Tag Archive for: club volleyball

KEEPING THE TALLY

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HOWLAND, OH – As the Howland volleyball team heads into a new season, nior setter Talia Rishel is taking center stage—both on the court and in a key leadership role. In a recent profile interview for YSN with Anthony Hartwig, Rishel discussed her transition into an upperclassman position following the graduation of last year’s influential senior class. “It’s definitely really exciting,” Rishel said. “I definitely have a lot of younger eyes on me, but it’s really fun to have that kind of leadership role this year.”

Known for her role as a setter since eighth grade, Rishel highlighted the importance of communication with her teammates—especially with new varsity hitters getting their first taste of significant playing time. “There’s definitely a big hole that was left behind, and I think all of my teammates are definitely trying to step up this year to fill that,” she explained. “I think leading by example this year is going to be really big, especially for the younger ones.”

Rishel, who is homeschooled, balances her academic workload with a busy athletic life, crediting the flexibility of homeschooling for helping her train during the day. “I play three sports, so I kind of see a lot of the same girls all year round, and a lot of them are my best friends now,” she shared. Though she is focused on this volleyball season, Rishel already has her sights set on playing in college. As for her goals this year? “Being quicker, thinking faster, still building that connection with all my players,” she said, emphasizing her desire to be a resource for younger teammates both on and off the court. With drive, experience, and an emerging leadership presence, Rishel looks poised to help guide the Howland Tigers to another competitive season.

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NO MORE WAITING

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HOWLAND OH — As her senior season with the Howland volleyball team kicks off, Michelina Wayt is embracing her final year both on and off the court, focusing on making memories and enjoying the game she loves. Speaking with Anthony Hartwig on YSN, Wayt shared that the reality of her last season hasn’t quite sunk in. “It just all feels the same. I’m kind of worried what it’s going to feel like in the end,” she admitted. But one thing she’s certain about is her approach: “I just want to have fun and make as many memories as I can.”

Wayt, who started playing volleyball in seventh grade and dove into club play immediately after, credits the sport for giving her lasting friendships and valuable life experiences. “It was the bond and the friendship that had with everyone, and it just made me love the sport,” she said. With a leadership role this year, Wayt strives to set an example for younger teammates, encouraging an atmosphere where everyone feels included. Inspired by last year’s senior Sienna Dykes, Wayt’s leadership style is a mix of vocal encouragement and leading by example. “If people are slacking, I, you know, yell at them and like, tell them, let’s go and focus,” she said, laughing.

Off the court, Wayt and her teammates foster camaraderie through traditions like their annual scavenger hunt, which she describes as a highlight of team bonding. “We do like a scavenger hunt every year, so that definitely allows us to, you know, meet everyone, have fun, just make many memories.” When she’s not in the gym or on the court, Wayt enjoys tanning, traveling—her favorite destination so far is Aruba—and spending time with friends. Looking ahead, she’s set to attend Kent Trumbull College to pursue a degree in nursing, driven by her passion for helping others. Academically, her dedication is evident: “I study even on nights of volleyball games…my GPA is like a 4.4 probably,” she shared. Wayt is grateful to the role models in her life, especially her mother and former teammate Dykes, for inspiring her to work hard and strive for success. As her senior year progresses, she’s determined to leave a legacy rooted in positivity, fun, and teamwork. “I want them to know it’s okay if you mess up… I want everyone to have fun playing their sport,” Wayt concluded. With leaders like Michelina Wayt at the helm, Howland volleyball is sure to have another memorable season.

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THE FINAL AUER

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COLUMBIANA, OH – One of the most anticipated player profiles of the season has arrived, as Crestview High School’s senior volleyball standout, Lainy Auer, sits down with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to reflect on her final year in the program. Auer, a four-year varsity starter, enters her senior campaign with a mix of excitement and disbelief over how fast her high school career has flown. “It feels like I’ve been here forever, but it also feels like I haven’t. It’s just kind of mixed feelings,” she shared on the podcast.

This season marks a major transition for Auer, who moves from her longtime role as setter into a six-rotation outside hitter spot. While the change feels “really weird” after years at the helm, Auer is up for the challenge, saying, “I really like hitting.” Leading a younger squad—only three returning varsity players—Auer is embracing a new level of leadership, pushing herself to become more vocal and keep team morale high. “If one person starts to get louder, the whole team does. So I’m really just trying to do that,” she said about motivating her teammates.

On the court, Auer is eyeing significant milestones, including reaching 1,000 career kills and maintaining Crestview’s undefeated home record throughout her time in high school, a feat she admits she hadn’t even realized until the conversation. Off the court, Auer is balancing college coursework and looking forward to her future at Malone University, where she will continue her volleyball journey. “It just felt like there was a whole weight lifted off my shoulders” after committing, she said, expressing relief at having her next steps settled. As she gears up for her last run in the Crestview gym, Auer’s focus remains on leaving a legacy of hard work and camaraderie for the underclassmen who will follow in her footsteps. With a record of success behind her and new opportunities ahead, Lainy Auer’s senior season promises to be one for the Crestview history books.

COLUMBIANA VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH JENNIFER MARTIN 8-1-25

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COLUMBIANA OH- As volleyball fans gear up for another exciting season, Columbiana’s Clippers are primed to defend their back-to-back EOAC titles with a new crop of leaders. Head coach Jen Martin, speaking in a season preview with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig, reflected on last year’s impressive 22-2 finish, highlighted by a senior-heavy lineup that set several records and trained the next generation.

With nine seniors graduating, Martin acknowledged leadership was the biggest question mark entering 2024. “Landry Smith is our returning starter. She’s a junior and has been on the floor since she was a freshman, so she’s doing a good job of stepping up and leading,” said Martin. Seniors Evie Rap and Audrey Barbarak have also emerged as key voices this summer. Last year, the team’s offensive balance made them hard to defend. Martin hopes to replicate that versatility, noting Smith will anchor the middle, while Addison Dangler and several up-and-comers figure to play critical roles. “I love that anybody can put the ball away,” Martin emphasized.

The Clippers face a competitive EOAC, with hungry teams aiming to break their title streak. Non-conference matchups, including a Friday night opener against Heartland Christian and a much-anticipated battle with McDonald, promise to test and prepare the squad for postseason play. Martin credits her deep coaching staff with creating a culture of success. Fans can catch the season opener Friday, August 15th—an event Martin hopes will continue to rally the community around Columbiana volleyball. With new faces stepping up and a tradition of excellence backing them, the Clippers look poised for another memorable season.

FLORES FAST ON THE FLOOR

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BOARDMAN OH- As the new high school volleyball season approaches, Boardman’s own Maya Flores is ready to step up as a key leader on the court. Entering her junior year, Flores spoke with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig, sharing insights about her evolving role, intense off-season preparation, and dreams for collegiate competition.

Flores, who was voted all-team conference last year, now finds herself among the upperclassmen: “It’s really been a change this year…But I feel like I’ve had good role models throughout the years to lead me to become a leader for this year,” Flores said. Her off-season has been intense. Flores switched to playing club volleyball in Cleveland at the open level—the highest of its kind—exposing her to some of the state’s top talent. “It really helped me become more powerful, [with] faster offense-type things to just keep preparing me for wanting to play in college,” she explained.

Confidence is key, especially when facing the fast-paced play found in club and high school volleyball. “During the club season, it was kind of iffy because I wasn’t used to that speed of play,” Flores admitted. “But coming off the club season… it won’t have to be that drastic of a change to come into school season.” Flores credits much of her readiness to Boardman’s rigorous summer training, including strength and conditioning with coach Todd Berkey and varied open gyms to refine lineups. While she enjoys upper body and core training (“Not a lot of girls like arms, but I like arms”), she finds leg day a challenge—“being 6’2, it’s kind of hard to bend a lot,” she laughed.

With a vertical jump that touches nearly 10 feet, Flores is set to be a formidable opponent in the tough All-American Conference. “There’s always teams that are good…[it] keeps our practices usually fast going and really disciplined,” she said. Looking ahead, Flores is eager to make a mark at the next level, fielding calls from college coaches and planning campus visits. Ultimately, she attributes her support and success to her parents, teammates, and coaches—especially for their encouragement during pivotal moments like her decision to focus on volleyball. As the Spartans hit the court this fall, expect Maya Flores to serve up leadership, skill, and plenty of highlight-reel moments.

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CAMPBELL VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH TYLER ALLEN 7-24-25

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CAMPBELL OH – As volleyball season approaches, optimism fills the gym at Campbell Memorial, where head coach Tyler Allen returns for another year at the helm. In a recent interview with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig, Coach Allen reflected on last year’s campaign, calling it “pretty successful” as the team adjusted to a new side of the MVAC conference and battled fresh opponents.

Despite a tough first-round postseason loss, Allen believes the returning players have used it as a valuable learning experience. “I think they’re going to be ready to go this year,” he said, praising their dedication over a busy offseason filled with strength training, jump stretching at the YMCA, and competitive summer leagues—including a recent trip to Cedar Point to take on bigger schools. Leadership will look different this year after the graduation of strong senior players, but Allen is confident in the new core. Senior Gabby Santos, along with juniors Elysia Rudolphi and Deja Will, have stepped up to guide the team both on and off the court.

With an eye on Campbell’s first-ever conference championship, Allen knows the MVAC’s Scarlet Tier is stacked with talent. “We have McDonald, always tough. We have Mineral Ridge, very tough program,” he noted. Non-conference highlights include matchups against Poland, Struthers, and Hubbard—providing no shortage of challenges to test the Red Devils’ resolve. Fans can expect an elevated game-day atmosphere this year. Thanks to a new video board and dedicated staff, Allen hopes to create a college-like experience for players and spectators alike. “We try to make our games as much of a college atmosphere as we can and just really try to push our girls to get to that next level,” he said.

Campbell Memorial volleyball opens its season at home against Poland on August 18, with JV starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by varsity. With a strong sense of family—on the court and within the coaching staff—the Red Devils look poised to make school history. “We have a great group of kids here at Campbell Memorial. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Allen said.

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BAKING UP A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE

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COLUMBIANA OH-  Rachell Baker, affectionately known by many as “Mrs. Do It All” in the local athletics community, sat down with DJ Yokley and Anthony Hartwig on the latest episode of YSN Live to share her journey and philosophy as a leading volleyball coach at Athletics.

A Crestview alum, Baker’s passion for volleyball began in seventh grade—admittedly with no knowledge of the game’s fundamentals. Since then, she’s built a strong, supportive volleyball family at Athletics, coaching athletes from elementary to high school. “I absolutely love working with that age group,” Baker said. “It’s an honor to be a part of this community.” Baker’s impact extends far beyond teaching skills; she focuses on giving girls, especially those without a current program at their school or unable to join a club, a welcoming place to learn and compete. She offers skill leagues, clinics, and private lessons, tailoring instruction to every athlete’s goals and ability.

Baker’s coaching style centers on meeting athletes where they’re at—encouraging beginners to persevere and pushing experienced players to the next level. She shared a recent highlight: helping a young athlete named Stella progress from struggling to serve, to confidently making serves over the net, thanks to Baker’s encouragement and the support of her teammates. The Crestview legacy runs deep in Baker’s approach. She credits her mentor, Alicia Auer, for instilling the importance of community and consistency in volleyball instruction—values she passes on through her work.

With tryouts on the horizon, Baker’s clinics are in high demand, especially for seventh graders hoping to make their school teams. “I want to even the playing field to give everyone the same opportunity,” she said. Baker’s competitive spirit fuels everything she does—including family backyard games with her six children. Her parting advice for young athletes sums up her coaching ethos: “If you’re going to do it, do it right. Make the most out of it and live with no regrets.” Those interested in joining Baker’s volleyball programs can find information at Athletics’ Facebook page or through in-building flyers featuring QR codes for easy registration. With her guidance, it’s clear the next generation of local volleyball stars have a strong foundation on and off the court.

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THE WAYT IS OVER

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WARREN OH- Howland volleyball standout, Michelina Wayt, has stepped into her junior season with both vigor and responsibility, leading her team with confidence and charisma. As the Tigers dive into tournament time, Wayt reflects on her journey from an underclassman to one of the team’s vital veterans.

Speaking on our YSN Player Profile, Michelina discussed the transition to being a leader. “It’s just really nice to see, like, to step up and, like, get into that leadership role,” she said. “Everything that I’ve worked for…now get here and use it in the upperclassmen and just be ready and be prepared for everything.” Michelina’s confidence has only grown since last year, attributing her progress to both personal and team victories. “It’s kind of, like, everything. Like, your teammates are there to cheer you on…but then, like, also paying off and, like, getting those big plays, like, really gives you a lot of confidence too.”

Apart from volleyball, Michelina is also a cheerleader—a role she embraced for the first time this year. Juggling both sports has taught her invaluable lessons in time management and organization, skills she knows will benefit her in the future. A dedicated student, Wayt expresses a keen interest in anatomy and child development classes. She aims to become an elementary school teacher, inspired by her mother, who is also a teacher and coach at Howland High School. “It’s definitely nice just being able to have her to go to and, like, always have someone to talk to at the school,” Michelina shared.

As Howland’s volleyball team continues their tournament quest, Michelina’s leadership, poised and buoyed by the strong support system of her family, friends, and fellow teammates, promises to pave the way for more successes. Her journey from being a player to a pivotal leader exemplifies the spirit and dedication of Howland’s athletes, making her a beacon of inspiration for her peers.

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MOLNAR’S MOMENT

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- At YSN, we shine the spotlight on young athletes who redefine commitment and passion. Today, we delve into the remarkable world of Kylee Molnar, a Mineral Ridge rising star whose dedication to sports is as inspiring as it is intense. DJ Yokley, host of YSN, sat down with Kylee to discuss her love for athletics, her punishing schedule, and the drive that catapults her towards success.

Since her early feature on YSN, Kylee has become a familiar name, not just for her prowess in multiple sports but for her genuine outlook towards her future. When asked about her motivation, Kylee shared, “I want to go to college for playing sports. Of course, I have a scholarship so my parents don’t have to pay for it.” Displaying maturity beyond her years, Kylee’s focus on securing a sports scholarship reflects her considerate nature and long-term vision.

A testament to her athletic versatility and enthusiasm, Kylee doesn’t restrict herself to a single sport – or even two. She juggles an astounding array of activities, including basketball, volleyball, cross country, track, and club sports. With such a packed routine, one might wonder how she manages it all. Yes, Kylee keeps a meticulous schedule. “I used to get up at like 05:00 a.m. before school started… Then I went to volleyball practice after, for 2 hours and, and then after volleyball I went to lifting and then I had to get a jump stretch after that,” she says, outlining a day that would exhaust even seasoned athletes.

The rigors of her routine are palpable when she discusses her workouts. “It could be hills some days. Linda loops, 400 repeats, mile repeats, six-mile runs. Just crazy stuff,” Kylee explains, revealing the extent of her training. These early morning workouts set the tone for the rest of her day which includes a full slate of school, sports, and study.

Balancing a high-octane sports regimen with schoolwork and family time isn’t easy, but Kylee does it with poise and discipline. When DJ Yokley asked what she enjoys outside of sports, her response was heartwarming, “I spend time with my family, but I also volunteer. My mom’s the booster, so I have to volunteer at the concession stand and on the field.”

Despite her disciplined diet, Kylee confesses her love for ‘pop’, or as some may call it, soda. “My cross country coach, he says it’s poison for me, but I really like some pop.” She proclaims root beer as her favorite, painting a picture of a regular teenager beneath the elite athlete.

When it comes to leadership, Kylee envisions her role as one of guidance and support: “Just speaking up, like helping people who don’t know what they’re doing, like trying to get them to the best of their abilities.” Kylee’s understanding of leadership extends beyond mere performance; it’s about empowering her teammates to reach their peak potential.

Kylee’s achievements are indeed impressive. DJ Yokley pointed out her accomplishments in junior high cross country, noting she “finished third at the league meet, making first team all MVAC finished 7th at the state meet out of 132 other runners.” Not just a talented runner, Kylee simultaneously excelled as a key player on the 8th-grade volleyball team.

As the interview came to a close, it became clear that Kylee thrives under pressure. Relishing the adrenaline rush, she shared, “That’s incredible… You’re at your best when the stage is biggest.” This sentiment embodies the spirit of a true competitor, one who consistently chases excellence with boundless energy and unwavering commitment.

From YSN, we salute Kylee Molnar for her exceptional prowess as an athlete and commend her efforts both on and off the field. Keep an eye on this outstanding Mineral Ridge player as she heads into high school. There’s no telling the heights she’ll reach, and we can’t wait to chronicle her journey.

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