The Conneaut Spartans are hitting the reset button in all the right ways as they enter the 2025–2026 season.
With second-year head coach Nicole Grimmett continuing to shape the program, the Spartans bring back a blend of experience, promising youth, and a competitive edge they hope will carry them up the Chagrin Valley Conference ladder.
Grimmett has liked the tone her team has set from the opening days of practice.
“Heading into this season, we have the potential to be very competitive,” Grimmett said. “We have several players who are going to have to play bigger roles than they have in the past. So far, we have seen everyone working hard to rise to the occasion and fill their new roles.”
That willingness to push each other has quickly become the team’s identity, and it’s something she believes will carry over into game nights.
“One of our strengths this season is our team mentality,” she said. “We have a core group that likes to push each other and challenge each other every day at practice. It’s fun and exciting to watch them push themselves each day. The intensity and energy so far have been great.”
With only two returning starters, Conneaut isn’t the deepest team in the conference, but the coaching staff has seen encouraging development from the younger players.
“With only two returning starters and three other varsity returners, we currently do not have as much depth as some other teams,” Grimmett said. “We have some sophomores and freshmen that are working to develop and be ready to help us at the varsity level this year.”
Leading the way is senior guard Alexis Kiser, who averaged 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists last season while earning second-team All-CVC honors. Her offseason growth has been noticeable.
“Kiser has worked very hard this offseason to better her game even more,” Grimmett said. “She’s determined and has high expectations and has set great goals for herself. She is an all-around good player who is here to do whatever she can to help the team succeed. We are very excited to see what she can do in her senior season.”
Junior guard Alexis Warner also returns to the starting lineup after earning honorable mention All-CVC recognition. She has emerged as one of the team’s most vocal leaders.
“Warner has been a very vocal leader for us so far this season,” she said. “She is an excellent defender and will help set the tone for us. She is a player who isn’t afraid of hard work and pushes to do more than expected on a daily basis. We are very proud of her leadership and enthusiasm so far this season.”
Joining them in the starting lineup is junior guard Anna Ring, whose strong defensive instincts and nonstop effort give the Spartans a reliable presence on the perimeter.
“As a sophomore, Anna played at both the varsity and JV level,” Grimmett said. “We saw her grow so much as a player in the 2024-2025 season. We can always count on her to go give 100 percent and will rely on her strong defense.”
Sophomore guard Allison Harmon, who gained heavy varsity minutes as a freshman, is expected to boost both ends of the floor.
“Allison saw a lot of playing time as a freshman on varsity and learned a lot from that,” she said. “She has continued to work hard this summer and offseason. We expect her to play a bigger role on both offense and defense for us this season.”
Rounding out the projected starting five is sophomore guard Liz Hamm, who made noticeable strides over the offseason.
“Liz had some varsity experience last season but has really matured as a player this offseason,” Grimmett said. “We are happy to have her focused and locked in this season. I think we will see her be a big contributor this year.”
Conneaut will also rely on important contributions off the bench. Senior forward Raymie Fill missed part of last year due to injury, but brings much-needed leadership.
“Raymie missed half of the season last year due to injury,” she said. “The team relies on her strong leadership.”
Senior forward Chloe Jones has turned heads with her preseason effort and on-court vision.
“Chloe has really worked hard this preseason,” Grimmett said. “We are excited to see that work pay off when it comes to game time. She has great court vision and sees the floor well.”
Freshman guard Mckenzie Warner and freshman forward Mya Georgia add athleticism and potential to the roster as they settle into the varsity level.
“Mckenzie will add speed and aggressive defense to the team. We are hoping to see her develop throughout the season,” Grimmett said. “Mya has been working on her post game and gaining the confidence she needs each day. We also hope to see her develop throughout the season.”
As for the bigger picture, Conneaut expects tight battles throughout the conference once again.
“Our goal every night is to compete,” Grimmett said. “The competition in the conference was close last year, and most games were a battle until the end. We expect the same for this season. We are focused on raising our rank in the overall conference standings. Staying calm under pressure and working as a unit both offensively and defensively will be key to our success this season.”
