Valley Sports ReportATHENS — The defending District 4, Class 4A Athens Wildcats return virtually in tact and coach Heather Darrow says their is a confidence surrounding the team heading into 2026 after winning its first district title in 20 years.
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LAST YEAR: 9-12 and District 4, Class 4A champs ... lost 3-0 to Berwick in opening round of PIAA, Class 4A playoffs. OPENER: At home Tuesday against defending Class 3A champs Troy.
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"The continued work the girls have put in in the offseason has really helped them be confident in their abilities," said Darrow. "They have all matured in experience, and are also a bit more open-minded in trying new positions and different skills."
The Wildcats return seniors Meg Wiles, Hannah Parrish and Emma Mallare, as well as juniors Ellie Mosher, Kendall Galasso, and Lainey Vosburg, and sophomore Kayla Forbes.
"I see the girls really stepping up for each other," said Darrow. "They protect one another and if someone’s having a tough time someone else is going to help them turn around.
"They are a true team that’s focused on something greater than themselves," she noted. "They are working together and realizing together they can do anything.
"Hannah Parrish is such an awesome leader on and off the court. She has a competitive edge that really pushes the others.
"Ellie Mosher on the outside continues to improve what was already an awesome hit. She’s a six-rotation player and leader for the team.
"Meg Wiles is leading the floor and is really studying the game," said Darrow. "Emma Mallare has a huge hit and block. Kendall Galasso is becoming a top blocker, and Lainey Vosburgh has great defense and serve-receive passing.
"And, you can’t run an unstoppable offense without incredible ball control," added Darrow. "That’s where Kayla Forbes comes in. She's only a sophomore, but Kayla has found her voice and is becoming that true, a little crazy, loud libero. She’s owning the court and it’s so fun to watch.
"They are a team to watch."
Hanson expects newcomers sophomore Emi McQuay and freshman Evelyn Roy to make an impact.
"Evelyn Roy does not play or act like a freshman in practice or in games," said Darrow. "She has played with Kayla (Forbes) and Emi (McQuay) for two years and also had me as a coach, so I think the transition has been pretty smooth for her.
"This girl is an all-around athlete," noted Darrow. "Her flexibility with her dancing background, and the ability to move really well on the court from softball.
"She has a great hit and serve, and will be playing all around in no time."
"Emi McQuay has been doing incredible in the middle position," said Darrow. "She is so coachable and committed to the program.
"Her hard work has paid off, she will be seeing a starting position as a sophomore," she noted. "She has improved greatly in her blocking and hitting timing and I refuse to let her limit herself to just the front row. The girl can pass.
"I am very excited for the newcomers," added Darrow. "They have put a ton and reps into their skills."
Darrow does have one concern, but it's something that concerns her every year.
"I have this with every team," she said. "Shutting up the outside noise and distraction is a concern.
"Making volleyball their time to let go of everything else and compete is the goal," she noted. "Giving themselves grace and remembering this is a game of errors.
"Its all about how you respond," Hansen added.
AROUND THE NTL LARGE SCHOOL / DISTRICT 4, CLASS 4A
"I think Wellsboro is looking really strong this year," said Darrow. "They always produce such strong teams."
"As the only 4A school in the league, winning the NTL isn't really on my radar," she said. "If we win, it means we had a winning season I suppose, and that's good.
"It also means we qualify for districts, however, then we go to districts seeing totally different teams, and if we win there it's back to the District 2 teams like Abington Heights, Dallas or Berwick — very strong programs.
"My visions are set to making Districts then going from there," said Darrow.
"We do have Tom Shay coaching JV this year," she added. "He was part of the coaching staff that helped Athens get its only NTL title so I see him helping the girls."
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IN PHOTO: Athens junior Ellie Mosher. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.
