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Bean Pasta Market Size & Share | Growth Analysis 2025-2035

Published

5 months ago

July 17, 2025

Overview of the Market

The global Bean Pasta Market is valued at USD 3.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 10.55 billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 10.00% between 2025 and 2035.

The bean pasta market has gained remarkable traction in recent years, driven by growing consumer interest in plant-based nutrition, gluten-free diets, and high-protein alternatives to traditional wheat pasta. Made from legumes such as black beans, chickpeas, lentils, and edamame, bean-based pasta offers enhanced nutritional benefits, including higher fiber content and lower glycemic indexes. Consumers seeking healthier lifestyles, particularly millennials, athletes, and individuals with specific dietary needs, have embraced bean pasta as a clean-label, functional food choice. The global demand is being further fueled by the rise in health awareness, the increasing prevalence of celiac disease and gluten intolerance, and a significant shift towards sustainable eating. Food innovation, retail expansion, and targeted marketing campaigns are also playing vital roles in driving the adoption of alternative pasta products, making bean pasta one of the fastest-growing segments in the global health food market.

Our comprehensive Bean Pasta Market report is ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Sample Report PDF.

Market Segmentation & Key Players

Segment Covered

By Nature

By Product Type

Black Bean Pasta

Chickpea Pasta

Lentil Pasta

Soybean Pasta

Edamame

By Distribution Channel

Store-based Retailing

Online Store

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

Specialty Stores

Convenience Stores

By Region

North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Nordic Countries, Benelux Union, Rest of Europe)

Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, South-East Asia, Rest of Asia Pacific)

Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America)

Middle East & Africa

Companies Covered

Banza (U.S.)

Tolerant Foods (U.S.)

Explore Cuisine (U.S.)

Barilla Group (Italy)

POW! Pasta (U.S.)

Ancient Harvest (U.S.)

Miracle Noodle (U.S.)

Bgreen Food (U.S.)

Viveri Food (U.S.)

Market Dynamics

The market dynamics in the bean pasta market are primarily governed by shifting consumer preferences, health consciousness, and evolving food consumption patterns. With consumers becoming more aware of the potential health risks associated with regular white or refined wheat pasta, they are increasingly turning toward better-for-you options. Bean pasta, made from pulses like chickpeas, lentils, black beans, or mung beans, provides superior nutritional content and appeals to those on vegan, paleo, keto, and gluten-free diets. This health-forward movement is encouraging manufacturers and food producers to experiment with new blends and hybrid versions to enhance both nutritional value and taste.

In addition to dietary preferences, environmental concerns are also influencing market dynamics. Pulses require fewer resources to grow compared to animal proteins and even some grains, making bean pasta a more sustainable option. Major food brands have started capitalizing on this trend by launching private-label products and entering into partnerships with plant-based ingredient suppliers.

Furthermore, e-commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer delivery models have allowed manufacturers to penetrate more niche markets and offer convenient purchase options. Marketing has also matured, focusing less on aggressive promotion and more on transparency, where nutritional benefits and source information are front and center.

However, factors such as price sensitivity, regional culinary preferences, and product awareness continue to influence the pace of growth. Competitive pricing strategies and education campaigns are becoming vital for market expansion, particularly in emerging economies where traditional pasta still dominates.

Top Trends

The bean pasta market is currently shaped by a number of transformative trends that are pushing it beyond the realm of novelty and into mainstream adoption. One of the leading trends is the proliferation of hybrid pasta products that blend bean flour with ancient grains like quinoa, amaranth, or brown rice to balance nutrition and improve taste and texture. These products are helping attract a more diverse consumer base, particularly those who may not fully enjoy the dense texture or earthy flavor of 100% bean pasta.

Another major trend is the increased popularity of single-ingredient, clean-label packaging, which appeals to health-conscious shoppers seeking transparency in ingredients and nutritional content.

Colorful, vegetable-infused options are also trending, with black bean, beetroot, spinach, and turmeric pastas offering both visual appeal and functional benefits. Additionally, ready-to-eat and meal-kit versions of bean pasta are gaining traction, especially in busy households and among young professionals seeking healthy convenience. Growing interest in plant-based diets and sustainability is leading to a surge in demand for legume-based foods, and bean pasta sits squarely at this intersection. Functional food trends are pushing companies to include pasta fortified with omega-3s, fiber, calcium, or probiotics.

Retailers are responding by dedicating more shelf space to alternative pastas not only in health food aisles but also in mainstream grocery sections. The rise of influencer marketing and digital wellness platforms has been instrumental in increasing product visibility. Social media platforms are full of food creators demonstrating recipes that include nutritious and flavorful bean pasta dishes, making it a lifestyle product rather than just a dietary substitute.

Lastly, innovation in eco-conscious packaging solutions, such as compostable or recyclable bags, has rounded out the trends, aligning brand values with consumer demand for sustainable practices.

Recent Market Developments

February 2021: Barilla launched a new range of bean-based gluten-free pasta called “Legume Pasta” in the United States. This pasta is made from a combination of red lentils, chickpeas, and green peas.

April 2021: Banza expanded its Bean Pasta product line in the United States by introducing a new shape called “Wheels.” This addition gives consumers more options to choose from in their Bean Pasta selection.

June 2021: Explore Cuisine launched a new variety of bean-based pasta called “Elbow Macaroni” in the United States. This product is made from a blend of organic edamame and mung bean flour, providing a healthier alternative to traditional macaroni products.

Top Report Findings

The global Bean Pasta Market is valued at USD 3.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 10.55 billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 10.00% between 2025 and 2035.

The demand for traditional Bean Pasta will increase significantly as a result of worries about food adulteration,

A significant contributor will be the online retail sector, which is expected to grow by 18% by the year 2035,

With 90% of the market share, store-based retail will continue to be the market leader,

As a result of growth prospects in China and India, Asia Pacific is expected to experience a significant 16% CAGR.

Hybrid bean pasta flavors and multi-legume blends are gaining popularity in the premium health food category.

Private-label and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands are expanding their portfolios to cater to changing dietary needs.

Millennials and Gen Z collectively represent more than 60% of bean pasta purchasers globally.

Challenges

Despite its strong growth orientation, the bean pasta market is not without its share of challenges. First and foremost is the issue of taste and texture, which not all consumers find palatable. Bean pasta often has a denser texture and earthy flavor profile, making it harder to replicate the familiar experience of traditional wheat-based pasta. This sensory limitation can hinder adoption among new users or those seeking comfort food.

Another substantial challenge lies in price sensitivity—bean pasta, especially organic or specialty variants, tends to be significantly more expensive than regular pasta. This price disparity limits accessibility, particularly for price-conscious consumers in developing regions.

There’s also the issue of limited consumer awareness and education, especially in markets where bean-based products are still relatively unknown. Many consumers are unaware of the nutritional advantages or are skeptical about the cooking process and outcomes. Supply chain volatility, particularly in the organic legumes market, leads to inconsistent quality and availability, further hampering consistent market penetration.

Additionally, shorter shelf life due to fewer preservatives in clean-label bean pasta products poses logistical challenges for retailers and distributors. Regulatory hurdles regarding organic certification and labeling standards across different regions also create complexity for manufacturers looking to scale globally.

Opportunities

In contrast, the bean pasta market is brimming with exciting opportunities for growth, innovation, and market disruption. The most promising lies in the functional food space, where bean pasta could be enhanced with added nutrients such as fiber, calcium, or plant-based proteins to target specific health issues like diabetes, heart health, or gut wellness. Consumer appetite for personalized nutrition is also growing, and AI-driven meal planners or diet platforms can integrate fortified bean pasta products designed for individual health goals.

The expansion into emerging global markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, presents immense potential. These regions are experiencing rising middle-class populations, increasing urbanization, and greater health awareness, setting the stage for adoption. A unique opportunity also lies in culinary fusion and co-branding with popular chefs, athletes, or nutritionists to create buzzworthy, limited-edition products. Incorporating culturally relevant ingredients into regional recipes will help localized versions resonate better with native populations.

Another high-growth opportunity exists in foodservice partnerships, where health-focused cafés, school lunch programs, or corporate cafeterias could incorporate bean pasta into their menus. Collaborating with educational campaigns and corporate wellness programs could also boost trial and long-term adoption. Moreover, demand for clean-label, allergen-free, and eco-conscious food products creates space for bean pasta brands to shine, especially when paired with storytelling around health benefits, sourcing transparency, and sustainability.

Key Questions Answered in the Market Report

What is the projected market size for the bean pasta industry by 2035?

What are the major factors driving demand for bean-based pasta products?

Which types of beans are most commonly used in alternative pasta manufacturing?

How are health trends and dietary restrictions impacting consumer purchasing behavior?

What are the primary challenges facing manufacturers and suppliers in the bean pasta segment?

How are e-commerce and digital platforms shaping the growth of bean pasta brands?

What regional markets show the highest potential for expansion and penetration?

How are companies addressing sustainability and ethical sourcing in this market?

Regional Analysis – North America

The North American market plays a dominant role in the global bean pasta landscape, representing both the largest consumer base and the most significant revenue generator. The United States leads in terms of market penetration, followed closely by Canada, where wellness and sustainable diets are rapidly being incorporated into mainstream lifestyles. Consumer trends in North America lean heavily towards health-conscious food choices, and bean pasta has found favor among individuals focused on gluten-free, high-protein, and allergen-free eating. Growing concerns about lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease have driven consumers to explore alternatives to traditional refined carbohydrates, and bean pasta naturally fits within this dietary transition.

Retailers in North America have also expanded their healthy food aisles to include a variety of legume-based pastas, from chickpea spirals to black bean linguine and red lentil penne. Popular grocery chains such as Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, and even mainstream outlets like Walmart and Target are dedicating increased shelf space to this category. E-commerce also plays a huge role in reaching wide audiences, with Amazon, Thrive Market, and regional organic food platforms offering an extensive range of bean pasta options. North American consumers are more receptive to trying new products, especially when accompanied by influencer endorsements, third-party certifications (USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified), and positive nutritional claims.

The region also sees frequent product innovation and launch events, such as pop-up pasta tastings or bean pasta recipes promoted through fitness and meal-prep communities. As plant-based dieting continues to rise, North America is likely to remain a critical hub for R&D investment, product diversity, and trendsetting in the global bean pasta sector.

Soaring Demand for Market Information: Uncover Detailed Trends and Insights in Our Report!

https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/bean-pasta-market-2202

The Bean Pasta Market stands at the vibrant crossroads of modern health trends, sustainability concerns, and innovative food technology. As an alternative to traditional pasta, it offers a dynamic solution for consumers seeking nutrition without compromise. While there are hurdles in taste, pricing, and consumer education, the overwhelming opportunities across functional food niches, emerging markets, and health-focused distribution channels make this a viable and profitable area for continued investment. North America’s leadership in adoption and innovation sets the tone for global expansion and evolution. From chickpeas to black beans, the path forward for bean pasta is as varied as it is promising, and its presence on store shelves and dinner tables worldwide is only set to grow between 2025 and 2035.

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2025 All-Area Volleyball: Meet the complete team | Sports

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

All-Area First Team

Player YR. Pos. School

Lily Bosworth Sr. MB Mahomet-Seymour

Maddy Doggett Jr. OH Westville

Sophie Duis Sr. MB Cissna Park

Addison Lucht Sr. OH Cissna Park

Reis McFarland Sr. OH Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin

Mady Melton Sr. L Monticello

Cassidy Monahan Sr. OH St. Thomas More

Josie Neukomm Sr. OH Cissna Park

Jillian Schlittler Sr. S/OH Unity

Ava Yeakel Sr. OH Mahomet-Seymour

All-Area Second Team

Player Yr. Pos. School

Brin Armstrong So. OH Champaign Central

Nia Bolton Sr. L Centennial

Laila Carr Sr. OH LeRoy

Erin Dallas Sr. S Mahomet-Seymour

Mady Marcott Jr. S Cissna Park

Tinley Parkerson Sr. S/OH Armstrong-Potomac

Thayren Rigsby Sr. MB Watseka

Bella Romine So. MB Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond

Aeralyn Thrasher Sr. OH Sullivan

Paige Young Sr. L Prairie Central

All-Area Honorable Mention

➜ Arcola: Kiera Leal (Sr. OH), Maddie Pilkington (Sr. S), Ema Simpson (Sr. MB)

➜ Argenta-Oreana: Khloe Hartrich (So. MB), Alexis Havener (Sr. L), Mya Hill (Sr. OH)

➜ Armstrong-Potomac: Ashlyn Ackerman (So. MB), Makenna Ackerman (Sr. DS), Isabel Bullington (So. OH), Carly Grant (Jr. S), Elie Lomax (Jr. OH/MB)

➜ Arthur Christian: Maddie Goff (Jr. MB), Avery Herschberger (So. S), Aselynn Kauffman (Jr. OH), Brileigh Mast (Sr. OH), Sheri Miller (Sr. DS)

➜ Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond: McKenna Blaudow (Jr. OH), Savannah Butcher (Sr. OH), Morgan Casteel (Jr. S), Summer Melton (Sr. OH), Annabelle Vanausdoll (So. S), Karaline Vanausdoll (Sr. L)

➜ Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin: Ella Acton (Sr. MB), Mallory Brines (Jr. S), Raylynn Hearnley (So. MB/OH)

➜ Blue Ridge: Ava Franzen (Jr. MB)

➜ Centennial: Journey Davis (So. MB/OH), Kate Pitcher (Jr. S)

➜ Cerro Gordo/Bement: Rylan Petty (Jr. S), Avery Stoerger (Fr. MB)

➜ Champaign Central: Summer Abudayeh (Jr. OH), Grace Bandy (Jr. L), Ava Clark (Sr. S), Avery Miller (Fr. OH), Prestyn Roberts (Jr. S)

➜ Chrisman: Jaidyn Alexander (Sr. OH), Leah Phipps (Sr. S/OH)

➜ Cissna Park: Marina Day (So. MB), Ava Henrichs (Jr. OH), Kendyl Neukomm (So. L), Ella Schluter (So. S)

➜ Clinton: Paisley Schick (Jr. L)

➜ Deland-Weldon: Ellie Hayward (Sr. OH)

➜ Fisher: Avery Carleton (Jr. OH), Brooklynn Kellems (Jr. S), Bella Kelsey (So. OH), Raegan Kilman (Jr. OH)

➜ Georgetown-Ridge Farm: Addisen Ellis (So. MB/OH), Milee Ellis (Sr. OH), Rubyrae Fraser Soule (Sr. S), Hadlee Hayes (Sr. MB/OH), Madi Spesard (Jr. DS)

➜ Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley: Abby Brown (Sr. MB), Bailey Bunting (So. OH), Bailey Grider (Sr. S), Maci Lindelof (Jr. OH), Londyn Roderick (Jr. S)

➜ Heritage: Addison Hopper (Jr. L), Faith Latham (Sr. S/OH), Bre Ploense (Jr. S/OH), Brooklynn Powell (Jr. MB)

➜ Hoopeston Area: Addyson Kelnhofer (Sr. MB), Abby Steiner (Sr. MB)

➜ Judah Christian: Liza Carder (Sr. OH), Olivia Dailey (Sr. OH), Kisandra Fazio (Sr. L), Mackenzie Jackson (Sr. S), Avoni Kelly (Sr. MB)

➜ LeRoy: Ella Mennenga (Jr. L), Sadee Owens (Jr. S), Kendyl Spratt (Sr. S/OH)

➜ Mahomet-Seymour: Pfeifer Manuel (So. L), Hannah Martin (Jr. MB), Addy Reigart (Sr. OH), Joelle Snodsmith (So. OH), Anna Streicher (Sr. OH)

➜ Milford: Erica Felton (Sr. MB), Lillie Harris (Sr. OH), Kami Muehling (Jr. L), Sydney Seyfer (Sr. OH)

➜ Monticello: Emma Arnold (Jr. S), Addison Finet (Sr. S/OH), Madison Highland (Jr. MB), Shelby Smith (Sr. OH), Emerson Snook (Sr. OH), Ashley Stiverson (Sr. MB), Sadie Walsh (Sr. DS)

➜ Oakwood: Sophia Hart (Sr. L), Mady Nicoson (Sr. MB), Kendyl Rogers (Sr. OH/DS)

➜ Paxton-Buckley-Loda: Emmy Bagwell (Jr. MB), Ellie Dirks (So. OH), Logan Loschen (So. S), Olivia Rehg (Sr. OH), Kylie Rust (Jr. S)

➜ Prairie Central: Kyah Creek (Sr. S), Mia Elliott (Jr. MB), Miranda Hari (Jr. OH), Lydia Kilgus (Sr. DS), Charlee Popejoy (Jr. DS), Jules Woodrey (Sr. OH)

➜ Rantoul: Airiana Bell (Sr. OH), Lauren Herbert (Sr. S), Josie Roseman (Sr. L)

➜ Ridgeview: Claire Edwards (Sr. S/L)

➜ St. Joseph-Ogden: Katie Ericksen (Sr. L), Hadley McDonald (Jr. OH), Emma McKinney (Sr. S), Emerson Williams (Jr. OH)

➜ St. Thomas More: Audrey Gooding (Sr. L), Sophia Hill (Sr. OH/MB), Avery Humphrey (Fr. S), Juju Kerr (Jr. S/OH), Campbell Phillips (Sr. MB)

➜ Salt Fork: Rain Pitlik (Sr. MB/OH), Ava Ringstrom (Sr. S), Maya Smith (Sr. OH)

➜ Schlarman: Izzy Bogen (Sr. OH), Addison Forsyth (Jr. S), Irene Rangel (Jr. L)

➜ Sullivan: Kate Bushue (Sr. MB), Mae Dawkins (Sr. S), Nevaeh Dovell (Sr. MB), Mya Dyer (Jr. L)

➜ Tuscola: Sawyer Cleland (Jr. OH), Reese Davis (Sr. L), Lilly Kurtz (Sr. MB), Sicily Moss (Jr. S), Bella Wishard (So. OH)

➜ Unity: Lauren Stratton (Sr. L), Olivia Williams (So. OH)

➜ Urbana: Sophia Sheyko-Frailey (Jr. OH)

➜ Villa Grove: Piper Kiser (Sr. S/OH), Hayden Thomas (Sr. L)

➜ Watseka: Christa Holohan (Sr. S), Gabby Kohl (So. MB), Liana Navas (So. S), Avery Pufahl (So. OH), Noelle Schroeder (Sr. L)

➜ Westville: Gwen Bennett (Jr. OH/S), Ady Blakeney (Jr. OH), Carlee Miller (Jr. MB), Lainey Wichtowski (Sr. S), Daylin Zaayer (Jr. L)

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Volleyball Wildcats face Texas A&M for national championship

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – For the second time in school history, the Kentucky volleyball Wildcats will be playing for a national championship, when UK faces Texas A&M on Sunday.

Kentucky coach Craig Skinner won the 2020 NCAA championship, a first at UK.

The Wildcats and the Aggies met back in October, in College Station, with UK rallying from a set down to win the match, 3-1.

“I think it’s important just to treat it like every other game we’ve played in the last 30,” libero Molly Berezowitz said on Friday.

Kentucky, a number one seed and the number two seed overall, defeated Wisconsin on Thursday, 3-2, to advance to the final match.

“We’re at the pinnacle of our sport,” coach Craig Skinner said on Friday. “It’s a great opportunity for Kentucky volleyball and our fans to be in this moment.”

Sunday’s championship match marks just the seventh time two teams from the same conference will play for a title.

First serve in the national championship match is set for 3:30 p.m.

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Where to watch Texas A&M volleyball vs. Kentucky: Time, TV channel

Published

6 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Texas A&M fell to the Texas Longhorns in the SEC Volleyball Tournament semifinals last month, but the Aggies have since fought their way to the top of NCAA competition.

The Aggies swept top-seeded Pittsburgh in the Final Four on Thursday, solidifying their matchup against No. 2 Kentucky in the NCAA volleyball title game Sunday in Kansas City, Mo. It’s the team’s first appearance in a national semifinal or final.

Here’s everything you need to know:

How to watch Texas volleyball vs. Kentucky: See date, start time, TV channel, streaming

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Last-minute madness: 79-yd TD pass sends UW-River Falls to DIII title game

Published

6 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Football

Dec. 20, 2025

Last-minute madness: 79-yd TD pass sends UW-River Falls to DIII title game

Dec. 20, 2025

Tied late in the 4th quarter, University of Wisconsin–River Falls QB Kaleb Blaha connected with Blake Rohrer for a game-winning 79-yard touchdown in the final minute, stunning Johns Hopkins Blue Jays, 48-41, and punching the Falcons’ first trip to the Stagg Bowl.

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2025 All-Area Volleyball Player of the Year: Lucht a champion in all aspects | Sports

Published

7 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

1222025 AA VB Addison Lucht 1 — Addison Lucht ended her volleyball career at Cissna Park in the best way possible: As a state champion. Lucht, who finished as the program’s all-time kills leader, produced 202 digs and 48 aces to go along with her team-high 339 kills this fall in leading the Timberwolves to the Class 1A volleyball state championship this season.

Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette

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CISSNA PARK — Anyone who knows Addison Lucht wouldn’t be surprised by how she reacted to winning The News-Gazette’s All-Area Volleyball Player of the Year honor.

“It’s a reflection of our whole team and what we were able to accomplish in this amazing season,” Lucht said. “I wouldn’t have been able to get that award or do what I’ve done without the team, how close we are and how much we push each other every day in practice. We’re in there grinding and making each other better. Even the people who don’t get the time on the court, they’re on the bench cheering us on really loud every game and working us really hard in practice on the other side of the net. I’m really excited and honored to receive this, but it goes right back to my teammates. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

Same humble nature she’s always had, redirecting all the praise despite deserving every bit of it. Just once, you might expect her to give herself some props. Maybe even brag a little. She’s earned that.

But take it from senior teammates Sophie Duis.

“She won’t,” Duis said with a smirk.

Lucht just wrapped up her final volleyball season at Cissna Park and couldn’t have ended it any better. She led the Timberwolves to a program-record 40 wins and a Class 1A state championship, the first state title for the school in any sport. She earned a third consecutive All-State First-Team honor and was the 1A state finals MVP. She totaled 202 digs and 48 aces to go along with her team-high 339 kills, which brought her to 1,359 for her career to become the program’s all-time kills leader.

The argument that Cissna Park doesn’t reach three straight state tournaments without Lucht is a valid one. Although, Duis and Josie Neukomm — both All-State Second-Team selections and All-Area First-Team picks in their own right — among other strong talents, might prove that theory wrong. Regardless, it’s never been about the individual accolades for Lucht. All she cared about was the team, which is why the team was so successful.

“Having had a month to reflect on it, it’s beginning to set in how big of a thing we just accomplished,” Lucht said. “It keeps getting cooler and cooler by the day. To know we did that and were able to end our last game and my volleyball career on a win on the biggest stage is amazing.”

11172025 CPvball 44 — Cissna Park’s Addison Lucht (9) reacts to her medal in the Class 1A volleyball championship at CEFCU Arena in Normal on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025.

Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette

It’s one of the many reasons she’s so popular among her teammates. She’s one of the best athletes in Illinois, an All-State talent in four different sports, but she wants no part of the spotlight. Ironic that the biggest moments are when she shines brightest.

“She’s very humble, and everything she does goes unnoticed,” Neukomm said. “She’s been working her butt off since day one. Everything she has coming is extremely deserved. I don’t think there’s a single thing she doesn’t deserve. She’s just an amazing person, and seeing the path she’s going on is really exciting.”

As if all her athletic abilities weren’t enough, Lucht is also the valedictorian of her class at Cissna Park.

“A lot of people look at her and think it’s just a lot of natural talent,” Duis said. “Obviously, there is a lot of that, but a large part of it is the hard work she puts in behind the scenes. She’s a really good on- and off-the-court leader, and she’s super fun to have as a friend and teammate.”

And for Cissna Park volleyball coach and athletic director Josh Landon, “I could just say ‘Ditto.’

“I could go back and say it started in kindergarten watching them in PE,” Landon said. “I had all these girls from kindergarten through fourth grade for elementary PE, and you could see a little bit of that competitiveness happening. You’d have tears from some people because we weren’t winning or others weren’t trying as hard. You could see all this happening. There is the God-given talent, but you also have to buy in to reach that success.”

This is actually the second All-Area Player of the Year honor Lucht has earned, but the first was for basketball after leading the Timberwolves back to CEFCU Arena and winning their second 1A third-place trophy in as many seasons.

Two days after winning the volleyball title on Nov. 15, Lucht and Co. played their first basketball game, a 64-14 win against St. Thomas More. Lucht put up 20 points, seven steals and four assists in the winning effort, and she hasn’t needed to knock off any rust in another strong start to that sport.

Neither are Lucht’s top sport, however. While simultaneously placing fifth and eighth in last spring’s 1A state triple jump and long jump competition, she batted .579 with seven home runs for the Milford/Cissna Park co-op softball team. She signed her letter of intent to continue her softball career at Northwestern on Nov. 12.

“I’ve always loved every single sport I’ve been in, and what sport I’m in, that’s my favorite at the time,” Lucht said. “Being able to have these special seasons and do it with these girls is amazing. I’m not going on to college to play those sports, and I’m going to miss them a lot, but I’m excited to get up to Evanston and excited for this spring at Milford.”

11172025 CPvball 46 — Cissna Park’s Addison Lucht (9) as Cissna Park won the 1A state volleyball championship at CEFCU Arena in Normal on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2025.

Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette

Amber McKean won the All-Area Player of the Year award back in 2003 for the Cissna Park/Crescent-Iroquois co-op, and she went on to have a successful volleyball career at Olivet Nazarene. Landon said nobody believed anyone like her would come through their town of fewer than 800 again.

Plenty of talented athletes have played for Cissna Park since then but none quite like Lucht. Not with the same level of ability, passion and dedication to that many sports. And certainly not with the same level of care off the court. She was already a champion. Now, she has the trophy to go along with it.

“I hope we’re just getting started,” Lucht said. “I’m in the thick of it right now, and I’m so locked in and focused that I don’t think it’s ever going to end. It’s tough to realize these are some of the last games I’ll get to play in a Cissna Park jersey. It’s kind of surreal. I’m really fortunate that our volleyball season ended in the best way possible, and I’m hoping the same for basketball and the spring sports. I’m happy to get off to a really good start. Hopefully, it can end strong, too.”

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Population Boom Boosts Jackson County Volleyball Team — Grady Newsource

Published

8 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The halls at Jackson County High School are growing busier each year, and so is the volleyball court.

As the county’s population surges, more students are filling classrooms, lockers and tryout lists. The squeak of sneakers and the thud of volleyballs echo through the gym as coaches call out drills, a reflection of how fast the community and its competition are growing.

With more players trying out than ever, coaches and athletes have had to adjust to a more selective environment that’s reshaping team dynamics. As the Panthers close the book on their season, which included a second-round playoff run for the second straight year, Laura Keefer is already reflecting on what she learned in her first year leading the program.

“So when I came for tryouts in May, we had 72 girls here for tryouts, and that was a lot,” Keefer said. “I’ve been at a smaller private school for the past nine years, but even when I talked to other friends in public high schools and I told them how many girls we had, they said that’s a really big number, too.”

Over the past decade, Jackson County has been one of Georgia’s fastest-growing areas. The high school, which opened in 2021 to accommodate the surge in population, has already hit capacity. Public development director Jamie Dove said the county’s growth is fueled by its location and livability.

“There are just a lot of things to drive people here,” Dove said. Jackson County is an interstate drive away from Atlanta and Greenville, S.C., “and I’m a day trip to the beach and a two-hour drive to the mountains. So it’s a gem of a location.”

Jackson County’s population jumped from 75,907 in 2020 to an estimated 93,825 in 2024, according to the development department.

For two years in a row now, we have been the fourth-fastest-growing county in the country,” Dove said.

At Jackson County High, that growth has led to what students call “learning cottages,” temporary classrooms used to handle overflow. Siena Berthold, a senior at Jackson County and member of the volleyball team, mentioned this.

“They’re called learning cottages,” Berthold said, “but they’re not learning cottages — they’re trailers.”

A graph shows enrollment for Jackson County High growing much faster than other local public schools. — SOURCE: Georgia High School Association, ghsa.net. (Graphic/Ellie English)

Keefer brought two decades of experience from smaller schools and club teams to Jackson County High’s volleyball program. Now that the season is over, Keefer said the tryout and cut process is still on her mind, especially as she thinks ahead to next year.

“The positive side of that is I had a lot of talent in the gym to choose from,” Keefer said. “The hard part is I don’t think everybody realizes it’s truly a gut-wrenching process for me. I had to cut a lot of talent.”

For players, the population boom means that earning a jersey is no longer guaranteed. The competition drives everyone to push harder and succeed.

“It’s just a great group because everyone wants to play volleyball,” Berthold said. “You have more competition, so everyone wants to play better.”

The volleyball team’s rise mirrors growing community pride. Home matches now draw bigger crowds. Jackson County Schools have also made athletic and academic expansion a strategic priority.

“Our board of education does a great job of letting us hire earlier than other school systems,” Hooper said. “It’s a daily tracking of enrollment, and for human resources, it’s a daily tracking of students.”

So far, the volleyball program has not faced gym or scheduling conflicts with other sports. Keefer said the athletic department’s collaboration has been essential to that success.

Our administration does a fantastic job and really all of our teams together,” Keefer said. “We support each other.”

As Jackson County prepares to open Hoschton High School in 2027 to accommodate population growth, the volleyball program at Jackson County High School may eventually face a split, with players and families drawn toward the new school. This shift could reshape existing rivalries and create new opportunities for athletes across the county.

After one season coaching in Jackson County, Keefer said she now better understands how deep that talent pool runs, and how a future school could split and reshape it.

“I imagine most of the upperclassmen would stay and want to finish out and graduate where they’ve been,” Keefer said. “As far as the long term, obviously the pool of talent like we’ve had these huge numbers coming in right, that’s going to be divided now.”

Ellie English is a student in the undergraduate certificate program at the Carmical Sports Media Institute at UGA.

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