EAST PALESTINE OH- The YSN family is blessed with many tremendous volleyball coaches. Their success goes way past wins and losses on the floor. YSN features some of the most highly respected coaches in the state based on the way they carry themselves in the coaching community. That is why singling one out as Coach of the Year is so hard. Our staff worked hard to fairly pick out one coach that stood out the most this season. We are proud to announce that Girard head coach Phil Walters has been selected as the 2022 YSN Coach of the Year.

Girard has run out to an impressive 21-3 record so far. Their big wins on the season over Lakeview, Fitch, Crestview, and West Branch tipped the scales. Girard is the top seed in the Division II Northeast District.  Wellsville is the only other YSN team to earn a top seed.  Phil has gotten the most out of his players this year. It is not just his big hitters LAUREN Pallone, and Bree Latell doing damage. We have seen dramatic development of players like Esra Dede, Nico Cochran, and Maddie Malito.  This shows that Walters is not a coach who just leans on the talent he has, he is a master at player development, and one of the smartest coaches around.

Girard is still alive in the district tournament. They have an upcoming semifinal matchup with Aurora on Wednesday at 6:00 at Jefferson High School. Congratulations to Coach Walters, and the Indians on an incredible season, and we sure hope it continues for as long as possible.