Prairie Ridge High School Volleyball Season Preview

As the fall sports season approaches, the Prairie Ridge High School volleyball team is gearing up for a highly competitive season. With high aspirations to be a top contender in the Fox Valley Conference, the team is working hard to improve upon last year’s performance. We spoke to Coach Hilary Agnello to get a sneak peek at what this season has in store for the Wolves. The team has a strong base of returning players, led by senior Grace Jansen who was named the team's only All-Conference player last season. Jansen is a versatile player, able to excel in both defense and offense. Her leadership skills and experience on the court make her a valuable asset to the team. Alongside Jansen is Maizy Agnello, the team’s kill leader. With her powerful hits and strategic play, Agnello is another key returning player to watch out for this season. Defensively, Tegan Vrbabcic and Ally Rogers will also be important players to watch, with their strong efforts at the back of the court. But it’s not just the returning players who will make an impact on the team this season. Coach Agnello is excited about the addition of new players Addi and Abby Smith, who will bring a fresh perspective and new skills to the team. As experienced hitters and setters, the Smith sisters are expected to make an immediate impact and bring a new level of competition to the team. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Agnello looks for players who possess leadership qualities such as communication, dedication, and a positive attitude. This year, many players are competing for the captain role, demonstrating the team's depth of leadership. Motivating players to push themselves to their full potential is a crucial aspect of coaching. At Prairie Ridge, this is achieved through team building and bonding exercises, and the rule of "no club apparel" during the season, emphasizing the importance of being united as one team. These efforts have already brought the team closer together, creating a strong sense of camaraderie and motivation to work hard and succeed. The team’s schedule this season includes tough opponents like Huntley High School and Crystal Lake Central, both known for their powerhouse programs. Coach Agnello acknowledges the challenge that these teams pose but also looks forward to the opportunity for the Wolves to prove themselves against top competition.