Buhler Crusaders
First-year head coach Ashley Nehls inherits a program with a solid core in returning starters Emerson Waldren, Rorey Waldren and Taylin Krafels.
The Crusaders will look to blend experience with youth as they build toward AVCTL-III competition. Newcomers expected to contribute include Montana Peterson, Aubrey Leiker, Addy Keller and Karsyn Martinez, giving Buhler several options for lineup depth.
Fairfield Falcons
Head coach Jenny Knoche (9th year) brings back three starters in Kenley Fowler, Aaliyah Baker and Fatima Espinosa.
“Our strengths are that this is a very coachable group,” Knoche said. “They work hard and are willing to play the position I ask them.”
She added, “I think the underclassmen are going to be a fun group to watch. What excites me most is watching the girls develop and find their flow together — and getting that first win of the season and watching them celebrate.”
Freshman Madison Pugh is expected to contribute right away as Fairfield looks to gain experience through the season.
Halstead Dragons
Head coach Diana Schutte (21st season, 420–278 career) leads the defending Class 3A state champions, who finished 43–2 in 2024.
The Dragons return heavy hitters in Katharine Engel (395 kills, 69 aces, 302 digs, All-State) and Bailey Bernal (481 kills, 271 digs, 1st Team All-State), along with versatile Jordy Schroeder (177 kills), Daynica Ewer, Piper Schroeder and Annie Williams.
Halstead must replace graduated setter Dalaina Schutte and defensive specialist Sloane Linton, while libero Piper Schroeder is still recovering from an ACL injury. Even so, the Dragons bring championship experience and strong leadership with Engel and Bernal at the net.
Newcomers expected to step in include Ainsley Farmer and Tess Williams.
Haven Wildcats
Second-year head coach Katie Wendler returns four starters in Avery Brawner, Hadley Idacavage, Sierra Yoder and Mayzie Warden.
“Our biggest strength is a solid core, combined with some new upcoming varsity players,” Wendler said. “The key to unlocking our full potential is staying confident and rising above the pressure. If we come together and play as one team, there’s no doubt we’ll be a force to watch this season.”
Warden, the senior libero, has surpassed 1,500 career digs, while Idacavage has tallied over 500 assists in each of the past two seasons. Wendler added, “We will be young and fun to watch. We have some really scrappy up-in-comers that will help us on both the offensive and defensive side of things. It should be a very exciting season!”
Newcomers to watch include Brooke Loop, Rilynn Patry and Lily Wicky.
Hesston Swathers
First-year head coach Delice Downing, a veteran of the college ranks and two-time NJCAA national champion coach, takes over a program that returns Maci Rhodes, Cecilia Williams, Callie Yoder and Jacy Proctor.
“Coming off a great season we are hungry to compete for the league title, Sub-state title and have a ball at the State Tournament,” Downing said. “We are the sleeper team!”
She praised her group’s depth and serving ability: “We could for sure be the strongest serving team and serve receive team in the league… we have great depth, VB IQ, tons of grit and will be trained at the highest level.”
“I love the hunger and fire this team brings to the court day in and day out,” she added. “Grit! Grind! Respect! is our motto! Watch out, because these girls want it!”
Newcomers expected to contribute include Addyson Reif, alongside a strong sophomore class.
Hutchinson Salthawks
Head coach Josie Armstrong returns three key players in Myka Thompson, Bryten Ashcraft and Lynnea Alvarez.
“We have a talented setter, Myka Thompson, who runs an efficient offense,” Armstrong said. “She’s an incredible leader on and off the court as well.”
Armstrong also highlighted her seniors’ leadership: “I am excited about our level of experience this year… We will rely on our seniors for leadership. They are great role models on and off the court.”
Newcomers expected to contribute include Ella Fredrick and Aah’Lice Jackson.
Inman Teutons
Head coach Kat Russell (43–3 overall, 16–0 district in 2024) brings back a stacked lineup led by Suttyn Harris, Kenna Woods, Morgan Froese, Adi Alcala, Taylor Froese, Ellie Thimmesch and Allison Schrag.
“We are all very excited for our season to start,” Russell said. “All my girls have worked so hard this summer. They are extremely dedicated young ladies.”
Russell praised Utah commit, Harris’ leadership — “Her leadership on and off the court is crucial for our success” — and noted Woods is “looking better than ever” after injury. She called Froese “a powerhouse in the middle” and said Alcala is “a pitbull in the back row.”
Newcomers expected to contribute include Maddison Parson, Kora McClellan and Olivia Brunk.
Little River Redskins
Head coach Kim Rolfs (450–159 career) returns a veteran group including Arika Feldman, Havana Olander, Lucy Wright, Addie Strecker, Evie Look, Saelyn Raleigh, Avery Lafferty, Macy Schubert and Kate Hendrickson.
“Our seniors will definitely be key in our leadership and discipline to work every day to better our team,” Rolfs said. “What will separate us from others will be our ability to celebrate each other’s success and put the team’s success first.”
Rolfs also praised sophomore Macy Schubert: “She was a steady consistent player last year and I see her standing out a bit more this season.”
Newcomers include a promising freshman class, continuing the momentum of a senior group chasing their fourth straight state championship.
McPherson Bullpups
Veteran head coach Christy Doile enters her 20th season (573–222 career) after leading McPherson to a 26–18 record and a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Class 4A State Tournament. The Bullpups also finished second to Buhler in the AVCTL Division III.
“We return two starters that have played every varsity point since their freshmen year, helping our program to 2nd and 4th place finishes at the 4A state tournament,” Doile said. “We have an experienced team with talent and depth in the program, and there are new kids eager to earn their time on the varsity court.”
Key returners include Brooke Doile (372 kills, 2nd team All-State), Ava Romero (299 kills, 1st team All-League), Rylie Whitfield (708 assists), Carmin Pavlovich and Adelyn Barrow.
Newcomers and upperclassmen expected to contribute include Karsen Burris, Kynslie Minns, Elley Paulsen, Jersey Alexander and Karlie (OP).
The Bullpups will also navigate the challenge of being temporarily displaced from the Roundhouse due to flooding. “No matter where we play or practice, we are excited to compete, exceed potential and make some great memories together in 2025,” Doile said.
Nickerson Panthers
Longtime small-school powerhouse coach Trish Wade takes over at Nickerson after 17 years and three state championships at St. John. Wade owns more than 420 career victories and was inducted into the Barton Community College Sports Hall of Fame for her standout playing career.
“I told the girls, we’re not just going to lose anymore,” Wade said. “If we’re going to change the culture, it starts with believing we can win again. I believe that you can build a program off of discipline, heart, hustle and the mindset of a competitor.”
Wade inherits a team that went 12–25 in 2024, but she sees strong potential in leaders Delaney Childs and Denae Engelland. “They’re leaders, and they’re coachable,” she said. “The whole group has responded with a willingness to learn, and that’s where it all starts.”
Wade is joined by assistants Teresa Rush and Allie Frederick, and the Panthers will compete in a rugged CKL that includes defending state champion Halstead.
Sedgwick Cardinals
Veteran head coach Karen Stucky enters her 24th season with a career record of 619–219, leading a group that returns Kalyn Sampson, Alivia Burns, Lauren McGinn, Briella Steventon and Mya Tiede.
“We will have a great mix of veteran players and newcomers,” Stucky said. “I think we have a stronger front row presence and a really scrappy defense. We have some very good senior leaders so I expect them to lead us in a great direction this fall.”
She added, “I’m excited to build on last year’s trip to state. We have the pieces but need to put it all together.”
Newcomers expected to contribute include Ella Vondracek and Brooklyn Cox.
Sterling Black Bears
Head coach Lori Smith (74–34 in four years) returns key players in Chloe Garrett, Julia Wohler, Lydia Webb, Brynn Ayala and Allie Gray.
“We have a hardworking, great group of girls who have put in time this summer getting better,” Smith said. She noted the team will need to replace its go-to hitter from last season but believes others are ready to step up.
“It’s a great group of girls who have wonderful attitudes,” Smith added. “We have a strong senior class that’s ready to lead.”
Newcomers expected to contribute include Ady Surface, Tayla Hughes and Karis Dillard.
Trinity Catholic Celtics
Head coach Lauren Cost returns one starter, Eilley Cost, and expects 2025 to be a rebuilding year.
“I anticipate 2025 being a development year,” Cost said. “We have a lot of excited players that are ready to start the season, but we are not very experienced at the varsity level. I anticipate that there will be some growing pains.”