2025 Fall Volleyball Season Preview: Milton High School
As the 2025 fall volleyball season approaches, Milton High School is setting its sights on growth and consistency. Under the experienced leadership of Head Coach Al Mirabile, the team enters the new season with a renewed sense of focus and determination. With a blend of returning players and emerging talent, Milton is preparing for a competitive year ahead.
Offseason Focus: Fundamentals, Consistency, and Positive Culture
Coach Mirabile emphasizes that the team’s primary offseason objective has been building consistency. “Our main focus has been to become more consistent in everything we do—serving, serve receive, hitting, setting, defense,” he explained. The coaching staff has worked diligently with the players on mastering the basics, fine-tuning each skill to develop a more reliable and polished team on the court.
Alongside physical improvement, Milton has also placed a strong emphasis on cultivating a positive team culture. Coach Mirabile shared, “We are also working to become better teammates, better communicators, and to be more positive with ourselves and each other.” This focus on interpersonal dynamics reflects a broader effort to create a cohesive unit where athletes support one another and elevate the group as a whole.
Summer Development: Building Chemistry Through Open Gyms and Camps
Milton High School's summer plans include open gym sessions that allow players to build chemistry and reinforce skills in a more relaxed, team-centered environment. The players are also attending summer volleyball camps, which offer additional technical training and exposure to different coaching styles and competition levels.
These experiences serve not only as skill development tools but also as important opportunities for team bonding. “We will continue to hold open gyms and our players are going to attend summer camps to stay sharp and build more team chemistry,” said Coach Mirabile. The informal yet focused setting helps players grow individually while developing deeper trust and rhythm with their teammates.
Key Roster Changes: Graduation Opens Doors for Emerging Leaders
Like many high school teams, Milton is experiencing some notable roster changes. The team graduated several key players last year, opening up roles for returning athletes and younger players alike. These departures, while significant, create opportunities for leadership to emerge from within.
Coach Mirabile remains optimistic about the transition. “We graduated several players who were key contributors last year,” he noted, “but we have a good core group of returning players who are looking forward to stepping up and leading the way.”
The returnees have a solid understanding of the team’s systems and expectations, and their experience will be vital in helping newer players adjust and contribute. The coaching staff is confident that this group is ready to embrace the challenge of guiding the team forward.
Players to Watch: Talent Returns Across Key Positions
This year’s squad features a number of players who are poised to make an impact. Leading the way is Sophomore setter Brooklyn Brunk, who returns after a strong freshman campaign. Coach Mirabile describes her as a standout, saying, “She was very consistent last year, and her work ethic and drive to improve will help her become one of the better setters in the area.”
Brooklyn will be joined by outside hitter Lauren Schlueter, a senior who brings valuable experience and offensive firepower. According to Mirabile, “Lauren is working hard to become a more complete player and will be a leader for us this season.”
Another important returnee is junior middle hitter Emma Brunk, whose athleticism and presence at the net make her a key contributor on both offense and defense. “Emma is a hard worker with a great attitude and continues to improve every day,” Mirabile said.
Also returning is junior libero Savannah Borchert, a defensive specialist with strong instincts and court awareness. She’ll be instrumental in anchoring the back row and improving the team’s serve-receive consistency.
With this core group in place, Milton has a solid foundation of experienced players who are not only talented but committed to the team’s collective growth.
Strength and Conditioning: Laying the Foundation for a Long Season
Offseason workouts have been central to Milton’s preparation, particularly in strength and conditioning. The team has engaged in fitness sessions designed to build endurance, core strength, and injury resilience.
“Our athletes understand the importance of being physically prepared for a long season,” said Coach Mirabile. “We’ve spent a lot of time focusing on strength, flexibility, and quickness—especially lateral movement and explosive power.”
This physical preparation is paired with skill-focused training in the gym, ensuring that players are not only in peak condition but technically sharp as well. The dual approach helps ensure that Milton will be ready to compete hard through every set and match this fall.
Coaching Strategy: Emphasizing Team Play and Mental Toughness
As the season nears, Coach Mirabile and his staff are refining the team’s tactical approach with a focus on balanced offense and mental resilience. The goal is to minimize errors, maximize team communication, and sustain energy throughout matches.
“Volleyball is a game of momentum, and we want to be the team that controls that momentum,” Mirabile said. “That means being mentally tough, staying positive, and keeping our focus—point by point.”
Practices are being structured to replicate game situations, helping players develop confidence and comfort under pressure. Emphasis is also being placed on team strategy, with systems in place to take advantage of the squad’s strengths across positions.
Community Connection: Growing the Program with Pride
Milton’s volleyball team has always enjoyed strong support from the local community, and Coach Mirabile believes in nurturing that relationship. The program regularly engages in youth camps and school-wide events to encourage younger students to get involved with the sport.
“Our community is great about supporting our athletes,” said Mirabile. “It’s important to us to give back and be good role models for the younger kids who will one day be in our shoes.”
The team also benefits from strong parent involvement and dedicated volunteers who help with everything from scorekeeping to organizing team meals. That support creates a family-like atmosphere that extends beyond the gym.
Challenges Ahead: Building Experience, Embracing the Grind
With several new faces stepping into key roles, one of the primary challenges for Milton this season will be developing on-court chemistry and consistency in execution. The team is also striving to elevate its performance in pressure moments—something that only comes with game experience.
“We’ll be tested early, and we’re looking forward to that,” said Mirabile. “It’s about continuing to grow, being resilient, and learning from every match.”
Maintaining focus throughout a long season can be difficult, especially for younger athletes, but Mirabile remains confident in his team’s commitment and character. “This group wants to work, and they want to improve. That’s all we can ask for.”
Final Outlook
As the 2025 volleyball season begins, Milton High School finds itself at a pivotal point—blending experienced returners with new leadership and emerging talent. With a strong work ethic, a focus on fundamentals, and a positive team culture, the program is positioned to take meaningful strides forward.
While the road may have its challenges, Coach Al Mirabile and his players are embracing the journey ahead with optimism and determination. With each practice and every match, Milton is building something steady, strong, and lasting.
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