Benet could be the team to beat in Class 4A, but Division I commits abound in other programs looking to improve.
BENET
The Redwings (39-3), who lost in the Class 4A state championship match in each of the past two years, are strong contenders again with a roster that seems like the volleyball version of the 1927 Yankees. They will start the season with at least 10 Division I recruits: junior setter Ellie Stiernagle (Northwestern), senior setter Audrey Asleson (Colorado), senior middle Gabby Stasys (Yale), junior middle Lynney Tarnow (Wisconsin), junior middle Molly Welge (Marquette), senior outside Keira O’Donnell (Southern Mississippi), senior outside Sophia Pursley (Army), junior outside Sophia Chinetti (Rhode Island), senior libero Aniya Warren (Indiana) and senior libero Morgan Asleson (Dayton).
METEA VALLEY
The Mustangs (28-9) are deep and experienced. Senior setter Katie Schuele (East Carolina) was the DuPage Valley Conference player of the year in 2023. Senior Addison Torain
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(Winthrop) moves from libero back to outside hitter. Senior outside Maddie Hopkins and junior middle Olivia Stewart earned all-conference honors last season. Senior right side Kelly McGrath, junior right side Ashley Ward, junior back-liner Ava Guzaski and senior back-liner Jenna Green also return.NAPERVILLE CENTRAL
The Redhawks (19-16) look to continue to make progress. They’re led by a trio of three-year senior starters: setter Sarah Butler (Austin Peay State), outside hitter Makenna Devick and right side Georgia Von Lehmden (San Jose State).
NAPERVILLE NORTH
The Huskies (12-16) welcome back six players, including senior outside hitter Bella Fleurima (Alabama A&M) and senior setter Paige Selman. Coach Jennifer Urban said those two are poised to be exceptional leaders on and off the court. Sophomore outside hitter Joelle Pye-Blacknard, a transfer from Yorkville, is expected to make a significant impact.
NEUQUA VALLEY
Second-year coach Jamie Buhnerkemper said the Wildcats (19-18) are young but don’t act like it. Senior libero Alyssa Jones enters her third varsity season with 481 career digs and will provide great defense alongside senior Lauren Schmidtgall. Senior middle Hailey Stumpf also returns. Tatum Kelly, a 5-foot-11 freshman setter, could be a future star.
WAUBONSIE VALLEY
The Warriors (17-19) return nearly all of their key players. Senior right side Naomi Dowd (Northern Illinois) should have more of a supporting cast, and coach Kari Galen said the emphasis will be getting all the hitters to be consistent. Also back are senior outsides Kaitlyn Reinhard and Ava Bellafiore, senior libero Asia Mitchell, junior setters Liv O’Hara and Hannah Krause, and sophomore middle Kathryn Travis.
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.