Owensboro Catholic High School Volleyball Season Preview

The 2025 season marks a fresh chapter for Owensboro Catholic Volleyball—one where tradition meets transition. After graduating a strong senior class, the Lady Aces are leaning into their returning core, building team chemistry, and embracing a gritty work ethic that’s long defined the program. Offseason Focus Most of our players are active in travel volleyball, gaining valuable competitive reps throughout the spring. Once that wraps, our attention shifts to strength and conditioning, followed by individual skill development as we work up to the KHSAA dead period. Our focus is on getting better one rep at a time and preparing the team to peak at the right moment. Special Offseason Events We’re continuing two cornerstone traditions this summer: Morehead State Team Camp in July Bluegrass Games at the end of July Both provide competitive, high-level play and give our girls a chance to bond and grow together off the court as well. Notable Additions & Departures We graduated seven impactful seniors—a group that brought leadership and consistency to the floor. While those losses will be felt, our returning players form a strong nucleus to build around. The combination of returning experience and new varsity energy has us excited for what’s to come. Players to Watch Team captains Mayme Powell and Addie Oller are ready to lead by example and elevate the program’s culture. Alongside them, Ava Martin, Molly Arnold, Payton Arnold, and Emma Castlen bring experience and firepower to the returning lineup. New varsity contributors to watch include Taylor Clark, Paige, and Reagan Hamilton—each bringing their own strengths and hunger to make an impact this fall. Weight Lifting and Fitness Offseason strength and conditioning is led by Coach Blake Hardison (my son), who helps our athletes develop power, agility, and durability. Many of our players also train year-round through the Owensboro Volleyball Club or other local clubs, bringing both fitness and competitive edge into the high school season. Nutrition At this time, we do not have a formal nutrition program in place. Coaching Perspective We’re keeping things focused and fundamental this year. Two key pillars: Teamwork Ball control We believe that if we build a strong foundation in those areas, everything else will fall into place. The coaching staff is focused on preparing the girls both mentally and technically for the season grind. Fan Engagement & Community Impact One of our most meaningful offseason traditions is the mini camp we run for younger players in the community. It’s a chance for our high school athletes to coach and mentor the next generation, creating bonds that extend beyond the gym and fuel a love for the sport. Biggest Challenges Ahead With a younger team and several new starters, our biggest challenge will be filling leadership roles and executing under pressure. But as always, we’ll start the season by setting clear goals and working daily to achieve them. That steady focus has always been a strength of the program, and we’re confident it will guide us again this year. Final Word Owensboro Catholic enters 2025 with renewed energy and a hunger to prove that this new era can build on the legacy of the last. With solid leadership, up-and-coming talent, and a foundation built on faith and fight, the Lady Aces are ready to rise.