Squad returns 6 varsity players, growing into new system

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

The Wheaton volleyball team will embark on its 2026 season with a new coach, a new structure and a roster that has already given the squad plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

Kacy Whitley, incoming Wheaton volleyball coach, has set an ambitious goal for her first season, with the Bulldogs aiming to contend for a district championship and make a deep postseason run.

“This season will demand hard work, leadership, and a complete team effort, and we’re ready to rise to the occasion,” she said.

The Lady Bulldogs’ summer numbers and competitiveness have helped reinforce those expectations. Whitley said the depth of players participating this summer has been exciting, especially as the team adjusts to changes within the program.

“With a new coach and a shift of structure within the program, it has been an adjustment for them,” Whitley said. “They are a very competitive group who have been rising to the challenges I’ve set before them.”

Wheaton returns a strong group of experienced players, including six players who contributed at the varsity level last season.

Junior Ava Bui returns as the libero after recording 214 digs last season. Senior Avery Schlessman also returns after producing 97 kills and 270 digs, while senior Lily Walling posted a 93-percent serving rate and 253 digs.

Senior Mallory Royer will see more action at the net as an outside hitter, while junior Morgan Crandall returns at middle hitter after recording 109 kills last season. Senior Shayle Prewitt will continue directing the offense as the team’s setter.

The Lady Bulldogs also have four newcomers expected to compete for varsity roles. Juniors Alesha Hang, Lexi Krueger and Yami Vazquez, along with sophomore Sydney Walling, have already shown significant development despite having limited statistics from last season.

“These newcomers will be ones to watch,” Whitley said. “Stats were limited for them last year, but they are already showing large gains and leadership among the varsity round up.”

The senior class will provide the Bulldogs with an important foundation as they transition into Whitley’s system.

Royer, Schlessman, Walling and Prewitt will be counted on not only for their production, but also for their leadership and communication.

“They are athletes I can trust to do things correctly and I never have to ask them to give me more,” Whitley said. “They show up every day and they put in the work.”

Whitley believes Wheaton’s willingness to compete is already one of its biggest strengths.

“They want to compete and want to prove that on the court,” she said.

The Lady Bulldogs have several options offensively and experience defensively.

“They are stepping up to the challenges set before them and excelling,” Whitley said. “We have a strong number in hitters, the strength in two setters, and experienced defensive specialists.”

The biggest challenge may be getting all those pieces working together consistently. Wheaton is implementing new formations while incorporating several players into expanded varsity roles, and Whitley said establishing continuity will be an important part of the season.

“Gaining continuity in the new formations and adjusting to incoming varsity players that are expected to fill some big shoes [will be areas for improvement],” she said.

The schedule will give the Lady Bulldogs plenty of opportunities to develop. Wheaton will spend a significant amount of the season on the road, but Whitley believes the strength of the schedule is appropriate for where the program wants to go.

“We will continue to build and develop throughout the season and check off boxes, laying the foundation for a successful postseason run,” she said.

Rather than identifying one particular game for fans to attend, Whitley wants the community to support the Bulldogs throughout the season.

“[We want fans to attend] all of them,” she said. “We want support and encouragement to pack the stands and show the girls their hard work does not go unnoticed from the Bulldog community. We want the bleachers full.”

With a mixture of returning production, senior leadership and newcomers pushing for varsity opportunities, Whitley believes Wheaton is already developing the competitive mindset needed to reach its goals.

The Lady Bulldogs’ new coach has been encouraged by the team’s response to the changes and the work put in during the summer. Now the challenge will be carrying that competitiveness into the regular season and building toward the postseason.

The Lady Bulldogs’ regular season begins on Sept. 1 at home against Sheldon.