William Penn 2023 Women’s Volleyball Season Review
2022 record: 21-14 (13-6 Heart)
Starters returning/lost: 4/2
Letterwinners returning/lost: 12/6
Notable returners:
Alyssa Young, Sr., Winter Springs, Fla.
(First-team all-Heart, 257 kills, 122 blocks)
Andressa Borges, Jr., Sao Paulo, Brazil
(Second-team all-Heart, 232 kills, 95 blocks)
Alyvia Johnson, Jr., Owatonna, Minn.
(Third-team all-Heart, 338 kills, 349 digs)
Mia Brady, So., Pontiac, Ill.
(Letterwinner, 289 assists)
Notable losses:
Corrin Lepper
(All-Heart)
Cecily Liphardt
(All-Heart)
Macy Bailey
(All-Heart)
Notable newcomers:
Patricia De Souza, Jr., Sao Paulo, Brazil
Kayla Riemer, Jr., Dakota, Ill.
Emilie Bojorquez-McFadden, Fr., Surprise, Ariz.
The William Penn women’s volleyball is looking to build off one of its most successful seasons in recent history as it hits the court in 2023.
Second-year head coach Lauren Eldridge guided the Statesmen to a 21-14 record (13-6 Heart) a year ago that culminated in a trip to the semifinal round of the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament.
Three all-Heart players return for the navy and gold, headlined by first-team pick Alyssa Young (Sr., Winter Springs, Fla., Exercise Science).
Outside Hitter
The leader in numerous statistical categories last year, Alyvia Johnson (Jr., Owatonna, Minn., Elementary Education) is looking for another big campaign this fall. Johnson tallied 338 kills along with 349 digs, 53 blocks, and 21 aces.
Riley Hungate (So., Joliet, Ill., Business Management) and Katlyn Jeter (Jr., Solon, Iowa, Business Management) also return after solid seasons in 2022. Hungate managed 184 kills, 116 digs, and 27 blocks, while Jeter recorded 79 winners and 18 defensive stops.
Middle Hitter
Young, who was also an AVCA honorable-mention all-region selection last season, will lead a strong middle group after posting 257 kills on a team-best .245 attack clip. She also guided the defense with 122 blocks.
Keegan Buller (So., Rowlett, Texas, Psychology) will return to action after sitting out last year with an injury.
Patricia De Souza (Jr., Sao Paulo, Brazil, Physical Education) is expected to also make a big impact in her first action in the navy and gold.
Right Side
Andressa Borges (Jr., Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sports Management), who tallied 232 kills and 95 blocks last year, and Jade Melton (Sr., Hallsville, Mo., Psychology), who managed 145 kills and 41 blocks in 2022, will comprise a strong duo on the opposite pin for WPU.
Setter
The Statesmen will look to a new setter in 2023 with the trio of Mia Brady (So., Pontiac, Ill., Exercise Science), Chyanne Bradford (So., Rowlett, Texas, Education), and Cate Hahn (Jr., St. Charles, Mo., Biology) all vying for playing time.
Brady leads the crew with 289 assists last year, while Bradford managed 253 helpers.
Libero/Defensive Specialist
The defensive backrow will also have new leadership with Kaya Caprini (So., Minneapolis, Minn., Undecided) and Destiny Tom (Jr., Dickinson, Texas, Biology) battling to take the starting slot. Caprini ended last season with 109 digs.
Schedule/Conference
The 2023 slate begins with William Penn hosting William Woods Tuesday. The Statesmen are set to participate in three tournaments, including hosting the William Penn Labor Day Tournament on September 1-2. The Heart season begins on September 5 with a road contest against Culver-Stockton.
The navy and gold are picked to finish fourth in the league, battling Park, MidAmerica Nazarene, and Central Methodist for the banner.
