STAC VOLLEYBALL: WAVERLY'S ROTE HOPING WORK ETHIC, TALENT CAME OVERCOME LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN 2026 (September 2, 2026)

Valley Sports Report
WAVERLY — Waverly coach Hailee Rote knows she has a young team, but believes its work ethic and talent could lead to an improved season in 2026. 

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LAST YEAR: 4-12. OPENER: Waverly opens Wednesday at Unadilla Valley.

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"We have a really strong group of girls who are highly competitive and put in the work during the off-season," said Rote. "I am confident their hard work will pay off for them this season.

"Our teamwork, hustle and work ethic is a big strength," he noted. "This team has really bought into everything we have been striving to build over the last few years, and we are in a place where al 12 athletes are working together to reach our goal."

Ava Heath returns from last year as an outside hitter, and Addison Foster returns as a middle hitter.

Mady Briggs also returns as an outside hitter / defensive specialist, and Emma Richards is back as setter.

Newcomers Meeya Wheeler (setter), Layla Oechslin (libero) and Leraya Teeter (outside hitter) will all see extensive time.

"Meeya Wheeler and Layala Oechslin will both be freshman starters," said Rote. "One as a setter and one as a libero, two of the most important position on the court. 

"They both have put in tremendous effort and work in the off-season," she added. "I think their immediate impact will be apparent."

Her team's youth is Rote's biggest concern.

"It's apparent that we are a young team and with that we will have our ups and downs, with a lot of room for growth and improvement," she said.

Rote is hoping this is the year the Wolverines will get back to the postseason.

"The past two seasons we have not qualified for Section IV play, and this year our goal is to make it to the postseason," she said.

AROUND THE STAC
"We always have tough competition in the STAC," said Rote. "Owego, Windsor, Oneonta, Chenango Valley etc., all have strong programs that we hope to compete with."

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IN PHOTO: Waverly's Ava Heath. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.

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