There may not have been many wins in the standings a year ago, but don’t expect the 2026 Wickliffe Volleyball team to resemble last season’s squad.
After finishing 4-17 overall and 0-10 in the Chagrin Valley Conference, third-year head coach Tarryn Ward returns virtually her entire roster. With no seniors lost to graduation, seven returning starters, two additional returning letterwinners and several newcomers adding depth, Ward believes the foundation has finally been established.
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“We didn’t lose many players. I had no seniors, so for the most part everyone is comfortable playing together,” Ward said. “We also got a few additions that give us more depth.”
That continuity has created something the Blue Devils haven’t enjoyed in recent seasons — experience across the lineup. Rather than replacing key contributors, the focus this offseason has been on developing chemistry, refining skills and building confidence.
The biggest challenge remains communication.
“Communicate — that has always been our biggest struggle,” Ward said. “I’ve got lots of drills that focus on our weaknesses. I’ve spent a lot of time in the offseason reading into philosophies and how to translate them to my players… so far it’s been pretty successful.”
Ward believes the talent has always been present. Now it’s about believing in themselves.
“I’m very excited to see the growth my girls have made,” she said. “I have a good group of girls, lots of experience, lots of talent. I believe in them. They just have to believe in themselves, and that’s one of my main focuses this year.”
Returning Leaders
Senior outside hitter/defensive specialist Madelyn Prosuch will be one of the team’s emotional and statistical leaders after earning All-CVC Honorable Mention honors. She finished last season with 35 aces, 90 kills and 147 digs, impacting every phase of the game.
“Madelyn is one of the biggest factors on our team,” Ward said. “The younger girls really look up to her, and she sets a good example. She puts the time in, and I’m very excited to see her growth this year.”
Running the offense is senior setter Ava Parsons, another All-CVC Honorable Mention selection who recorded 182 assists last season.
“Ava has really put in a lot of time this offseason,” Ward said. “She has grown tremendously. I’m looking forward to seeing how she translates all her work onto the court.”
Junior libero Audrey Musgrave anchors the defense after posting 127 digs last season. Ward has coached Musgrave since middle school and expects her expanded leadership role to pay dividends.
“I’ve had the pleasure to coach Audrey every year since she was in eighth grade,” Ward said. “To watch her player development over the years has truly been special. She keeps us together on the court. As an upperclassman now, I’m excited to see how she does in a little more of a leadership position.”
Versatility Across the Net
Sophomore Hailey Blazetic brings valuable versatility after playing multiple positions last season before settling into a more defined role.
“Last year Hailey really played wherever I needed her to,” Ward said. “Every game it was, ‘Hey, I need you to play here. Is that okay?’ This year she’s really established her spot. She works hard, she shows up and she has a good attitude.”
Senior middle hitter Abigail Sulyok enters her third varsity season with high expectations.
“Abby has been in our program for four years,” Ward said. “This will be her third year on varsity and I expect big things from her this year.”
Sophomore opposite hitter Addy Brown gained valuable varsity experience as a freshman and should benefit from that learning curve.
“Addy is one of my most underrated players,” Ward said. “Last year she started as a freshman, which was a little nerve-racking for her, so I’m eager to see how she grows this season.”
Junior Natalie Sulyok adds even more flexibility, capable of playing outside hitter, middle hitter and opposite.
“Natalie has been working on learning new positions this year,” Ward said. “I think she will be a threat offensively.”
Depth Continues to Improve
Sophomore defensive specialist Elizabeth Prosuch returns after making a significant impact in the back row last season.
“Liz had a big role last year,” Ward said. “She held down our back row. She’s a crucial part of our lineup, and I expect her to be just as big of an asset this year.”
Additional contributors expected to strengthen the Blue Devils’ depth include senior Khloe Scott, junior Madison Rusnak, freshman Miana Jarosz, and junior Patty Babb.
Those players provide Ward with additional options and competition throughout the lineup as Wickliffe looks to take a significant step forward.
Outlook
Experience alone doesn’t guarantee wins, but it certainly gives Wickliffe a chance to improve. The Blue Devils have virtually everyone back, established leadership at every level of the court and a coach who has invested heavily in player development during the offseason.
If the communication improves and the players embrace the confidence Ward believes they possess, Wickliffe could be one of the CVC’s most improved teams this fall.
With nearly the entire roster returning and another year of experience together, the Blue Devils have every reason to believe brighter days are ahead.
