Tri-Valley and Nativity facing off in a District 11 Class A girls' volleyball semifinal last season at Minersville's Thomas Fitzpatrick Gymnasium (Photo by Danie Mae Photography).

The Schuylkill League has long been a hotbed for Pennsylvania high school volleyball, producing state champions, gritty underdogs and memorable autumn nights filled with diving digs and thunderous kills. As the 2025 season begins, the league once again showcases a blend of tradition and new talent that promises to make for another unpredictable race toward league and district glory.

The 2024 season captured it all. Pottsville stamped its dominance once more, sweeping Panther Valley for the league championship at Martz Hall in an emphatic display of depth and determination. The playoff gauntlet featured fierce quarterfinal showdowns: Panther Valley swept past Nativity and Tri-Valley’s grit pulled the Dawgs past Mahanoy Area. The semifinal matchups — Panther Valley against Marian and Tri‑Valley vs. Pottsville — set the stage for a grand finale that saw the reigning champs prevail.

Recognition followed the season’s best performances, with the Crimson Tide’s Lainey Dusel and Marian’s Isabella Horvat earning Player of the Year honors in Division I and Division II, respectively. A host of league standouts — including Morgan Orsulak, Alexa Marshall, Caylin Blashock, Callie Melocheck, Sara Spolski and more — landed on all-star rosters. The league’s excellence extended beyond county lines as Mahanoy Area and Tri‑Valley claimed District 11 titles in Class AA and Class A, respectively.

Let’s go in-depth around the Schuylkill League and get a better picture of what this season could have in store …

Defending champs look to reload

Pottsville enters the year with a target on its back after winning the league crown and advancing in District 11 Class 3A last fall. While the Tide graduated several standouts, coach Maria Sherakas returns a hungry roster led by senior Maggie Brennan and junior Rhyan Brennan. A wave of underclassmen will be counted on to keep the program at the top.

Perennial contenders ready to challenge

Tri-Valley and Marian once again figure to be right in the mix. The Dawgs, the defending District 11 Class A champs, bring back a seasoned group including seniors Aubrianna Zimmerman and Callie Melocheck, while coach Courtney Campbell’s message of effort and faith continues to resonate. Marian, a state playoff regular, boasts a senior-heavy lineup highlighted by Lara Cancio and Alena Lombardo. Coach Maria Currie believes the Fillies’ mix of veterans and incoming freshmen has them primed for another deep run.

Rising programs on the hunt

Mahanoy Area made noise last season with a District 11 Class AA championship and PIAA tournament berth. The Golden Bears, led by Hailey Mroczka and Naomi Kowalick, will look to prove that 2024’s breakthrough was no fluke. Pine Grove, a 15-win squad last year, may have lost a talented senior class but coach Erin Frantz is banking on a strong junior core to keep the Cardinals competitive.

Panther Valley, a league runner-up and District 3A qualifier a season ago, brings back a spirited squad with Orsulak and Breslin leading the charge.

Programs rebuilding with purpose

Schuylkill Haven and Minersville enter 2025 in transition. The Hurricanes are young, with a roster dominated by juniors and sophomores, but coach Rick McCollough is confident the team will battle each night. Minersville, under coach John Kostishak, has just one returning varsity player but is embracing the challenge of building chemistry with a new coalition.

Lourdes is also turning the page after losing a big senior class. Coach Larry Czeponis expects improvement as newcomers gain confidence, while Nativity looks to blend youthful talent with the leadership of seniors Lily Baran and Chloe Covell.

Veteran-laden squads eyeing a jump

North Schuylkill boasts one of the deepest senior classes in the league, with nine upperclassmen ready to lead the Spartans. Blue Mountain also has plenty of familiar names back, including Jaedyn Bartholomew and Bella Grasso, giving Eagles coach Gregg Gergely a solid foundation to build upon.

Tamaqua and Weatherly return balanced groups looking to climb the standings, while Williams Valley is optimistic under coach Chloe Shadle with several key players back from a three-win season. Shenandoah Valley, meanwhile, has embraced a new attitude after a tough 2024 campaign, with coach Tom Lautta praising the Blue Devils’ offseason work ethic.

Another year of high-flying action

From league champions trying to defend their crown to rebuilding programs hungry to surprise, the Schuylkill League once again brings together tradition, passion, and plenty of talent. With packed gyms, competitive rivalries and players who live for the big moment, expect another season full of highlights across the county.

Schuylkill League Volleyball
2025 Preview Capsules

Division I

Blue Mountain Eagles

Head coach: Gregg Gergely

Graduation losses: Kenzie Staller

2025 Roster: Jaedyn Bartholomew (sr.), Bella Grasso (sr.), Lucy Werdt (sr.), Madison Gerlott (sr.), Piper Reinhart (sr.), Rachael Moyer (sr.), Julia Branch (jr.), Lilly Andrefski (jr.), Zoe Leibensperger (jr.), Tess Krasnay (jr.), Alexa Marshall (so.), Julia Geirsson (so.), Casie Reed (so.), Ella Gonzalez (so.), Hayley Tofany (so.), Elizabeth Dewald (so.), Clara Easter (so.), Dahlia Hughes (so.), Haley Banonis (fr.), Cora Philyaw (fr.), Emma Lloyd (fr.), Madison Reed (fr.), BellaBleu VanDelay (fr.)

Outlook: N/A

Lourdes Red Raiders

Head coach: Larry Czeponis

Graduation losses: Anna Keer, Corinne Feese, Anna Krebs, Ella Kerris, McKenna Moser

2025 Roster: Dakota Boehmer (sr.), Jill Kerstetter (sr.), Avery Beaver (sr.), Davida Steele (jr.), Madilyn Wertman (jr.), Katie Bobkoski (so.), Margo Yablonski (so.), Sophia Padula (so.), Bella Hudick (so.), Neveah Luke (so.), Reaghan Fuller (so.), Maggie McCarthy (fr.), Trinity Depka (fr.), Abby Boehmer (fr.), Bella Cherry (fr.), Lexi Wydra (fr.), Kayla Luke (fr.)

Outlook: “We should see much improvement as our new girls get more matches under their belt and are able to work out the jitters.” – Larry Czeponis

Mahanoy Area Golden Bears

Head coach: Kelly Bobby

Graduation losses: Lexie Chilinskas, Caylin Blashock, Carly Honus

2025 Roster: Hailey Morczka (sr.), Sienna Napoli (sr.), Ava Kowalchick (jr.), Naomi Kowalick (jr.), Yehlina Reyes (jr.), Sam Price (jr.), Gabby Bobby (jr.), Ally Bet (so.), Emma Manley (fr.), Emily Blashock (fr.), Mady Ryan (fr.), Julianna Wonsock (fr.)

Outlook: N/A

North Schuylkill Spartans

Head coach: Tyler Mutchler

Graduation losses: Giavana Halford, Lindsay Brouse

2025 Roster: Kyla Carado (sr.), Mya Conti (sr.), Brigid Flynn (sr.), Carrah Hill (sr.), Lyza Holmes (sr.), Raven Marlow (sr.), Carissa Ossman (sr.), Lauren Powis (sr.), Emily Walsh (sr.), Lexi Samelko (jr.), Anna Mourad (jr.), Hayden Marlow (jr.), Lucy Barrett (so.), Payton Buchanan (so.), Parker Drum (so.), Autumn Houser (so.), Abby Rismiller (so.), Aubrey Krevinas (fr.), Ava Cuttic (fr.), Kaitlyn Ennis (fr.)

Outlook: N/A

Panther Valley Panthers

Head coach: Nancy Filer

Graduation losses: Natalie Vermillion, Abby Beneck, Emma Dacey

2025 Roster: Morgan Orsulak (sr.), Caroline Breslin (sr.), Emma Boger (sr.), Chloe Hadley (sr.), Hannah Shreffler (sr.), JaeLynn Browdy (jr.), Jessica Hackash (jr.), Madeline Schirer (jr.), Danika Blazosky (so.), Isabella D’Ancona (so.), Sophia Paton (fr.), Nina Thorpe (fr.), Jovie Breiner (fr.), Kathryn Breslin (fr.)

Outlook: “We’re looking forward to a great and fun season. These girls love being on the court. It’s been competitive and I just love watching them play.” – Nancy Filer

Pine Grove Cardinals

Head coach: Erin Frantz

Graduation losses: Domani Collazo, Mary Fertig, Madison Shiffer, Victoria Schaeffer, Hannah Leininger, Ashley Bonawitz, Sophie Harris

2025 Roster: Anaja Rose DeBruyn (sr.), Molly Drumheller (sr.), Sienna Joseph (sr.), Addison Daubert (jr.), Lily Flynn (jr.), Graycie Griffiths (jr.), Payton Harris (jr.), Bella Kassab (jr.), Megan Snyder (jr.), Kamryn Heming (so.), Harper Levan (so.), Emma Porter (so.), Allie Strubhar (so.), Natalie Terry (so.), Brinley Aungst (fr.), Ava Berhent (fr.), Aalyah Holland (fr.), Allura Lutz (fr.)

Outlook: “We lost several key players to graduation this past season, but we have a strong junior class and sophomore class that have been working hard and looking to step up and make an impact at the varsity level.” – Erin Frantz

Pottsville Crimson Tide

Head coach: Maria Sherakas

Graduation losses: Tessa Bartashus, Carly Demcher, Lauren Ditzler, Lainey Dusel, Lizzy Martinko, Brooklyn Reinert

2025 Roster: Maggie Brennan (sr.), Rhyan Brennan (jr.), Anna Burke (jr.), Ava Schwartz (jr.), Megan Yost (jr.), Gianna LaSelva (jr.), Olivia Pacovsky (jr.), Ava Duffy (so.), Ciera Kline (so.), Kenna Corby (so.), Cat Mohl (fr.), Kaleya Reed (fr.), Jasaria Baker (fr.), Abbie Brown (fr.), Roselyn Burgos (fr.), Takiera Curry (fr.), Libby Jones (fr.), Olivia Lauderman (fr.), Allison Morocho (fr.), Kyla Ney (fr.), Anna Powers (fr.), Rolianys Rivera (fr.)

Outlook: “Girls have worked hard in the offseason and preseason and will look to retain their league title and advance in district play.” – Maria Sherakas

Tamaqua Blue Raiders

Head coach: Marie Schock

Graduation losses: Leah Crowley, Paige Setcavage, Samantha Miller

2025 Roster: Abigail Morgans (sr.), Abigail Whitehead (sr.), Alivia Woodring (sr.), Audrey Nattress (sr.), Carla Castro-Sencion (sr.), Kelsey Lusch (sr.), Kendle Miller (sr.), Leah Black (sr.), Madelyn Sweeney (sr.), Isidora Neifert (sr.), Madison Schock (jr.), Payton Selby (jr.), Millie Black (so.) Naomi Knitter (so.), Skylare McConnon (fr.), Stephanie Chen (fr.)

Outlook: N/A

Division II

Marian Fillies

Head coach: Maria Currie

Graduation losses: N/A

2025 Roster: Lara Cancio (sr.), Alena Lombardo (sr.), Caydense Smith (sr.), Isabella Horvat (sr.), Eris Hayes (sr.), Maisie Petscahuer (jr.), Kali Grochowski (jr.), Maddy Davis (jr.), Destiny Melendez (so.), Breanne Hopek (so.), Cara Rehnert (so.), Reagan LeClair (fr.), JoElle Currie (fr.), Haley Minzola (fr.), Ciari Wolfgang (fr.), Abby Whittaker (fr.), Ella Bones (fr.), Maiya Vavro (fr.)

Outlook: We have a strong returning core of varsity players, along with incoming talent. This squad is ready to hit the ground running with an intense opening season schedule. They need to bring their volleyball skills and the intangibles that win games every night.” – Maria Currie

Minersville Battlin’ Miners

Head coach: John Kostishak

Graduation losses: Ayla Castle, Camryn Colna, Choeli Dullard, Hailey Bowers, Hailey Croley, Lydia Harris, Rebecca Zula

2025 Roster: Arielle Boyer (sr.), Bella Cruz (sr.), Arianna John (sr.), Jasmine Concepcion (jr.), Alexis Hummel (jr.), Caty Ilsley (jr.), Aliyah Webster (jr.), Isabella Balance (so.), Adrielis Batista (so.), Eva Ladick (fr.), Jayden Pangaio (fr.), Delaney Securda (fr.), Avery Wallace (fr.), Alison Shiffer (fr.)

Outlook: “With only one returning varsity player we are looking to improve each day.” – John Kostishak

Nativity Green Wave

Head coach: Jennifer Daubert

Graduation losses: Sara Spolski, Julianna Carlson

2025 Roster: Lily Baran (sr.), Chloe Covell (sr.), Morgan Howell (sr.), Addisan Ricard (jr.), Amara Miller (jr.), Emma Joan Fox (jr.), Janelle Ziegmont (jr.), Finley McNamara (jr.), Addison Watkins (jr.), Madison Purcell (jr.), Kylah Stewart (so.), Brandi Boyer (so.), Olivia Whitaker (so.), Alexa Miller (fr,), Callista Wessner (fr.), Ella Grabowski (fr.), Emily Lorence (fr.), Kalli Smith (fr.), Maevis Trakes (fr.), Brynna Hylka (fr.), Auriella Bechtel (fr.)

Outlook: “Despite its youth, the team is working extremely hard to build chemistry and confidence and is looking forward to continuing the tradition of the program’s success. The team will be led by a strong upperclassmen group who have shown true leadership in guiding and supporting the younger players on the squad.” – Jennifer Daubert

Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes

Head coach: Rick McCullough

Graduation losses: Karlee Feger

2025 Roster: Averee Foster (sr.), Hailey Keppley (sr.), Lydia Hartz (jr.), Makayla Koller (jr.), Graceline Line (jr.), Hannah Nelson (jr.), Joie Schoffstall (jr.), Tessa Benedict (so.), Paisley Cranford (so.), Kholee Engle (so.), Riley Gotthardt (so.), Aisley Jenan (so.), Jaiden Kocher (so.), Lynne Nguyen (so.), Layla Sinko (so.), Klarissa Leffew (fr.), Brooke Lehman (fr.), Lexi Mull (fr.), Sofia Randazzo (fr.), Danica Snyder (fr.), Addison Surock (fr.)

Outlook: “We are extremely young with several juniors and sophomores making up the rest of our varsity team. The JV team will be made up of almost exclusively freshmen with no experience. We are rebuilding this year but hope to be competitive.” – Rick McCulloch

Shenandoah Valley Blue Devils

Head coach: Tom Lautta

Graduation losses: Kaye Lynn Sheehan, Morgan Labosky, Angelique Zamudio, Katina McNulty, Brianna Gulden, Yainelys Hernandez

2025 Roster: Ava Ant (sr.), Aubrey Getz (sr.), Jourdin Karvois (sr.), Aubrie Monaghan (jr.), Valeria Hernandez (jr.), Roxana Triminio (jr.), Brittany Tufts (so.), Elianny Navir (so.), Esmeralda Victoriano (so.), Luisanny Reyes (so.), Sugeiris Nunez (so.), Xiomy Diaz (so.), Giana Troutman (fr.), Jocelyn Chagolla (fr.), Stephanie Brobst (fr.), Trista Karosas (fr.)

Outlook: “My team goal is to bring change this season. They showed up all summer putting in 110 percent effort every single day. We are going in more confidently this year and looking forward to the challenge. We want to gain respect and get after our goals.” – Tom Lautter

Tri-Valley Dawgs

Head coach: Courtney Campbell

Graduation losses: Ellie Dunkelberger, Jamie Fetterhoff

2025 Roster: Aubrianna Zimmerman (sr.), Callie Melocheck (sr.), Liv Lupole (sr.), Emma Moore (sr.), Kirra Klinger (jr.), Hope Bruso (jr.), Faith Melocheck (jr.), Lexi Lesher (jr.), Kylie Clemmer (jr.), Kenzie Tobin (jr.), Shea Nye (so.), Ella Gemberling (so.), Brielle Smith (so.), Alina Leonard (so.), Emma Brandenberger (so.), Kinsleigh Kehler (fr.), Ellie Wagner (fr.), Ella Snyder (fr.), Leah Specht (fr.), Tessa Neville (fr.), Liv Porter (fr.)

Outlook: “We are a strong returning team with many returning starters and should compete in the league and district playoffs. We are planning to show up every day to give our best effort and leave the rest in God’s hands!” -Courtney Scheib

Weatherly Wreckers

Head coach: Erica Kane-Poweski

Graduation losses: N/A

2025 Roster: Abby Weston (sr.), Kelly Reiner (sr.), Abby Binder (sr.), Kendra Moyer (sr.), Kelly Reiner (sr.), Mya Binder (jr.), Krisna Lucero (jr.), Melina Ayala (fr.), Jillian Esposito (fr.), Raven Biles (fr.), Melina Ayala (fr.)

Williams Valley Vikings

Head coach: Chloe Shadle

Graduation losses: Audrina Fry

2025 Roster: Brooke Beddi (sr.), Naomi Carl (sr.), Roxanne Machamer (sr.), Taylor McAloose (sr.), Gabrielle Duprez (jr.), Hayley Fenlason (jr.), Kamri Koppenhaver (jr.), Emily Miller (jr.), Julia Nelson (jr.), Emma Reinoehl (jr.), Haley Rivera (jr.), Adrianna Etzweiler (so.), Mackenzie Miller (so.), Liliana Przydial (so.), Emily Sorokach (so.), Kyley Boe (fr.), Makaya McAloose (fr.), Kaylee Schnoke (fr.), Myla Berger (fr.), Garrett LaFlamme (fr.)

Outlook: “Very excited for the season, as we have many returning starters. The girls have been in the gym all summer working to get better for the fall season.” – Chloe Shade