By Roger Gordon

Correspondent

High school volleyball team previews for the 2026 season.

AURORA

HEAD COACH

Katie Cicione, 9th year overall, 4 h year at Aurora, 113-76 career record.

COACHING STAFF

Emma Strobel (JV Green Head Coach), Alyssa Speakman (JV Black Head Coach).

2025 RECORD

20-6 overall, first-ever district championship for the program.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (8)

Whitley Rockhill, sr.; Dylan Tschudy, sr.; Aubrey Verdova, sr.; Sarah Dwyer, sr.; Kaylie Liepins, jr.; Presley Courtad, jr.; Arabella Wetzel, jr.; Gigi Goedert, soph.

LETTERWINNERS LOST (4)

Annie Treccia, Kamryn Taylor, Addyson Rumskey, Emerson Spiesz.

GENERAL OUTLOOK

“We’re coming off a historic 2025 season that really raised the standard for our program, and our goals are even bigger this year. We have a balanced, experienced group that I think sets us apart, and you can feel the drive and purpose behind everything we do. We want to compete for another Suburban League championship, add another number to our banner and earn our way back to the “Sweet 16.” This group is passionate about becoming the best they can be for each other, our program and our community.”

HITTERS AND BLOCKERS

Whitley Rockhill, Aubrey Verdova and Gigi Goedert will pace the hitters and blockers. Also contributing up front will be Sarah Dwyer and juniors Paige Yankowski, Lily Carnahan and Elizabeth Horvath.

“Whitley has worked extremely hard this offseason and has come back ready to make an impact, not only within our offense but throughout our entire program. She is an incredibly competitive athlete who loves being put in pressure situations and wants the ball when the moment matters most. Her growth, work ethic and confidence have really stood out, and she continues to push herself and those around her to be better. Aubrey is truly so special to our program. The way she advocates for the people around her and holds everyone in our gym, on and off the court, to an extremely high standard is a huge part of what makes our culture so special. She loves competing in pressure situations and brings a confidence and competitive edge that our team feeds off of. Her high volleyball IQ and strong physical presence make an impact every time she steps on the court. We’re incredibly thankful for her vision, drive and the standard she continues to raise within our program. Gigi was a huge part of our success during the 2025 season as just a freshman, and she’s stepping into an even bigger role for us this year on both sides of the ball. Her volleyball IQ has grown tremendously this offseason, and she sees the game at such a high level. Her perspective and desire to compete at the highest level make her voice an important part of our program. She leads by example through her commitment to our program and to her own goals, and she’s ready to leave her mark this season.”

SETTERS

“Kaylie Liepins is coming off a monumental 2025 season where she recorded her 1,000 th career assist and set two school records for assists and aces in a single season. Her calm demeanor, high volleyball IQ and consistent play are such a huge part of what we do. She brings a steady presence to the court, and we’re excited to see the impact she’ll continue to make for us this season.”

DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS

Pacing the defensive specialists will be Dylan Tschudy and Presley Courtad. Others contributing will be Arabella Wetzel and freshman Stella Puin.

“Dylan is returning to our program as one of our most improved athletes. The growth she’s made this offseason, not only in her overall skill but in her confidence and presence on the court, has been huge. You can feel how badly she wants the person next to her to be better, and she’s developed such a strong vocal presence within our program. She brings a lot of energy, leadership and competitiveness that make everyone around her better. Presley’s desire to compete at the highest level possible gives our program a competitive edge. She brings an intensity and drive every time she steps on the court that push the people around her to be better. She isn’t afraid of big moments or tough competition, and that mentality is contagious.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Gigi Goedert.

TEAM CAPTAINS

Whitley Rockhill, senior.

Dylan Tschudy, senior.

Aubrey Verdova, senior.

CRESTWOOD

HEAD COACH

Wanda Hoffman, 34th year as a head coach overall and as Crestwood’s head coach, 523-269 career record.

COACHING STAFF

Kelly Hoffman, Oliver Wuensch (JV coach and assistant varsity), Jenn Morris (JV coach).

2025 RECORD

6-18 overall, 2-8 league.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (7)

Jackie Blasiole, sr.; Macy Davis, sr.; Grace Harper, sr.; Abby Hayes, sr.; Piper Seibold, sr,; Haley Podojil, jr.; Reese Harper, soph.

LETTERWINNERS LOST (4)

Audrey Julian, Katrina Richards, Mya Miller, Maddy Sheridan.

GENERAL OUTLOOK

“We expect the team to take a step forward from last season with the vast majority of the core contributors on varsity returning. We believe this team has the talent to double its win total from a season ago and finish in the top half of the (Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division) standings.”

HITTERS AND BLOCKERS

“Jackie Blasiole is able and willing to play anywhere on the court, and that flexibility is an important asset for the team. She finished the 2025 season with the second most kills on the team while also finishing with the most digs. Abby Hayes led Crestwood in kills in 2025, and she may see time hitting from all positions across the front row in 2026. We are hoping that she can once again be that consistent swing that we can rely on to win us points when we need them. A varsity debutant this season, Jillian Hayes is joining the varsity squad after showing a ton of improvement during the offseason. She will be a pin hitter, and we are looking for her power to blow opponents off the court. We are excited to see what Grace Harper can do with a fully healthy season. Her block on the right side in particular has the coaches excited. Katie Lyons saw some varsity sets late last season, and we hope she pushes her way into a starting role in 2026. She is a smart middle, able to avoid blocks and find spots on the court. The growth Katie Sanwald has shown since the start of her freshman season has been terrific. We’re excited to see her continue to grow into a terrific middle hitter.”

SETTERS

“Reese Harper will play six rotations, setting from the back row and hitting from the middle while in the front row. She was thrust into a starting role on varsity last season and has just continued to grow as a player ever since. Haley Podojil is the true quarterback of our offense. She knows who to set and when, follows the hot hand, and she also plays terrific defense. She’ll be the first one to take blame and the first to give out praise. A true leader on the court.”

DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS

“Macy Davis and Piper Seibold are our dynamic duo of defensive specialists. Macy finished second on the team in digs in 2025 and third in aces. Piper will hustle to every ball and can bring calm to a chaotic situation. We will be leaning on both of them throughout the season.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Reese Harper, Jillian Hayes, Katie Sanwald, Lila Underwood, Alyssa Ittel.

TEAM CAPTAINS

Jackie Blasiole, senior.

Macy Davis, senior.

Haley Podojil, junior.

FIELD

HEAD COACH

Stacie Kucalaba.

COACHING STAFF

Bella Weber, junior varsity head coach; Erin Oravec, junior varsity assistant coach; Kaitlyn

Shipbaugh.

2024 RECORD

14-9 overall.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (6)

Gianna Fiorilli, sr.; Emma Pilny, sr.; Riley Docherty, jr.; Kelsey Woolverton, jr.; Allison Barto, jr.; Juliana Baker, jr.

LETTERWINNERS LOST (7)

Caleigh Docherty, Carly Eldreth, Addyson Lay, Mady Hull-Stelzer, Morgan Stoicoiu, Mollie Mathews, Kash’Mier McClendon.

GENERAL OUTLOOK

“We lost seven seniors, but the players have been grinding in the gym and should perform well during contests. With only three seniors, we think opponents will still be very challenged by our amazing underclassmen.”

HITTERS AND BLOCKERS

“Gianna Fiorilli and Emma Pilny are entering their third year with us as pin hitters. Both players bring a strong combination of offensive and defensive skills to the court. Their versatility, consistency and ability to contribute on both sides of the net make them valuable assets to our team. Ali Barto is an extremely versatile player who excels at both setting and pin hitting. Look for her to play a significant role in full rotation. JuJu Baker and Gracie Hoskin have done an excellent job stepping into the middle position for us this year. Both players have embraced the challenge and have been strong contributors at the net.”

SETTERS

“McKinley Wetzel has excellent hands as a setter and brings tremendous leadership to the court. Her ability to run the offense and lead her teammates will be a huge asset for us this season. Ali Barto, an amazing utility player, will also take on setting responsibilities this  season.”

DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS

“Riley Docherty is our libero, returning for her third year on the varsity team. She is amazingly quick and extremely accurate in both serve receive and passing.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Paige Eldreth, soph.; Paisley Taylor, fresh.

TEAM CAPTAINS

Gianna Fiorilli, senior.

Gracie Hoskin, senior.

Emma Pilny, senior.

GARFIELD

HEAD COACH

Ali Roach, 8th year overall and at Garfield, 114-56 career record.

COACHING STAFF

Jess Rader, Tara Lawson.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (7)

Charlee Hill, sr.; Kendall Thompson, sr.; Tenley Korosec, jr.; Payton Soltis, jr.; Lola Lake, jr.; Olivia Kuchenbecker, jr.; Leah Hill, jr.

LETTERWINNERS LOST (4)

Mandy Cardinal, Lily Shay, Reese Shirkey, Ella Kissell.

GENERAL OUTLOOK

“We lost a lot of key players after last season, but I think we will be able to use the experience of the returning players to have a successful season. We may not have a lot of height, but we have a lot of fight. These girls show up every day ready to work hard!”

HITTERS AND BLOCKERS

Lola Lake, Charlee Hill, Leah Hill, Olivia Kuchenbecker and Jordyn Hill will bring strength to the front row.

“Lola is a two-year letterwinner. She comes back this year with experience that will help lead us in the front row. Leah and Jordyn will be strong for us as well and will create a good block. Charlee is back and ready for her senior year. She will be a strong outside for us again. Olivia will also show her athleticism on the court this year.”

SETTERS

“We have Tenley Korosec returning this year to set for our team again. Her experience will help our team dynamic. Another setter this season will be Bella Wright.”

DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS

“We have a lot of experience coming back again this season in the back row. First is senior Kendall Thompson. She is a very aggressive passer who commands the back row. Next is junior Payton Soltis. She brings a calm to the court that helps our team and our control. Charlee Hill and Kiera Gonzales will be key back-row players for us as well.”

TEAM CAPTAINS

Charlee Hill, senior.

Kendall Thompson, senior.

Tenley Korosec, junior.

MOGADORE

HEAD COACH

Jessica Butler, eighth year as a head coach overall and eighth year as Crestwood’s head coach, 83 career wins.

COACHING STAFF

Madalynn Butler, Amanda Miller (junior varsity coach).

2025 RECORD

17-7.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (7)

Kourtney Beech, sr.; Sophie Runion, sr.; Gracie Shull, sr.; Kaitlyn Clester, sr.; Emma Butler, jr.; Ava Murphy, jr.; Londyn Umbright, soph.

LETTERWINNERS LOST (1)

Alana Whitmore.

GENERAL OUTLOOK

“This volleyball team enters the season with a strong foundation and significant potential for success. With two strong setters and many capable hitters, the team has the offensive balance needed to keep opponents guessing and create scoring opportunities throughout matches. Defensively, the team is also in a strong position. Solid communication, sound positioning and a willingness to fight for every ball should help the team extend rallies and put pressure on opposing offenses. The combination of a strong offense and dependable defense gives the team the ability to compete against a variety of playing styles. As the season progresses, continued improvement in ball control, teamwork and communication will be key. If the team can limit unforced errors, stay aggressive at the net and maintain defensive intensity, it has the potential to have a very successful season.”

HITTERS AND BLOCKERS

“Middle hitter Kaitlyn Clester has strong hands for blocking. She has quick feet and covers a lot of territory at the net. She is versatile in the front row and can play any position. Outside hitter Emma Butler is an explosive outside hitter with a powerful arm, high volleyball IQ and exceptional court awareness. She reads the defense well, finds open seams and consistently makes smart, aggressive plays.”

Other big contributors will be outside hitter Londyn Umbright, right side hitter Ava Murphy and right side hitter Logan Sunde.

SETTERS

“Emma Butler is a talented setter with a quick ability to read the pass and get into position to make plays. She is athletic and moves well to extend rallies, consistently working to keep the ball playable and put her hitters in the best possible position. Her instincts, hustle and ability to make plays outside of system make her a valuable asset to the team. Kaitlyn Clester is a powerful setter who competes for every ball. Her athleticism, quick reactions and determination allow her to make difficult plays and extend rallies when others might not. Her ability to create opportunities, make plays under pressure and contribute in multiple areas of the game demonstrates just how well-rounded she is as a volleyball player.”

DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS

“Gracie Shull served as our libero last season and has transitioned into a six-rotation player this year. She continues to be extremely consistent in serve receive and ball control, providing stability and confidence across the back row. Gracie does an excellent job reading the game and anticipating where the ball is going, allowing her to make difficult saves and keep plays alive. Her ability to extend rallies and create second-chance opportunities will be a valuable asset for our team throughout the season. Kourtney Beech has transitioned to the libero position this season and has shown tremendous growth as a defensive specialist. Her communication on the court is one of her greatest strengths, helping keep the entire back row organized and connected. She has embraced the demands of the libero position and stepped confidently into this new role. Kourtney’s leadership, consistency and communication provide a strong presence in our back row and will be an important part of our defensive success this season. Sophie Runion is a strong communicator who does a great job serving. She understands the court well and consistently works to put herself and her teammates in the best position to make a play. She continues to work hard, compete with purpose and supports her team with every touch she makes.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Emma Butler, Ava Murphy, Londyn Umbright.

TEAM CAPTAINS

Gracie Shull, senior.

Kaitlyn Clester, senior.

Kourtney Beech, senior.

Sophie Runion, senior.

RAVENNA

HEAD COACH

Sara Haldi, ninth year overall.

COACHING STAFF

Carly Trefethern, Kristin Marsinek, Elizabeth Rahim.

2025 RECORD

1-22 overall.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (7)

Kasey Sterba, sr.; Jordyn Allen, sr.; Charleigh Weger, jr.; Sonoma White, jr.; Madison Morris, jr.; Samantha Trego, jr.; Jerielys Malave, soph.

LETTERWINNERS LOST (4)

Mackenzie Ervin, Jalysia Thompson, Nicole Bishop, Lexi Kerr.

GENERAL OUTLOOK

“This season, the girls are working hard to continue improving on and off the court, setting good examples for our seventh and eighth grade students joining us in the building and inspiring our youth; our youth program is in its inaugural year!”

HITTERS AND BLOCKERS

Leading the way will be Charleigh Weger, Sonoma White, Madison Morris, Samantha Trego, Jordan Trego, Jerielys Malave and Kylee Rucker.

SETTERS

The primary setters will be Jordyn Allen and Jordan Trego will pace the setters.

DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS

Kasey Sterba, Hayley Wilson, Josie Smith and Jerielys Malave will be the prime back-row players.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Jerielys Malave.

TEAM CAPTAINS

Kasey Sterba, senior.

Jordyn Allen, senior.

Jerielys Malave, sophomore.

ROOTSTOWN

HEAD COACH

Dana Kern, second year as a head coach overall and second year as Rootstown head coach, 11-12 career record.

COACHING STAFF

Delta Nichols.

2025 RECORD

11-12 overall.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (8)

Sophi Smith, sr.; Lilly Kamenash, sr.; Taylor Wellhausen, sr.; Olivia O’Neill, jr.; Sophia Byers, jr.; Gwen Horning, jr.; Ardynn Soika, jr.; Ella Hayn, soph.

LETTERWINNERS LOST (4)

Addie Biggin, Alyx Burrell, Colbie Curall, Kylie Shelly.

GENERAL OUTLOOK

“We are smaller this year, but the girls aren’t taking that as a disadvantage. They are looking at the great things they are capable of doing and using their strengths to do well in our scrimmages. They are adapting well to things being a little different than they have been for them and are always ready to try something new to see if it will help us.”

HITTERS AND BLOCKERS

The hitters and blockers will be Sophi Smith, Sophia Byers, Ardynn Soika, Alexa Sladky, Taylor Wellhausen, Raylee Kahoun, Lilly Kamenash, Addie Curall  and Allie Pipes.

“Sophi is my returning middle hitter. We will be looking to her to help set the tone and get us going as our veteran hitter. Byers is returning as my outside hitter. She is a strong outside who does very well seeing the court and placing the ball. Alexa is young but is fitting in well and is taking on the role as our all-around outside hitter. Lilly is my right side and has been very good and setting blocks and getting hands on the ball. She is also always going to swing when set to.”

SETTERS

“Olivia O’Neill is my veteran setter. She is very reliable and always gets hands on every pass. We have been using Sophia Byers, who was my all-around outside last year. She is adapting well to the new role and has been doing great working with the hitters. We have also used Sophi Smith a bit, who is my middle hitter. She has some experience at setting and will be able to help mix things up this year.”

DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS

Gwen Horning, Ella Hayn and Chloe Bell will be the defensive specialists.

“Ella was our all around outside hitter last year, and she is moving into the role as the libero, something she is comfortable with as that is what she has always played. She will be our leader in the back row, and as just a sophomore, she’s ready to fill those shoes. Gwen has worked a lot in the offseason and will be stepping in the back row alongside Ella. They both work very well together.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Ella Hayn, Alexa Sladky.

TEAM CAPTAINS

Sophi Smith, senior.

Ella Hayn, sophomore.

SOUTHEAST

HEAD COACH

Mary Tarka, 52nd year as head coach overall and at Southeast, more than 750 career wins and

more than 20 league titles.

COACHING STAFF

Erin Jackson, Skylar Werschey.

2025 RECORD

8-15 overall, 6-8 in Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (9)

Leila Evans, sr.; Elise Kennedy, sr.; Neena Truex, sr.; Renee Sutliff, sr.; Kaylee Haney, sr.; Reyna Ripley, sr.; Kylie Jackson, soph.; Lauren Metzgar, soph.; Elizabeth Dills, soph.

LETTERWINNERS LOST (1)

Savannah Bailey.

GENERAL OUTLOOK

“Good, hard-working group. Very competitive hope to challenge everyone.”

HITTERS AND BLOCKERS

Leading the hitters and blockers will be outside hitter Zoe Roberts, middle blocker Leila Evans (last season’s team MVP) and right side hitter Renee Sutliff.

SETTERS

“Neena Truex runs the offense and serves well.”

DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS

“Elise Kennedy moved from outside hitter to libero. Kaylee Haney will also contribute.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Zoe Roberts, Lauren Metzgar.

Editor’s Note: Season preview information for Streetsboro, Waterloo and Windham were not provided by the time of publication. Their season previews will publish at a later date.