Delta’s Kaylee Nichols hits against Central in a 2014 match.
Blackford Bruins
• Coach: Melissa Antrim (first season)
• Last season: 7-25
• Returning players: Sr. Peyton Hiestand; Sr. Victoria Bauer; Sr. Addisyn Schick; Jr. Parker Hiestand; Jr. Arianna South; Jr. Kyli Penrod; Jr. Sara Gregory; Jr. Mckayla Alspac; Jr. Lyndsey Waters; So. Hannah Reid; So. Gracie Minner; So. Brittaney Dillon; So. Haylie Williamson; So. Allie Redmond
• Key losses: None
• Season outlook: This will be a transitional year for the Bruins as the team tries to change the culture of volleyball in Blackford County.
• Coach’s comment: “My coaching staff is still getting to know the players. I can tell you that they are passionate about the game, eager to learn and leave their hearts on the court. Paving the road on our new journey are seniors Peyton Hiestand, Victoria Bauer and Addisyn Schick. These girls bought into what we are trying to accomplish for our program going forward. Without them on board it is not possible. We will have to commit to a “shared sacrifice” attitude.”
Blue River Valley Vikings
• Coach: ZoeAnn Chernowsky (eighth season)
• Last season: 14-20
• Returning starters: S Brenna Koontz (359 assists, 225 digs, 174 kills); MH Kyleigh Alcorn (243 kills); OPP Haley Morgan (102 digs); DS Mallery Sharp (165 digs)
• Key losses: L Alyssa Sells (237 digs, 81 aces); DS Sara Barnes (253 digs); OH Hope Crabtree (121 kills, 223 digs)
• Season outlook: The Vikings have high expectations for the 2015 season. Coach ZoeAnn Chernowsky said she’ll be counting on her seniors and hoping to build a team that is both strong defensively and balanced.
• Coach’s comment: “This has been a great group to coach, team chemistry is outstanding and I am looking forward to getting our season rolling.”
Burris Owls
• Coach: Mike Dodrill (first season at Burris, 47-19 career)
• Last season: 18-17
• Returning starters: OH Anna Bilello (153 kills, 187 digs); OH Abby Ludwick (150 kills, 87 digs)
• Key losses: L Isabel Gothard (428 digs); MB Taylor Harman (191 kills, 64 blocks); OPP Alyssa Peters (240 kills); S Emily Brinkman (565 assists); S Marissa Dudley (117 assists); MB Taylor Kring (53 kills)
• Season outlook: The team is quite young in key positions with several move-ins and players returning who did not play last year. Chemistry and experience will be key early on.
• Coach’s comment: “I am very pleased with the effort and focus of the team and where they can go. They have come aboard with such vigor and have been full steam ahead in getting better. Again, we are very young after losing such talent in key positions. The girls are adjusting well to different roles and volleyball schemes the coaching staff is implementing. It will be a great season for growth as they continue to build confidence and better their skills.”
Central Bearcats
• Coach: Wes Lyon (13th season, 372-75)
• Last season: 26-9
• Returning starters: Sr. MH Micah Leavell (358 kills, 47.5 blocks); Jr. MH E’laisah Young (319 kills, 45 blocks); So. RS Virginia Wilhoite (183 kills); Jr. S Lacee Adams (1,124 assists, 57 aces); Sr. DS Nikki Marshall (335 digs, 46 aces); Jr. DS Kinkaid Padgett (151 digs, 40 aces)
• Key losses: OH Allyson Young (146 kills, 191 digs); DS Savannah Jackson (146 digs)
• Season outlook: With a lot of returning players, the Bearcats are excited about returning to Class 4A due to increased enrollment numbers.
• Coach’s comment: “The team worked hard in the offseason and the personality and competitive spirit of our team has improved. I am excited to return to (Class 4A) and see how we stack up.”
Cowan Blackhawks
• Coach: Whitney Stewart (first season)
• Last season: 20-12
• Returning starters: Sr. MH Diana Campbell; Jr. S Gabriella Harrington; Sr. L KaLynn Sours; Sr. DS Abigail Huff; Jr. OH Mackenzie Howell
• Key loss: L Valorie Flick, OH Caitlyn Kimbrough, MH Mahalia Flick
• Season outlook: First-year coach Whitney Stewart is intent on being competitive despite being in a hotbed county for the sport, and hopes to make a strong postseason run.
• Coach’s comment: “This is a team that is fairly young and is getting better every day. They just need experience. They listen well and try what I ask of them. These girls are hard workers and want to learn and I enjoy teaching the game.”
Daleville Broncos
• Coach: Beth Etchison (second season, 12-15)
• Last season: 12-15
• Returning starters: S Zannah Weber (487 assists, 83 Aces); MH Lindsay Ingenito (259 kills, 101 aces); OH Breanna Townsend (173 Kills); MH Jenny Shellabarger (120 Kills)
• Key losses: L Hannah McKinney (298 digs); MH Hannah Huff (79 total blocks); DS Erin Allen, DS Lauren Irelan
• Season outlook: Four returning starters will anchor the Broncos. Ingenito led the team in hitting efficiency, kills and aces last season. Weber, Townsend and Shellabarger are also back.
• Coach’s comment: “We have some big holes defensively left by the departure of last year’s seniors, but I am confident that the work we put in during the offseason has prepared us for this year. Our schedule is difficult, but we believe that iron sharpens iron, and playing the outstanding teams we play will help us get better each game. Our goal is to focus on our defense and utilize our offensive weapons to be competitive this year.”
Delta Eagles
• Coach: Heidi Zickgraf (eighth season, 167-68)
• Last season: 27-6
• Key returners: Sr. RS Kaylee Nichols (304 kills, 218 digs); Sr. OH Audrey Woodin (426 kills, 19 blocks, 57 digs); Jr. L Gabby Zgunda (348 digs, 39 aces); Jr. S Kelsee Roe (70 aces, 800 assists); Jr. MB Rebecka Vannatta (96 kills); Jr. MB Camryn Campbell (212 kills)
• Key losses: L Teaghan Dishman (645 digs, First-team All State); OH Allyson Buckner (164 kills); DS Ericka Pursley (186 digs); DS McKenzie Sulfridge (214 digs)
• Season outlook: The Eagles have several varsity returners this season so they’ll have some experience on the floor. Leadership hasn’t been an issue as the seniors have taken off with their new leadership roles.
• Coach’s comment: “I am extremely excited to get this season going as we have some very eager players wanting to accomplish very lofty goals. They have been putting quality time in the gym and want to work together to achieve their season goals.”
Jay County Patriots
• Coach: Fred Medler (21st season)
• Last season: 23-8
• Key returners: Sr. MH Kylie Osborne; Sr. MH Ava Kunkler; Sr. OH Abby Wendell; Sr. OPP Emilie Walter; Jr. OH Abby Barcus; Jr. S Lizzy Schoenlein
• Key losses: MH Bri McIntire; DS Michelle Wellman; OPP Emily Westgerdes
• Season outlook: The Patriots have beefed their schedule up and are looking to improve upon their 23 wins from last season. A young core has more experience and is looking to take the next step.
• Coach’s comment: “We’re bigger and stronger than we were last year. Barcus will be a force to be reckoned with. Everyone is bigger and stronger, hitting the ball well. We had some big wins last year so we’ll have some teams waiting for us this year. Central is in our sectional, as is Concordia. We’re looking forward to it.”
Monroe Central Golden Bears
• Coach: Kyle Garrett (second season, 19-13)
• Last season: 19-13
• Key returners: Zoee Kear; Katarina DiBiasio; Morgan Haney
• Key losses: L Lexi Hosier
• Season outlook: The Golden Bears returned several key players from last year and added three freshmen to the varsity squad that will all see significant playing time.
• Coach’s comment: “I feel as though this season can be very special. The girls are hungry to make a name and continue to jumpstart a program at Monroe Central.”
New Castle Trojans
• Coach: Matt Curts (first season)
• Last season: 19-15
• Key returners: Jr. MH/OH Avarie Powell; Jr. L Karleigh Wilson; Jr. S Peighton Barber; Jr. OH/MH Morgan Burns; Jr. DS Madison Cunningham; So. OH Cecily Jester; So. MH Maggie Benninger; So. DS/S Jacie Koontz; Fr. OH Graci Bowers
• Key losses: Kiley Lingenfelter; Payton Anderson; Brianna Heffernan; Jennifer Barr; Makenzie Koger
• Season outlook: The Trojans will be relatively young with no seniors. First-year coach Matt Curts is very excited about this group of young athletes — very athletic, intelligent players with a lot of club experience. He said he is focusing their efforts on defense and ball control while serving aggressively, yet wisely. The Trojans will be running a quick middle offense trying to win the next point off transition, and Curts notes they play a very challenging schedule.
• Coach’s comment: “The goal is that each time we step foot on the court — practice or game — we get better. Looking very forward to a season of growth and maturity, and creating a gym culture of passion and competitiveness. Our theme this year is “Back to Work — One Team, One Dream.”
Union Rockets
• Coach: Trevor Steed (first season)
• Last season: 21-12
• Returning starters: OH DeAnn Kauffman (423 kills); OH Mallory Green (158 kills); MH Faithlan Ellis (141 kills); MH/RS Rylee Davis (29 kills); L MacKyndsea Burke (429 digs)
• Key losses: S Beth Jenkins (728 assists); MH Lexus Shore (89 kills, 64 aces)
• Season outlook: Coach Trevor Steed expects his squad to be competitive throughout the season, even with a small team of only nine players. There will be five starters coming back, including the libero. The Rockets did not lose any players due to graduation last year, so this season is all about being able to play the game with their new roles.
• Coach’s comment: “There will a change in team dynamics as players will have to step up into new roles and new positions. I’m excited to see where this season can take us and to be a part of this program for another year.”
Wapahani Raiders
• Coach: Jared Richardson (third season, 47-12)
• Last season: 21-9
• Returning starters: L Hannah Smith (428 digs, 39 aces); OH Skyler Van Note (224 kills, 49 blocks); MH Chase Curry (42 kills, 66 blocks); Annie Schuck (45 kills, 24 blocks)
• Key losses: OH Addie Reynolds (109 aces, 399 kills); OH Katie Foster (107 kills, 255 digs)
• Season outlook: The Raiders are hopeful senior leadership can help them reach their potential.
• Coach’s comment: “We have put a lot of hard work into our preseason, and (we) are anxious to get started on the road for a 2A state title.”
Wes-Del Warriors
• Coach: Biff Wilson (seventh season, 167-53)
• Last season: 35-3, Class A State Champion
• Returning starters: Sr. OH Emily Hale (43 kills); Sr. MH Perrie Smalley (174 kills, 47 blocks); Sr. S Haylie Spencer (95 assists); Sr. OH Alysa Sutton (455 kills, 324 digs, 103 aces); Jr. DS Morgan Prather (249 digs, 70 aces)
• Key losses: MH Mariah Berry (209 kills, 53 blocks); OH Megan Clark (214 kills, 47 aces); L Chloe Kinsey (530 digs, 50 aces); DS Kristen Lansing (271 digs, 54 aces); S Kennedy Petro (990 assists, 74 aces); OH Mackenzie Whitehead (91 kills, 38 blocks)
• Season outlook: The Warriors graduated a wealth of talent, but expectations remain high.
• Coach’s comment: “Our goal is to show consistent improvement throughout the season and challenge for a sectional championship in October.”
Winchester Lady Falcons
• Coach: Julie Smiley (sixth season)
• Last season: 4-25
• Returning starters: L Emily White (324 digs); OH/MH Leah Malkey (85 kills, 25 aces)
• Key losses: None
• Season outlook: The Golden Falcons lost one senior but gained nine freshmen. They are young but have an experienced base. Coach Julie Smiley said regaining confidence after last year’s 4-25 record will be critical, noting the Falcons had a much better record in 2013.
• Coach’s comment: “We have the ability and talent to get back to our winning program form if the girls will consistently believe in themselves. Our team chemistry is excellent, our freshman are already contributing a great deal, and our returners are a year stronger and smarter. I have a very positive outlook and know that we will surprise some people with our comeback this year.”
Yorktown Tigers
• Coach: Stephanie Bloom (eighth season, 221-33)
• Last season: 30-7
• Returning starters: S Mimi Arrington (1,102 assists); L/DS Jade York (199 digs), L/DS Kate Avila (409 digs); OH Rhyen Neal (168 kills); M Olivia Reed (156 kills); OH Kendall Murr (237 kills)
• Key Losses: RS Karli Acree (368 kills); M Carson Malapit (327 kills)
• Season outlook: Coach Stephanie Bloom expects her team to be mix of experienced players taking on leadership roles and younger players jumping into new roles on the squad.
• Coach’s comment: “We have a solid group of girls who are competitive, hard workers and gritty. While this group might be undersized compared to some of our opponents, they understand how important it’s going to be to try and frustrate opponents by fighting to keep the ball alive at all costs.”
Contact sports features writer Ryan O’Gara at (765) 213-5829. Follow him on Twitter @RyanOGaraTSP.