Four key seniors fuel St. Charles North, but keep an eye on Metea Valley and Burlington Central.
Top 10 Teams
1. St. Charles North (32-7)
North Stars will be propelled by one of the best players in the state in senior outside hitter Haley Burgdorf, a Penn State recruit. She’s flanked by senior Amber Czerniak on the right side, while senior Sidney Wright (Illinois State) anchors middle. Senior setter Mia McCall (Valparaiso) returns to run the show.
2. Metea Valley (28-9)
Mustangs figure to run things through senior middle Olivia Stewart (Eastern Michigan), who has recovered from a leg injury. Fellow four-year varsity regular Ashley Ward will set for the first time since freshman year. Senior libero Ava Guzaski leads back row.
3. Burlington Central (28-9)
Coming off a regional title, Rockets are led by pair of college recruits in the middle, Peyton Strout (Minnesota State-Mankato) and Ainsley Wilson (Dayton). Middle Rukmini Gangavarapu, right-side hitter Julia Johnson and outside Haidyn Schatz, all seniors, return to the mix.
4. Kaneland (24-13)
Knights, who reached the sectional final last season, will look to senior setters Abi Carter and Emma Gatz as the key. Senior libero Zoe Kraus and senior middle hitter Grace Remsen also return for Knights. Freshman middle Natalie Remsen could play prominent role.
5. Oswego (32-5)
Panthers made magical run to sectional final last fall, but much of that roster graduated. Junior outside Hannah Herrick (Dayton) is returning anchor alongside senior middle Maya Norlin. The juniors and seniors who didn’t see much action last year are up next.
6. Waubonsie Valley (19-17)
Warriors have intriguing mix for first-year coach Noel Soto, led by senior outside Chloe Gollaher, who won national title in club with Sports Performance. Junior middle Anna Axelsen, senior setter Olivia O’Hara and senior defensive specialist Hailee Pietryk also return.
More Top Picks Downspout
7. Yorkville (17-20)
Productive club season helped 6-foot-2 junior middle Sophia Blank (Loyola) pick up her college commitment. Junior outside Camryn Carter was second on team last year in kills. Senior defensive specialist Tessa Liaromatis also returns as Foxes look to take big step forward.
8. Aurora Christian (22-10)
Senior outside Hope Wagner (Milwaukee) leads group of six seniors, three of whom were key contributors last year. Senior libero Ashlyn Aseltine (Oral Roberts) and senior setter Breanna Hard (Roberts Wesleyan) also return as Eagles seek regional title.
9. Harvest-Westminster (27-8)
Harvest Christian, with long history of success, merges with Westminster Christian to form one team. Hannah Steffen, a 6-1 senior middle, joins Harvest from Westminster. Freshman outside Karis Meeker could make immediate impact.
10. St. Edward (16-23-1)
Surprising regional champs after nine-year drought, Green Wave are on upswing. Senior setter Samantha Pogorzelski, also an accomplished equestrian, leads the way. Division I softball recruit Alaina Nolan (Columbia), a senior, anchors middle. Jump to Class 2A will be a challenge.
Top 25 players to Watch
- Ashlyn Aseltine, Aurora Christian, senior, libero.
- Sophia Blank, Yorkville, junior, middle hitter.
- Camryn Boyd, South Elgin, freshman, outside hitter.
- Haley Burgdorf, St. Charles North, senior, outside hitter.
- Alison Coy, Oswego East, senior, outside hitter.
- Amber Czerniak, St. Charles North, senior, outside hitter.
- Paige Genke, South Elgin, senior, setter.
- Chloe Gollaher, Waubonsie Valley, senior, outside hitter.
- Breanna Hard, Aurora Christian, senior, setter.
- Hannah Herrick, Oswego, junior, outside hitter.
- Taylor Jeffers, Newark, junior, setter.
- Elizabeth King, Hampshire, senior, outside hitter/middle hitter.
- Ella Maxwell, West Aurora, senior, setter.
- Mia McCall, St. Charles North, senior, setter.
- Maura Minogue, Dundee-Crown, senior, libero.
- Laila Mossey, Oswego East, senior, libero.
- Samantha Pogorzelski, St. Edward, senior, setter/right-side hitter.
- Hannah Steffen, Harvest-Westminster, senior, middle hitter.
- Ally Stevenson, Geneva, junior, setter.
- Olivia Stewart, Metea Valley, senior, middle hitter.
- Peyton Strout, Burlington Central, senior, middle hitter.
- Hope Wagner, Aurora Christian, senior, outside hitter.
- Sydney Wagner, West Aurora, senior, outside hitter.
- Ainsley Wilson, Burlington Central, junior, middle hitter.
- Sidney Wright, St. Charles North, senior, middle hitter.
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.