By Chris Parker
Bradleyville volleyball has a good core of leaders to lean on coming off a nine-win campaign in 2023.
It starts with Harley Guerin who is a two-time first-team all-conference honoree entering her senior season. She led the team in digs and kills last season.
“Harley is a special player,” Bradleyville head coach Reggie Roepke said. “Her skills are outstanding, but her attitude is what makes her unique. She is a very selfless player and fierce competitor.”
Junior Abby VanWinsen is expected to have a big year hitting the ball.
“Abby is a powerful player,” Roepke said. “She got a lot of varsity time last year and should be a standout player this season. Abby will aim to lead our team in kills this year. She will also have a major role in the backrow as she will play six rotations.”
Senior Arica Todd returns with three years of varsity experience.
“Arica will look to play six rotations this year,” Roepke said. “Arica also has three prior years of varsity experience.”
Emma Smith rounds out the retuning players in her senior year. She will be switching from defensive specialist to setter. Smith is a three-year varsity letterwinner.
Sydney Maggard (sophomore), Payton Whittaker (freshman) and Presli Jussel (freshman) all will look to compete for varsity sets after strong summers.
“We have a lot of selfless girls competing together this year, led by our seniors. We will be undersized but should make for it with our scrappiness and hustle. Our three seniors have all been playing varsity, in some capacity, since they were freshmen. They are a very special unit and will carry us this season,” Roepke said. “Our team’s volleyball IQ is higher than it has ever been. We will still need to limit errors and unforced mistakes to be competitive. Back row play will be crucial for us this year.”
Bradleyville will jamboree at Mansfield on Aug. 27 before opening the regular season on Aug. 31 at the Koshkonong Tournament.
