Coach: Carl Bumgarner, first season.
Last year: 9-14, 7-7 Ohio Heritage Conference, tied for fourth place.
Returnees: Senior — OH/MH Maggie Williams. Juniors — OH/MH Alayna Morman, S/OH Julia Kuntz, OH Kacie Whalen, OH/MH Katie Carroll, OH Christina Dimitroff, DS Kara Koehler.
Newcomers: Junior — S Abbie Trimble. Sophomore — RH Allison Lohnes; Freshmen — MH Brittanee DeWine, S Morgan Pavlansky.
FYI: Bumgarner replaces Stacey Webster, who coached the Irish for 10 seasons. Whalen had anterior cruciate ligament surgery and will be done for the season. Bumgarner was reserve coach at Central last year, and for four years at North. He was head coach previously for seven years at Central.
Coach’s comments: “We’re looking for a great season. With only one senior, we’ll be a young team. We’re looking to improve on last year’s record. We’re in a strong league with West Liberty-Salem and Southeastern, though, so challenging for a league title will be tough. I think we’ve got a lot of potential.”
CEDARVILLE
Coach: Kelsey Jones, second season.
Last year: 2-19, 0-14 OHC, last place.
Returnees: Junior — OH Katharine Kohl; Sophomores — MH Emily Sheridan, S Lauren Wickline.
Newcomers: Junior — OH Abby Brown, OH Mackenzie McMahan, MH Kalie Smith; Sophomores — DS Ashley Shelton, DS Natalie Montecalvo.
FYI: Kelsey Jones is the daughter of former longtime Indians coach Roberta Jones.
Coach’s comments: “We definitely have stepped up our game from last year. The girls are working hard. I demanded a lot more with two-a-days. The girls are really pushing. I’m really excited to see where we’ve gotten so far.”
EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN
Coach: Angie Arthur, third season.
Last year: 17-3.
Returnees: Juniors — DS Haley Lewis, S/OH Darathy Wick, MH Christina Gosney, OH Ashley Oren, OH Jenna Friece, S Maylin Beekman.
Newcomers: Junior — MH Megan Detrick; Sophomore — OH Kimberly Walls.
FYI: Emmanuel has only eight girls on the varsity team for the second year in a row. The Lions will compete in the Metro Buckeye Conference this season.
Coach’s comments: “We’re hoping that since we entered a new league this year, we’ll be playing some bigger and better teams. We’re going to be challenged. We’re playing Kenton Ridge, Northeastern and Southeastern nonconference. If we can continue our winning ways, we’ll consider it a good season.”
GRAHAM
Coach: Gaye Carafa, first year.
Last year: 13-10, 4-6 Central Buckeye Conference, tied for fourth in Mad River Division.
Returnees: Seniors — OH Caitlin Bierbaugh, OH Ryanna Blair; Juniors — OH Chloe Ward, MH Darbie Zirkle.
Newcomers: Juniors — S/OH Darcy Zirkle, S/OH Cheyenne Heckman, MH Siara Mitchell, OH Kaitlyn Ward, DS Macy Calland, DS Hayley Lightner; Sophomore — S/DS Ashley Massie; Freshman — MH Michala Faulkner.
FYI: Carafa replaces Brenda Massie, who coached the Falcons the last 11 seasons. Carafa was the middle school coach in Urbana for four years and also coached two years in the Worthington school system. This is her first head coaching job.
Coach’s comments: “We have a lot of new people in new positions. We are installing a quicker offense and scrappier defense. With it, we’re pretty sure we can compete in the CBC. I’m looking for a strong finish this year.”
GREENEVIEW
Coach: Amanda Stratton, second season.
Last year: 12-12, 7-7 OHC.
Returnees: Seniors — S Morgan Tobe, DS Haley Dillon, OH Shaytell Furman; Juniors — MH Ellen Frescoln, OH Bre’ann Thacker, OH Cora Van Dine, MH Chrissie Rector.
Newcomers: Sophomore — S Abbie Mangan.
FYI: Stratton is the daughter of former veteran Rams coach Jan Tobe.
Coach’s comments: “I am actually excited about this season. It is a small group of girls, but they get along wonderfully. They have set some goals and have set out to reach them. We’ve done very well in our two scrimmages. We should win more games this year than last year.”
GREENON
Coach: Brian Marshall, second season.
Last year: 4-19, 0-10 CBC, last in Mad River.
Returnees: Senior — OH Morgan Pridemore; Juniors — S Lindsay Burkholder, MH Marinda Van Hoose; Sophomore — MH Whitney Robinson.
Newcomers: Senior — L/DS Jenna Pickleseimer; Junior — OH Chelsea Morefield; Sophomores — S Lauren Green, L/DS Sarah Pridemore, AA Jordan Hunt. Freshman — MH Emily Cale.
FYI: Marshall coached previously at Centerville.
Coach’s comments: “I think we’re still rebuilding this year. We have a young squad. The future looks bright. They are working hard and are very coachable.”
KENTON RIDGE
Coach: Lori Saunders, third season (16th season overall).
Last year: 8-15, 6-4 CBC, third in Kenton Trail.
Returnees: Seniors — MH Chloe Hopkins, OH Devon Roan, DS Emily Thompson; Juniors — S Kristen Heintz, OH Sarah Allen.
Newcomers: Juniors — OH Rachel Burns, OH Rachel Hill, DS Delaney Jacobs, S Katie Davis; Sophomores — DS Abbie Runyan, OH Allison Fulk.
FYI: News-Sun All-Area first-teamer Lauren Peczkowski graduated and is currently at Edinboro University.
Coach’s comments: “I’m kind of excited. The chemistry is there this year. We’re looking hopefully to be in the middle of the pack in the CBC. It’s a tough league to compete in. We were third last year. We are shooting for No. 2 (in the Kenton Trail).”
MECHANICSBURG
Coach: Tom Lee, second season.
Last year: 6-16, 2-12 OHC, seventh place.
Returnees: Seniors — OH Kara Westfall, DS Macy Wallen; Juniors — S/OH Jamie Dean, S Cortney Dingledine, DS Megan O’Quinn, OH Jessica Parsons, MH Kayla Thomas; Sophomore — MH Kristen Dunlap.
Newcomers: Junior — MH Rachel Massengill, DS Lindsey Eichemeyer; Sophomores — MH Chelsey Holland, DS Paige Ziegler; Freshman — OH Hayley Cochran.
FYI: Lee was a head coach at West Liberty-Salem for three years and an assistant coach at Urbana University for five years. Senior middle blocker Jessica Chapman is out for the year with shoulder surgery.
Coach’s comments: “I think we are going to be relatively inexperienced, but we have a lot of potential as well. We have a solid core to build from. And our new players are going to have to step up. That will determine how successful we’ll be.”
NORTHEASTERN
Coach: Kari Kitchen, fifth season.
Last year: 12-13, 5-9 OHC, sixth place.
Returnees: Seniors — MH Jillian Adams, OH Logan Shore, OH Brittany Markley, MH Katie Pollock; Juniors — S Megan Wagner; L Lindsey Pollock.
Top newcomers: Senior — MH MacKenzie Moeller; Sophomore — OH Haley Sparks.
FYI: The Jets won three sectional games and made it to the district finals, where they lost to state final four team Versailles. Moeller, a starter as a sophomore, will be back after missing last season with an injury, adding more height to the lineup.
Coach’s comments: “I’m very optimistic, and I think the girls are very optimistic about the season. They’ve seen themselves play at a high level last year and with so many returning, they are excited. They know they underachieved during the regular season last year, so if they can improve on the regular season and on the postseason, we’ll have a good year. After getting a taste of playing in the district tournament, their taste of success is pushing them.”
NORTHWESTERN
Coach: Missy Johnson, 10th season.
Last year: 14-11; 4-6 CBC, tied for fourth in Mad River Division.
Returnees: Seniors — OH Sarah Overholser, MH Jordan Reynolds, S Kristin Korab; Juniors — MH Chelsey Ball, AA Sydney Seitz; Sophomore — OH Janie Kaffenbarger.
Newcomers: Seniors — DS Calli Studebaker, DS/S Nicole Wyant; Sophomores — S Megan Brown, OH Courtney Grimm, MH Whitney Grimm; Freshman — DS Amy Studebaker.
FYI: Callie Studebaker will return after taking a season off. Wyant has returned to the Warriors after one season of living and playing in Arizona.
Coach’s comments: “I’m really happy. The girls are really working hard. We’ve had some senior leadership this year that has really pulled the team together. The division title is our goal. I’ve told the girls all along that they have the talent, but they have to have the desire and confidence.”
SHAWNEE
Coach: Libby Aker, first season.
Last year: 6-17. 3-7 CBC, tied for fourth place in Kenton Trail.
Returnees: Seniors — OH Liz Maute, OH Taylor Stewart, S/OH Erin Greenwood; Junior — OH Macey Jennings.
Top newcomers: Seniors — MH Lauryn Garberich, DS Kacie Bowermaster; Junior — DS Jessie Schuler; Sophomore — S Becca Dewitt; Freshman — MH Lauren Hogan.
FYI: Aker, formerly Libby Short, was a Shawnee and Cedarville University standout. She was co-player of the year in 2005. With the Yellow Jackets, she started all four years. She’s only had club coaching experience.
Coach’s comments: “The thing I’m just impressed the most with is their willingness to improve. The more I challenge them, the greater they do, which is such a blessing. They have asked me for team-bonding activities That’s good, because volleyball is not a lifelong thing, but getting along with others is. They wrote up their goals and we compiled them, and they just want a winning season and want to win a tournament game.”
SPRINGFIELD
Coach: Pete Cook, second season (12th overall).
Last year: 18-5, 3-2 Greater Western Ohio Conference, tied for third in Central.
Returnees: Seniors — MH/OH Lindsey Butterfield, S Danielle Schofield, MH MaRanda Boddie-Cannon, MH Kelsey Berrien; Juniors — OH Jacqueline Furay, MH/OH Jaylene Berrien.
Newcomers: Seniors — S/DS Brittany Newton, MH Jazmynne Cunningham; Junior — OH/DS Taylor Johnson; Sophomore — S Alex Elam.
FYI: Butterfield, the News-Sun All-Area Player of the Year in 2008, is a two-time all-area first-teamer. Furay was a second-team All-GWOC selection.
Coach’s comments: “I’m trying to keep that (expectations from the outside) down a little bit. Right now, we’re in pretty good shape to go into the season, and we’ll see what we can accomplish. Our athleticism is there. Our volleyball knowledge is there. The core of this group has definitely played a lot of volleyball together. These kids have played alongside each other since seventh grade. They are very familiar with each other.”
SOUTHEASTERN
Coach: Kathy Mercer, 23rd season.
Last year: 18-5, 13-1 OHC, league co-champs.
Returnees: Seniors — MH Cara Gartin, DS Rhianna Wyss; OH Victoria Carr, OH Lexi Harbour; Juniors — OH/MH Brianna Toops, OH Maddie Johnston, OH Shelby Hocter, S Haley Banion.
Newcomers: Juniors — OH Taylor Haggy, OH Macy Johnston; Sophomore — OH/MH Megan McAfee; Freshman — S Taylor Perry.
FYI: After going 23-2 in 2007, the Trojans dipped to 18-5 last season.
Coach’s comments: “We have a lot of balance and a lot of people are challenging for new positions. We’re looking forward to a good season. Our goal is to be in the mix for the (OHC) title.”
TECUMSEH
Coach: Michelle Smith, second season.
Last year: 4-20, 3-7 CBC, tied for fourth in Kenton Trail.
Returnees: Seniors — L Erin Macasek, OH/DS Sarah Flory, S Rachel Moyer; Junior — OH Erika Holt; Sophomore — MH Chelsey Davis.
Newcomers: Juniors — OH Molly Fiorita, DS Elizabeth Engle; Freshmen — MH Megan Christmann, DS Bianca Quisenberry.
FYI: The Arrows lost five returning players from last season.
Coach’s comments: “The girls have worked extremely hard in the offseason to improve their strength and quickness. We are excited about the upcoming season and are looking to be much more competitive. We have worked on consistent serve receiving and defense, which, in turn, will allow us to speed up our offense. I expect for us to be in the upper half of league standings this season.”
TRIAD
Coach: Liz Carder, second season.
Last year: 13-11, 9-5 OHC, third place.
Returnees: Seniors — MH Lauren Brown, OH Sammy Nawman, S Britney Graves, MH Addie Dixon; Junior — OH Hannah Smith; Sophomore — OH Kelsey Funderburgh.
Newcomers: Freshmen — S Anna McKenzie, AA Dayna Ober.
FYI: The six returning letterwinners will see the bulk of the playing time.
Coach’s comments: “We have the ability to compete for the (OHC) title. We have experience on our side and great leadership. The four seniors I’ve coached the four years I’ve been there, the first two years as jayvee coach and the last two as a head coach. My girls have every potential to do well.”
URBANA
Coach: Chuck Pack, fifth season.
Last year: 22-5, 8-2 CBC Mad River Division, second place.
Returnees: Seniors — OH/MH Katie Rice, DS Alyza Sherman, OH Kelsey Eastham, S Erin Fout; Juniors — S Makenzie Laase, OH Katie Raterman, OH Ashley Wagner.
Newcomers: Senior — DS Brooke McFann; Sophomores — OH/DS Mary Hendricks, MH Sierra Moore, OH/DS Katelynn Derr.
FYI: The Hillclimbers were 20-4 in 2007, putting together back-to-back 20-win seasons. They lost All-CBC first-teamer Alyssa Raterman to graduation.
Coach’s comments: “We’ve got a good core of kids back, but every year is a new group of players. We’ve just focused on what this team does well. It’s just a matter of how well we can play together and pull together on defense and run the offense. If we can get everybody going at the right time, we can be competitive with everyone.”
WEST LIBERTY-SALEM
Coach: Susan Middleton, second season.
Last year: 18-4, 13-1 OHC, league co-champs.
Returnees: Seniors — OH Paige Parker, DS Tyler Eckurd, OH Olivia Marceau; Juniors — S Kayla Peterson, DS Jessie Wirick; Sophomore — MH Becka Peterson.
Newcomers: Sophomore — DS Chelsea Powell; Freshmen — OH Addie Kendall, OH Autumn Klinger.
FYI: The Tigers lost in the first round of the sectionals last year after being state-ranked most of the season.
Coach’s comments: “The big thing is we want to get further in the tournament this year. Obviously, we want to take care of the league. But we want to focus on our nonleague games, which are very competitive. They are pretty open-minded right now, trying to figure out what works best for us. And they’re working on having strong mental play this year.”
YELLOW SPRINGS
Coach: Ryan Berning, first season.
*Information not provided
— Compiled by Kermit Rowe
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