high school volleyball season preview

Howard County has some of the premier volleyball players and teams in the Baltimore area, consistently producing top teams year in and year out.

This year is no different with several programs including Howard, Centennial, Reservoir, River Hill and Glenelg bringing back marquee players.

2022 Howard County Times Player of the Year Safi Hampton from Hammond has graduated along with several other all-county performers from last year, but there are still several standout performers returning.

All 12 Howard County teams are split between Class 4A South, 3A South and 2A West. Reservoir is the county’s lone team in 4A South Region I. Glenelg, Mt. Hebron and Marriotts Ridge are in 3A South Region I; while Atholton, Long Reach, Oakland Mills, River Hill and Howard make up 3A South Region II. Centennial, Hammond and Wilde Lake are the remaining teams in 2A West Region II.

Postseason play begins with regional quarterfinals on Nov. 2-3 with the season concluding on Nov. 18 with the state championships taking place at Harford Community College’s APG Federal Credit Union Arena.Here is a look at the county teams:

Atholton

Coach: Meghan Kulzer, first season

Last season: 3-11

Top returnees: Senior Malia Phiasiripanyo (DS/L); junior Tatum Hall (OH); sophomore Sydnee Peters (RS).

Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Carly Tillman (MH); freshman Olivia Lewis (MH).

Coach’s outlook: “I think we have a really solid squad this season. I know how hard they work every day in practice and I’m confident that will translate on the court. I don’t think many teams will see us much of a threat but we are going to be a competitor this season.”

Centennial

Coach: Mike Bossom, 24th season

Last season: 17-1, Howard County champion, Class 3A quarterfinalist

Top returnees: Seniors Mailinh Godschall (OH) and Kaley MacLellan (MH).

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Joy Chen (S) and Simar Sidhu (L).

Coach’s outlook: “We will improve throughout the year as we gain experience playing together.”

Chapelgate Christian

Coach: Stephanie Smith, seven season

Last season: 15-1, IAAM C Conference runner-up

Top returnees: Seniors Chase Grant (MB) and Amanda Morse (L); juniors Madi James (OH) and Grace Salveron (S).

Newcomer to watch: Sophomore Jada Virgin.

Coach’s outlook: “We made it to the championship last year without any seniors on the team. Now, all of the players have returned stronger and more experienced from playing in the off-season. I am excited to see the level of play these girls are capable of. It will be a fun season to watch.”

Glenelg

Coach: Jason Monjes, 11th season

Last season: 7-8

Top returnees: Seniors Lindsay Kelley (S), Liesl Walter (MB) and Lily Bae (DS/L); junior Olivia McDonough (DS/L).

Newcomers to watch: Junior Ilyssa Newman (MB); freshman Jessica Li (OH/S/DS).

Coach’s outlook: “If Glenelg can stay healthy and the consistency and improvement continues, Glenelg can be one of the teams competing for the county championship and one of at least 12 teams in class 3A who own a state championship as we moved from 2A to 3A.”

Glenelg Country

Coach: Shalomo Omo-Osagie, fourth season

Last season: 12-3, IAAM C Conference champions

Top returnees: Senior Tiffany Blakely (L); juniors Sherron Stanard (S/OPP), Zinnia Pickett (S) and Nancy Guo (OH).

Newcomer to watch: Junior Gabrielle Washington (MB).

Coach’s outlook: “This season will bring pressure, from all fronts. But we will do what we do best and rise above it. It’s not all about winning, even though we all love winning. It’s about who these players become as the learn and grow as women. I can truly say I have a great and hard-working bunch. I have no doubt we will find our place in the B Conference, and we intend for it to be the top!”

Hammond

Coach: John Livingston, first season

Last season: 8-8

Newcomers to watch: Junior Eleanora Watson (OH); sophomore Olivia Tran (OH/S/DS).

Coach’s outlook: “I hope to be competitive. I hope they can continue their progress under my systems and training. I have watched every game from last year and the competition we face is tough.”

Howard

Coach: Grant Scott, 20th season

Last season: 10-7, Class 3A East Region I finalist

Top returnees: Senior Morgan Harris (L); junior Kaleigh Williams (MB).

Coach’s outlook: “We are a young team with strong senior leadership and loads of potential. It may take time, but if we continue to develop we will be a difficult team to beat as the season progresses.”

Long Reach

Coach: Jennifer Van Oosten, first season

Last season: 5-10

Top returnees: Seniors Hayley Norton (S) and Allison Brown (OH); junior Addison Van Oosten (OH).

Newcomers to watch: Junior Brooke Gordon (MH) and sophomore Delaney Strawhorn (L).

Coach’s outlook: “I am very excited about this upperclassmen-heavy team. We have 15 club players this season. The most players Long Reach has had to date. We have three returning All-County players and several new to varsity, that have played at the highest club level. We are a heavy hitter team with seven pins and four middles. We have been working on a winning team culture and are looking forward to very successful season.”

Marriotts Ridge

Coach: Jamie Bullock, sixth season

Last season: 10-5

Top returnees: Juniors Eva Hull (S) and Katy Harbaugh (MH).

Newcomers to watch: Sophomores Saranya Medavarapu (RS) and Kelly Swenson (OH).

Coach’s outlook: “We are rebuilding after losing half the starting lineup. The girls are working hard everyday.”

Mt. Hebron

Coach: Tina Catanach, fifth season

Last season: 9-6

Top returnees: Seniors Ava Bradley (OH), Caroline Zheng (L), Emerson Rose (S), Lauren Roselle (OH) and Jillian Shoultz (MH).

Coach’s outlook: “We have six returning senior starters. I am looking forward to seeing how far all of their experience, talent, and drive take them this season. I am excited about the amount of leadership we have. I expect us to be very competitive this season.”

Oakland Mills

Coach: Sakinah McDuffie, first season

Last season: 3-12

Top returnees: Seniors Kathryn Rogan, Valerie Ashamu and Kaliyah Jones.

Newcomer to watch: Sophomore Katelyn Nuygen.

Coach’s outlook: “Along with the strong newcomers moving up, we have key pieces returning that will help us be competitive in the county.”

Reservoir

Coach: Carole Ferrante, fifth season

Last season: 16-3, Class 3A East Region II finalist

Top returnees: Seniors Haley Ko (S) and Madison Smith (MB)

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Tiana Copp (OH) and Gabby Prather (MB)

Coach’s outlook: “I am looking forward to what is to come this season. We graduated a large number of players (nine), but I feel confident that our rising players are ready for the challenges to come. They are young, talented and work well together. The energy and work ethic in the gym has been absolutely incredible.”

River Hill

Coach: Lynn Paynter, 14th season

Last season: 13-3, Class 3A quarterfinalist

Top returnees: Seniors Mackenzie Calhoun (S) and Grace Leska (OH); sophomore Josie Calhoun.

Newcomers to watch: Seniors Claire Liu and Abby McMahon; freshman Mia Parks.

Coach’s outlook: “I’m excited, there has been terrific enthusiasm demonstrated across all teams.”

Wilde Lake

Coach: Molly Werts, second season

Last season: 2-9

Top returnees: Senior Ashleigh Thur (L); junior Jasmine Nelson (S); sophomores Destiny Robinson and Sanaa Blake.

Newcomers to watch: Junior Jordyn Chaimti; freshmen Angel Jordan, Peyton Kim, Julia Desasso and Lindsey Dogette.

Coach’s outlook: “I am very excited for the girls this season. They show up happy and ready to work every day and that can only mean good things.”