1): Miranda Long.

Hitters and Blockers: The group of Arianna Rebecchi, Isabella Kozma, Rachel Mollohan, Isabelle McKenna, Kristlyn Kehrer and Claudia Schrock will lead the Vikings at the net.

Setters: Brilyn Eddy returns as the setter.

Defensive Specialist: Alexis  Eddy, Delaney Miller and Kyleigh Kaiser all will be keys to the team.

Underclassmen to Watch: Kristlyn Kehrer.

WINDHAM

Head Coach: Lauryn Gintert, 9th year, 69-99 career record.

Coaching Staff: Cali Apthorpe.

2023 Record: 14-9 overall.

Returning Letterwinners (3): Quinn Justham, sr.; Sydnie Sweet, jr.; Makenzi Blocking, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Briah Daniel, Ka’Neese Jones, Angelina Jones, Lorena De Oliviera.

Hitters and Blockers: While the outside hitter remains an open competition, the middle hitter will be led by Makenzi Blocking.

Setters: Justham, who enters her fourth year as a varsity starter, finished last season with 407 assists and she now has 732 for her career.

“Her leadership will be just what this team needs to grow and stay strong,” Gintert said.

Defensive Specialist: Sydnie Sweet will be the Bombers’ Libero.

“She fought to earn the spot last year and will continue to prove she can handle leading the back row.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Kierrah Sanders, fresh.