CHSL Central Breakdown For 2025 Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When looking for the top talent in multiple states, the Catholic High School League has been a good example in recent years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>By adding in three programs from Ohio to join two of the elite programs in Michigan, the CHSL Central is definitely loaded with volleyball talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2025, both Michigan programs will be among the top contenders for the D1 title, and the Ohio programs won't be looking to make things easy for them in conference play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the top teams to keep an eye on for the 2025 season from the CHSL Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Marian</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mercy took home the conference title, but Marian made the run to the D1 semifinals in 2024. The Mustangs are always loaded with talent and that will be no different this year. The 2024 team graduated its lead hitter, but was also without some key pieces come the postseason. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226908' first='Meredith' last='Martin'] </strong>(Michigan) sat out the entire 2024 campaign after transferring, but she's one of the elite defenders in the state. She is joined by sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='553151' first='Ashlyn' last='Pelon']</strong>, who was an All-State honoree as a freshman libero. Martin has shown she can also play the outside, but either way, Marian is going to have elite-level defense. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226885' first='Allie' last='Davison']</strong> (The Citadel) is back at setter and just recently <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/08/preseason-player-of-the-year-voting-recap/">won our Preseason Player of the Year poll</a>. She can play multiple spots, but is a proven veteran setter that can get a lot out of her offense. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454352' first='Calli' last='LeFevre'] </strong>missed the end of last season with an injury, but is a powerful arm back on the outside and joined by junior right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='436889' first='Sophia' last='Smith'] </strong>(Boston College), who really came on strong to end last fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226945' first='Jayla' last='Zayti'] </strong>returns as a senior middle that can be very explosive and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='443000' first='Samantha' last='Monroe'] </strong>and sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='569774' first='London' last='Gibson'] </strong>could also be contributors in the middle. Marian isn't going to be short on options, and the Mustangs could always have a new face ready to make a big impact as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mercy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 state champions are going to be a major factor this year as well. The Marlins have a big task in replacing <strong>Campbell Flynn</strong>, one of the greatest players in program history, which is quite a statement in itself. The Marlins, like Marian, always have someone ready to step in and this should be no different. The good news for the new setter is that they will have a treasure trove of hitters to work with. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442987' first='Kate' last='Kalczynski'] </strong>(Ohio State) is one of the state's top outsides and is back for her junior year after making major strides as a sophomore. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226944' first='Maya' last='Zarow'] </strong>has also been a reliable option on the pins and will be a great on-court leader this fall. In the middle seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226875' first='Ella' last='Andrews'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226899' first='Cree' last='Hollier']</strong> could be the best combo middles in the state. Andrews has the towering size and power, while Hollier is as explosive as it gets. Mercy also has two sophomores that could be in store for breakout roles in middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='569766' first='McKenzie' last='Andrews']</strong>, who is 6'5”, as well as outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587002' first='Cydnee' last='Speights']</strong>, who is another explosive hitter. The Marlins lost a lot of key defenders in the back row as well, but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='586766' first='Catie' last='Kuchta']</strong> is a junior that has some experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>St. Ursula Academy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Arrows had a relatively young team in 2024, which could make them a tough opponent this fall. St. Ursula has its top three kill leaders back and all will be juniors in outsides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='403528' first='Mia' last='Hasty'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261340' first='Kayden' last='Campbell']</strong>, as well as middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='479389' first='Molly' last='Malone']</strong>. They also have senior setter back in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226024' first='Ellie' last='Panczyszyn']</strong>, which should give the offense the ability to get out to a fast start for the 2025 season. The Arrows graduated an elite defender in <strong>Devin Dzienny</strong>, so back row play will be a question mark.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Notre Dame Academy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unlike St. Ursula, the Eagles had a lot of seniors it relied on in 2024. Offense has some question marks, as Notre Dame graduated three of its top four hitters. Who is back is senior middle <strong>Kylie Emma Obeto</strong>, a 6-footer that has a great finishing rate. Obeto is likely to be relied on in the early going as the Eagles find new go-to options. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='451288' first='Adele' last='Puhl']</strong> was one of two setters for Notre Dame last fall, so she can provide some added experience to the offense. Puhl is the only returning player with over 100 digs, as the team also graduated its top four dig leaders. That will make things difficult against these powerful offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Central Catholic</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Fighting Irish had just one senior on the roster last fall, but it was their leading hitter on the outside. But, they do have their leading defender back in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806570' first='Madison' last='Schmakel']</strong> and their setter back in <strong>Audrina Randall</strong>. Both are seniors and will provide good on-court leadership. Seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807531' first='Toryn' last='Brookens']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='816648' first='Makenzie' last='Coleman']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='846136' first='Riley' last='Roach']</strong> each saw consistent action in the offense last fall and should continue to be focal points of the offense this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->