Sports
Atlanta Braves Minor League Recap
•Jesús Bastidas, DH: 2-for-4, HR, RBI, R, .375/.419/.675
•Carlos Rodríguez, RF: 1-for-4, .264/.332/.353
•Luke Waddell, 2B: 2-for-4, .278/.382/.363
•JR Ritchie, SP: 3.1IP 4H 5ER 5BB 3K
Frustrating night all around as JR Ritchie struggled to put away hitters, and with his command just a bit in one of the shortest starts of the season for him. JR surrendered five walks, and worked into some deep counts but was unable to end the at bats. Of pretty note, however, is the fact that JR did feature what seemed to be his 4s, a 2s, and a cutter yesterday so it looks like they are trying to work on some things to help him find that true out pitch, but unfortunately it just didn’t work yesterday as he also got in his own way with the walks. It was the opposite for when he was relieved by Brebbia who worked quickly and mowed down hitters. This start was the perfect highlight of the difference between Double-A dominance, and facing more polished Triple-A hitters and something I’m sure JR will keep in the back of his mind this offseason as he works on fixing the issue.
The Stripers offense put together some solid at bats against the Redbirds but were never really able to get things going seen by there 0-7 with runners in scoring position. They did a good job of barreling the Redbirds, posting exit velocities over 100 MPH by multiple players, but only one was able to do damage and it was this Jesús Bastidas homer in the first inning that was all the damage.
(60-56) Pensacola Blue Wahoos 1, (49-65) Columbus Clingstones 6
•Patrick Clohisy, LF: 2-for-4, RBI, 2R, .347/.388/.507
•Adam Żebrowski, C: 1-for-4, 2B, 3 RBI, .219/.280/.348
•E.J. Exposito, DH: 2-for-3, 2R, .174/.234/.271
•Drue Hackenberg, SP: 4.2IP 3H 1ER 5BB 7K, 7.16 ERA
This game was much closer than the score indicated. Drue Hackenberg had an interesting start as he showed glimpses of just pure nastiness, and as soon as a runner would get on, things would fall apart with his command. The positives, he was much more in control of his delivery and windup which helped lead to him striking out seven. The negatives, wildly inconsistent. Delivery, and release point would seem to disappear and he struggled when runners on base. This game was almost the perfect representation of Drue’s 2025 campaign, as we all know what we can do but he has just been inconsistent throughout each start. He was relieved by Blane Abeyta (2.1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1K) who was almost the exact opposite – attacking hitters and filling up the strikezone, and creating weak contact – needing just 19 pitches to get through 2.1 innings of work. Ryan Bourassa (2IP 0H 0R 0BB 1K) made his Double-A debut and looked excellent as he located his fastball into the upper third extremely well and was able to generate six whiffs across his two innings.
Offensively, Patrick Clohisy just continued his extremely strong work since being promoted putting together four high quality at bats, which in turn resulted in a pair of hits, including an RBI single to tie the game in the third. Patrick took second on the throw home, and then stole third before coming home on a wild pitch to put the Clingstones up 2-1, the last time they ever trailed. Patrick has just been doing all things right since being promoted and it’s been extremely encouraging to watch.
The Clingstones would then add four more runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by this Adam Zebrowski three run double.
(50-63) Rome Emperors @ (48-65) Asheville Tourists – POSTPONED/Rain
(55-60) Columbia Fireflies 6, (61-52) Augusta GreenJackets 3
•Eric Hartman, CF: 0-for-4, .259/.361/.396
•John Gil, 3B: 1-for-4, R, .248/.338/.356
•Tate Southisene, SS: 0-for-4, .125/.125/.125
•Owen Carey, DH: 1-for-4, RBI, R, .253/.325/.334
•Hayden Friese, 1B: 1-for-3, 2B, .167/.311/.167
•Kendy Richard, SP: 4.2IP 4H 3ER 2BB 5K, 1.96 ERA
The Fireflies hand the GreenJackets their third loss in a row. Starting pitcher Kendy Richard showed an improved slider shape and was solid, before he ran out of steam, it appeared, and his command fell apart later in his appearance. It looked like Kendy toyed with a potential two seamer to build off his four seam fastball, something he will likely need as right now he sits high-80s, to low 90s with his fastball. Drew Christo followed up Kendy and struggled to put away hitters himself, resulting in some deep counts. Samuel Mejia faced one batter to end the inning and then was removed, which is something that doesn’t happen often to him, so it is something to keep an eye on. And lastly, Jhonly Taveras (2.1IP 1H 1ER 1BB 1K) looked stronger himself, featuring his 4S/SL combo.
Offensively, the GreenJackets struggled with contact, striking out an astounding 15 times. They scored three times in the third, but that’s all that they could really muster. RBI single by Owen Carey, and a two run single by Hayden Friese was all the damage that was one. Braves first round drat pick Tate Southisene, getting his first real glimpse of professional baseball, struggled – striking out four times. He looked overpowered at times at the overall polish of minor league pitchers. Just looking at his first at bat, he saw three well thrown sliders to the outside, before being blown away by 93 up and in. Tate’s aggressive promotion to full season ball was a bit of surprise, but it’s clear the Braves like where he is mentally, and think he’s polished enough to make the jump to full season ball.
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Full caption: Priest River High senior setter Jayda Storro was named to the 3A All-State Honorable Mention Team as the results were released recently by the Idaho State Journal newspaper in Pocatello. Players are chosen by the state’s coaches via a voting system put together by Brandon Walton, Sports Editor of the paper. Storro, a three-year varsity starter and the 2025 Central Idaho League MVP, helped the Lady Spartans clinch their first state playoff berth since 2015. Under Storro’s leadership, Priest River finished with an overall record of 17-5, one of the winningest years in school history.
Michael Lehmkuhle
Correspondent
Updated Dec. 24, 2025, 12:42 a.m. ET
Newark Catholic’s Dylan Daube attempts a layup against Bishop Rosecrans’ Kohen Harris during the host Green Wave’s 71-52 victory on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic’s Wesley Stone shoots in the paint against Bishop Rosecrans’ Titan Grandstaff during the host Green Wave’s 71-52 victory on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Bishop Rosecrans’ Owen Lambert attempts to block the shot of Newark Catholic’s Trey Spurrier during the host Green Wave’s 71-52 victory on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic’s Owen Przymierski wrestles Bishop Rosecrans’ Tyler Bernett for a rebound during the host Green Wave’s 71-52 victory on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Bishop Rosecrans’ Kohen Harris attempts a layup during host Newark Catholic’s 71-52 victory on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic volleyball captains Sydney Gummer, from left, Leah Caudill and Natalie Harrington reveal the team’s Division VI state championship banner in the gymnasium on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic honors its Division VI state champion volleyball team on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic honors its Division VI state champion volleyball team on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic honors its Division VI state champion volleyball team on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic honors its Division VI state champion volleyball team on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic honors its Division VI state champion volleyball team on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Newark Catholic beats visiting Bishop Rosecrans 71-52 on Dec. 23, 2025.
Michael Lehmkuhle/The Advocate
Jaela Auguste’s path to the University of Wisconsin volleyball team runs through Osijek, Croatia.
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Kristen Wright was named the Head Coach of Cal State Bakersfield Volleyball on Dec. 24, 2025. She heads into her first season at the helm of the Roadrunners in Spring of 2026.
Prior to her return to her hometown of Bakersfield, Wright served the previous eight seasons at the University of North Florida in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Inheriting a squad that posted a 13-19 record prior to her arrival in 2018, Wright quickly turned the program around, finishing with a 25-8 showing in just her third full season with the Ospreys.
Wright’s 2021 squad made it to the NIVC Quarterfinals while resetting the program record for wins in a season with 25. She also guided the Ospreys to a program-high RPI of 49, ending with the highest final RPI at 75 and tallying the program’s first-ever victory over a Power 5 squad.
During her eight-year tenure at North Florida, Wright became the winningest coach in the program’s Division I history (since 2005) with an overall record of 197-154. She coached 10 All-Conference selections, four ASUN Defensive Player of the Year honorees and one ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year, all while maintaining a team cumulative GPA between 3.3 and 3.7. Wright also proved to be an elite recruiter, attracting four Power 5 transfers to the UNF program.
Boasting a track record of success, Wright’s resume is flooded with championship achievements at all levels, including a CCCAA State title with the MiraCosta College beach volleyball team and nine-consecutive CIF San Diego Section Championships and six Southern California State Regional Championships with Tri-City Christian High School.
A Stockdale High School graduate who went on to earn All-America honors in college, Wright (née Hurst) has put together a coaching resume as equally as impressive. With championship coaching experience at every level of amateur volleyball, Wright brings coaching Hall of Fame and Coach of the Year accolades in her return to Kern County.
A standout prep star, Wright was highly recruited out of Stockdale High School, but she turned down Power 5 offers to compete for the University of San Diego. Wright became a four-year starter and captain for the Toreros. The pin hitter was named an All-American while leading USD to the program’s first-ever NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.
Congratulations to St. Charles North’s Haley Burgdorf and 185 other players from around the state:
FIRST TEAM
PLAYER SCHOOL HT. YR. POS.
Madison Anspaugh Rockford Christian 6-2 Sr. OH
Clemson-bound star propelled the Royal Lions to a 34-7 season and Class 2A fourth-place finish with 468 kills, 229 digs, 57 aces and 26 blocks
Avery Boehm Mascoutah 5-10 Sr. OH
Future Saint Louis outside hitter was a force for the 28-win Indians, wrapping up her prep career with 507 kills, 302 digs, 48 blocks and 29 aces
Lily Bosworth Mahomet-Seymour 6-4 Sr. MB
Lily Bosworth, MS, during the volleyball AA team photos at the NG in Champaign on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025.
Bosworth flipped her commitment from Michigan State to Purdue and then went on to lead the Bulldogs to 32 wins with 302 kills and 65 blocks
Haley Burgdorf St. Charles North 6-0 Sr. OH
The N-G’s player of the year dominated at the net for the 35-4 North Stars and will head to Penn State after totaling 435 kills, 198 digs and 52 aces
Cassidy Cage Marist 6-2 Sr. MB
Next stop for Cage after putting up 236 kills and 92 blocks for the 36-win Class 4A champs is Mississippi State
Trixie Carroll Lanark Eastland 5-10 Sr. OH
Uber productive outside hitter finished with 535 kills and 279 digs for the 27-11 Cougars, which should thrill Central Michigan fans
Elayna Davidson Marist 5-6 Sr. L
Maryland-bound libero did it all in the back row for the Class 4A state champion Redhawks with 402 digs, 125 assists and 36 aces
Abbey Knight Providence Catholic 6-1 Sr. OH
Wright State-bound outside hitter was the go-to option for the Class 3A third-place Celtics, finishing with 470 kills, 218 digs, 64 aces and 34 blocks
Kalia Kroth DePaul Prep 5-9 Jr. OH
Kroth, a North Carolina commit, put up 440 kills, 215 digs and 40 aces while being an ace passer for the 33-6 Rams this fall
Mia Lamberti Limestone 6-0 Jr. S/OPP
Lamberti committed to Illinois this summer and went on to post 406 assists, 402 kills, 137 digs and 67 aces for the 34-win Rockets
Addison Lucht Cissna Park 5-10 Sr. OH
Cissna Park senior Addison Lucht is a First Team All-Area volleyball selection and the All-Area Player of the Year choice by The News-Gazette for the 2025 season.
Lucht capped her volleyball career — she’s off to Northwestern to play softball — with 339 kills, 202 digs and 48 aces in a run to a Class 1A state title
Lucy Maloney Mother McAuley 5-6 Sr. L
Clemson landed an impressive piece for its defensive future in Maloney, who helped the Mighty Macs go 34-5 with 627 digs, 75 assists and 26 aces
Kampbell Niepagen Bloomington Central Catholic 6-0 Jr. OH
Auburn commit was a driving force in the Saints’ 36-6 season and Class 2A state runner-up finish with 395 kills, 241 digs, 60 aces and 42 blocks
Morgan Petelin Normal U-High 5-11 Sr. S/OPP
Tennessee Tech landed a versatile option in Petelin, who helped the Pioneers win a Class 3A state title with 582 assists, 300 digs, 122 kills, 43 blocks and 40 aces
Caroline Simmons Carmi-White County 5-5 Sr. OH
Simmons is also headed to Cookeville, Tenn., to join Tennessee Tech’s beach team after posting 515 kills and 51 aces for the 37-3 Bulldogs
Ellie Stiernagle Benet Academy 6-2 Sr. S
Future Northwestern setter was a key cog in the Redwings’ 39-win season and Class 4A runner-up finish with 815 assists, 158 digs, 51 kills and 42 aces
Lynney Tarnow Benet Academy 6-5 Sr. MB
Wisconsin signee, like Burgdorf, was an AVCA All-American and put up 227 kills, 40 blocks and 22 aces in the Redwings’ state run this fall
Alana Whitfield Normal 6-0 Sr. OH
Ironmen got to 34 wins with the future Michigan State outside hitter — and high-level passer — leading the way with 418 kills, 276 digs and 34 blocks
SECOND TEAM
PLAYER SCHOOL HT. YR. POS.
Brooklynne Brass Benet Academy 5-10 Jr. OH
Maryland commit played an important role in the Redwings’ state tournament run, finishing the year with 283 kills, 248 digs, 50 blocks and 23 aces
Alayna Briggs Hartsburg-Emden 6-0 Sr. OH
Future Parkland outside hitter was a key cog in the Stags’ 35-win season, putting up 361 kills, 219 digs, 97 blocks and 39 aces in her senior year
Haven Enselman Marist 5-11 Fr. S
Star freshman set the bar high for her prep career, posting 951 assists, 205 digs, 43 blocks and 36 kills to help the Redhawks win the Class 4A title
Charlie Fleegle Libertyville 5-6 Jr. L
Illinois State commit was more than just a standout defender with 309 digs given she added 107 assists and 53 aces and was a 2.24 passer
Taylor Haas Stockton 6-1 Jr. MB
Blackhawks’ 36-6 season and Class 1A state runner-up finish was built on Haas’ two-way impact with 302 kills and 129 blocks
Peyton Heatherly Mother McAuley 5-10 Jr. S
Coastal Carolina commit ran the show again for the 34-5 Mighty Macs, closing out her junior year with 676 assists, 157 digs, 75 kills and 22 aces
Maryam Hussein Oak Lawn 5-11 Sr. OH
Spartans senior was one of the most productive six-rotation outside hitters in the state, finishing the season with 460 and 219 digs
Kenzie Jones Shelbyville 6-2 Sr. MB
Missouri State-bound middle blocker was the catalyst to the Rams’ 27-win season with 273 kills, 111 digs, 91 blocks and 42 aces
Jaydee Melton Norris City-Omaha-Enfield 5-8 Sr. S
Melton will stick close to home next season at Rend Lake after leading the Cardinals to a Class 1A third-place finish with 954 assists, 110 digs and 74 kills
Bella Potempa Timothy Christian 5-8 Sr. OH
Team captain and Tennessee Tech signee led the way for 29-6 Trojans with 359 kills, 174 digs, 39 aces and 30 blocks in senior season
Lola Robertson Durand 6-0 Jr. OH
Marquette commit helped Bulldogs post a 28-8 record thanks to her do-everything 369 kills, 252 digs, 60 assists, 33 aces and 27 blocks
Sawyer Secrist ROWVA/Williamsfield 5-10 Sr. MB
Senior middle blocker was a force at the net for the 32-win Tigers with 468 kills to go with 289 digs, 44 assists, 37 aces and 21 blocks
Addison Smith Prairie Ridge 5-10 Sr. S
Purdue Northwest-bound setter kept the Class 3A fourth-place Wolves rolling after Maizy Agnello’s injury with 924 assists, 219 digs, 106 kills and 43 aces
Laney Snow Normal U-High 6-0 Sr. OH
Future Ferris State outside hitter pushed the Pioneers to a Class 3A state title with 329 kills, 298 digs and 34 blocks for the season
Khloe Stear Limestone 5-4 Sr. L
Defensive ace was the star of the Rockets’ back row, passing an impressive 2.4 while contributing 587 digs, 101 assists and 26 aces
Kara Stephens Augusta Southeastern 5-10 Jr. S/MB
A rare athlete to split her time at setter and middle blocker, Stephens had 562 kills, 301 digs, 249 assists, 33 aces and 30 blocks for the Suns
Robyn Ward Taylorville 6-3 Sr. MB
Dominant middle blocker will play at UIC next season after totaling 316 kills, 81 blocks and 52 aces for the 32-6 Tornadoes this fall
Savanah Weathers Marist 5-8 Sr. OPP
Right-side hitter bound for Division II Davenport University helped Marist win a Class 4A title with 262 kills, 235 digs, 87 blocks and 26 aces
SPECIAL MENTION 50
PLAYER SCHOOL HT. YR. POS.
Noelle Aprati Bolingbrook 5-10 Sr. OH
Saylor Barry Mendon Unity 5-5 Sr. OH
Kamille Barth Washington 5-6 Sr. L
Kalyn Brookbank Barrington 6-1 Jr. OH
Kiersten Cieslinski Vernon Hills 6-1 Jr. OH
Ciara Cunningham Edwardsville 5-11 Sr. OPP
Carly Dawson Washington 6-2 Jr. OH
Reece Distler Althoff Catholic 5-9 Sr. OH
Maddie Dostall Minooka 5-5 Sr. L
Aubrey Duttlinger LaSalle Peru 5-10 Jr. OH
Brinlie Durbin Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg 5-9 Sr. S/OPP
Marley Edson Centralia 5-11 Jr. S/OPP
Bridget Ferriter Lockport 6-0 Sr. OH
Mya Friese Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg 5-11 Jr. OH
Lexie Grevengoed Joliet West 5-11 So. OH
Quinn Grevengoed Chicago Christian 6-1 Jr. OH
Lydia Hart Athens 5-9 Jr. OH
Cara Hatton Effingham St. Anthony 6-0 Jr. OH
Essence Haynes Elverado 6-1 Jr. MB
Hazel Helmers Trico 5-9 Jr. MB
Julia Irvin Rockford Christian 5-9 Sr. S
Akshara Jay Fremd 5-11 Sr. S/OPP
Ainsley Johnson Springfield Calvary 5-10 Sr. MB
Tatum Kelly Neuqua Valley 5-11 So. S/OPP
Hayden Knight Norris City-Omaha-Enfield 5-10 Sr. MB
Maura Kohlenberger Columbia 6-0 Sr. MB
Rosie Krenz Bloomington Central Catholic 6-1 Sr. MB
Mia Lieberman Father McGivney 6-0 Sr. MB
Maryn Linderman Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin 5-6 Sr. L
Francesca Lorenzo Montini Catholic 6-0 Sr. OPP
Aubrey Martinez St. Laurence 5-9 Jr. OH
Ava Mathews Columbia 5-10 Sr. S/OPP
Mia McCall St. Charles North 5-11 Sr. S
Mya McCoy Galena 5-11 Sr. OH
Anna McGlasson Midland 6-1 Jr. MB/OPP
Addison Nenninger Breese Mater Dei 5-10 Sr. S
Alexis Neumann Chatham Glenwood 6-2 Jr. OH
Hailee Pietryk Waubonsie Valley 5-7 Sr. L
Avery Poppe Lexington 5-9 Sr. OH
Moira Quirk Montini Catholic 6-0 Jr. MB
Addi Samolinski Wheaton St. Francis 5-4 Sr. L
Claire Sandstrom Columbia 5-11 Jr. OH
Lyla Tate Heyworth 6-0 Sr. OH
Laine Thompson Normal West 5-9 Jr. S
Cami Tinder Rochester 5-8 Jr. S
Hope Wagner Aurora Christian 6-1 Sr. OH
Morgan Wiezorek Chatham Glenwood 5-8 Jr. S
Bryn Williamson Limestone 6-1 Jr.
Kaydra Wright Stockton 5-5 Jr. S
Peyton Zeidler Rochester 5-10 Jr. OH
HONORABLE MENTION 100
PLAYER SCHOOL HT. YR. POS.
Lauren Abbott Erie-Prophetstown 5-11 Sr. MB
Isabelle Axelson Eureka 5-11 Sr. MB
Emma Behrmann Nashville 5-10 Sr. OH
Peyton Benhoff Breese Central 6-1 Sr. MB
Taylor Berg Marist 5-10 Jr. OH
Peyton Biekert Marissa/Coulterville 6-0 Jr. MB
Annabelle Bischoff Tri-Valley 6-0 Jr. MB
Natalie Bochantin Lockport 5-7 Jr. S
Jacie Bosler Carlyle 5-3 Jr. L
Eva Breckenkamp Quincy Notre Dame 6-0 Sr. MB
Farryn Burridge Glenbard West 6-1 Jr. MB
Jaycie Buss Okawville 5-9 So. MB
Sofia Campos Niles North 5-11 Sr. MB
Demi Carbone Providence Catholic 5-10 Sr. S/OPP
Zoey Carlson Newark 5-11 Fr. MB
Laila Carr LeRoy 5-10 Sr. OH
Sophia Chinetti Benet Academy 6-0 Sr. OH
Mariella Ciaravino Saint Ignatius 5-8 Xx. OH
Ava Crabtree Normal U-High 6-1 Sr. OH
Celia Cross Hartsburg-Emden 5-10 Sr. S ICC
Arabelle Cunningham Athens 5-6 Jr. S
Catherine Daniels Bolingbrook 5-11 Jr. S
Madelyn Doggett Westville 5-9 Jr. OH
Sophie Duis Cissna Park 5-10 Sr. MB
Hannah Edwards Massac County 5-7 Sr. S
Meghan Edwards Carlyle 6-0 Sr. OH
Emma Eeten Hartsburg-Emden 6-0 Jr. MB
Addie Elliott Carmi White County 5-5 Sr. S
Eden Eyassu Joliet West 6-1 Sr. L
Aubrey Fair Bloomington Central Catholic 6-0 Sr. OH
Kelsey Frederick LaSalle Peru 5-10 Sr. MB
Madison Funk Normal U-High 5-8 Sr. S/OPP
Delaneigh Garner Warrensburg-Latham 5-4 Sr. L
Maddy Gesky Manteno 5-11 Jr. MB
Addison Glenn Nokomis 5-10 Sr. MB
Kinley Glover Benton 5-9 Jr. MB
Livia Goebel Edwardsville 6-0 Jr. MB
Lina Govoni Joliet West 5-9 Sr. S/OPP
Skylar Greene Saint Ignatius 5-10 Sr. OPP
Adeline Grider Prairie Ridge 6-0 Jr. OH
Miranda Hari Prairie Central 5-8 Jr. OH
Molly Harrison Decatur Unity Christian 5-7 Jr. OH
Neve Hayes Evergreen Park 5-9 Sr. S
Cara Herbert Glenbard West 5-11 Jr. S
Hannah Herrick Oswego 6-1 Jr. OH
Hannah Holliday Williamsville 5-9 So. OH
Campbell Hopkins Hartsburg-Emden 5-8 Jr. OH
Dani Hopp Richmond-Burton 6-0 Jr. OH
Kallie Hubbard Highland 5-9 Jr. OH
Abby Inman Stevenson 5-11 Jr. OH
Kinley Jany Columbia 5-8 Sr. OH
Alyssa Jepson Morris 5-6 Sr. L
Zoe Johnson Palatine 5-10 Sr. OH
Ella Keene Pinckeyville 5-9 Sr. OH
Ellie Kowalski Saint Ignatius 5-7 Jr. L
Kamryn Kruger Riverdale 5-6 Sr. L
Ava Lampe Breese Mater Dei 5-5 Jr. L
Taylor Langland El Paso-Gridley 5-6 Sr. S
Sami Liaromatis Wilmington 5-6 Jr. L
Madison Loos Quincy 5-11 Sr. MB
Mckenzie Love Effingham 5-8 Sr. MB
Brooklyn Lynch Shelbyville 5-3 Sr. L
Erin Lynch Saint Viator 5-11 Sr. OH
Reis McFarland Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin 5-11 Sr. OH
Mady Melton Monticello 5-5 Sr. L
Ireland Mensendike Stockton 5-7 Jr. OH
Maggie Michaels Normal 5-8 Sr. OH
Cassidy Monahan St. Thomas More 6-2 Sr. OH
Klarke Mosby Lincoln-Way East 5-9 Jr. OPP
Harper Neill Fremd 5-9 So. OH
Josie Neukomm Cissna Park 5-10 Sr. OH
Madelyn Ohlau Edwardsville 5-10 Jr. OH
Maddy Ohrmundt DePaul Prep 5-6 Jr. L
Ihuoma Ozoh Homewood-Flossomoor 6-3 Sr. MB
Nora Parsons Tremont 5-10 So. MB
Avery Patton Breese Mater Dei 5-11 Jr. MB
Cayla Prohaska Mother McAuley 6-0 Sr. OH
Kinze Reese Mascoutah 5-8 So. OH
Kolby Ross Lincoln-Way East 5-8 So. OH
Jillian Schlittler Unity 5-10 Sr. S/OPP
Brooke Schumacher Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg 5-11 Jr.
Kymora Scott Homewood-Flossmoor 6-2 Sr. OH
Hallee Smallman Massac County 5-3 Sr. L
Abigail Smith Prairie Ridge 5-11 Sr. OPP
Rachel Smith Wilmington 5-10 Sr. OH
Molly Southall Wilmington 5-10 Sr. S/OPP
Kendall Stotlar Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin 6-0 Sr. MB
Hutsyn Timosciek Lockport 5-11 Jr. OPP
Tess Tortorello Nazareth Academy 5-3 So. L
Abby VanMeenen Morton 6-1 Jr. MB
Dia Villahard Father McGivney 5-6 Sr. L
Alayna Vincent Taylorville 5-8 Sr. OH
Tegan Vrbancic Prairie Ridge 5-7 Jr. L
Claire Weather s Benet Academy 5-9 Jr. L
Molly Welge Benet Academy 6-3 Sr. OPP
Emily Westerhold Macomb 5-5 Sr. L
Carly Whitcomb Tremont 5-3 So. L
L’Rae White Chicago Christian 5-6 Sr. OH
Sidney Wright St. Charles North 6-1 Sr. MB
Ava Yeakel Mahomet-Seymour 6-1 Sr. OH
PROVO — BYU women’s volleyball is turning to a familiar name as the seventh head coach in program history.
The Cougars hired former BYU men’s volleyball assistant and one-time interim head coach Rob Neilson on Tuesday, returning to Provo after a historic six-year career at Utah State.
Neilson replaces Heather Olmstead, who led the Cougars through one of the best stretches in program history before stepping down two weeks ago.
The former BYU starting setter who went 91-31 as a player, including the 2004 national championship, Neilson ranked fifth in the Cougars’ rally-scoring era with 2,790 career assists to go with a top-10 finish in solo blocks with 28.
“Coaching at BYU is a dream come true,” Neilson said in a statement. “This is a distinguished university with storied volleyball programs, built by amazing student-athletes, incredible coaches and a community that’s all in. I’m honored to continue that legacy with our women’s team.”
Neilson returns to his alma mater after a legendary six-season run at Utah State, leading the Aggies to a 112-59 record that included a program-best 24-8 mark and an 18-0 finish in Mountain West play in 2025.
The Aggies also won the Mountain West Tournament title to secure their second NCAA Tournament appearance in four years, and upset seventh-seeded Tennessee in the tournament opener to snap a losing skid on that national stage that dated back to 2001.
Under Neilson’s tutelage, Utah State also captured three Mountain West regular-season championships, two tournament titles, 12 all-conference honorees, three all-region selections and one All-American status. He was named the Mountain West coach of the year in 2021, 2023 and 2025 and earned AVCA Pacific North Region coach of the year honors in 2023.
“I’m grateful for Rob’s leadership in our volleyball program, including multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances,” Utah State athletic director Cam Walker said in a statement. “The profile of Utah State volleyball has been elevated, and we expected that standard to continue under new leadership. We will be efficient and aggressive in our pursuit of the next leader of Utah State volleyball and will begin an immediate national search.”
Neilson, who also earned an MBA from BYU while coaching in 2014 prior to spending time with the U.S. men’s national team, replaces Olmstead, who went 279-55 in 11 seasons as head coach after taking over for her brother Shawn.
A graduate of Utah State, Olmstead became the fastest coach to reach 200 Division I wins, doing so in just 225 matches, and was the third-fastest to 100 wins just 111 matches while transitioning the Cougars from the West Coast Conference to the Big 12.
The former AVCA national coach of the year in 2018 helped develop 14 All-Americans, 23 all-region honorees, and 22 all-conference awards in the two leagues.
With Neilson’s hire, each of Utah’s three largest Division I universities will have a first-year head coach in 2026. In addition to Neilson and Olmstead’s departures, Beth Launiere retired after 31 seasons at the University of Utah and was immediately replaced by associate head coach Alyssa D’Errico.
With the changes, the Cougars already lost a pair of departures to the NCAA transfer portal: star outside hitter Suli Davis committed to SMU, while reserve opposite Blaykli Bobik committed to TCU.
But Neilson’s hire brought good news from another portal departure: BYU All-American setter Alex Bower, who announced Tuesday evening that she was returning to the program where her mother Caroline and sisters Whitney and Morgan both graduated.
The rising junior dished out 1,265 assists last year as a sophomore, helping the Cougars to a 22-9 campaign that included a 14th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
“I’m so excited to play and learn from coach Neilson, a BYU legendary setter,” she wrote on Instagram. “I’m grateful for my teammates’ support. I know this has been a difficult couple of weeks for them. I love them and can’t wait to be with them soon.”
The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.
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