Sean Stewart will be the first to admit that he didn’t expect this turnaround from his Salem girls volleyball program.
With six seniors on the roster, Stewart coached his team to a 4-14 record just three years ago.
These seniors remember that freshman year very well, and have thrived since, advancing to the NHIAA quarterfinals last year for the first time since 2017.
Now, with Madison Mohan spearheading a veteran group, Salem has its sights on something even bigger: Making it to the semifinals and even beyond.
“This senior class has been everything for our program, and their success has translated to the JV and frosh level, with the teams also getting double digit wins last year,” said Stewart. “It’s been a joy to watch and coach this group.”
Mohan has received D2 offers, and is slated to be in the conversation for New Hampshire Player of the Year, already tallying up 432 career kills, and 386 career digs.
Alongside Mohan is Lily George, a second-team all-state basketball player, who will be a major impact player in 2024, who Stewart calls “a phenomenal leader.”
The Blue Devils also return setter Marina D’Amico, who just topped the 500-assist mark, and has excelled on the varsity level since her freshman season.
Pinkerton reaches for top
Calli Miller has been everything that Pinkerton Academy coach Todd Royce could ask for on and off the volleyball court.
As a junior, Miller was instrumental to Pinkerton’s success, leading the Astros to the Division I tournament, before running into a juggernaut in Bedford, the eventual state champion.
Now, the middle blocker and her experienced teammates look to not only return to the tournament in 2024, but advance much further.
“This has been a hard-working bunch of girls since day 1,” said Royce. “They’ve set high expectations for themselves and this team.”
Pinkerton returns senior starters Brooke Little and Kara Porter, as Royce and his Astros eye a deep state tournament run.
Timberlane turns page
Don’t let last year’s 2-16 record fool you. Timberlane expects things to be much different in 2024.
Led by junior Ashlee Salafia, the Owls may be young, but have gained plenty of volleyball experience throughout the offseason.
“This program has worked very hard since last year, looking to improve their volleyball skills, while gaining strength and endurance,” said Owls coach Danielle Stoodley. “We have some players in new positions this year, and I know that we will be more competitive than we have been in the past.”
Seniors Elizabeth Shanley and Bella Jewett have been named captains.
“Everyone in this program has been a team player and is willing to do anything and play any position that the team needs,” said Stoodley. “I am looking forward to watching this program compete this season.”
Windham eyeing tourney run
After falling in the state quarterfinals at the hands of upset-minded Portsmouth in 2023, Windham looks to take it even further.
Seniors Kelly Wright and Ryleigh Jacobs will be a big reason why the Jaguars are scary in the Granite State, as Windham begins to build off of their 14-4 campaign last year.
“With a mix of core returning players, and incoming newcomers at important positions, we are starting with a strong foundation,” said Windham coach Kelsey Higgins. “We expect a high ceiling as the season goes along.”
Alongside Wright and Jacobs, the Jaguars return Anna Mitrou, who led the team in digs and aces, and is a Merrimack College softball commit.
New era at Pelham
As the 2023 season concluded with a 6-16 record, Pelham hired Jade Gizzi to take the reins of the Pythons program.
Gizzi previously was an assistant coach in Franklin, New Hampshire, and expects the Pythons to turn heads early on, despite having a youthful team.
“As the new season kicks off, expectations for Pelham High’s volleyball team are high,” said Gizzi. “With a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers, this team is rebuilding a foundation after losing many seniors last season.”
Olivia Squillante, Evelyn Smith, and Hannah Kelly have been named as captains, as Pelham opens up their season on Wednesday at Prospect Mountain.
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