Many teams had competitive but difficult seasons last year, and coaches are still looking to build the foundations of long-term success into their teams.
The season began on Wednesday, so here’s a look at the Capital area teams and how they’re shaping up for the season ahead.
Concord
Division: I
Coach: Maria Wimpey (third year)
Last year: 9-11, reached quarterfinals
Returning starters: Ava Todd, sr., RS/M; Rachel Hilts, sr., DS; Abigail D’agastino, sr., S; Kiley Golen, sr., OH/RS; Maya Jawitz, sr., RS; Megan Wimpey, jr., S; Maggie Taylor, jr., OH/RS; Olive Kelly, jr., M.
Coe-Brown
Division: II
Coach: Renee Zobel (eighth year)
Last year: 17-2 reached semifinals
Returning starters: Kelli Daniel, sr., OH; Izzy Grenier, sr., MB; Sofya Gunderson, sr., L/DS, Avery Keefe, jr., S; Natalie George, sr., Opp/MB.
Top newcomers: Addison Albin, so., OH; Lilah Fitzpatrick, so., MB/PH.
Outlook: “We are a young team this year with the addition of three sophomores and two new juniors to the varsity roster. Led by four returning seniors and three returning juniors, we are working hard to build trust and cohesion and compete with the style we’re known for: aggressive serving and offense and gritty defense. We’ll look to take risks early to get as good as we can physically and mentally.”
Teams to beat: Oyster River, Milford, Somersworth.
John Stark
Division: II
Coach: Alisha Flanagan (fourth year)
Last year: 8-10, reached prelims
Returning starters: Jenna Sinclair, sr., OH; Reese Pike, jr., S.
Merrimack Valley
Division: II
Coach: Tom Clark (third year)
Last year: 0-16
Returning starters: Mackenzie Shelby, sr.; Ryleigh Perry, sr.; Deziree Boutin, sr.; Katelyn Herrmann, sr.; Isabella Bean, sr.; Rhianna Cruz, sr.,; Avery Snarey, jr.
Winnisquam
Division: II
Coach: Mark Dawalga (third year)
Last year: 7-10, reached prelims
Returning starters: Caidyn Carter, sr., OH; Danica Weymouh, jr., OH; Avrill LaBranche, so., OH; Sophie Fair, so., OH; Anna Drinkwine, sr., S; Alexis Mingolla, sr., OH.
Top newcomers: Addie Bernier, jr., D; Kinzie Nelson, jr., D; Eila Petty, so., OH; Abby Meunier, so., S; Alissa Jean, fr., D; Kaylee Jeanson, fr., D.
Outlook: “Graduating five seniors from last year’s team (four starters), it may take a little time to get everyone on the same page.”
“We will look to get better every day in practices and games and see where we are at the midway point of the year as we continue to grow as a team to hopefully make a playoff push at the end of the year.”
Belmont
Division: III
Coach: Bry Kelly (first year)
Last year: 12-6, reached quarterfinals
Returning starters: Sami O’Connor, sr., RSH; Liv Chandonnait, sr., OH; Hayden Blanchard, sr., MH; Molly O’Connell, jr., L; Madi MacDonald, sr., S.
Top newcomers: Brooke Varnum, so., OH
Outlook: “My outlook for the season is to come back stronger than ever as a team, with positive attitudes and outlooks, and hard work to help reach talent levels above what these girls think they can accomplish. Our team’s goal is to make it to the championships this year, and the girls have been working very hard since volleyball started. Our biggest strength is our back row, with our front row not far behind, with a strong offensive mindset and aggressiveness. Be on the lookout for this team on the offense.”
Teams to beat: Inter-Lakes, Concord Christian Academy, Portsmouth Christian Academy, Moultonborough Academy, Farmington.
Concord Christian
Division: III
Coach: Doug Oxford (third year)
Last year: 16-3, D-III runner-up, lost to No. 1 Inter-Lakes, 3-1, in final.
Franklin
Division: III
Coach: Raegan Yarbrough (fourth year)
Last year: 5-11
Returning starters: Ava Ranelli, sr.; Lily Cornell, jr.; Maddie Doherty, sr., S.
Top newcomers: Maddie Mango, jr.; Syd Carignan, jr.
Outlook: “We are continuing to work toward a playoff position this season, as we missed the brackets by one loss last year. The chemistry between this group of athletes is something Franklin hasn’t had since I took over the program in 2022, and the positive impact that has made for our overall playing is phenomenal.”
Teams to beat: Inter-Lakes, Portsmouth Christian Academy, Concord Christian Academy, Trinity.
Hillsboro-Deering
Division: III
Coach: Christa Liquori (seventh year)
Last year: 0-16
Kearsarge
Division: III
Coach: Meg Lane (second year)
Last year: 2-14