First-year head coach David Bill is eager to see what his experienced and hungry squad can achieve in the 2023 season.
The Blue Streaks won just three matches last fall but return seven starters and four other letter-winners as they make their Chagrin Valley Conference debut this fall.
“The girls are hungry to win,” Bill said. “We are going to be very competitive this year. They are fast with our offense and defense. There is a huge desire they have this year to not only be competitive in the Lake Division, but their goal is to win it.”
Madison will have its share of challenges this fall, including replacing Riley Meister, who now plays at Mount Union.
“I had a chance to meet Riley during our summer open gyms and it appeared to me she brought a great presence on the outside, but this year we actually have a huge presence with several outside hitters that I am excited about,” Bills said. “Also, last year’s libero has graduated and that spot is now being filled by junior Shay Roby, who is outstanding at this position.”
Madison’s offense will hinge on the success of junior setter Jadeyn Zepeda.
Zepeda recorded 171 assists, 89 digs, eight kills, and 23 aces as a sophomore.
“Jayden’s hands in setting are incredible,” Bill said. “She can set anywhere on the court This summer, I have seen her work hard and she shows how coachable she is, which is going to continue to make her an awesome player.”
Senior captain Izzy Kapostasy returns on the right side and she also can play on the outside. She recorded 41 kills, seven blocks, 24 digs, and 11 service receptions last fall.
Senior middle Sydney Sorber also returns after hammering home 49 kills with 26 blocks, 20 digs, and six aces last season.
“Izzy shows a lot of grit and energy, and she works hard and shows great leadership,” Bill said. “Sydney is a force to reckon with in the middle. She is full of excitement and energy and moves all over the court.”
Madison’s other captain, senior Jasmine Neurohr, will play outside or right side. She recorded 55 kills with five aces, nine blocks, 27 digs, and 28 service receptions last season.
“Jasmine is always early to practice, a great team motivator, and always wants to stay late and work harder,” Bill said.
Rounding out the projected starting rotation are junior outside hitter Allie Hurst and Roby, who will play libero.
“I love how hard Allie works on the court and is always looking to improve her game. She has a great swing from the outside,” Bill said. “Shay is a hard worker, quick on her feet, and covers a lot of court. She is always looking to improve her game.”
Providing depth for the Blue Streaks are seniors Ella Masony, Madison Fairbanks, and Abby LaPorte, and juniors Olivia Miller, Tori Semple, and Alayna Prokop.
Masony is a team captain and middle hitter who recorded 48 kills and 16 blocks last season. Fairbanks is a setter. She recorded 40 digs and 73 assists last fall. LaPorte is a setter. She recorded 107 assists and 36 digs as a junior.
“Ella is a leader, and a lot of the girls look up to her. She plays with a lot of enthusiasm,” Bill said. “Madison has an infectious positive attitude, shows a ton of hustle, and is a student of the game. Abby is a leader on and off the court. She has such an encouraging energetic spirit about her that draws her teammates to her passion.”
Miller is an outside hitter, Semple plays in the middle, and Prokop is a defensive specialist/libero.
“Olivia has a great outside game and is a big leaper. She plays above the net at times,” Bill said. “Tori will be a force in the middle as she is quick on her feet and can jump. Alayna is truly a hustler. She covers a lot of territory and sacrifices her body on the court.”
Bill plans to use his deep bench to his advantage to maintain high energy on the court.
“We will definitely, with all the talent on this varsity roster, use the strengths that we have in our different positions as each of the girls has a primary role,” he said. “Also, we have and will watch game film and correct the weakness immediately to stay competitive. A lot of that we were able to adjust in the offseason with open gyms as a first-year head coach coming in to do a lot of listening with the girls. Plus, my varsity assistant, Jessica McPeek, a Madison graduate who not only played high school volleyball, played college as well, who has been with the program now in her seventh year as a coach, was a huge component for me coming in and helping implement some new systems.”
