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A look at every East Central Indiana high school volleyball team heading into 2023 season

Gus Martin, Muncie Star Press
·11 min read

MUNCIE, Ind. — The IHSAA volleyball season officially begins this week for East Central Indiana teams.

Local squads enjoyed a terrific 2022 season, which saw Wapahani win a Class 2A state title, Yorktown finish as the 4A runner-up and Delaware County overall win four sectional titles in four different classes with the success of Delta (3A) and Daleville (1A).

Area teams expect titles again in 2023. Here's a breakdown of each program:

More: 12 East Central Indiana boys soccer players to watch in 2023 IHSAA fall sports season

Blackford Bruins (Class 2A)

  • Coach: Lyndsey Ahern (0-0, first year with school)

  • 2022 season: 16-16, 3-4 in CIC (lost in sectional first round)

  • Top returning players: Jr. Jaelyn Morris (libero), Sr. Sydnee Morris (MH), Sr. Savanna Morris (MH), Sr. Gracie LaMotte (OH)

  • Key additions: So. Audrey Wilson (setter), So. Rylee Heiser (OPP/OH)

  • Key departures: Lilee LaMotte (OH)

  • Coach's comment: "The Bruins return six players with key varsity experience. We are looking to speed up the pace of our game and expect big games from the Morris twins, each swinging from the middle. We are more than capable of a 20-plus-win season once we settle into our positions, understand our roles and outwork our opponents."

Blue River Vikings (Class 1A)

  • Coach: Sonja Thornburgh (49-31, fourth year with school)

  • 2022 season: 16-11, 5-4 in MEC (lost in sectional championship)

  • Top returning players: Sr. Kaylyn Denney (setter), Sr. Maiciah Driskill (OH/MH), Jr. Kynslee Davis (OH/MH), Jr. Hannah West (DS), Jr. Kylie Cannon (DS/OPP), So. Sydney Crisp (MH)

  • Key additions: So. Bekah Grim sophomore (libero), Fr. Autumn West (OH/MH)

  • Key departures: Kearsten Perdue (setter), Trinity Driskill (MH)

  • Coach's comment: "The Vikings of Blue River will go into our 2023 season with a, 'Be like Mike' mentality. Michael Jordan once said his best skill was that he was coachable. The Vikings will bring that mentality, energy, dedication to our team (and) coaches and a desire to leave it all on the court to this upcoming season."

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Cowan Blackhawks (Class A)

  • Coach: Amber Huber (17-31, third year with school)

  • 2022 season: 7-22, 3-6 in MEC (lost in sectional championship)

  • Top returning players: Sr. Cheyenne Carter (OH/OPP), Sr. Maycie Martin (OH), Jr. Delaney Brinson (DS), Jr. Danica Keppler (setter), Jr. Taylor Inman (DS)

  • Key additions: Fr. Savannah Hall (MH), Jr. Allie Trimble (MH/OPP), So. Keira Drew (OH/OPP)

  • Key departures: Josie Byrd (OH), Madi Howell (MH)

  • Coach's comment: "We have been working really hard this summer to be more consistent and improve our play in all areas of the game. Practicing with intention is something we stress daily. Strong work ethic, mental toughness, confidence, playing with heart and being a good teammate are all qualities (and) traits we try to instill in our players. Our goals remain the same whether it is practice or a game and that is to work hard, have fun, compete and improve each time we step on the court."

Daleville Broncos (Class A)

  • Coach: Gayle Hicks (0-0, first year with school)

  • 2022 season: 24-9, 8-1 in MEC (sectional champions, lost in regional championship)

  • Top returning players: Jr. Trishell Johnson (MH), Sr. Emma Voss (OH), So. Emi Cukrowicz (DS/OPP), Sr. Kate Stecher (DS/libero)

  • Key additions: Jr. Cassidy Rees (setter), Fr. Maddie Rees (OH), Kelsi Kahalekomo (DS)

  • Key departures: Emilee Finley (S, DS), Lauren Finley (libero, DS), Abby Reed (OPP/OH), Amarah McPhaul (OPP/OH), Ava Papai (MH)

  • Coach's comment: "Our motto, 'Always earned, never given.' They work very hard everyday to be the best they can be. We are a young team but they all have stepped into their roles and ready to prove that they have what it takes to compete."

Delta Eagles (Class 3A)

  • Coach: Kylie Johnson (29-43, fourth year with school)

  • 2022 season: 16-10, 3-4 in HHC (sectional champions, lost in regional semifinals)

  • Top returning players: Sr. Olivia Morris (MH), Sr. Emily Reno Senior (OH), Jr. Addie Phillippe (setter), So. Kate Manor Sophomore (DS/OH)

  • Key additions: So. Maddie Grove (MH/OH), Sr. Layna Bowman (MH)

  • Key departures: Kendra Keesling (MH), Camaya Murry (OH)

  • Coach's comment: "We have a lot of attackers and have a great opportunity to be creative with our offense. We have been working hard to get away from this underdog mentality and instead expect to compete with everyone. I’m looking forward to a much more confident team after last year's success."

Jay County Patriots (Class 3A)

  • Coach: Amy Dillon (34-56, fourth year with school)

  • 2022 season: 9-23, 2-4 in ACAC (lost in sectional championship)

  • Top returning players: Sr. Sophie Saxman (setter), Sr. Maggie Dillon (OH/DS), Sr. Brenna Haines (DS), Sr. Isabella Denton (MH), Sr. Laila Waddell (OH), Jr. Brenna Bailey (DS)

  • Key additions: So. Lani Muhlenkamp (DS), So. Mya Kunkler (MH)

  • Key departures: Madison Brunswick (OH), Abbie Fields (MH), Lauren Brewster (RS)

  • Coach's comment: "I have very high expectations for this group. I feel we are better defensively than we have been in the last few years, which is going to be very beneficial to use this season as we have lost a lot of size. This group of girls' personalities fit together very well. We have a lot of kids who just play hard and do not quit on a ball. My goal for us is to always be better than we were last season. We competed last season, but hopefully this year we will be able to pull out a win in some of those close games."

Monroe Central Golden Bears (Class 2A)

  • Coach: Zoee Kear (0-0, first year with school)

  • 2022 season: 4-21, 2-5 in MEC(lost in sectional first round)

  • Top returning players: So. Liz Chamberlain (MH), Sr. Aubrey Johnson (setter), Sr. Maggie Haney (OH)

  • Key additions: So. Sophia Bolton (setter/DS)

  • Key departures: None

  • Coach's comment: "My goals for this year are to create a positive team atmosphere. These girls have been through multiple coaches of different backgrounds. I want them to work as a team and use each individual skill they have and bring it together to make one cohesive team."

Muncie Burris Owls (Class 2A)

  • Coach: Jim Craig (65-23, fourth year with school)

  • 2022 season: 21-11, 9-0 in PAAC (lost in sectional championship)

  • Top returning players: Sr. Allie Bucur (setter), Sr. Layla Gonzales (libero), Sr. Anna Gu (OH), Sr. Aubrey Miller (OH), Sr. Zoe Ogle (DS), Sr. Avery Seale (setter), Jr. Lilly Howell (MH), So. Mya Trammell (OH)

  • Key additions: Fr. Ja'Maria Jackson (MH), Fr. Lyndsey Robinson (DS)

  • Key departures: Maddie Dungan (setter)

  • Coach's comment: "I think the team is ready to get it going. So am I."

Muncie Central Bearcats (Class 4A)

  • Coach: Makenzie Andrew (9-15, second year with school)

  • 2022 season: 9-15, 5-1 in NCC (lost in sectional first round)

  • Top returning players: Sr. Addison Annen (DS), Sr. Jillian Kimmel (setter/DS), So. Calvionna Jefferson (MH), So. Chloe Miller (DS/OH)

  • Key additions: Fr. Kendall Khale (OH/DS), Fr. Maya Carpenter (MH/DS), Fr. Amaya Zolman (setter/DS)

  • Key departures: Jocelyn Roberson (OH/DS), Daryn Parish (OH/DS)

  • Coach's comment: "Just like any year, we hold our Bearcats to a higher standard to ensure success and improvements inside and outside the game of volleyball. All of our athletes are expected to excel in school and represent their community while being a part of our team. We may be a small or young team in some eyes, but our work ethic and determination is going to go a long way."

New Castle Trojans (Class 3A)

  • Coach: Victoria Pierson (29-28, third year with school)

  • 2022 season: 22-10, 5-2 in HHC (lost in sectional first round)

  • Top returning players: Sr. Ella Young (DS/setter), Jr. Emily Grow (OH/ DS), Sr. Morley Blessinger (DS/ libero), Sr. Alaina Bowman (MH)

  • Key additions: Jr. Lauren Wilson (OH/ MB), Fr. Cadence Armacost (OH)

  • Key departures: Camryn DeNeve (OH/ DS), Kate Martin (S)

Shenandoah Raiders (Class 2A)

  • Coach: Judy Trennepohl (0-0, first year with school)

  • 2022 season: 3-23, 1-6 in MEC (lost in sectional semifinals)

  • Top returning players: Sr. Josie Patterson (DS/OS), Jr. Haley Hughes (MH), Jr. Kaelyn Castor (OS)

  • Key additions: So. Addison Swenk (libero)

  • Key departures: Kayla Muterspaugh (setter/DS)

  • Coach's comment: "We are in a building year. We have made many changes and the girls have been extremely receptive. 'Believe in us' is a phrase chosen by the team to represent all of Shenandoah volleyball. It's going to be an exciting season."

Union Rockets (Class A)

  • Coach: Lyndsea Burke (8-51, fourth year with school)

  • 2022 season: 2-20, 0-8 in MEC (lost in sectional first round)

  • Top returning players: Sr. Kaitlynn Holderman (OH), Sr. Riley Gray (OH), Jr. Glory Ellis (MH), So. Emma Holderman (setter), So. Addison McKeighen (DS/setter), Jr. Katie Merchand (MH/OH), Jr. Madison Oliver (OPP)

  • Key additions: So. Alexis Merchand (OH/DS), So. Serenity Hammond, (OH), Fr. Kenzy Ogden (MH), Fr. Alexis Oliver (MH), Fr. Melissa Schmucker (DS/setter), Fr. Anysha Nealis (OH/MH), Fr. Ariah Foudray (setter)

  • Key departures: Honour Ellis (MH), Madelyne Glaser (setter)

  • Coach's comment: "We are a young team this year and we have some numbers, which is exciting for us as coaches. When the program is looked at positively by the students and they want to come play for us, I take that as a compliment in knowing we are doing something right. We have had to overcome a lot of obstacles in the last few years, and every year our prevalent theme has been to be better than we were before. I can honestly say that we have met that goal and plan to continue doing that. Having more players is really going to offer us some versatility that we never had before and that will be something I think you can expect to see from the rockets this season."

Wapahani Raiders (Class 2A)

  • Coach: Valorie Wells (0-0, first year with school)

  • 2022 season: 32-5, 9-0 in MEC (sectional, regional, semistate and state champions)

  • Top returning players: Sr. Lauren Rich, Jr. Sophia Beeson, So. Emily Luce (libero), Jr. AnneMarie Gibson (MH)

  • Key additions: So. Megan Luce (setter), So. Olivia Walters (MH), So. Kami Rivers (OH), So. Caroline Huntzinger (setter), So. Tatum Dudley (OH)

  • Key departures: Camryn Wise, Reese Baker (libero), Chloe Cook (OH), Macie Bowden (setter), Bryleigh Felton (DS)

  • Coach's comment: "Our focus this year is to have chemistry, speed and fundamentals, all while having fun and being energetic. Our goals have not changed as a tradition here at Wapahanai. We want to compete against any team to the best of our ability at a high level. Our slogans this year are #TraditionReiginited, #RaidersReloaded, #EffortChemistryPassion."

Wes-Del Warriors (Class 2A)

  • Coach: Biff Wilson (313-161, 15th year with school)

  • 2022 season: 23-8, 7-2 in MEC (lost in sectional semifinals)

  • Top returning players: Sr. Olivia Delaney (OH), Sr. Emma Harlan (OH), Sr. Jennah Love (setter), Sr. Ella Mauck (MH), Sr. Rachel McGlothin (OH)

  • Key additions: Sr. Kayden Jones (DS)

  • Key departures: Avery Townsend (setter), Rayven Luzadder (MH)

  • Coach's comment: "We have a very experienced squad, but understand that there is still much to be learned throughout the season. Our goal is to continually improve and contend for a sectional championship."

Winchester Golden Falcons (Class 2A)

  • Coach: Matt Curts (42-23, third year with school)

  • 2022 season: 19-13, 6-2 in TEC (lost in sectional first round)

  • Top returning players: Sr. Mackenzie Meadows (OH), Sr. Lynlee Malkey (SS/setter/DS), Jr. Becca Overleese (setter)

  • Key additions: Fr. Auden Hummel (OH), So. Jasmine Rheinhart (MH), Fr. Lyndi Whitenack (setter), Fr. Lilyanna Mayberry (MH)

  • Key departures: Caitlyn Campbell, Reagan Riggin, Braelyn Gastineau, Alaina Nunez

  • Coach's comment: "In the last two seasons, we have lost 11 seniors. Our roster is young, inexperienced, yet eager to learn and grow. Our goal is to work hard day in and day out, create a gym culture of accountability and focus on the basics of ball control, serving, and defense. Our theme for the season is, 'Culture wins.'"

Yorktown Tigers (Class 4A)

  • Coach: Stephanie Bloom (485-48, 16th year with school)

  • 2022 season: 34-3, 7-0 in HHC (Delaware County, sectional, regional and semistate champions, lost in state final)

  • Top returning players: Jr. Charlotte Vinson (OH), Jr. Addi Applegate (libero/OH), Sr. Kynnadi Bell (setter), Sr. Addi Rains (libero/DS), Sr. Jayde Garrett (MH/RS)

  • Key additions: Jr. Claire Hazen (MH/RS), Jr. Ari Wright (OH)

  • Key departures: Emilee Hill (setter/RS), Gretchen Moore (MH), Camryn Isaacs (OH)

  • Coach's comment: "While we might be undersized in most positions, this group will be scrappy and put in the work to achieve at the highest level. While we have experienced adversity due to a season ending injury for a key returning player, they have not missed a beat in their belief in one another. I have no doubt this group will compete night in and night out."

Gus Martin is a sports reporter at The Star Press. Follow him on Twitter @GusMartin_SP, and contact him at gmartin@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: IHSAA volleyball: 2023 East Central Indiana volleyball team capsules