The girls volleyball season is well underway and among the county teams that compete in the Jefferson County Activities Association’s large and small schools, the talented players mentioned by their head coaches for this year’s Outlook are starting to emerge.
Jefferson High School (small schools) and Windsor High School (large) were both undefeated (4-0) in conference play in 2024. St. Vincent High School from Perryville is also in the small-schools division, with Crystal City High School, Herculaneum High School and Grandview High School. Perryville High School competes in the large schools with the Owls, Festus High School, Hillsboro High School and Windsor. St. Vincent beat the Blue Jays (3-8-3 this season) in five sets in the Class 2 quarterfinals and ended up third in the state.
Hillsboro was 8-3-4 as of the Leader deadline, and the 15 matches are the most played by any team in the JCAA. Jefferson (3-8-3) started its season with a bang by playing five matches on opening day Aug. 30, finishing third in the Windsor Tournament. The Blue Jays finished 0-3-1 at the North County Tournament in Bonne Terre on Sept. 13.
There is talent spread throughout the conference. Jefferson senior libero Peyton Guffey leads the St. Louis area in digs (178) and digs per game (5.93). Guffey has made just one service error in 100 serves.
Here is a breakdown of each county team in the JCAA (in alphabetical order).
Crystal City Hornets
Class 1 District 4 at Bismarck
Final four: seven times; last time 2006
Head coach: Erin Bova, fourth year
2024: 9-11-1 overall, 2-2 JCAA
Key players: Seniors Makayla Denney (middle blocker), Maya Hankins (right side/outside); juniors Sabrina Hutton (RS/OH), Hannah Schilly (setter), Kadence Buechting (MB), Payton Dugal (defensive specialist); sophomores Addison Bova (S), Molly Reiter (DS).
Side out: Schilly and Addison Bova, the coach’s daughter, are returning setters and were second team JCAA selections a year ago. Coach Bova said they direct the flow of the game with their strong court awareness and deep knowledge of the sport.
“They not only create scoring opportunities for their teammates but also provide steady encouragement and support,” Erin Bova said. “Smart and strategic, they aren’t afraid to mix things up and keep opponents guessing.”
Denney brings tremendous athletic ability and determination to the court, Bova said.
“She is a relentless worker who continually pushes herself and her teammates to improve. As she enters her senior season, Makayla is motivated to leave it all on the floor and finish her career on a high note.”
Bova said success begins with building a positive team culture.
“Our athletes set that foundation early in the preseason. They have done an excellent job establishing expectations, supporting one another, and showing the true value of teamwork.
“As we look ahead to this season, I will continue encouraging a growth mindset, one that helps us play to our strengths, face challenges with resilience, and push forward together. Our goal is clear: to build on last year’s progress and improve our record.”
De Soto Dragons
Class 4 District 1 at Cape Girardeau Central High School
Final four: None
Head coach: Louise Robertson, first year
2024: 14-12-4, 1-3
Key players: Senior Ashley Theiss (OH); juniors Emma Alexander (S), Abigail Reese (MH/MB); sophomore Remington Emmons.
Side out: Theiss was JCAA and District 1 honorable mention last season. She is a Kennesaw State University (Georgia) recruit. She’s the only senior on the roster after the Dragons lost five to graduation.
“We would like to see her higher up on those lists,” Robertson said.
De Soto had a record of 3-7-1 going into the North County Tournament on Sept. 13.
“With this being my first season with this group, I think it’s safe to say we’re still trying to figure each other out,” Robertson said.
“We have lots of goals for ourselves as individuals and as a program, but two main areas of emphasis for us are building a positive culture and increasing our athleticism. Those are the chosen components for the foundation of our season.”
Festus Tigers
Class 4 District 2 at Webster Groves
High School
Final four: three times; last time 1997
Head coach: Isabella Kemp, second year
2024: 24-6-1, 3-1
Key players: Seniors Jessie Hawkins (L), Maggie Geiler (MH); juniors Rylee Lawrence (OH), Ella Jo Jokerst (Opposite/S); sophomore Lauren Whitehead (S).
Side out: Hawkins and Lawrence are both two-time all-JCAA and district performers. Geiler received the recognition for both last season. Hawkins is projected to break the school record for career digs. As of Sept. 6, she had 1,100. The current record holder is Devin Younger (1,269). Both played after the state went to a best-of-5 instead of best-of-3 format.
“She’s a mentally tough, multi-sport competitor that will level us out on both ends of the ball,” Kemp said of Hawkins.
The Tigers will run a 6-2 offense to take advantage of their size on the front row. On defense, they’re working toward stability and communication. Whitehead is consistent and thorough. She implements the game plan confidently, and Kemp said she’s trusted and relied on for her intuition.
Jokerst is athletic and charismatic.
“She looks for a variety of ways to score and isn’t afraid to shake things up,” Kemp said.
Hawkins, Lawrence and Jokerst will play all six rotations. Lawrence provides power in the front row and has worked hard this offseason to improve her overall communication, helping her teammates score while she’s in middle back.
Festus had a record of 3-1 going into the North County Tournament.
“Having lost four seniors from last year’s team, expectations are difficult to fully carry,” Kemp said. “We have many up-and-coming sophomores that I expect to grow as the season progresses and contribute in crucial ways. Our team has spent adequate time setting process-based goals that we will uphold as a group and use for continuous improvement throughout the season.”
Grandview Eagles
Class 2 District 3 at Kingston High School
Final four: None
Head coach: Sofia Fischer, first year
2024: 3-21-1, 0-4
Key players: Senior Miriam Korosic (MH); sophomores Lacey Brown (OH/S), Jayden Lunsford (MH); freshman Chloe Emerson (OH/S).
Side out: Fischer takes over for Madeline Rotter, who held the coaching job for 10 years. The Eagles (2-5-1) competed in the Dig For Life Challenge at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau on Sept. 12-13 and won one of five matches.
“This year we have a very fresh and new team,” Fischer said. “We only have a couple of players that saw any time on the varsity last year. Lacey Brown played all the way around last year and will be a key player for us. Lacey is only a sophomore but has taken on being a captain.”
The Eagles begin conference play Sept. 25 at home against St. Vincent.
“This will be a rebuilding year for Grandview,” Fischer said. “We have a lot of talent this year, but we are still a very young team. I’m excited to see how this team grows over the course of the season.”
Herculaneum Blackcats
Class 3 District 2 at Ste. Genevieve
High School
Final four: None
Head coach: Taylor Metcalf, first year
2024: 16-17-1, 1-3
Key players: Seniors Macy Pope (S/OH), JoJo Lawson (L), Addie Hawkins (MH); junior Abbi Pruitt (S/OH); freshman Payton Nelson (MH).
Side out: All 9 to 10 athletes on the varsity are getting into the rotation at this point in the season. The main hitters for the middle are Hawkins and Nelson. The Blackcats run a 6-2 offense and Lawson plays back row currently for the two middle hitters, Hawkins and Nelson.
“We are fortunate to return several key players who I expect to be major contributors this season,” Metcalf said. “Lawson will anchor our defense. She’s a steady leader in the back row, known for her quick reads and strong passing, and was a consistent spark for us last year.”
Metcalf said Hawkins brings power and experience at the net.
“Her blocking presence and ability to put balls away in the middle were vital last season, and I expect her to be a big offensive threat again.”
Pope is incredibly versatile, contributing as both an outside hitter and setter.
“Her court awareness and ability to adapt to what the team needs make her a huge asset,” Metcalf said.
Pruitt will play a big role as an outside hitter and setter.
“She stepped up last year with consistent hitting and smart setting, and I expect her to continue to grow into a leadership role.”
Herculaneum is 1-5 so far this season, with its win coming against Bishop DuBourg High School on Sept. 3.
“My expectations for this season are to see our team grow both on and off the court,” Metcalf said. “I want us to build strong communication, support each other, and play with confidence every match. Wins are always a goal, but I’m especially focused on consistent effort, discipline, and working together as one unit. I also expect us to keep improving throughout the season so that by the end, we’re playing our best volleyball and competing at a high level.”
Hillsboro Hawks
Class 4 District 1 at Cape Girardeau Central High School
Final four: None
Head coach: Israel Ringling, fourth year
2024: 16-7-2, 2-2
Key players: Seniors Madison Czapla (MB), Carlie Galczynski (OH/DS), Kayla Yaeger (L); juniors Jersey Robinson (OH/S), Candice G’Sell (DS), Tessa Woods (DS), Kerrigan Blocker (OH); sophomore Ava Campbell (S).
Side out: Robinson was first team all-JCAA last season after averaging 3.62 kills per game. Robinson led the Hawks with 51 aces and was second with 231 digs. In her dual role as hitter and setter, she had 247 assists. Yaeger led the team with 341 digs, 2.3 per game.
Ringling said the Hawks are working well as a unit, as evident by their winning record thus far. Ringling said Czapla is a big presence offensively and defensively. She has a 91 percent serve efficiency.
“She puts up a huge block in the middle and runs a quick offense,” Ringling said.
The Hawks were 2-1-2 at Dig For Life, beating Woodland (Marble Hill) High School and Poplar Bluff High School, tying St. Vincent and Cape Girardeau Notre Dame High School, and falling to Cape Central.
“I expect the girls to really show up and surprise some teams,” Ringling said. “I expect them to really be able to step up their game from last year and work as a cohesive unit.”
Jefferson Blue Jays
Class 2 District 4 at Jefferson High School
State championships: 1, 2022; final four: 1
Head coach: Tara Fish, eighth year
2024: 20-9, 4-0
Key players: Seniors Halayna Loyd (S), Ryleigh Johnson (OH), Peyton Guffey (L), Louise Duepner (DS), Kiana Lemons (H); juniors Mia Clippard (RS/MH), Haley Ditch (DS/RS), Kendall Neel (DS); sophomores Gianna Barbagallo (MH), Liv Bone (OH); freshman Kendall Broadwater (MH).
Side out: Jefferson was up 2-0 in sets against St. Vincent in the quarterfinals, making the absence of another final four appearance even more unpalatable. Fish coached the Blue Jays to their state title and called the loss to the Indians “heartbreaking.”
“As we enter the new season, our expectations are high, and our focus remains on growth—both individually and as a team,” said Fish, who is also the school’s activities director. “We’ve put in significant work during the off-season, emphasizing strength and speed development thanks to coaches Robert Kuehnle and Matt Atley. This foundation is helping our athletes continue to grow and compete at a higher level.”
Loyd returns as the 5-1 setter and team captain. Fish said Loyd is not only a strong technical player, but a true playmaker who reads the court and opponents extremely well. Against Ste. Genevieve on Sept. 4, Loyd recorded her 1,000th career assist.
“Watching her take ownership of her role this summer and mentor our younger athletes has been a highlight,” Fish said.
Guffey is a captain and Fish said is the heart of the team’s defense and brings contagious energy to the court. “She’s everywhere on the floor and constantly earns praise from coaches and fans alike for her outstanding defensive play. Her consistent performance and positive attitude make her a cornerstone of our team.”
Johnson is a returning outside hitter with a fast, powerful swing and a smart approach to her attacks.
“She’s versatile and can hit from anywhere on the court. We anticipate her being one of our top offensive contributors this season.”
Fish said Clippard and Lemons are continuing to develop as right-side hitters, showing improvement in blocking and court awareness. Neel provides strong back-row defense with a controlled, soft touch that helps shift momentum in rallies, while Ditch brings a powerful serve that’s proving to be an asset.
Barbagallo and Bone are stepping up offensively and continue to grow with each match.
“Their progress has been encouraging, and they’re beginning to make real contributions on the court.”
Broadwater joined the varsity late in the summer and has made an immediate impact with her energy and eagerness to learn. Fish said since joining the lineup, the team’s blocking numbers have increased.
“She’s forming a strong connection with Halayna and is starting to read the opposing offense more effectively with each match. She’s a quick learner and a great addition to our team.”
Fish said the Blue Jays had a fun and productive summer, including a trip to the University of Arkansas for a camp, where players had the opportunity to connect with program alum Ava Roth.
“At various shootouts throughout the summer, our team competed at a high level and experienced some great success,” Fish said.