Experience is one thing the Jefferson Volleyball team won’t lack entering the 2026 season.
Head coach Don Palm begins his 18th season with a 287-119 career record and welcomes back five returning starters from last year’s squad that finished 15-8 overall, went 8-2 in the CVC Lake Division, and shared the league championship with Edgewood. After falling to Hubbard in the sectional finals, the Falcons believe they have the pieces in place to make another run at both a conference title and a deeper postseason appearance.
“We have a solid core of returning players that have quite a bit of experience under their belt,” Palm said. “We expect to be competitive in all of our matches and look to challenge for the CVC Lake Division crown once again. We also would like to make a deeper run in the post-season.”
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Jefferson graduated just one senior in Cheyanne McGirr, but Palm said replacing her leadership will be every bit as important as replacing her production.
“One of the challenges we have this season is filling the leadership role that Cheyanne embraced,” Palm said. “We also have a number of girls that are competing for the second middle hitter position.”
Veteran Leaders Return
Jefferson’s attack begins with senior middle hitter Lauren Hanek, who established herself as one of the area’s top front-row players last season. Hanek finished with 168 kills, 50 aces and 49 blocks, earning First Team All-CVC Lake, First Team All-Ashtabula County, and Second Team All-OHSVCA Division IV honors.
“Lauren has the ability to dominate at the net for us,” Palm said. “We need to get her the ball, and she needs to want the ball as much as possible when she’s in the front row.”
Senior outside hitter Kendra Pal gives the Falcons another experienced offensive weapon after producing 116 kills, 282 digs and 48 aces while collecting Honorable Mention All-OHSVCA Division IV and All-County honors. Palm expects her to continue growing into one of the team’s most dependable six-rotation players.
The Falcons should once again excel defensively thanks to seniors Avery Miller and Maddie Steen. Miller recorded 356 digs and 33 aces a year ago while earning Honorable Mention All-CVC recognition, and Palm believes her volleyball IQ and consistency make her invaluable.
Steen added 296 digs while serving as one of Jefferson’s vocal leaders.
“I feel like she is the glue to this team and provides so much positive energy,” Palm said.
Running the offense will be junior setter Olivia Palm, who contributed 297 assists, 104 kills and 14 blocks while earning Second Team All-Ashtabula County and Honorable Mention All-CVC honors. Whether Jefferson utilizes a 5-1 or 6-2 system, Palm’s versatility gives the Falcons options.
“If we are able to run a 6-2 offense, then she will be asked to provide more firepower from the right side as well,” Coach Palm said.
New Faces Could Make an Immediate Impact
One of Jefferson’s biggest additions may come from its youngest player.
Freshman Henley Wolfert is expected to compete immediately for playing time as both a setter and right-side hitter.
“I’m excited to see what Henley can do at the varsity level,” Palm said. “She is a talented freshman that will potentially be one of our setters and hitters going into the season. Developing some chemistry and trust with girls that she hasn’t played with before will be her biggest challenge.”
The Falcons also expect seniors Kathryn Arcaro, junior Camryn Anservitz, sophomores Rylie Graf and Savannah Post, along with freshmen McKaylyn Paxson and Savannah Webster, to provide depth as Jefferson searches for the right combinations throughout the season.
Keys to the Season
Palm believes Jefferson’s experience gives the Falcons a strong foundation, but he knows returning talent alone won’t guarantee another championship.
“We need to develop more offensive weapons this year and push each other competitively in practice,” he said. “However, we will need our experienced players to elevate their level of play and carry us in big matches.”
Finding the team’s identity will be equally important.
“All coaches and teams are trying to figure out the answers to the question of playing to your team’s strengths while minimizing your weaknesses,” Palm said. “Teams that are successful in doing so will most likely be pretty darn good. Much of that comes with understanding who you are as a team and what you’re building your foundation for success on.”
Outlook
Jefferson enters the season with all the ingredients of another CVC Lake Division contender. The Falcons return nearly every key contributor from last year’s co-championship team, including one of the conference’s top middle hitters, an experienced setter, and a veteran defensive unit that should keep them in every match.
If Jefferson develops additional offensive firepower and finds the right players to complement its veteran core, the Falcons have every opportunity to contend for another league championship while making the deeper postseason run that has become this group’s primary goal.
