Kenston volleyball teammates Julia Sell, Maria Insana reunite at Youngstown State

Jul. 1—In 2021, Kenston volleyball went undefeated in the WRC, finished with a 19-5 record and was in the top eight in the state coaches' poll. The Bombers that year were led by Julia Sell in the front row, with Maria Insana anchoring the back row.

Now, the duo will run it back at the next level. Sell enters her sophomore year at Youngstown State, and Insana is an incoming freshman.

A year ago, in her initial year with the Penguins, Sell led the team in blocks per set with 0.88 after breaking into a starting role in the middle. Sell said another familiar face on the court will help both her and Insana's development.

"Maria and I had played three years of high school volleyball, and one year of travel ball," Sell said. "We always worked well together. Finding out we would play on the same team again made me very happy and very excited to train with her and work together again. Over the past year not playing with Maria, we still maintained a friendship together. We both hope this year at YSU, we continue to grow that friendship."

Insana was a leader for the Bombers in 2022, when they finished second in the WRC. Their only losses in-conference were to Chardon. Through the season, Insana carried leadership lessons she learned from Sell into her own senior campaign.

Their friendship developed through the sport, and it has grown even stronger off the court.

While they spent a year apart on the floor, both shared the same excitement when Insana decided to join her Bombers alumnae on the floor in college.

"My freshman-junior years at Kenston, we played on the same team and I always looked up to her, as she was one of the older, successful players," Insana said. "We developed a special friendship, which followed us into the club volleyball season, where we also played on the same team. That year she committed to Youngstown State. When Julia graduated in 2022, the thought of not playing with her again was extremely saddening. When the YSU coaches reached out and asked me to come visit, I was very excited to see what the school was like. Once I did research, talked to many people at the school, and decided to commit there, it was definitely a bonus that I would get to play with Julia again."

The pair have learned how to lead and how to handle all situations. Being able to develop alongside each other has been a big help for their progression.

Insana said it will take time to develop the chemistry with her new Penguins teammates, and having an earlier established friendship is a big first step.

"Julia and I aim to use our chemistry to try and bring energy and positivity to the team on and off the court," Insana said. "Although we play on different sides of the ball, me being a defensive specialist and her a middle blocker, communication and trust on the court is important between all positions. Being a collegiate athlete is extremely time consuming, and being communicative and close with teammates is something that is really important. I hope that Julia and I are able to take the friendship that we have and continue to build it throughout our time together at YSU."

While their friendship and chemistry on the court are strong, Sell has also developed chemistry from her time at Youngstown State. In that season, the Penguins were 14-16.

Both Insana and Sell are excited for their chance to add in their chemistry to the formula that Youngstown State has created. Both are ready for their chance to again share the floor together.

"After the past year, I have gained lifelong relationships with my teammates," Sell said. "We all work well together on the court because of the bond we have off the court. Our team has a really good culture that Maria will easily fit in with. This will help my style of play because having that bond will make me play confidently with trustworthy teammates."

The two start their college time on July 8.