G. Michael Graham covers high school volleyball for PrepDig.
All but four of the 20 players named to the first team, second team and honorable mention lists graduated in the spring, including three-time Region Player of the Year Milyn Minor of Scott, who signed with Lincoln Memorial University.
Two returners come from Bishop Brossart: 6-foot-2 first-team senior middle blocker Callie Ritter and second-team senior setter Aubrey Rebholz, a fifth-year varsity player. A third, Calvary Christian sophomore libero Madison Stelzer, also comes from the 37th District, which has produced every region champion since 2012 except in 2021, when Montgomery County won the title. Paris senior outside hitter/setter Molly Mason is the lone returner from the honorable mention list.
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40th District
Montgomery County (16-17) — With five players standing 5-10 and taller, the Indians stand as a region contender.
Junior 6-0 middle blocker Erin Fawns and 5-11 senior middle blocker Baylee Warner lead the way with the other three juniors coming off nice club seasons at Bluegrass Reign. Middle/outside Kinley Auxier is the tallest of the group at 6-0 with outside hitter Ava Hudson standing 5-11 and outside/opposite Anna Allison standing 5-10. Head coach Bradley Craycraft said Hudson will most likely play six rotations.
Craycraft said the team will be a tough matchup for almost any team as long as they pass the ball consistently. Senior Sophie Fouch is back at libero with junior Meredith Miles taking over at setter. Freshman defensive specialist/setter Kylee Schultz and senior defensive specialist Hagan Stilz hope to help give the Indians strong play defensively.
Montgomery County faces Estill County at the home gym in Mount Sterling on Aug. 17 to open the season.
George Rogers Clark (22-10) — The Cardinals have risen from a struggling program to region contender finishing region runner-up last year under Kainan Hudson’s guidance.
Their top hitter Teigh Yeast graduated along with five other seniors, but junior outside hitter/defensive specialist Brooke Gough, junior setter Anna Cooper and junior libero Addison Palmer are back. Junior 6-3 middle blocker Hollins Pumphrey hoped to give the Cardinals a solid option in the middle, but is out for the season with an injury. Hudson said he sees sophomore middle Libby McCormick at 6-0 provide a boost in the middle along with sophomore pin hitter Elayna Swart. Sophomore defensive specialist Eva Walker transferred in from Frederick Douglass and expects to give the Cardinals a nice presence in the back row.
“For us, the expectation is the same,” Hudson said. “We want to put our team in a position to compete for a region championship and we will work hard and put in the dedication it takes to get back. The biggest thing we’ve started to really utilize at GRC to take the next steps in our program is consistency in how we work and prepare as well as a great strength and conditioning program we have really bought into last year and now this year.”
GRC ventures to Henry Clay to begin the season on Aug. 18.
Paris (8-16) — The Hounds have a fresh start with Kelly Goodwin taking over the fifth-year program. Paris won just eight games last season following a program-best 13 victories in 2024.
Paris has size in the front in two sophomores in 6-1 middle/setter Gabby Gardner and 6-2 outside/opposite hitter Emmalyn Ogden. Ogden will set for the Hounds along with sophomore Mia Mason.
The two seniors are libero Angie Roque-Romero and outside/setter Molly Mason. Goodwin said they’ve made the transition smooth and take on a lot of responsibility. Two sophomores in Aniya Hayden and Emma Morris look to solidify the Hounds on defense with freshman Rose Hayden looking to make things happen in the middle.
“There is already chemistry between the girls, which is important in sports,” Goodwin said. “These girls have been a close knit group for many years. The team has high goals. I’m working hard to build trust with all the players. I believe if we embrace the process and work to achieve some smaller goals, we will be able to build a great season. I am very excited to be here.”
Paris plays a region game at home against Robertson County on Aug. 18.
Bourbon County (8-17) — Bourbon County struggled with inexperience in certain spots last year, but returning head coach Lauren Eads hopes to see the lumps turn into positives this year.
Bourbon County saw five seniors graduate last year including setter Marleigh Estes, who is cheerleading at Morehead State. However, freshman Kinley Kearns and sophomore Hailey Stanfield received good experience in that spot last year and either could take over that role.
The Colonels received a boost in size when 6-0 outside hitter Katie Abner transferred in from Paris. Two juniors in Maggie Justice and Hayli Burberry along with sophomore Gia Griffin hope to give the Colonels a great presence on the outside. Griffin also plays middle with Justice also playing defensive specialist. Eads likes to see Bourbon County consistently be on the attack. Senior Izzy Jett, junior Claire Davis and two sophomores in Isabella Davis and Jaymeson Jones hope to jumpstart the offense with crisp first touches to help make that happen. Alonna Thacker, Carter Conley, Izabella Goff and Mia Young also hope to step forward and contribute this season.
Eads said the future is bright with the talent coming up. They finished 6-2 in the Bluegrass Games Varsity C Division. Eads said a lot of them stay late to get extra reps in. She said the Colonels could be in for a good season if the team gels.
Bourbon County goes to Mason County on Aug. 17 to begin the season. It is a Class 2A Tournament Play in game.
39th District
Bracken County (26-8) — Bracken County graduated six seniors that played instrumental roles in helping the Bears break school records for wins in a season. However, head coach Julie Krift has reasons for optimism entering the season.
“These players are ready for the challenge,” Krift said. “The group is great. They get along well, encourage each other and they are working together in an effort to continue with another winning season. We have added some other strong teams to our season schedule like (Newport Central Catholic) and Campbell County so we’re hoping that helps us prepare for tournament play at the end of the year.”
Senior setter Rees Hargett is back after leading the team in assists last season. Two strong junior hitters in Sophie Bachman at middle blocker and pin hitter Isabella Godman are also back. Junior Kyndall Johnson returns after a sound season at defensive specialist, Krift also said to watch out for senior outside hitter Halle Routt and senior Aleigha Leist at libero. Krift said Routt is one of the most consistent hitters she’s ever seen.
The Bears face Lewis County at home on Aug. 17 to start the season.
Mason County (22-13) — The Royals set a new record for wins in a season last year and are seeking more this year. Mason County also made the region tournament for the first time since 2019.
Mason head coach Nellie Book said senior Raylee Dotson will take over the libero spot after Halle Pfeffer graduated off last year’s team. Fellow seniors Aaliyah Burns, and Hayley Allison will join her in the back row. Senior outsides Mylie Padgett, Reagan Workman, senior middle Emmy Henderson and junior middle Darcy Fields hope to give the Royals nice balance.
With last year’s setter Kyleigh Kirk transferring to Augusta, Mason County is turning to freshman Karsyn Dotson to run the offense. Book said she’s been freshman and junior varsity setter the last two years and played middle school volleyball in the spring so the team has confidence in her. Freshman Kate Davenport could also see action as a defensive specialist.
“We have been working hard this summer, and the group of seniors are excited about what this season could hold,” Book said. “We have seen a lot of improvement over the summer. and have played a lot of summer games prior to Dead Period and feel good about going into regular season play.”
The season begins at home Aug. 17 against Bourbon County in Class 2A Tournament play.
Augusta (13-9) — Head coach Paige McCord said she has six seniors mixed in with a solid group of sophomore to form a strong team. The Panthers missed out on making it to the region tournament for the fourth year in a row taking Mason County to five sets before losing in the district semifinals.
They saw senior setter Kyleigh Kirk transfer in from Mason County to set up two powerful hitters in senior outside/middle Adalen Gilliam along with sophomore middle blocker Aryanna Davis. Senior middle blocker Claire Elliott and senior outside hitter Natalee Roberts are also returning starters. Sophomores Kahghan Hinson at setter and outside hitter Samme Young also return with a lot of varsity experience.
Augusta faces Harrison County on Aug. 17 at home in a region game.
St. Patrick (9-18) — The Saints enter a new era with Kelli Neeley guiding the program that has one senior and some good young talent.
Neeley said performing the fundamentals consistently such as strong serving, getting good touches on balls and putting hitters in position to terminate balls will go a long way toward the success of the team. Neeley said she has a great group of girls led by sophomore setter/defensive specialist Jenna Cummins and two sisters in freshman outside hitter Mia Neeley and eighth grade libero Ella Neeley.
St Patrick plays Robertson County at home on Aug. 17 to start the season with a region game.
38th District
Harrison County (18-14) — The Fillies had been on top of the district until the past two years, finishing runner-up both times and losing in the region quarterfinals. Harrison County hopes to propel back to the top this year after having won it 11 years in a row from 2013 to 2023.
They again saw a large class of seven seniors graduate, but that generally opens things up for other talented players to step in. Last year’s kills leader in senior 6-2 Audree Whitaker along with junior Mae Hemlich are back to help the Fillies dominate the net in the middle. Seniors Maci Ware and Jaicee Hamilton will aim to give them balance on the outside with Emma Bailey stepping in at right side hitter. Taylor Florence will take over setter duties with Hamilton and Ware playing in the back row along with several others. Seniors Brooke Sowder, Lyla Feagan and Kaitlyn Montgomery could play back there along with Mia Armijo and Paisley Hicks.
Harrison County veteran head coach Bill Faulkner added the team should bond well as he’s seen sound team chemistry in the preseason. Harrison County ventures to Augusta on Aug. 17 to begin the season.
Nicholas County (18-6) — The question for the Jackets is what can they do for an encore after winning the first district championship in program history last season. Nicholas County then lost to Calvary Christian in the region quarterfinals and graduated six seniors off that team.
Two senior starters return in setter/defensive specialist Alison Reid and senior outside hitter Loralee Orazen. Junior Danica Amburgey could step in at outside or middle hitter after seeing the floor a good bit last year with senior Abigail McNabb potentially filling in at defensive specialist or middle blocker.
“While we’re in a rebuilding phase after losing five seniors and welcoming a new coaching staff, our goal remains the same: defending our district title,” Nicholas County head coach Kim Denkins said. “Right now, we’re locking in on fundamentals, team unity, and daily growth, led by a great group of seniors who are setting the standard.”
Nicholas County ventures to Mason County on Aug. 18 to begin the season.
Pendleton County (4-27) — The Cats dropped from district champions in 2024 to the bottom of the district last season Megan Rigney-Smith took over the program hoping to avoid those gap years going forward. Good programs see good players ready to step in after other good players graduate.
The team starts with freshman setter/outside hitter Hadley Spaulding after she led the team in assists last year. Senior opposite/setter Elizabeth Ammerman has club experience with senior Kylie Dunn giving the Cats size in the middle. Sophomore Kenzi Mastin moves to the middle and sophomore Alayna Gosney hopes to give Pendleton County consistency on the outside.
Smith noted the players are learning to work together and that communication and team chemistry have been priorities in the preseason. Smith added she mainly hopes to bring the joy of volleyball back for the Cats.
Pendleton County faces St. Patrick’s to open the season Aug. 18.
Robertson County (4-23) — Kelsey Turner takes over a program after serving as an assistant the previous two seasons under longtime head coach Ann Grause. Robertson County has no place to go but up and not having to adjust to a new face is a good start for the returning players.
Senior outside/middle blocker Addisston Flack and senior setter Peyton Jolly lead the way for the Devils. Robertson County has two other seniors and a junior that played in 24 games last year.
Turner comes into the season with high hopes, commending the players for asking a lot of questions and showing a lot of resiliency. Turner agreed improvement on serve reception and defensive first touches will go a long way for Robertson County to move up the region ladder.
Robertson County ventures to St. Patrick on Aug. 17 to start the season.
37th District
Bishop Brossart (24-11) — Rebholz stepped in to set for the ‘Stangs during the region championship run in 2022 and Ritter has been on varsity since her freshman year along with senior defensive specialist Josie Reckner. The ‘Stangs also return three seniors who hope to solidify things at the net in middle blockers Leah Robinson, Claire Decker and outside hitter Hailey Heitker.
A lot of players from the younger grades also return with great experience. Sophomore outside hitter Evelyn Laker emerged as sound all-around player consistently executing pipes and other plays from the front and back rows. Junior libero Grace Frommeyer is also back after two years starting at the position. Sophomore outside hitter and freshman setter/outside hitter Jayna Wilson also showed great promise with Wilson stepping in to set when Rebholz endured an injury in September of last season. Freshman Audrey Arnold also saw a good bit of action at outside hitter and defensive specialist.
Head coach Danielle French said overcoming the Scott obstacle will be a big key to winning another region crown. The Eagles have won six in a row between the two since the ‘Stangs beat them in the 2022 region championship game.
“Our varsity team is ready for the season,” French said. “We’ve worked hard to increase our pace of play and develop a faster, more dynamic offense. At the net, we’ve been training relentlessly to become even stronger than we were a year ago. Defensively, this group has the potential to be one of the best, and they understand that maintaining that level requires focus and intensity every day – there’s no taking a practice off.”
Bishop Brossart hosts Dayton on Aug. 17 to begin the season.
Scott (29-12) — Scott may be the two-time defending region champions, but it will be a challenge to three-peat with the graduation of six key seniors including Minor. Junior libero Emory Sullivan and junior pin hitter Jacinda Campbell return along with sophomore outside hitter Kinley Dunford. Junior middle/opposite hitter Makenna Conley brings size to the Eagles at 6-0.
Veteran head coach Andrea Sullivan noted the game may intitally have growing pains, but the goal is to grow one percent daily and peak in the postseason. The lineups could change throughout the season while the Eagles figure things out.
The first game schedule comes at Walton-Verona on Aug 20.
Calvary Christian (24-8) — Calvary Christian broke through stunning Bishop Brossart in the district semifinals last year to make the first region tournament appearance in program history. On top of that, the Cougars downed Nicholas County to win the first region tournament game in program history.
Calvary Christian does not have any seniors this year as three graduated from that team including power hitter Anna Hickey. The Cougars do return sophomore libero Madison Stelzer in addition to sophomore setter/outside hitter Natalie McGlynn and junior outside hitter Megan Arthur.
Head coach Becky Stelzer said Patience and Fight will be keys to success this year. The patience factor comes in terms of adjustments and mistakes and the fight comes from knowing nothing will be given to them.
Calvary Christian travels to Highlands on Aug. 17 to start the season.
Campbell County (6-18) — The Camels own just 13 wins the last two seasons following a region championship in 2023. New head coach Alcia Rice comes in vowing to help the Camels return to their glorious past.
She has senior defensive specialist Kendyl Hartman and senior right side hitter Amerie Mullins to build around after they led Campbell County in digs and kills last year, respectively. Senior middle blocker Lydia Fry is also back along with senior defensive specialist Chloe Hardcorn. Senior pin hitter Chloe Hershey is back playing high school ball after not playing last fall.
Rice credited the girls for being very receptive to her ideas and displaying excitement about the season. She said ball control and IQ of the game are huge priorities in the preseason to help keep confidence levels high. Rice said the goal is to become a scrappy team and return to the fundamentals more than being a power team for the time being.
Hitter Faith Whitford and setter Hope Hamilton are the two biggest graduation losses. Rice noted the setter spot is between three players.
Campbell County plays Simon Kenton in Claryville on Aug. 18 to start the Rice Era.
