Allen East
Division: VI
Conference: Northwest Conference
Coach: Brittany King (first season)
Last year’s record: 18-6, 5-3 NWC
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Joy Hesler (Sr., OH/RS), Taylor Nickles (Sr., MH/RS), Aniya Prowant (Jr., DS/L), Kaleigh Sasada (Jr., S)
Promising newcomers: Maddie Nickles (Jr., MH/RS), Jayda Kennedy (Jr., DS), Aubrey Lybarger (Jr., MH/OH), Aleena Nickles (Fr., MH/OH), Ella Downing (Jr., S/DS), Brynna Contris (Jr., OH)
Coach’s analysis: “With only four returning letter winners, we may be lacking in experience but not in ability. We have several girls stepping up and taking on key roles in our lineup this year. With a new coaching staff, the team is embracing a new philosophy of balanced offense and defense. This team’s potential is evident, and if they can harness their strengths and continue to improve, we hope to make our mark this season.”
Bath
Division: V
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Michael Lawrence (third season)
Last year’s record: 8-13, 1-8 WBL
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Emily Gomez (Jr., MH), Addie Gibson (Jr., S), Lilla Capps (Jr., L)
Promising newcomers: Haiden Williamson (Jr., DS), Hunter Neff (Jr., DS), Sophie Jackson (Jr., RS), Mia Reindel (Fr., MH)
Coach’s analysis: “Our expectation is to play consistent volleyball. Playing great defense will give us a chance to compete in every match.”
Columbus Grove
Division: VI
Conference: Northwest Conference, Putnam County League
Coach: Amy Young (third season)
Last year’s record: 5-17, 3-5 NWC, 0-6 PCL
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Kylee Longworth (Sr., OH/DS), Elyse Fortman (Jr., S), Nicole Nesby (Jr., OH), Kendal Palte (Jr., OH), Saige Benroth (So., L)
Promising newcomers: Sara Henige (Sr., OH/DS), Cenah Grothaus (Sr., DS), Carlie Aguirre (Sr., DS), Aubrey Schroeder (Fr., OH), Terra Kohli (So., OH), Avery Birnesser (So., S)
Coach’s analysis: “We have a lot of seasoned players returning and some exciting incoming talent but overall we’re a pretty young team. Coming into my third year, most girls have had several years to get to know me and me to know them and I truly feel it’s a difference maker. They all gel well together and they’re ready to be the difference makers in turning this program around.”
Continental
Division: VII
Conference: Putnam County League
Coach: Allison Schmidt (11th season)
Last year’s record: 14-9, 3-3 PCL
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Taeghan McDougle (Jr., S), Aislynn Noffisinger (Jr., L), Kenzie Searfoss (So., OH/RS), Macie Clemens (So., MH), Brynn Thomsen (So., MH)
Promising newcomers: Mallorie Barnhart (Jr., DS/OH), Brynlee McDougle (So.), Gracie Homier (Jr.)
Coach’s analysis: “After finishing last year 14-9 and improving our league record to 3-3, we met our goals for last season. I feel like this group was part of those successes enough that they won’t settle for anything less than improving on that record. I also believe we will be more well-rounded.”
Delphos St. John’s
Division: VII
Conference: Midwest Athletic Conference
Coach: Jessica Geise (third season)
Last year’s record: 7-16, 0-9 MAC
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Laila Sites (Sr., OH/BR), Grace Moenter (Sr., S), Kayla Beining (Sr., OH), Avery Altenbuger (Sr., L), Maddy Conley (Jr., MH/BR)
Promising newcomers: Lanie Flanagan (Jr., MB/RS), Emma Wiltsie (Sr., MB/RS), Megan Kerner (So., S), Alaina Martin (Jr., MH/BR)
Coach’s analysis: “We have a number of girls that have varsity experience, including five seniors. We are becoming more consistent and we’ll have more height than usual this year. We’re looking forward to this season.”
Elida
Division: III
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Traci Sneary (11th season)
Last year’s record: 12-13, 4-5 WBL
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Kayla Hunter (Sr., DS), CeCe Long-Reed (Sr., MB), Addysen Sneary (Jr., S), Abby Kristoff (Jr., OH), TIlly Henderson (Jr., OH/DS), Delaney Miller (So., L)
Promising newcomers: Abby Daugherty (Sr., DS/S), Ava Frueh (Jr., RS), Hannah Tullis (Jr., DS), Aubree Isenberg (So., MB)
Coach’s analysis: We have six returners from last season. We will be looking forward to seeing their leadership and experience to help us be competitive. The most challenging part of this year will be the lack of height in the front row, while our strengths are our scrappiness and our drive to succeed.”
Hardin Northern
Division: VII
Conference: Northwest Central Conference
Coach: Nancy Souder
Last year’s record: 5-18, 3-6 NWCC
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Catherine Overs (Sr., OH/DS), Heidi Trachsel (Sr., MH), Annemarie Minter (Sr., RS), Lainey Thomas (Jr., L), Kendall Frank (So., S), Morgan Stewart (So., MH), Lexi Oakley (So., OH/DS), Kaitlyn Whitaker (So., DS)
Promising newcomers: Addy Bacon (Fr., OH/DS)
Coach’s analysis: “We hope to return to our winning tradition and finish with an overall winning record and compete for the league title.”
Kalida
Division: VII
Conference: Putnam County League
Coach: Kayla Mathew (sixth season)
Last year’s record: 19-6, 3-2 PCL
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Madison Unverferth (Sr., DS), Kathrine Krouse (Sr., S/DS), Malia Romes (Jr., MH/OH), Addilyn Huber (So., MH/OH), Olivia Meyer (Sr., OH/RS), Reese Strauer (Sr., OH))
Promising newcomers: Sophie Vorst (So., OH), Isabel Recker (Jr., S), Kendal Krouse (Jr., MH/RS), Carlie Siefker (So., DS), Camdyn Warnecke (Jr., OH/DS), Makenzie Remlinger (So., M/OH)
Coach’s analysis: “We are excited for this upcoming season with our returning talent and leadership. We had some commanding seniors graduate, but our younger players are eager to learn and grow into those roles. Our focus for the year is on consistency and discipline from the top down to be successful.”
Kenton
Division: IV
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Juli Dearing (fourth season)
Last year’s record: 14-9, 2-7 WBL
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Macee Heckathorn (Sr., MB), Sadie Larrabee (Sr., MB), Morgan Lyons (Sr., S), Cailyn Hopkins (Sr., OH)
Promising newcomers: Anna Coon (Sr., DS), May Bard (Sr., DS), Lucy Whitmer (Sr., RS), Brayla Butler (Jr., DS), Megan Blankenship (Jr., DS), Kaiden Gammon (Jr., MB), Ella Rogers (Jr., DS), Adrianna Rogel (Jr., DS), Kylie Searson (Jr., DS), Sidney Payne (So., MB), Alexis Ratliff (So., RS))
LCC
Division: VI
Conference: Northwest Conference
Coach: Natalie Snider (first season)
Last year’s record: 2-20
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Teagan Helmig (Sr.), Carolina Kill (Jr.), Alice Reif (Jr.), Sophie Miller (Jr.), Tatum Miller (Jr.)
Promising newcomers: Aityana Sorrels (Jr.), Claire Wolfcale (Jr.), Courtney VanMeter (Jr.), Neena McGue (Jr.), Lily Whitaker (So.), Vivian Ta (So.), Alyssa Donley (Fr.), Brielle Bourk (Fr.)
Coach’s analysis: “The T-Bird community is looking forward to seeing these ladies get to work. With a fresh start, we’re excited about the energy within the program this season.”
Leipsic
Division: VII
Conference: Blanchard Valley Conference, Putnam County League
Coach Brent Newell (11th season)
Last year’s record: 21-4, 7-1 NWC, 5-1 PCL
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Danaysia Danzy (Jr., OH), Kamryn Brough (Jr., S), Jaelynn Siefer (So., L), Jadyn Cupp (Sr., MH), Jazelle Perez (Sr., MH), Morgan Apple (Sr., OH)
Promising newcomers: Ava Schroeder (Sr., RS), Brooklyn Cunningham (Sr., DS), Karly Garcia (Jr., DS), Alyssa Campbell (Fr., OH), Sydney Apple (Fr., MH)
Coach’s analysis: “We’re playing for the first time in the Blanchard Valley Conference in three years, so we’re looking to familiarize ourselves with our new opponents. We are looking to compete at a high level in both conferences.”
Lima Senior
Division: III
Conference: Toledo City Athletic League
Coach John Zell (17th season)
Last year’s record: 12-11, 9-0 TCAL
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Mallory Gipson (Sr., S), Makayla Redd (Sr., OH), Makenzie Redd (Sr., RS), Jurisha Houseworth (Sr., MH), Ali Vanmeter (Jr., DS), Almira Soriano (Jr., DS), Malya Manley (Jr., MH)
Promising newcomers: Jackie Waithe (Jr., OH), Kennedy Simpson-Parks (So., OH)
Coach’s analysis: “We have solid senior leadership and a good mix of underclassmen. Competition will hopefully improve our level of play.”
Shawnee
Division: III
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Brooke Hutchins (third season)
Last year’s record: 24-2, 9-0 WBL
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Karleigh Hutchins (Jr., OH/S), Lea Rudasill (Sr., OH), Maggie Jordan (Sr., L), Makenzie Brickner (Sr., MH), Sydney Burris (Sr., S), Addie Kriegel (Jr., OH)
Promising newcomers: Liz Kinnear (Jr., OH), Emiily McKissick (Jr., DS/L), Emma Stump (Sr., S), Josie Hutchins (Fr., OH), Gianna Upshaw (Fr., OH), Chelsea Burkholder (Fr., S), Belle Caris (Jr., DS/OH), Sami Rettig (Jr., DS/L)
Coach’s analysis: “We’re looking for a strong upside as we reload with balanced efforts in ball control and serve reception. We will continue to focus on the first point of contact as we maintain discipline in defense. In addition, the offseason and preseason have shown great promise as it relates to our team’s skill in blocking. We’re reaching for our ceiling and are planning in every way to be at the top of the Western Buckeye League.”
St. Marys
Division: III
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Caley Yoder (fifth season)
Last year’s record: 14-10, 7-2 WBL
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Madi Steger (Jr., MH), Elle Craft (Jr., L), Sylvia Wiechart (Sr., OH), Audra Clark (Jr., S), Reghan Puthoff (Sr., RS)
Promising newcomers: Addie Plattner (Sr., DS), Sophie Oleyar (Jr., OH), Bailey Greber (Jr., DS), Chloe Christopher (Jr., DS), Ella Schlarman (So., S), Audrey Reineke (So., MH), Audrey Chiles (Jr., OH)
Coach’s analysis: “Our schedule is full of great competition. Early in the season, I want to see players take ownership of their roles. We want to control what we can both on and off the court. To stay competitive, we will have to stay consistent in serve receive, and stay aggressive from the serving line.”
Upper Scioto Valley
Division: VII
Conference: Northwest Central Conference
Coach: Lindsey Grener (first season)
Last year’s record: 11-11, 7-2 NWCC
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Sydney Christensen (Sr., OH), Shalyn Lawrence (Sr., S), Raegan Castle (So., MH)
Promising newcomers: Ella LeMar (Sr., L), Audrey Lawrence (So., S), Layla Hunsicker (So., OH), Ivie Gonzalez (Jr., MH), Chelsea Davis (Jr., OH)
Coach’s analysis: “We’re a young team that only returns three letter winners but the girls have worked exceptionally hard over the summer and have great attitudes. What the girls lack in height they make up for in other areas.”
Van Wert
Division: IV
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Rachel Black (second season)
Last year’s record: 2-21, 0-9 WBL
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Claire Benner (Sr., OH), Meredith Crummey (Sr., OH/RS), Mia Rager (Sr., OH), Kenlie Rickard (Sr., MH), Brissia Ickes (Jr., S)
Promising newcomers: Maria Parrish (Jr., L), Bella Wise (Jr., OH/MH), Addison Wallace (Jr., OH/MH), Amaya Dowdy (So., OH/RS)
Coach’s analysis: “We are excited for this season. The girls have been working very hard for us over the summer and doing everything we ask of them without hesitation. They are focused and ready to start the season.”
Wapakoneta
Division: III
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Megan Brown (fifth season)
Last year’s record: 9-14, 5-4 WBL
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Addi Fisher (Sr., MB), Kortney Fullenkamp (Sr., OH), Riley Szelagowski (Sr., L), Nevaeh White (Sr., MB), Hannah Schneider (Sr., DS)
Promising newcomers: Alaina Custer (So., S), Dylan Paul (So., OH/MB), Kenzey Fullenkamp (So., RS/MB)
Waynesfield-Goshen
Division: VII
Conference: Northwest Central Conference
Coach: Kelly Searson (14th season)
Last year’s record: 9-12, 5-3 NWCC
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Tatelyn Faraglia (Sr., MH), Taryn Tate (Sr.), Bella Fry (Jr., L), Tarynn Vorhes (So., S), Raegan Hutchison (Sr., MH)
Promising newcomers: Liberty Glaser (Jr., DS), Grace Kelly (So., OH), Emma Pence (So., DS), Cambrey Miller (So., OH), Savannah Spillis (Fr., MH/OH), Brylee Schlosser (Fr., MH/OH), Emily Fry (Fr., OH)
Coach’s analysis: “We’re excited about the upcoming season. We have more depth on our bench than ever before, making for competitive practices and difficult decision-making. Team chemistry has been an important factor in our growth as well. With key returning players and new additions, we’re expecting solid offensive and defensive play.”
