Following an incredibly tough 0-18 season in 2023-2024, the trajectory of the Marian Ancilla volleyball program is pointed straight up. Not only did last year's squad have a smaller roster, but they battled an overwhelming number of injuries throughout the season, plus all but one player were Freshmen. Missed most from last season is graduated outside hitter JCarla Harris, an MCCAA (Michigan Community College Athletic Association) Western Division Honorable Mention selection a year ago. Back in the fold, however, are Sophomores Sarah Tepp and Brooke Schroeder, and they look to improve upon strong rookie seasons. Tepp, an outside hitter and Beech Grove graduate, led the team with 56 kills, while Schroeder, the team's libero and a Whitko graduate, topped all Chargers with 148 digs.
Also returning for the Chargers are Sophomore setter Katelyn Bryan, from nearby Oregon-Davis High School, and Sophomore right side hitter Alexis King, an Elkhart High School graduate. "Our Sophomores were thrown into the fire last year, but they came out with a great deal of experience. I am happy we are able to surround them with more talent and depth from our Freshman class, adding to their expertise," stated Head Coach Heaven Donovan.
Speaking of that Freshman class, all in all they bring a lot of athleticism and a little size to the mix. Freshman outside hitter Kaitlynn Kelderhouse may only be 5-5, but she is extremely athletic. The Lincoln-Way West (IL) graduate is a versatile player as well, and she has shown a lot of vocal leadership early on. Marian Catholic graduate Layla Colcord, a 5-7 Freshman, brings some stability as a setter. She is very quick laterally, plus she has also shown vocal leadership qualities. Then there is Freshman defensive specialist Emma LaPato of Garrett High School. At 5-5, she is another fast athlete who brings a strong volleyball IQ to the floor. She is filling in at libero to begin the season, as Schroeder recovers from an injury.
When asked about the Freshman group, Coach Donovan exclaimed, "I really like the willingness of the younger players to be so vocal and constantly communicate. We have a chance to become a much more competitive team because of it." Additional Freshmen fighting for an opportunity this year include Avery Chopps from Hebron High School, Torie Davis from Whiting High School, Kayla Ford-Harvey from Ben Davis High School, Kylie Lane from Lockport Township High School (IL), Rebecca Razor from South Central High School in Elizabeth, Indiana, and Kylee Saylor from nearby Oregon-Davis High School. Torie Davis and Kayla Ford-Harvey add size at 6-foot apiece, while Kylee Saylor is in her second year at MUAC but exclusively participated in basketball a year ago.
If the Chargers can finish in the upper half of the MCCAA Western Division this season, it would show marked improvement and would be a testament to how hard these kids have worked this preseason. "I think we have a versatile collection of players this year that could make it fun each time we take the floor," added Coach Donovan. "We still have our challenges ahead of us, obviously, but I am anxious to see the Sophomores' growth from last year, and the entire team's growth from beginning to end this season."
The Chargers officially open their season this Friday, August 23rd, when they travel to Rockford, Illinois, for the All-In Opening Weekend Tournament. MUAC begins tourney play Friday with Madison College at 10:00 a.m., then the College of DuPage at noon. The Chargers first home match won't be until Thursday, September 12th, when they host MCCAA rival Southwestern Michigan College. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the LifePlex in Plymouth. Good luck to the volleyball team in 2024-2025!!
