Girls volleyball: Scouting Cook County
Barrington
Coach: Michelle Mayer-Jakubowski (11th season)
Last season's record: 35-8, 10-0 in MSL West, MSL champions
Top returners: Addie Brookbank, 5-11, sr. OH; Whitney Mall, 6-3, sr. OH, Eve Adler, 5-9, so, S
Key newcomers: Kalyn Brookbank, 5-10, so, OH; Jaelyn Connole, 5-8, jr., S; Ella Krull, 5-8, fr., L/DS
Worth noting: The Fillies, who took fourth in the state last season, will have many new faces on the court this fall. They will be led offensively by returning starters Mall and Brookbank with the addition of newcomer Brookbank. Eve Adler and Connole will take over the setting responsibilities. Defensively, Barrington will have some new faces: Krull and Toni Rojas. Overall, the Fillies should be prepared to defend their MSL conference title and be a tough matchup in the postseason.
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Matt Priban (13th season)
Last season’s record: 17-18, 5-5 in MSL East
Top returners: Alecsia Baciu, sr., L; Cami Damm, jr., M; Tetiana Kutsyk, jr., OH; Amelia Palubski, jr. OH; Adeline Sirbu, sr., M
Key newcomers: Abigail Connelly, jr., RH; Olivia Koziara, sr., DS; Ava Lo Verde, so, DS; Alexandra Tohter, fr, S; Dana Viktorov, sr., DS/S
Worth noting: While the Bison graduated seven seniors, the team has a strong core of returning players. Priban’s club is set to build on last year’s successes and push even further in pursuit of their goals. Leading the charge are returners and captains Baciu, Damm and Sirbu. Baciu led the team last season in digs (439) and is set to anchor the defense in her second year on varsity. Damm, one of last year’s MSL all-conference selections, is the team's returning leader blocks (54) and aces (63). Third-year varsity member Sirbu led the team in attack efficiency and ranked second in blocks (50) last fall. Rounding out the returners are Palubski and Kutsyk, both of whom will look to build on a strong sophomore showing last season. Complementing the experienced core are several promising newcomers who have shown significant potential during summer camp and preseason practices. "Our team’s strong emphasis on teamwork, accountability, and continuous growth has created a positive team culture, where every player is committed to contributing to the collective success of the team," Priban said.
Conant
Coach: Drewann Reibel (11th season)
Last season’s record: 14-21, 3-7 in MSL West
Top returners: Ruhi Shah, jr. DS; Imma Papucci jr. DS
Key newcomers: Angie Erkhembayar, sr, OH; Maya Glowacki, sr , MH; Olivia Hagler, sr. DS, Olivia Hohl, jr. OH, Olivia Stanich, jr. MH; Lelah Lee, so. MH, Feyza Ertuck, so OH; Nila Raj, fr., S; Olivia Kubala, sr. OH,; Anya Parikh, sr, DS
Worth noting: Reibel, a former standout volleyball and basketball player at Schaumburg High School and Carthage University, says she is excited to kick off the season with a determined group of individuals striving towards being the best team they can be. The Cougars will be led by five seniors and a pair of returning juniors whose leadership and experience will be pivotal in driving the team forward. "We can't wait to see what this group will accomplish together," Reibel said..
Elk Grove
Coach: Tara Braceros, (fifth season)
Last season’s record: 12-22, 1-9 in MSL East
Top returners: Angelica Dylag, 5-11, so. MB; Sami Dailey, 5-9, Sr, S/RS; Vanessa Witkowski, 5-8, sr., OH
Key newcomers: Heidi Zawislak, 5-4, sr. L, Reese Wadas, 5-6, jr., OH, Olivia Eugene, 5-7, jr. S/RS
Worth noting: The Grenadiers return Dylag who led the team in blocks, kills and was second in aces as a freshman. "She has come back after a successful club season with better court vision and shot selection," Braceros said. Dailey also returns along with Witkowski who will be on the outside. "We have a lot of new faces on our team this year, but they bring lots of firepower and ball control," Braceros added. "The team is deeper than the ones I have had in the past, and everyone is pushing to contribute."
Hersey
Coach: Laura Gerber (third season)
Last season's record: 31-7, 10-0 in MSL East
Top returners: Ola Wydmanski, sr., MH; Sophia Rizzo, sr, L
Key newcomers: Victoria Deublowski, sr., OH; Victoria Sulewski, sr., OPP; Macey Teuscher, jr., Opp; Ania Bixby, sr., S, Freya McBride, so. L.
Worth noting. Hersey graduated 10 seniors and five starters from last year. The Huskies won the MSL East last year and hope to do the same this year. "We will be young and have a new lineup." Gerber said. "But we are very excited to get started."
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Pat Moran (seventh season)
Last season’s record: 26-11, 5-5 in MSL West
Top returners: Peyton Young, sr. OH; Bhavya Muthu, sr. S, Ziya Cooks, sr. OH/MH; Nadia Nowak jr. RS; Veronica Wierzbicki, sr. DS; Karyn Opara, sr. OH
Key newcomers: Kailey Whalen, jr. MH; Grace Ikhbileg, jr. DS; Maddie Wadas, jr. OH
Worth noting: The Hawks are coming off their best season and first regional title since 1991. "We have a lot of returning talent from last season and are excited to build off the momentum that we created last year," Moran said. Young committed to the University of Iowa this offseason.
Fremd
Coach: Pete Gavin (third season)
Last season’s record: 15-21, 3-7 in MSL West
Top returners: Ashley Brim, 5-6, sr., L; Sasha Sallade, 6-0, sr.; OH, Akshara Jay, 5-11, jr., Opp/S; Emily Karmazin, 6-2, jr., MB; Natasa Radisic, 6-1, sr., MB; Elly Jo Fay, 6-7, sr., MB/Opp; Ella Castelloni, 5-7, Jr., DS; Katelyn Chuang, 5-5, Sr., DS
Top newcomers: Victoria Belmonte, 5-11, sr., S/Opp
Worth noting: Gavin said the Vikings enjoyed a great summer and are looking to be very competitive this season. "We should have solid ball control and with the return of Victoria (Belmonte) setting. She was on varsity as a freshman (and then got hurt)," Gavin said. "We should be able to compete with most teams in the state. The girls on this team have high expectations and a great work ethic to pair."
Leyden
Coach: Emmett O'Keefe (first season)
Last season's record: 14-16, 2-4 in WSC Gold
Top returners: Ulyana Sydorchuk, sr OH; Nicol Bokuniewicz, sr MH
Key newcomers: Leila Herrera, so S; Sarah Skora, jr RS
Worth noting: The Eagles are looking to build on a growth season from 2023. Six returning players, including four returning starters, lead a team with a mix of experience and promising young talent. "We hope to be competitive in the WSC Gold and earn a top half seed in our sectional," O'Keefe said.
Maine South
Coach: Jon Weiland (first season)
Last season’s record: 14-16, 3-7 in CSL South
Top returners: Sofia Rossi, sr., OH; Ana Petrides, sr., MB; Teagan Heneghan, jr., S; Safia Orucevic, so., OH/S
Key newcomers: Emma Lesch, so., DS; Vasara Rauda, so., S; Emily Curry, jr., MB
Worth noting: The Hawks return key pieces to their offense that won the program’s first regional championship in a decade. Rossi (290 kills), Ana Petrides (114 kills, 79 blocks) and Heneghan (267 assists) are all back. "This team is loaded with potential, and has high hopes of another regional championship and more,“ Wieland said.
Maine West
Coach: Nora Feyerer (sixth season)
Last season’s record: 5-27, 2-8 in CSL North
Top returners: Paige Foster, sr. OH;, Ava Roback, jr. S; Gwen Wilson, so. OH, Bella Jacobshagen, jr. DS; Olivia Wlodarcyk, so. DS
Key newcomers: Jenny Garcia, fr. DS/OH; Arianna Clarino, fr. OH
Worth noting: The Warriors graduated five seniors and three starters so this year’s lineup will be new with a lot of young talent and Foster, a standout OH. "This team has a lot of young players, with only two seniors," said Feyerer. “The team is developing a lot of cohesiveness and are working well together. They are determined to have a competitive season."
Palatine
Coach: Dan Gavin (19th season)
Last season’s record: 15-21, 2-8 in MSL West
Top returners: Katie Borowiec, 5-6, sr. L; Addyson Dersnah, 5-10, sr. MB; Lila Hanson, 5-10, sr. RS; Zoe Johnson, 5-10, jr., OH, Alaina Ratay, 5-8, so, S; Delila Kessler, 6-1, jr. MB
Top newcomers: Sydney Branch, 5-10, jr. OH/DS; Brooklyn Chesak, 5-10, jr., OH; Sammie Kendrick, 5-10, Jr. OH/RS, Mollie Larkin, 5-10, jr. MB
Worth noting: Gavin said if his PIrates buy into doing the little things right, the big things can fall into place. "With the group we have, there is an opportunity to accomplish some great things this season but we have to be resilient," Gavin said. "We have to be patient and we have to commit to doing the work to get there."
Prospect
Coach: Katherine Miles (first season)
Last season’s record: 14-21, 4-6 in MSL East
Top returners: Alli Linke, jr., OH; Lucy Ross, sr.; S; Anna Garland, sr., DS; Aimee Ciupeiu, jr., OH
Key newcomers: McKenzie Bronder, jr., OH; Vas Radovanovic, sr., S; Anna Range, f., OH-RS; Sam Skowronski, jr., M
Worth noting: The Knights graduated seven seniors so first-year coach MiIes says she is working primarily with a new starting lineup. One constant, however, is Ross who will lead the Knights as their starting setter. A third-year varsity player and starter, she has shown exceptional leadership and dedication throughout her three years. "She has helped to guide and mentor the girls in the program," said Miles, a former Maine South and Carleton College volleyball and basketball standout. "And her strong work ethic serves as a positive role model for her teammates." Miles is excited about her first team and the culture she is building this season."We have a lot of new faces on varsity, but the energy, positive attitudes, commitment, and skill that they bring to the program is something to be proud of."
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Jack Nickle (second season)
Last year's record: 22-15, 7-3 in MSL East
Top returners: Mary Hamann sr. M; Lucy Pufundt sr. OH; Carmen Powers, sr. S; Jelena Jevtic, sr. L; Sara Bucholz, sr. DS; Gaby Zielinski, sr. OH
Key newcomers: Dalia Grandberry jr. M; Lainey Griffiths, so,S; Bella Zielinski, so. RS/OH); Maya Zapata Braun sr., OH/RS
Worth noting: The Mustangs have a strong group of returning seniors. Many of them have multiple years of varsity experience. They also feature younger players who will step into some key roles. A major change will be last year's right side attacker Zielinski moving to her more natural position at outside hitter. She will be paired up with All-Area outside hitter Pufundt who produced 410 kills last fall. All-conference setter Powers will run the offense and setter Griffiths, who was a strong serving sub last year, will be looking at playing a bigger role. Grandberry, who started last year for half the season, will be stepping into a starting role in the middle blocking position along with Hamann, a very strong middle on the offense and defense. Jevtic is a returning All-Area libero who will anchor the back row. "We feel like we have two quality varsity liberos on the court whenever they are both in the game," Nickle said. "This is a team that holds itself to a very high standard and has goals to be very competitive this coming season."
Schaumburg Christian
Coach: Steve Burmaster (second season)
Last season’s record: 21-8, tied for second place in the NAC, regional champions
Top returners: Stephanie Tenuto, sr, S; Kayla Williams, sr, MB
Key newcomers: Lydia Lopez, so. L; Eunice Cho, fr., S; Karolina Bialas, fr., MB
Worth noting: The Conquerors graduated four senior starters, including Brianna Bedford, a first team all-conference setter/hitter who was fourth in Class 1A for aces. Both Tenuto and Williams return and were both second team all-conference last fall.
Schaumburg
Coach: TIm Murphy (eighth season)
Last year's record: 21-13, 8-2 in MSL West
Worth noting: The Saxons do not have any returning varsity players. "We will have a lot of young new faces," said veteran coach Murphy. "We are excited to see who steps up to fill the roles that we graduated from last year’s team. The girls have proven that they have a strong work ethic and positive attitude which should guide us throughout the season."
St. Viator
Coach: Charlie Curtin (18th year)
Last year's record 16-17, 2-4 in the ESCC
Top returning players: Erin Lynch, jr. OH; Sydney Mittel, sr, MB; Grace Geary, jr. MB; Avery Albritton, jr., OPP; MB; Lucy Drake, sr. DS; Madeleine Gauthier, sr. DS; Ava Sclafini, sr. DS; Isabella Botero, sr, S; Paige Oberbroeckling, sr. S; Vicki Maciolek, sr, OH; Victoria Holda, sr, MB; Cate Dejlitko, sr, OPP
Top newcomers: Abigail Sheldon, jr. OH; Olivia Wahlberg, so, MB; Mary Francl, jr., OPP
Worth noting: The Lions look to build on last year’s experience and make a deep run in the playoffs. Curtin says they have only three players without varsity experience and they have fit in right away. "These girls had a great offseason, summer, and team camp at Marquette," Curtin added. "They have focused on being more aggressive and attacking out of every position. The coaching staff and players are on the same page with all of our new implementations and looking forward to the success we have."
Wheeling
Coach: Jason Kopkowski (17th season)
Last season’s record: 16-20, 3-7 in MSL East
Top returners: Katie Moser, sr., S/OPP; Selin Hurdogan, sr., Lib/DS; Gabrielle Griffin, sr, OH
Key newcomers: Taylor Ashe, sr., DS; Daniella Dichoso, jr., Lib/DS; Amelia Sopel, jr., S/OPP; Lindsay Kane, jr., OH; Alaina Costello, jr., OH; Roxanna Miloucheva, jr., M; Vanessa Siergiejuk, jr, M; Dzuliana Kublinska, sr, M; Olivia Gielas, jr, DS/Opp; Abby Thengil, jr, Lib/DS
Worth noting: On paper, the Wildcats are inexperienced at the varsity level. However, the majority of athletes have been playing year-round at various clubs. Moser and Hurdogan are returners who bring back a ton of experience and leadership. Kane and Costello will see a lot of action on the outside and Dichoso and Abby Thengil will join Ashe as defensive specialists. Sopel can set, as well as attack which gives Kopkowski options offensively. "Overall, this group will need to come together and build confidence early in the season," Kopkowski said. "They have the skill and the determination but will need to get some matches under their belt to find their chemistry and flow. They work extremely hard daily.“