Girls volleyball season has started! How do our coaches see their teams doing this year? Let’s check it out!
School: Amundsen HS
Coach’s Season Outlook: Last season, we finished with a 17-13 overall record and an undefeated 9-0 mark in conference play. We captured the Sectional Conference title and earned a spot in the Super Conference. This year, we’re excited to watch our talented seniors—Ava Solomon (RS), Freja Brask (OH), Olivia Anderson (MH), Charlotte Smyth (RS), Talis Hasan (DS) and Amara Tandori (Libero)—lead the way as part of a strong starting lineup. Returning setters Nyla Carraway and Sydney McHatten have made significant strides and are ready to shine on the court. We also have solid returning outside hitters in Sheane Finn and Charley Sellers, who bring experience and power. Newcomers Sherlyn Nieto (OH) and Anyleslie (Lib, DS) are working hard and will be key contributors this season. Let’s go, Vikings!
School name: Back of the Yards College Prep High School
Last season’s record: 6-9-1
Social media handle: Instagram @boycpgvball
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Paola Diaz , S, Senior
Allison Granat, OH, Junior
Evelyna Perez, M, Senior
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Tanzeela Shafi, RS, Senior
Dia Guzman, RS, Junior
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Yaritza Ortiz, L, Junior
Nathalie Rodriguez, DS, Junior
Sofia Cancino, RS, Junior
Idaly Gonzalez, S, Junior
Esmeralda Martinez, DS, Junior
Sofia Barragan, M, Freshman
Evelyn Macias OH, Freshman
Coach’s season outlook:
We are looking to be top 3 in the conference with some really exciting matches. This is going to be a good year us in a number of different metrics.
School name: Clemente
Last season’s record: 3-10
Social media handle: @rccachicago
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Returning starters and four year players for Clemente include:
- Ta’Khari Robinson (DS, 12th)
- Soraya Caillouet (L, 12th)
- Ciyandrea Riley-Davis (MB, 12th)
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Our returning non-starters who will be taking on starting roles this year include:
- Mya Maldonado Bustamante (OH/RS, 12th)
- Tajahnae Sanders (S, 12th)
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Newcomers who are coming up from our sophomore team include:
- Neriangeli Benavides-Flores (S, 11th)
- Dania Osorio (DS, 11th)
Games to watch:
- Clemente vs. Phoenix (neighboring schools)
- Clemente vs. Disney II (we have historically had very tough games between the two teams)
Coach’s season outlook:
This will be a rebuilding year for us as we graduated the majority of our talented starting lineup last year. However, we are excited to reconsider our style of play and continue to develop our new and returning players to continue to push our program to be successful!
School name: Crane Medical Prep High School
Last season’s record: 9-3
Social media handle: @Craneathletics
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Essence Hale, SO, OH.
Shannon Breeze-Turner, SO, DS
Taniya Reynolds- JR. Setter
Brooklyn Holmes- SO, Setter
Mariah Williams- JR. OPP
Genette Bowers- JR. Middle
Returning non-starters (name, class, position, stats):
Shakira Carr- JR, DS
Ariel Buckly- SR, DS
Mariah Jordan- SR, DS
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Amiraoh Carradine- SR, DS
Naeema Evans- FR DS
Jada Jolayemi- SO, Middle, OPP
Laylah Sahabi- JR. DS
Coach’s season outlook:
Girls have been working hard to continue moving the needle forward. Last season we finished 3rd in conference which is growth from the season before (4-10). If we remain disciplined this season will yield a beautiful outcome.
School name: Juárez Community Academy High School
Last season’s record: 6-3 in conference
Social media handle: @bjcavolleyball
Returning starters (name, class, position):
-Kiana Shew: Junior, Outside Hitter
-Crystal Espinoza: Junior, Middle Blocker
-Genevieve Lopez: Sophomore, Libero/Setter
– Ariana Vargas: Senior, Libero
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Noelia Garcia: Junior, OH. MB
Marisol Santos: Junior, Setter
Anais Jaime: Sophomore, MB Setter
Stefania Condurache: Junior, OH
Jazline Salgado: Sophomore, Setter
Emily Resendiz: Junior, OH
Diana castellanos: Junior, OPP
Jazmine Palafox – Benitez: Junior, MB
Ashley Hurtado: Junior, OH
Coach’s season outlook:
Coming off a 6–3 conference record last season, we’re excited to blend our four returning starters with a group of talented new varsity players. This year is a building season, focused on developing chemistry, sharpening fundamentals, and embracing a “next point” mentality. Our veterans bring leadership and experience, while our newcomers add energy and fresh potential. With hard work and growth, we aim to stay competitive in every match and continue raising the standard for our program.
School name: Lane Tech College Prep
Last year’s record: 29-8
Social media handle: https://www.instagram.com/lanetechgirlsvolleyball/
Starters returning (name, position, year in school, stats):
Seniors:
Abigail Graff – OH – 70 Kills last year
Juniors:
Sophia Abdulah – MB 47 Hills, 20 Blocks
Colette Heneghan- OH 43 Kills, 11 Blocks
Sophomores:
Lena Palus – Libero – 35 Aces, 101 Digs
Sophia Polec – Middle Blocker – 135 Kills, 45 Blocks
Janelle-Elise Ibegha – OH – 58 Kills
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school):
Maya Rodgers – Setter – Junior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Juniors:
Amelie Patterson – Setter
Elizabeth Gary – DS
Sophomores:
Elle Colgan – OH
Coach’s season outlook: We lost 8 seniors, but we also have several players returning this year. We had a great season last year, and hope to continue this year. Our team will have a tough schedule, playing in 30 matches before the city playoffs. I hope the tough schedule will make our team battle tested and ready for playoffs. We are also looking forward to hosting the IHSA Regional playoffs again this year..
School: Lindblom Math & Science Academy
2024 Record: 8-6 Overall, 6-3 Conference
Instagram: @Lindblomladyeaglesvb
Returning Starters:
Sunyatta Johnson, Senior, OH
Aaliyah Stallings, Senior, Libero
Mackenzie Bryan, Junior, OH
Returning Players:
Zoe Goodwin, Senior, Setter/Opp
Aislinn Taylor, Junior, RS/M
Makenzie Anderson, Senior, Pin
Top Newcomers:
Judeah Miller, Junior, Middle
Ana Alverez, Freshman, Setter
Coaches outlook:
The Varsity Lady Eagles have an exciting season ahead. Last year we graduated 9 seniors with illustrious scholarship opportunities. This year we are a young team, eager, competitive, and capable of having a breakout season. Veterans Sunyatta Johnson, Makenzie Bryan, Zoe Goodwin and Aaliyah Stallings are stronger than ever. With the addition of Ana Alverez and Judeah Miller, the Lady Eagles will see great success.
School name: Orr Academy
Last year’s record: 3-7
Starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Trinity Shipp, Senior
Tamilyah Westbrook, Senior
Diana Vargas, Senior
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school):
Lay-sha Walls, Senior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Emely Castillo, Junior
Coach’s season outlook: Our goal is to be stronger, and bring more skills and team work to be better than last season.
School name: Walter Payton College Prep
Last season’s record: 21-15 (top 4 finish in the conference)
Social media handle: Instagram @paytongirlsvolleyball
Returning starters (name, class, position, stats):
Isa Hughes – Senior – Setter – 458 Assists in 2024, beating her previous record of 405
Emmie Hughes – Senior – Middle Blocker – Stands at the top of the conference in blocks
Jocelyn Sanchez – Senior – DS/L
Charlie Fumerton Porter – Junior – Outside Hitter – 155 Kills
Anastasia Churyla – Junior – Middle Blocker
Kate Murray – Junior – Outside/Opposite Hitter
Returning non-starters (name, class, position, stats):
Maeven Sprenger – Sophomore – DS/L
Eliana Snopek – Sophomore – Outside Hitter/DS
Raegan Hannah – Senior – Opposite Hitter
Oriana Bradley – Junior – Middle Blocker/ Opposite Hitter
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Carys Moynihan – Freshman – Middle Blocker/ Outside Hitter
Games to watch:
Payton vs Kenwood – Sept 25th @ 6pm (HOME)
Payton vs Lane – Sept 30th @ 6pm (AWAY)
Payton vs Jones – Oct 4th time: TBD
Coach’s season outlook:
This year, yet again, the Payton Grizzlies have a tough and competitive team. We are returning OUR ENTIRE ROSTER and have the greatest Team Chemistry. We are hoping to bounce back from a sad and tough loss in the CPL Semifinal match last year vs Lane Tech and hope to make it to the finals this year. We are chasing the CPL City Championship Plaque this season. We are also hoping to compete and be THREE-TIME regional champions this year, all while chasing a sectional final appearance. We are intending to make a run to state this year in a tough but new sectional. We are carrying over our momentum from a spectacular season last fall and hoping to surpass our win goal this year by at least 4 games. Our goal is to minimize mistakes and serve aggressively. We also hope to play tough defense against the big-hitting and fast-paced teams. If we can do all of that, we will surpass 22 wins and get another regional championship, all while chasing the #RoadToState.
School Name: Taft High School
Last season’s record: 14-21 Overall and 5-4 Conference
Social media handle: taft.girlsvolleyball
Returning starters (name, class, position):
- Reese Lackage, Senior, MH
- Zuri Lackage, Senior, MH, Captain
- Belle Gall, Senior, RS, Captain
- Darien Robison, Junior, S
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
- Ari Tomic, Junior, OH
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
- Lillian Nash, Sophomore, S
- Ella Kopier, Sophomore, L/DS
Coach’s season outlook:
We’re super excited for a new season with returning players and some newcomers. We’ve established our goals this season and look forward to watching the program grow and flourish. We hope to improve this season in many ways but our main goal is to tap into who we really are as a program.
School name: Wells High School
Last year record: 5-11
Social media handle: @WellsRaidersVolleyball
Returning starters:
Amaree Greenlee, Senior, OH
Ailany Delgado, Junior, Setter
Racheal Zarate, Sophomore, MH (Second-year varsity player)
Jasmine Franchi, Senior, RS
Top Newcomers:
Yasmin Scott, Junior, MH
Coach’s season outlook: As I embark on Season 13, l pray for kindness, peace, and a spirit of excellence. May we compete with heart, learn from our mistakes, and forge bonds that last a lifetime. Let’s take the court with intention, passion, and a commitment to growth – not just as athletes, but as individuals, teammates, and friends.