Scouting DuPage County and Fox Valley boys volleyball
The high school boys volleyball season starts this week. Here’s a look at what to expect in DuPage County and the Fox Valley.
ADDISON TRAIL
Returners for fourth-year coach Jessica Clark are seniors Matt Sobus and Nathan Elakkatt, junior Richard Garcia and sophomore Joaquin Ruiz. The Blazers add juniors Chris Aguilera, Diego Zuniga and Isaac Zurita and sophomore Matt Correa.
"We have a few seasoned vets," said Clark. “We worked hard in the off-season and are ready to compete.”
BARTLETT
The Hawks, under 13th-year coach Robert Schwantz, return senior Manav Shah and junior Matt Bartoszewicz. Newcomers include seniors Om Patel and Deedum Lege along with juniors Abdullah Siddiqui and Ayan Shah and sophomores Uri Gallego Roa and Bryan Thompson.
"We are in a new conference with five teams in each division (East) and we want to place first in our division and play for the Upstate Eight championship," said Schwantz. “We hope to improve from our lackluster record from last year. We hope to turn it around and make a run at the conference title."
BENET ACADEMY
The Redwings under Hector Cano enjoyed a 25-6 overall record and 6-2 East Suburban Catholic mark in 2024.
Benet, which lost to Downers Grove North in the regional finals, return seniors Aris Murakus, Reed Hefley, Matt Swiatkowski, Jacob Olenik and Ryan Pecak. Newcomers are juniors Luke Mitra and Quinn Robinson and sophomores Frankie Betancourt and Vince Cabay.
"We should have a solid season," said Cano. “We are adding the Wheaton Warrenville and Downers Grove South Invitationals. We are also adding good teams to the nonconference schedule. Most of time we should have returning starters on the court. The conference will be tough with Marist the defending state champ in the conference. We will be scrappy and focused and build our systems.”
DOWNERS GROVE NORTH
The Trojans, under 18th-year coach Mark Wasik, return seniors Aiden Akkawi (Lindenwood), Quinn Leahy, Ryan Pawlik, Dylan Quinn and Stellan Hammond along with junior Aaron Grey.
Regional champs a year ago, newcomers include senior Zach Baker and juniors Jude Caldwell and Ethan Weiner.
"As usual the West Suburban Silver is the strongest conference in the state," said Wasik, who has a 508-262 record. “Along with us, LT and Glenbard West look to compete for the conference title. This is the most senior dominated team I have had in a long time. We want to capitalize on our experience."
DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH
The Mustangs return seniors Matt Piotrowski, Jordan Parrott and Will Lee along with junior Linus Kasperiunas to go with newcomers Michael Harden and Arav Shah, both juniors.
"We play a tough nonconference schedule,“ said 14th-year coach Kurt Steuer. ”We are playing some of the top teams in the state. We hope the schedule will help us prepare for one if not one of the toughest sectionals in the state. We have some depth in positions along with new additions in key spots."
FENTON
The Bison return seniors Daniel Garifias, Rene Rivera, Leonardo Yoder and Ismael Castillo. They also have several new varsity players including seniors Adam Wazir, Nery Valdeolivar and Grady Vassar, juniors Andrew Velasquez, Ivan Solis, Marcus Dudesek, Rafal Wandachowicz, Mike Wrona and Nathan Yeran, and sophomore Adam Trzeciak.
"We have a great group of returners and it has been fun the first week," said coach Adam Bloniarz. “We are meshing both groups together. We want to do the right little things better every day. Fenton has not played in a boys volleyball regional final in over a decade. This group could accomplish that and exceed well beyond that."
GENEVA
Coach Stephanie Hennig returns seniors Eric Scherer, Alex Classens (Loras), Jack Rodenbostal and Henry Blackmore (North Central) while adding junior Henry Sartell and sophomore Nick Norkas.
The Vikings were 22-13 a year ago and 3-3 in the DuKane Conference and won a regional championship.
"We graduated five seniors from last year and we are entering the season with new faces eager to make their mark," said Hennig, in her 11th year. “We are facing plenty of learning curves along the way. We embrace the challenge and we are focused on growth and improving in every match and learning from our mistakes. We know it will be a grind. It is a hard conference and we are excited from opportunity to compete."
GLENBARD EAST
Upstate Eight Conference champions last year with a perfect 8-0 record, Glenbard East returns seniors Max McDermott, Ryan Ghannem, Nick Sommesi and Cooper Wooldridge along with juniors Jake Hayes and Nathan Lynch and sophomore Gloire Emena.
Newcomers looking for court time are seniors Joe Chambers and Chris Kuswaanto, and juniors Jackson Yates, Michael Hoffmann, Gabe Polyak, Loyce Mojica, Charlie Cooper, Angel Sanchez and Conor Johnson.
"We hope to compete at the top of the conference," said coach Brad Cardott. “We have a young, versatile team with many players who can play multiple positions. We do have some key returners from last year but much of our roster is new to the varsity level."
GLENBARD NORTH
The Panthers return seniors Kevin Chako, Josh Mejia, Dhruv Patel and Brad Nguyen.
"The DuKane Conference will be very competitive," said coach Dedra DeBenedetti. “We will be highly competitive. We have a strong bond of dedicated athletes. We have a commitment to growth, teamwork and excellence.”
GLENBARD SOUTH
The Raiders were 15-22 overall a year ago and finished second in the Upstate Eight Conference at 6-2.
Chad Grant's group as the No. 22 seed upset Oswego in the first round of the regionals before losing to Benet in the semifinals.
The Raiders return seniors Diesel Oleksak (all-Upstate Eight) and Shane Aderholt along with juniors Troy Oleksak (all-UEC) and Dom Kuceba.
Senior Dayvion York, who missed last season, is back in the middle for the Raiders.
"It is nice to have Dayvion back," said Grant. “He could be a force in the middle."
Newcomers are sophomores Aaron Gomez, Emmett Foster-Simulan, Kellen Olson and Blake Gatz.
"There has been some growing pains," said Grant. "We are very young with four sophomore starters and we have six sophomores who can see playing time. The offense is going to take time to develop.. The serve is going to be a point of emphasis. We are a very competitive group and we want to see them grow.“
GLENBARD WEST
The Hilltoppers, third in the state a year ago, won the West Suburban Silver with a perfect 6-0 mark and bring back senior starters Charlie Clifford (NYU), Henry Truitt (Xavier) and Owen Bare.
Newcomers include senior Ryan Gritis and juniors Brendan Mackey, Andrew Sladowski and Otis Yahn.
“ (Ours is) one of the best conferences in the state," said coach Christine Giunta-Mayer. ”York and Glenbard West were in the final four a year ago and in 2023 Lyons, Oak Park and Glenbard West were in the final four. It is always a battle. We have new players, new faces and a new outlook. We have a tight group and incredible friendships.“
HINSDALE CENTRAL
The Red Devils (13-21, 1-5), coached by Tom Gilbert in his fifth season, bring back senior all-state setter Harry Hughes plus juniors Kenny Reodica, John Lynch and Dane Berringer to be joined by sophomores Luke Scott and Bjorn Vinje.
"The 2024 season was a rebuilding one," said Gilbert. “We had a young roster and we had growing pains. We need to take the necessary steps to be more competitive in the conference. We have more players playing club ball. We have the experience to grind it out against tough opponents. These conference matches should be exciting."
HINSDALE SOUTH
The Hornets return seniors Kelan Nicol and Nick Ockrim and juniors Justyn Giadla and Tomasz Lobas.
"We want to repeat as conference champs," said coach Joe Lencioni. “We want to make a run in the playoffs."
HUNTLEY
The Red Raiders, the lone Fox Valley Conference school with boys volleyball, are playing an independent schedule. Tenth-year coach Gerry Marchand returns seniors Matt Leith, Barsbek Ulanbek, Devin Concha and Adam Anderson and adds sophomores Jakub Rutkowski and Brady Soss and freshman David Cichon.
LAKE PARK
Brian Fischer, who in his eighth-year as a coach, led the Lancers to a 5-1 DuKane Conference record, a regional championship and a 24-14 overall dual meet record. Lake Park lost to York in the sectional semifinals.
Senior all-conference performers back are Carter Gibbons (Carthage), Michael Ogorzalek (Fairleigh Dickinson) and Dylan Roszak. The Lancers also return starters Luke Bonacci, a senior, and juniors Ethan Schnabel and Nolan Cocat. Newcomers are junior Anthony Bellava and freshmen Jake Ellenbecker and Brennan Shannon.
"We have all six starters back and have high expectations," said coach Christian Pawlak. “We want to compete for the conference championship."
METEA VALLEY
The Mustangs were 17-16 overall and tied for first in the DVC.
Returners are seniors Ryan Da Silva (all-conference), Shriyan Battula (all-conference), OM Patel, Aariz Hashwani, Pratyush Mundad and Nathan Vertheim.
Newcomers are seniors Ayaan Hashwani and Logan Tai and juniors Avinash Partiban, Rudra Patel, Rushi Gandhi, Yashav Basetti and Vladysla Kadihrob.
“We return a lot of starters and have some very talented and intriguing newcomers," said coach Brandon Navigaot.”
NAPERVILLE CENTRAL
With eight returners, the Redhawks should improve on last season's 9-25 overall mark and fourth-place finish in the DuPage Valley Conference.
Seniors Logan McGrath, Isaac Merz, Ryder Erdmann and Nolan Ewanic retrurn along with juniors Robbie Ruthig and Lucas Hayes and sophomores Martin Kuta and Teddy Bramlett.
"We want to finish in the top two in the conference," said coach Roger Strausberger. “We have returners with experience and we want to put together a winning season after we have had struggles the past few years. The guys have put the time and effort into their games and are hoping for better results."
NEUQUA VALLEY
The Wildcats are led by senior Chase Marstan, who is headed to Division I Manhattan.
Others back are DuPage Valley Conference MVP senior Dhruva Jasti, Blake Thompson and Noah Cullen plus juniors Liam Mitchell and Jimmy O Neal.
“We played all juniors last year except libero," said coach Erich Mendoza. ”We have the varsity experience to win conference.“
STREAMWOOD
The Sabres were 25-7 overall and 6-2 in the Upstate Eight Conference a year ago. Michelle Mueller's group won the Elgin Invite and Sabre Invite and bring back seniors John Garen (all-UEC) and Heewon Yang (2-time all-UEC) and juniors Alex Paz and Ian Rivera.
Newcomers are seniors Isaac Valle, David Krebs, Justine Soto and Yamil Garcia, junior Jesse Sanchez and freshman Tobiasz Kubajek.
"Last year we had the best record in program history," said Mueller. “We fell short of our goals last season and have a strong desire to work hard and win. West Aurora and South Elgin will be our biggest challengers for the conference on our side."
ST. CHARLES EAST
The Saints, under second-year coach Matt Caputo, return seniors Alex Temple (DuKane all-conference, Olivet University), Adam Sanchez and Brody Warden. Newcomers include juniors Ethan Perkins and Zack Heilers.
In his first year, Caputo's troops were 15-21.
"We want to improve on our 2-5 record in the conference," said Caputo. “We have several key returning players."
ST. CHARLES NORTH
First-year coach Jamie Buhnerkemper returns senior Joey Stablein (4-year starter), juniors Tomas Makishima, Cooper Meadows and Nolan Wallace and sophomore Logan Haycraft. Freshman Alex Kinzie is a newcomer to watch.
The North Stars were 16-21 overall and sixth in the DuKane Conference last year, and Buhnerkemper said they want to win 20-plus games this season.
ST. EDWARD
The Green Wave hope to be improve on a 7-17 overall mark and 2-6 in the Chicagoland Christian Conference behind senior Robby Sommer, junior Will Foley and sophomores Cayden Arboleda, Cutler Brauer and Ben Aguirre. They also add sophomore Omar Garcia and freshmen Aaron Salata, Brandon Wilmot, Kayne McCauley and Bennett Dubois.
"We want to develop core skills we can use against teams with more experience," said coach Nicole Skrzypchak. “We are rebuilding losing 6 starters. We are made up predominantly of underclassmen. We will work towards consistent play gaining a lot of experience on the court."
ST. FRANCIS
The Spartans enjoyed a stellar 2024 season posting a 31-9 record. St. Francis lost to Loyola Academy in the Elite Eight.
Returners are seniors Owen Gjerde, Chris Momot, Carson Wordekemper and Brooks Connelly and junior Peter Zgutowicz. Newcomers include juniors Luke Davis, Garrity Bennett and Mateo Casimiro, sophomores Liam Smith and George Gnorski and freshmen Mike Thang and Jack Belda.
"We graduated our entire starting lineup," said coach Mike Lynch. “We made program history last season advancing to the Elite Eight. We are young this season but talented. We want to carry a strong tradition of excellence. We will be tested early in the Chicago Catholic League and in our nonconference. These kids are very skilled. We want to watch them grow and improve through the season."
WAUBONSIE VALLEY
The Warriors return senior all-DuPage Valley Conference performer AJ Ruffin, seniors Pete Ivanov (all-conference special mention) and Owen Petranek, and juniors Mike Johnson (special mention all-conference), Dhruvesh Parthibun, Eric Mirchev and Hansh Krishnun.
Thirteenth-year coach Noel Soto adds seniors Soham Dongre and Jad Alomar and sophomore Jonah Aranda.
"We are in the hunt to win the conference," said Soto. “I like our chances with the players we have and the new faces we have. We want to win some matches others might not expect us to win."
WEST AURORA
The Blackhawks return four senior starters and five other seniors with playing experience. Third-year starters Alex Gove, Evan Camp, Quinn Reynolds and Brady Norris are back while seniors Kyden Dent, Tucker Dickson, Gabe Gonzalez, Hser Htoo and Amadeus Morales also are experienced. The Blackhawks (21-15, third in Suburban Prairie) add juniors Liam Norris and Rich Jimenez and sophomores Jesus Galvan and Leonel Sanchez.
"We want to earn the opportunity to play at the end of the season for the conference championship," said coach Grant Marlowe. “We have a strong, hardworking group of seniors hungry for success. We want to lean on our experience to top our own win total. We want to make a deep run come playoff time."
WEST CHICAGO
The Wildcats (19-12, 5-3 UEC), under fifth-year coach Regina Pauli, are led by senior Vince Spadoni (Purdue Fort Wayne), who was an all-Upstate Eight Conference selection in 2023 and 2024. They also return seniors Joe Trigueros and Robert Witke and sophomore Phil Cabrera while adding junior Aidan Ryan.
"We want to finish in the top three in the conference," said Pauli.
WHEATON ACADEMY
The Warriors (23-7 overall, 7-3 in the Chicagoland Conference) return seniors John Martin, Joel Bearman and MicHah Wilding and add juniors Dan Ciszek and Ollie Williams along with sophomores Josiah Nichols, Abram Lee, Logan Legel, AJ Chavez, Nathan Owens and Kolby Saurer and freshman Kellen Saurer.
“We have a young team with new faces," said coach DA Nichols. ”We graduated nine seniors from last year. We have a lot of roles to fill the team. We are showing steady progress and learning to play together. What we lack in experience we are competing and working hard."
WHEATON NORTH
The Falcons (30-7, 5-1 DuKane) tied for a conference title before losing to St. Francis at regionals, and all-state junior Aidan Syswerda is back from that team. Seniors Ben Boyce and Luke Schmitt and juniors Alex Scribner and Tomas Manrique also return, joined by senior Trey Hubner, juniors Pete Dey and Thant Zin and sophomore Owen Hubner.
"We want to compete for another DuKane championship and we have high expectations for the season," said coach John Noe. “We have key pieces back with a lot of depth and high school and club volleyball experience. We have a high ceiling and a higher ceiling come postseason. This team is driven by competition."
WHEATON WARRENVILLE SOUTH
The Tigers (30-8, 5-1 DuKane) bring back seniors Mergen Purevsuren (captain, 3-year starter, 2 time all-conference), Simon Bratt (2-time all-stater, 2-time all-conference) and Mark Gheorghita while adding seniors Josh Blair, Lukas Souza and Kevin Suarez along with juniors Marco Polovina and Aiden Wink and freshman Nate Paige.
"We want to defend our conference title and make a deep in the IHSA playoffs," said veteran coach Bill Schreier, in his 27th year. “We have tremendous contributions from our seniors. We learned lessons from last year. We want ball control, pace and tempo. Last year we had a good mix of seniors. Our younger players have got tremendous experience. We should reap the benefits.”
WILLOWBROOK
The Wildcats (13-21, 5-1 West Suburban Gold) return seniors Dean Romano, TJ Radomski and Kamil Kurpacha and juniors Matt Ciesinski, Martynas Pelesinas, Jon Gosmire and Ben Perry. They add senior Filip Palutkiewicz, junior Evan Kase and freshman Andrew Schrader.
"We always want to win our conference and be successful in tournament play," said coach Anthony Gulotta.
YORK
Veteran coach Ken Dowdy, 284-159 in 14 years, led his Dukes to a second-place finish in the state in 2024. Senior all-American Hunter Stepanich and senior Stanley Peck are back to go with seniors Joe McGreal, Carson Cruver, Jake Wede, Tyler Asmessan, Ben Wede, Evan Curry and Shep Plamann.
"The message is to battle through a very challenging early schedule," said Dowdy. “We want to get a good seed for the playoffs. Glenbard West is the class of the league and is one of the best teams in the state. Downers North is near the top of the league. It is a dogfight every spring. We hope to be in the fight. It is a rebuilding season, but the cupboard isn't bare. We have a lot of very talented players that will be challenging for starting roles."