Lycoming News

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- With only one returning regular from last year's team, first-year coach Kyle Hawk is counting on a youth movement that includes five freshmen as he seeks to rebuild the Pennsylvania College of Technology women's volleyball program. The Wildcats will open their season at 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, in the Lycoming College Tip-Off Classic against the host team. That will be followed by matches against Hartwick College at 6 p.m. on Friday and against Penn State Mont Alto at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Hawk said the foundation that he looks to establish is "built on respect, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence both on and off the court."

"I focus on developing each player's potential by creating a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and leadership. Respect is fundamental in our program, where everyone's contributions are valued. I emphasize self-directed learning, guiding players to understand the game and independent decisions. Ultimately, my goal is to help players excel not just as student-athletes but as individuals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and commitment to excellence."

"For me, one of the most important things about coming in and trying to rebuild the program was setting expectations and standards for where we want the program and what we expect from the players," Hawk continued. "Secondary to that is getting the right student-athletes here. We have a talented group of girls on the team already, but to continue moving the program in the right direction we need to continue to bring in the 'right' student-athletes. They not only need to athletically be a good fit for the team but need to be a good fit for our team standards and culture."

Senior Hailey DeBrody of Cogan Station returns from last season's squad that finished 4-17 as a middle blocker standing at 5-foot-8 inches tall. In terms of experience, she is joined by senior Jo Hess of Jersey Shore, a defensive specialist who played regularly as a freshman and sophomore but missed most of last season due to injury.

Among freshmen expected to contribute immediately are Lana Howard of Liberty, New Jersey—a middle blocker who earned all-conference honors twice during her high school career—and Nevaeh Ward of Odenton, Maryland—a pin hitter who competed in two Micronesian Games for the Marshall Islands.

Juniors include Kathryn Burnett of Wellsboro (outside hitter/defensive specialist) and Eliza Newcomer of Newell (outside hitter/middle blocker). Sophomores are Alyssa Armpriester of Mohrsville (defensive specialist) and Jazzlyn Sheaffer of Juniata (outside hitter).

Other freshmen include Kloe Verdi from Port Byron (outside hitter), Ava Harple from Downingtown (defensive specialist), and Jade Williams from Austin (outside hitter).

"We are finishing our preseason, and I think it has gone really well," Hawk stated. "The team is being asked to learn a lot of new things and they are all receptive to change... They come into the gym every session and work hard... putting in effort towards moving in the right direction."

Hawk emphasized commitment: "I think our biggest strength this early in the season would have to be [the team's] commitment... They come into practice striving to leave better than when they got there... willing to put in work towards laying down that solid foundation."

"We are young with many new players," Hawk added regarding challenges ahead. "One big thing we need is establishing connections on court... improved tremendously during preseason; with more time together they will look like they've been playing together for years soon enough."

Early success will be measured by several factors according to Hawk: "What can we take away from loss? If we play true principles/training & improve even slightly—then it's successful." He further explained: "Success hinges on executing what we're good at... philosophies/principles guide us; if adhered & improved upon—success follows eventually."

Regarding tough schedules ahead: “We have some tough conference/nonconference games scheduled; growing/executing practice gives us solid chance winning games this season…opponents might be surprised.”

In United East Conference play this year Penn College faces ten opponents including six newly added members formerly part Colonial States Athletic Conference joining UE last year aiming snapping forty-six match losing streak dating back since twenty-seventeen season.

Top twelve out seventeen UE teams participate single-elimination postseason playoffs November sixth-sixteenth Gallaudet University Cedar Crest College previous divisional champions former claiming overall title.

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