Mahwah High School Volleyball Season Preview

The 2025 season marks a fresh chapter for Mahwah High School Volleyball, and Head Coach Caitlin Yeck is embracing it with optimism and purpose. After graduating a large and impactful senior class, the Thunderbirds are using the offseason to lay a new foundation, built on precision, team chemistry, and rising talent. Offseason Focus: Back to the Basics “This offseason, our team is focusing on improving our passing and serve-receive technique,” said Coach Yeck. "It’s all about building a strong foundation as we head into the new season." With so many new roles to be filled, technical consistency is top priority. Summer League = Growth & Bonding To help accelerate development and create chemistry, Mahwah will be competing in a summer league. While details are still unfolding, the league will offer valuable match experience and foster team unity, both crucial for a team navigating transitions. Roster Reset: New Faces Step In Last season’s roster featured nine seniors, each of whom played a significant role. Their departure marks a major shift, but also opens the door for younger players to take on leadership and playmaking responsibilities. “We’re excited about the new talent and the growth opportunities,” said Yeck. Players to Watch The junior class is stepping up in a big way. Samantha Yager (Junior): A versatile player who can fill multiple roles, Samantha brings a strong serve-receive game that aligns perfectly with the team’s offseason focus. Look for her to be a consistent contributor across the court. Abbey Kempkes (Junior): Known for her work ethic and steady improvement, Abbey is poised to become a reliable presence on the court. “Her commitment is going to make her a key player for us,” said Yeck. Avril Crowe (Junior): A standout in offseason training, Avril's enthusiasm and leadership are already making an impact. “Her positive attitude is contagious, and she always pushes herself and her teammates to get better,” Yeck added. Outlook: A New Era Begins While 2025 brings change, it also brings promise. With a hungry core of juniors and a coach who’s focused on both fundamentals and team culture, Mahwah Volleyball is ready to embrace the rebuild—and surprise a few opponents along the way.