2010 Nebraska high school volleyball team capsules, with coaching information, returning starters and a season outlook:

* * *

CLASS A

Bellevue East
• Coach: Robyn Cascio-Jensen, 11th year. 2009: 27-9 (state qualifier).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Mallory Babic, 5-11, RS; Sam Lovell, 6-1, MB. Juniors: Janaya Fox, 6-1, OH. Sophomores: Shelby Quinn, 5-5, S; Taylor Silva, 5-4, DS; Taylor Burbage, 5-10, MB.
• Outlook: Chieftains return a lot of firepower but must replace top hitter Sarah Kemp.

Bellevue West
• Coach: Bob Stanley, 1st year. 2009: 8-26.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Courtney Jurek, 5-6, S. Juniors: Maggie Dailey, 5-8, OH; Kirsten Kottich, 5-8, MB. Sophomores: Annie Szczepaniak, 5-11, MB.
• Outlook: Thunderbirds, under new coach Stanley, aren’t the tallest team but hope to show improvement from last year’s eight-win season.

Columbus
• Coach: Heidi Sobota, 1st year. 2009: 8-26.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Megan Sander, 5-8, S; Megan Weber, 5-8, OH; Brianna Downs, 5-6, RS. Juniors: Molly Hausmann, 5-6, OH; Kelsey Sliva, 5-7, MB.
• Outlook: Discoverers worked hard this summer and hope to show improvement for new coach Sobota.

Fremont
• Coach: Cathy Bremer, 5th year. 2009: 7-23.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Laura Pemberton, 5-10, MB. Juniors: Allison Bachman, 5-9, OH.
• Outlook: Tigers graduated eight seniors so newcomers will need to step up.

Grand Island
• Coach: Bill Root, 10th year. 2009: 19-9.
• Returning starters — Alison Arnold, 5-9, MB; Sammie Miller, 5-8, S; Jenna Helleberg, 5-9, MB; Sam Harvey, 5-9, OH; Frankie Miller, 5-9, OH.
• Outlook: Islanders will seek to make amends after missing the state tournament last year for the first time since 2004.

Kearney
• Coach: Jason Owens, 3rd year. 2009: 17-14.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Lauren Psota, 5-9, OH. Juniors: Sarah Applegate, 5-8, S. Sophomores: Katie Higgins 6-0, MB.
• Outlook: The Bearcats, who graduated five seniors, have some solid athletes but with limited varsity experience.

Lincoln High
• Coach: Lynette Rychecky, 3rd year. 2009: 5-29.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Rosie Neibel, 5-5, S. Juniors: Tiona Brown, 5-3, OH. Sophomores: Cheyanna Kempel, 5-6, S.
• Outlook: The Links graduated seven seniors so will be in a rebuilding mode this season.

Lincoln North Star
• Coach: Kristi Nelson-Hitz, 8th year. 2009: 15-18.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Kimberly Bailey, 5-10, OH; Aly Wurster, 5-7, S; Amy Jorgensen, 5-8, OH; Katelin Hiskey, 5-3, DS. Juniors: Cari McGarvie, 5-11, MB; Carley Warner, 5-10, RS. Sophomores: Jaelynn Griess, 5-10, S/OH.
• Outlook: Plenty of experience coming back for the Navigators, who hope to secure a state tournament berth after a three-year absence.

Lincoln Northeast
• Coach: Craig Songster. 2nd year. 2009: 9-25.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Shay Smith, 5-6, OH; Ciara Hegeholz, 5-8, RS; Milly Snoozy, RS. Juniors: Kelsey Schoenleber, 5-6, L.
• Outlook: Rockets return four starters and are determined to improve on last season’s nine-win campaign.

Lincoln Southeast
• Coach: Lindsay Burkey, 7th year. 2009: 20-15.
• Returning starters — Juniors: Scarlett Howerter, 5-11, OH; Logan Raymond, 5-10, S; Claire Crossgove, 5-11, M. Sophomores: Taylor Lewis, 5-11, OH.
• Outlook: Knights, who haven’t reached state since 2002, return four starters and are optimistic about this season.

Lincoln Southwest
• Coach: Mary Schropfer, 8th year. 2009: 27-8 (state qualifier).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Diane Banderas, 5-11, MB; Sarah Faubel, 5-9, OH; MacKenzie Ashton, 5-8, L; Jasmin Stonacek, 5-6, S; Taylor Hansen, 5-11, RS; Hannah Welter, 6-2, RS. Juniors: Maggie Anderson, 5-8, S.
• Outlook: Silver Hawks are deep and talented and should be one of the better teams in Class A.

Millard North
• Coach: Nick Schuster, 2nd year. 2009: 12-15.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Michelle Sicner, 6-3, S; Sara McClinton, 6-1, OH; Taylor Johnson, 6-0, OH; Kelly Bates, 5-7, OH. Sophomores: Sara Vitito, 5-10, MB.
• Outlook: Mustangs have a nice mix of experience and youth, led by Creighton recruit Sicner and Nebraska recruit McClinton.

Millard South
• Coach: Joanne Kappas, 1st year. 2009: 10-22.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Beth Schram, 5-8, S; Anna Messerole, 5-11, MB; Nikki Steele, 6-0, MB; Abby Schnebel, 5-10, OH. Juniors: Maddie McMindes, 5-7, L.
• Outlook: Optimism abounds for the Patriots with new coach Kappas, third in the state in career wins with 774; return of four starters is also a plus.

Millard West
• Coach: Erin Byrd, 2nd year. 2009: 17-16.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Jessica Kuehner, 5-5, RS; Ashley Hausmann, 5-10, MB.
• Outlook: Wildcats have holes to fill from graduation and will need to work hard to improve on last year’s 17-win season.

North Platte
• Coach: Laura Miller, 4th year. 2009: 22-11 (state qualifier).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Raylynn Mosel, OH.
• Outlook: The Bulldogs must replace seven seniors, including All-Nebraska hitter Tenisha Matlock.

Omaha Bryan
• Coach: Elisa Booth, 1st year. 2009: 23-10.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Sierra Bell, OH.
• Outlook: Bears return only one varsity starter for new coach Booth, who takes over for Joanne Kappas.

Omaha Burke
• Coach: Rick Hughes, 1st year. 2009: 27-10 (state qualifier).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Dani Bird, 5-10, MB; Taylor Thomsen, 5-9, RS. Juniors: Nicole Walker, 5-10, OH; Marissa Johnson, 5-8, S; Kathryn Von Kerens, 5-8, RS; Kelcy Sorenson, 5-9, MB; Lara Phillips, 5-9, OH.
• Outlook: Bulldogs have only two seniors but return a number of players from last year’s state tourney team for new coach Hughes.

Omaha Central
• Coach: Jodi Brown, 12th year. 2009: 21-15.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Brittany Prescott, 5-6, S; Rachel Bruch, 5-6, L; Erin Weis, 6-0, OH.
• Outlook: Eagles graduated top three hitters but have strong returnees in Prescott, Bruch and Weis.

Omaha Marian
• Coach: Rochelle Rohlfs, 21st year. 2009: 42-1 (state champion).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Andrea Spaustat, 6-2, MB; Morgan Ogorzaly-Eaton, 5-9, OH. Juniors: Kate Elman, 5-6, L; Lauren Sieckmann, 5-11, S.
• Outlook: Defending champs graduated several key players from last year’s powerhouse squad but can rebuild around All-Nebraska setter Sieckmann.

Omaha North
• Coach: Sarah Rittenhouse, 1st year. 2009: 9-21.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Hannah Juracek, S; Taylor Culver, DS; Alissa Anderson, OH. Sophomores: Anna Hoiberg.
• Outlook: Vikings have some experience back but new varsity players will need to step up for first-year coach Rittenhouse.

Omaha South
• Coach: Renee Saunders, 8th year. 2009: 8-22.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Sammy Sinecio, OH; Ana Valdovinos, OH; Sheri Incontro, DS.
• Outlook: Inexperienced Packers will need to rely on teamwork and perseverance.

Omaha Westside
• Coach: Kim Eymann, 5th year. 2009: 15-19.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Sam Berger, OH; Emily Klimsen, L. Juniors: Lauren Meyers, OH. Sophomores: Capris Quaites, MB.
• Outlook: Warriors have a young team this season; sophomore Quaites is a player to watch.

Papillion-La Vista
• Coach: Kristen Lebeda-Svehla, 2nd year. 2009: 25-15 (state qualifier).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Chelsea Albers, 6-1, OH; Emily Romero, 5-2, L; Emilee Soucie, 5-9, OH. Juniors: Sydney Hunsley, 6-1, MB.
• Outlook: Biggest graduation loss for Monarchs was setter Caley Johnson; return of Kansas recruit Albers, a first-team All-Metro performer last season, is a plus.

Papillion-La Vista South
• Coach: Gwen Egbert, 23rd year. 2009: 35-5 (state runner-up)
• Returning starters — Seniors: Baily Vance, 5-4, L; Kirsten Hudgens, 5-4, S. Juniors: Megan Stroyek, 6-0, RS; Rachel Nelson, 6-0, MB. Sophomores: Kadie Rolfzen, 6-3, OH; Amber Rolfzen, 6-3, OH; Kelly Hunter, 5-10, S.
• Outlook: Titans, with three Division I recruits, are not only one of the best teams in Nebraska but possibly one of the best in the nation.

* * *

CLASS B

Aurora
• Coach: Lois Hixson, 5th year. 2009: 23-11.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Megan Kliewer, 5-6, OH. Juniors: Maggie Schneider, 5-9, OH; Taylor Kittle, 5-5, L; Kori Hixson, 5-8, S.
• Outlook: Huskies, who narrowly missed state last season, will seek to build confidence and chemistry early in the season.

Beatrice
• Coach: Melissa Carper, 4th year. 2009: 18-12.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Neely Sutter, 6-0, MB; Lindsey Schlake, 6-0, MB; Kelsey Schlake, 5-9, S; Kayla Busboom, 5-7, OH; Ashley Adams, 5-9, RS.
• Outlook: Lady Orange have offensive strengths but will seek a faster tempo.

Bennington
• Coach: Scott Romans, 6th year. 2009: 31-3 (Class C-1 state qualifier).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Ashley Pearson, 6-0, RS. Juniors: Courtney Reiman, 6-1, MB. Sophomores: Jessica Bird, 5-11, OH; Samantha Steffes, 5-5, DS.
• Outlook: Badgers, who move up from Class C-1, graduated key hitters Erin Backhuus and Brooke Dutton from last year’s 31-win squad.

Blair
• Coach: Rachel Hambridge, 4th year. 2009: 3-24.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Katie Rutcosky, 5-4, L. Juniors: Caroline Rech, 5-6, OH; Josey Svoboda, 5-7, RS.
• Outlook: Bears will need younger players to step up to be competitive.

Crete
• Coach: Jill Oltman, 2nd year. 2009: 3-28.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Amanda Aksamit, 5-4, S; Taylor Reetz, 5-9, MB; Kacey Holroyd, 5-9, MB. Juniors: Breanna Fye, 5-8, MB. Sophomores: Kaitlin Bradley, 5-8, OH; Morgan Hill, 5-8, OH.
• Outlook: Young team took its lumps last year but should be much better this season.

Elkhorn
• Coach: Jenny Gragert, 12th year. 2009: 32-7 (Class A state qualifier).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Maggie Baumert, 6-1, S; Morgan McCashland, 5-8, OH; Brittney Lynch, 6-1, MB; Sammie Keithley, 5-6, L.
• Outlook: Antlers drop into Class B this year but must overcome graduation of hitters McKenna Reagan and Meredith McCormick; senior setter Baumert has committed to Georgia.

Elkhorn South
• Coach: Briana Ritter, 1st year. 2009: (New program).
• Outlook: Storm will be very young in their first year of play.

Gering
• Coach: Craig Schadwinkel, 25th year. 2009: 15-12.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Libby Joekel, 5-8, LS; Tahlia Schmaltz, 5-7, LS. Juniors: Kayleigh Schadwinkel, 5-8, S; Morgan Greene, 5-10, MB; Morgan Broussard, 5-9, S; Darci Kaufman, 5-6, L.
• Outlook: Bulldogs return five starters and their libero from last year’s Western Conference championship squad.

Grand Island Northwest
• Coach: Diane Rouzee, 23rd year. 2009: 33-6 (state runner-up).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Karny Kuehl, 5-11, MB; Kalee Bockmann, 5-2, DS. Juniors: Michaela Schimmer, 6-1, S; Emily Jones, 6-0, RS.
• Outlook: Vikings, the Class B runner-up the past three years, graduated six seniors — including All-Class B performer Taylor Johnson; four starters are back.

Gretna
• Coach: Mike Brandon, 10th year. 2009: 22-9 (state qualifier).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Nikki Mickelson, 5-9, OH; Riley Haug, 5-5, L; Kelsi Kuhn, 6-2, RS; Brooke Arp, 6-0, RS; Emma Hulsey, 5-10, MB; Halley Samuelson, 5-8, S. Juniors: Elaine Kramer, 5-9, OH.
• Outlook: Dragons return everyone from last year’s state tourney squad; Kramer had more than 300 kills last season as a sophomore.

Hastings
• Coach: Dave Hepner, 3rd year. 2009: 14-19.
• Returning starters — Seniors: McKenzie Sealey, 5-9, OH; Brittany Johnson, 5-10, MB; Ashtin Pawloski, 5-3, L; Tessa Johnson, 5-8, RS; Lyndsey Frank, 5-8, RS. Juniors: Lauren Bliss, 5-9, MB; Jessey Petersen, 5-8, S.
• Outlook: Experienced Tigers should be competitive this season.

Lincoln Pius X
• Coach: Jake Moore, 21st year (state qualifier).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Gabby Kuhl, 5-11, OH. Juniors: Allison Zastrow, 5-8, S; Cassie Effken, 6-2, MB; Lauren Smith, 6-4, MB.
• Outlook: Five seniors are gone but top hitter Effken (458 kills), setter Zastrow (636 assists) and 6-4 middle blocker Smith (210 kills) are back.

McCook
• Coach: Krystal Weber, 8th year. 2009: 12-21.
• Returning starters — Sophomores: Brooklynn Trew, 5-6, S; Kassidy Gillen, 5-11, MB; Sydney Clapp, 5-8, OH.
• Outlook: The Bison will field a young team with little varsity experience.

Omaha Gross
• Coach: Korrine Schuster, 6th year. 2009: 31-8 (state champion).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Emily Wilson, 6-3, OH; Nicole Gregory, 5-9, OH; Mary Delich, 5-10, MB; Kendall Kritenbrink, 5-10, MB; Meghan Zimmerman, 5-8, S; Kaitlyn Tomasek, 5-6, L; Katie Zoucha, 5-11, RS.
• Outlook: Cougars, who graduated only senior libero Emily Guerra, must be considered the favorite to repeat as Class B champion.

Omaha Mercy
• Coach: Dean Gran, 2nd year. 2009: 16-13.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Reid Rauterkus, OH; Shayne Nielsen, DS; Ellen Altman, MB.
• Outlook: The Monarchs, who came within one win of the state tournament in 2009, will seek to improve on that 16-win effort.

Omaha Skutt
• Coach: Steve Bymers, 2nd year. 2009: 25-13 (state qualifier).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Ali Cox, 5-11, MB; Taylor Polacek, 5-6, DS; Shannon Mettling, 5-9, OH. Juniors: Jenna Schlautman, 5-9, S; Shelby Duren, 5-10, OH; Kelsey Stratman, 5-11, MB; Colleen Wooten, 5-10, OH.
• Outlook: Skyhawks graduated just two players from last year’s state tournament team.

Plattsmouth
• Coach: Chris Wiseman, 9th year. 2009: 20-10.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Katy Linder, 5-6, S; Sierra Quade, 5-7, OH; Erika Spangler, 5-11, RS. Juniors: Lindsey Fryenschuh, 5-8, OH.
• Outlook: Blue Devils had a nice season last year before falling to eventual Class B champ Omaha Gross at subdistricts; repeating that 20-win effort might be tough.

Ralston
• Coach: Stef McAlpin, 5th year. 2009: 12-19.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Katelyn Leming, 5-3, L; Lisa Johnson, 6-3, MB; Kayla Szczepanik, 5-8, RS. Juniors: Jen Hirchert, 5-6, DS.
• Outlook: Rams will need young talent to develop quickly; Leming has more than 1,400 career digs.

Schuyler
• Coach: Jon Knutson, 2nd year. 2009: 7-20.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Molly Ladwig, 5-6, L. Juniors: Megan Glodowski, 5-7, OH; Elyse Muhle, 5-10, MB.
• Outlook: The Warriors return three starters but must improve defensively to be a factor.

Scottsbluff
• Coach: Shana Dick, 3rd year.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Makayla Westphal, 5-9, OH; Gillian Harkins, 6-0, MB; Aimee Trumbull, 5-10, RS. Juniors: Megan Gealy, 5-4, S.
• Outlook: Bearcats return eight letter winners and have several talented younger players ready to challenge the more experienced players.

Seward
• Coach: Tom Pallas, 8th year. 2009: 34-3 (state qualifier).
• Returning starters — Seniors: Emily Cady, 6-2, MB.
• Outlook: Eight players are gone from last year’s powerful team, but the return of the athletic Cady is a plus.

Sidney
• Coach: Teresa Rolls, 2nd year. 2009: 6-25.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Jessica Glanz, DS; Marj Keeton, MB; Mattie Anglin, S; Anna Glenn, OH. Sophomores: Madison Malzahn, S.
• Outlook: With five starters back, Red Raiders hope to surprise this season.

Waverly
• Coach: Terri Neujahr, 4th year. 2009: 11-22.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Amanda Boender, 5-10, MB; Sydney Noonan, 5-8, MB; Sydney Weyers, 5-0, S; Megan Palmer, 5-98, OH.
• Outlook: Vikings return five starters and expect improvement.

York
• Coach: Stacey Hall, 4th year. 2009: 10-16.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Alexa Rosenau, 5-11, OH. Juniors: Megan Fletcher, 5-11, MB. Sophomores: Aleah Rosenau, 5-11, OH.
• Outlook: The Dukes return three starters and wlecome the addition of Cori Ehmen, an All-Class C-2 setter who transferred from Sutton.

* * *

OMAHA-AREA

Douglas County West
• Coach: Bob Wald, 6th year. 2009: 2-25.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Leigha Peterson, 5-4, RH; Paige Jorgensen, 5-5, MB. Juniors: Anne O’Dell, 5-4, L.
• Outlook: The Falcons will be very young, with eight freshmen out of the 16 girls out for volleyball; depth could help team show improvement.

Fort Calhoun
• Coach: Gina Kotas, 3rd year. 2009: 6-21.
• Returning starters — Seniors: April Stevens, 5-8, S; Kelsie Barnes, 5-11, MB; Preston Marr, 5-10, OH. Sophomores: Maddie Westergard, 6-0, MB; Maggie Christianson, 5-2, DS.
• Outlook: The Pioneers graduated just one senior from last season and should be better.

Louisville
• Coach: Marge Davenport, 2nd year. 2009: 8-21.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Morgan Manley, 5-9, LS; Maylee Roach, 6-0, MB; Sara Rollins, 5-5, S; Dana Gray, 5-7, LS. Juniors: Natalie Minchow, 5-11, S. Sophomores: Morgan Dittberner, 6-0, MB; Alexis Heilig, 5-7, L.
• Outlook: Nice core of returning athletes; hope to be a contender in Class C-2 this season.

Mead
• Coach: Amy Sund, 3rd year. 2009: 11-15.
• Returning starters — Amanda Heinke, 5-2, L; Jenna Schutt, 5-8, MB; Allison Hough, 5-8, M.
• Outlook: A new conditioning program could help the Raiders be more competitive this season.

Omaha Brownell-Talbot
• Coach: Dania Freudenburg, 1st year.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Sonya Schindler, 5-5, S; Laura Basham, 5-8, OH; Rachel Fowler, 5-8, OH; Megan Fowler, 5-8, MB. Juniors: Grace Bartels, 6-0, MB; Nicole Vazquez, 5-3, DS.
• Outlook: New conference (Frontier) and new coach (Dania Freudenburg) for the Raiders, who return six seniors.

Omaha Concordia
• Coach: Kiley Hansen. 7th year. 2009: 25-5.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Lauren Pfeiffer, 5-9, S; Brooke Fletcher, 5-8, RS; Abby Mulder, 5-6, DS. Juniors: Arianne Gesell, 6-0, MB. Sophomores: Kayla Koester, 5-7, OH; Taylor Wickey, 5-11, OH.
• Outlook: Return all but two players from last year’s 25-win squad; Gesell is one of top players in Class C-1.

Omaha Roncalli
• Coach: Laura McElmuray, 2nd year. 2009: 3-29.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Lauren Oehm, 5-4, S; Hannah Weible, 5-6, OH; Sara Gilg, 5-10, MB. Juniors: Jordan Rump, 5-6, OH.
• Outlook: Crimson Pride, who will have several new starters this year, hope to improve from last season.

Weeping Water
• Coach: Mary Mozena, 7th year. 2009: 10-17.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Kylee Schreiner, 5-9, OH. Juniors: Sydney Barrett, 5-9, MB; Jessica Hanson, 5-4, S; Dallas Petereit, 5-7, OH. Sophomores: Kayla Jameson, 5-5, S.
• Outlook: Indians return five starters and have added several talented freshmen.

Yutan
• Coach: Becky O’Malley, 4th year. 2009: 19-11.
• Returning starters — Seniors: Shelby Johnson, 5-5, S; Emilee Page, 5-10, MB; Mary Greblunas, 5-6, DS. Juniors: Katie Thomas, 5-9, MB; Lexi Egr, 5-10, OH; Morgan Davis, 5-9, OH. Sophomores: Morgan O’Malley, 5-6, S.
• Outlook: Chieftains return a lot of experience and could make noise in Class C-2.

• NOTE: Not all teams returned preview sheets.

« High Schools

Share