WCAC, ISL, VISAA Private School Predictions

Tod Mattox from the Art of Coaching was the guest instructor at the Bishop O'Connell high school camp in August. He got a first hand look at the two youngest players on the Bishop O'Connell high school team. He came away impressed. Setter/right side [player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria'] is the number one prospect in the class of 2029 while left side [player_tooltip player_id='753097' first='Nadia' last='Wooten'] is a frosh who will likely be the number one prospect in the class of 2030. In her first scrimmage for Bishop O'Connell against James Madisn she finished with 28 kills and just one hitting error. That is not normal production from a frosh.   Last week Prep Dig made predictions on the winners of the VHSL Class 1 through 6. It was not long after making these predictions that I heard Kiernan Rhoton was not playing high school ball for her senior year at Independence. That put a little wrench in my class five prediction winner, though the team is proving they have some young talent. In their last match they beat two time Class 5 champion Riverside in a five set match.   Now it is time to move to some of the private school conference Predictions.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA)</h1>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Flint Hill (2025 champion)</h2>    Last year Flint Hill surprised the VISAA by winning the Division I state championship as the sixth seed. They beat the top three seeds, Norfolk Academy, Bishop O'Connell and Paul VI to accomplish the task.   Delaney earned a spot on the VISAA Division I first team as an outside hitter because of her leadership skills as well as her ability to limit mistakes when playing the ball. She also played excellent defense finishing second on the team in digs while also playing a critical role in serve receive.   It only seems natural that this year she appears to be making the switch to the libero role this year. For Metro she plays primarily back row. At 5'5" this is the role best suited for her. She was named captain for the team as a sophomore and will continue in that role as a junior.   While the Huskies will miss her front row production she will prove more of an asset with her back row play.    Key Returners - [player_tooltip player_id='437441' first='Hunter' last='Ross'] led the team in kills hitting outside. For club she normally plays middle but Flint Hill needed her offense. She led the team in kills, generating almost 50 percent of the Huskies kills. She earned player of the year honors in the VISAA. Middle [player_tooltip player_id='728971' first='Mandela' last='Masimini'] can also create offense but as a middle needs the passing to do so. She led the team in blocks. [player_tooltip player_id='784849' first='Delaney' last='Malloy'] will attempt to keep the team in system with her passing and defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='893943' first='Mila' last='Smith'] struggled with consistency as a frosh hitting left side. With one more year of experience she should make an impact. [player_tooltip player_id='699993' first='Ava' last='Zender'] will continue to set a 5/1. Her contributions to the team are overlooked. Despite setting the team to the VISAA Division I state championship she did not make either first or second team VISAA. I don't think they have an alternative if she should get injured, though Delaney showed some good hands when setting out of system balls at the Colgan Jamboree.   Key Departures - They lost a key player who provided consistent passing and solid defense in libero Evie Huang.   Newcomers - While she played for Marshall last year as a frosh [player_tooltip player_id='877857' first='Asli' last='Anaz'] reclassified transferring to Flint Hill as a frosh. She will provide some pop on the right side. [player_tooltip player_id='789638' first='Zenaia' last='Gray'] did not get a lot of playing time with Metro but she can help as a defensive specialist in the back row. Reese Regan and Yeva Boyco are two other frosh on the roster. [player_tooltip player_id='948577' first='Bailey' last='Hunstad'] is a sophomore who will help in the middle.   Prediction - Can lightening strike in the same spot twice? Flint Hill will have to hope so. However, when [player_tooltip player_id='437441' first='Hunter' last='Ross'] gets hot they will always be in the hunt. This year they have a little more depth and experience.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bishop O' Connell (new champion)</h2>    Last year the Knights beat Flint Hill and Paul VI during the regular season. Both matches went five. [player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria'] was injured for the WCAC and VISAA playoffs and the Knights lost both rematches, winning only one set.   They have restocked this year with [player_tooltip player_id='750056' first='Kiera' last='Jordan'], [player_tooltip player_id='892024' first='Claire' last='Kennedy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='755675' first='Charlotte' last='Nelson'] coming over from the Metro 15 team. All were teammates of [player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria'] last year. They also added rookie [player_tooltip player_id='753097' first='Nadia' last='Wooten'] who played for Metro 14. Those are quality additions that will help them on offense and defense. [player_tooltip player_id='612396' first='Natalie' last='Hobson'] also set for Metro 16 last year after setting for Virginia Elite her previous seasons.   Charlotte will provide needed help in the back row. Her defense is excellent owing to the athleticism she shows in her play. She is not afraid to hit the floor. Many articles have appeared of daughters of professional athletes playing volleyball. Charlotte is part of that group but her father played a more obscure sport in the United States. He played for DC United and captained for the New Zealand national soccer team. Most sports articles focus on football, baseball or basketball professionals.   On the volleyball court Charlotte could hit left side for many high school teams. At 5'7" she knows her future role is as a back row player. She has committed to Fairfield.    Key Returners - [player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'] returns for her senior year. Last year she earned player of the year honors for the WCAC. [player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria'] returns as the number one prospect in the class of 2029. She made first team as a frosh in both the WCAC and VISAA. Middle [player_tooltip player_id='488812' first='Olivia' last='Boggs'] led the Knights in hitting percentage. She earned first team WCAC and second team VISAA.   [player_tooltip player_id='612396' first='Natalie' last='Hobson'] returns as setter after gaining a year of experience setting for Metro. She ranks as the number one setter in he class of 2028. The 6'2" twins [player_tooltip player_id='755129' first='Lillian' last='Battcock'] and [player_tooltip player_id='755132' first='Abigail' last='Battcock'] return to shore up the middle and right side. [player_tooltip player_id='805097' first='Cayla' last='Sawyers'] will focus on back row play this year while [player_tooltip player_id='529254' first='Gracie' last='Davig'] will provide depth to the middle and right side.   Newcomers - [player_tooltip player_id='750056' first='Kiera' last='Jordan'] transfers from Annandale to hit right side while also providing more depth on the left side. As a frosh she won the player of the year in the National District. [player_tooltip player_id='755675' first='Charlotte' last='Nelson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='892024' first='Claire' last='Kennedy'] will share back row duties. [player_tooltip player_id='933334' first='Maraki' last='Derege'] comes up from the Junior Varsity to provide depth at middle and right side. The biggest addition may be frosh left side [player_tooltip player_id='753097' first='Nadia' last='Wooten']. In the first scrimmage she led the team in kills with 28 with only one hitting error. That is not normal play for a frosh.   Departures - [player_tooltip player_id='520868' first='Caroline' last='Semko'] decided not to play her senior year but will provide support to the team as a manager while also assisting at team practices. Left side Elyson Miller graduated as did defensive specialists Sofia Gianelli and Natalie Lyle.   Prediction - There is much more depth on this team this year. Their only weakness appears to be their youth but they have two seniors in [player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'] and [player_tooltip player_id='488812' first='Olivia' last='Boggs'] who can lead.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Challengers (Paul VI, The Potomac School, Catholic, Norfolk Academy)</h2>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) </h1>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Paul VI (2025 Champion)</h2>    Last year Paul VI upset Bishop O'Connell in the semi-finals of the WCAC and St. Johns upset Holy Cross. Both those teams had appeared in the finals for the last four years, the Knights winning three championships. Holy Cross ended a streak of appearing in the finals for 13 consecutive seasons.   One of the big transfers for Paul VI is [player_tooltip player_id='625593' first='Cairo' last='Turner'] coming from conference rival St. Johns. Last year Cairo led the Cadets in blocking while also finishing second in kills. At 6'2" she provides a force in the middle. She earned second team honors in the WCAC. In the finals last year against Paul VI Cairo contributed 10 kills with three blocks. Now she will put up those numbers for Paul VI. She brings an approach jump of 10'4" to the floor.   Cairo has committed to UConn.    Key Returners - If Paul VI had won the VISAA [player_tooltip player_id='941986' first='Coco' last='Lewis'] may have earned the Player of the Year honors. She equaled [player_tooltip player_id='437441' first='Hunter' last='Ross'] in that championship match with 30 kills. She earned first team honors in the VISAA as well first team in the WCAC. In the WCAC they vote for player of the year prior to the playoffs. The Panthers return their setting dup of [player_tooltip player_id='541140' first='Maris' last='Francescon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='941988' first='Amanda' last='Dadio']. Maris earned second team honors in the VISAA. Libero [player_tooltip player_id='893067' first='Clara' last='Hays'] has returned, however she could hit a little left side. During club season she focuses on beach. Right side [player_tooltip player_id='941998' first='Olivia' last='Stroupe'] also returns.   Newcomers - Like Bishop O'Connell they picked up a number of new players to improve their roster. Middle [player_tooltip player_id='625593' first='Cairo' last='Turner'] is the biggest name. [player_tooltip player_id='777558' first='Kayla' last='R Tutoni'] could replace [player_tooltip player_id='893067' first='Clara' last='Hays'] at libero, allowing Clara to hit outside or she could fortify the back row as a defensive specialist. They also have younger sister [player_tooltip player_id='995575' first='Charlotte' last='Hays'], who makes the team as a frosh fortifying the setting or pins. Riley Fortier is another possible frosh outside. Last year she played for Virginia Juniors 13 so not a lot is known about her.   Departures - Left side [player_tooltip player_id='333650' first='Louise' last='Neuhart'] classified one year down so she has already played four years of high school, her frosh year spent at Independence. Setter Olivia LeBlanc and right side Mary Ross were key contributors during their championship runs.   Prediction - It will come down to three teams - Bishop O'Connell, Holy Cross and Paul VI). This year Bishop O'Connell appears to have more talent.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bishop O'Connell (New Champion)</h2>   See Above in VISAA for Team Breakdown   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Challengers (Holy Cross, St. Johns, Bishop McNamara)</h2>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Independent School League (ISL)</h1>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Georgetown Day (2025 champions)</h2>    The biggest acquisition for Georgetown Day may be libero [player_tooltip player_id='755672' first='Jaylin' last='Park'], who played for Reservoir High last year and plays club for Metro 15. Their biggest need may be at the setter position where DC Gatorade Player of the Year [player_tooltip player_id='292644' first='Caycee' last='Chhum'] transferred to John Champe. It is my understanding she will not play volleyball her senior season.   Who will set for the Mighty Hoppers will be decided at after the scrimmages are done. [player_tooltip player_id='499215' first='Charlie' last='Haft'] is the returning setter from last year but she lists only 5'5" and her playing time was limited. They will need to find a second setter to run a 6/2.   Jaylin will take over the libero role. She was the primary libero for Metro 15, which qualified for the gold bracket last year in the Open Division at Junior Nationals. She is a solid passer and defensive player based on her winning top digger award at Capitol Hill Classic and top receiver this past year at the same tournament.   Jaylin has committed to Emory, the same school where [player_tooltip player_id='292644' first='Caycee' last='Chhum'] committed.    Key Returners - If they can find someone to set for them Georgetown Day is loaded at left side with the Telly sisters, senior [player_tooltip player_id='377396' first='Alexa' last='Telly'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='750050' first='Raquel' last='Telly']. They also have [player_tooltip player_id='437985' first='Zora' last='Dimbo'] returning. Alexa and Zora were the top two in kills last year. Raquel served and played back row as a frosh. She could move to right side this year. They also lost their three starting middles. [player_tooltip player_id='545719' first='Julia' last='Heinzelmann'] and [player_tooltip player_id='744458' first='Arielle' last='Stopak'] are the possible replacements. They were both opposites last year and carry height. [player_tooltip player_id='499215' first='Charlie' last='Haft'] set for them a bit last year making her the primary setter for this year. [player_tooltip player_id='885687' first='Farrah' last='Maragh'] was the primary libero last year. Perhaps she could move to setter this year.   Newcomers - [player_tooltip player_id='755672' first='Jaylin' last='Park'] is the favorite to take over the libero role. [player_tooltip player_id='772034' first='Giselle' last='Conley'] transfers from Chevy Chase. At 6'1" she could fill a middle role. Evelyn McDermott, a class of 2029 could be the younger sister of Fiona McDermott, the 6'2" middle who graduated.   Key Departures - Losing the DC Player of the Year setter [player_tooltip player_id='292644' first='Caycee' last='Chhum'] was a key departure. However, losing all three of their middles Tessa Furgusson, Fiona McDermott and Gigi Wigglesworth will also be tough to replace. Ella Higday fortified the defense in the back row.   Prediction - Despite the key losses they should still have enough to win the ISL.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Challengers (Flint Hill, Potomac School, Georgetown Visitation)</h2>   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">VISAA/Tidewater Region Division I</h1>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Catholic (Past Champion)</h2>    Last year Catholic lost twice to Norfolk Academy during the regular season. They defeated them during the playoffs to win the Tidewater Crown. At 5'9" Isabella is a smaller middle but during the finals she led the team in blocks with 9. She also contributed 10 kills with a .346 hitting percentage.   Catholic won their first match in VISAA, going five before taking down Collegiate. They were then swept by Paul VI in the semi-final match.   Isabella made her debut in the 2028 rankings this year at 175. She also hits outside for Catholic, leading the team in kills while also finishing second in blocks.    Key Returners - Along with [player_tooltip player_id='968652' first='Isabella' last='Shepard'] Catholic will return Annabelle Bailey who played both middle and right side. She finished third in kills and blocks. Lacee Jackson could play any of the three front row positions, depending on need. Tara Gonzelez will return as the libero to patrol the back row. She finished tops on the team in kills and aces. Katie Winchester also covers the back row as well.   Newcomers - Despite being a young team they picked up two frosh in defensive specialist Alexis Pang and right side Violet Rowe. Alexis is turning into a serving specialist for the Crusaders this year starting the young season off with three aces.   Key Departures - Their biggest loss is middle Isabel Echaniz who led the team in blocks, finishing the year with a hitting percentage of .326. She also finished second on the team in kills. Mya Milan was their other lone senior to depart. She saw limited playing time in the back row.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Challengers (Collegiate, Saint Catherines, Norfolk Academy)</h2>   Saint Catherines have two quality setters returning in [player_tooltip player_id='888288' first='Lila' last='Cross'] and [player_tooltip player_id='888289' first='Emmerson' last='Croft'].

Tod Mattox from the Art of Coaching was the guest instructor at the Bishop O'Connell high school camp in August. He got a first hand look at the two youngest players on the Bishop O'Connell high school team. He came away impressed. Setter/right side Carolyn Maria Carolyn Maria 6'1" | S/RS Bishop O'Connell | 2029 State VA is the number one prospect in the class of 2029 while left side Nadia Wooten Nadia Wooten 5'11" | OH Bishop O'Connell | 2030 VA is a frosh who will likely be the number one prospect in the class of 2030. In her first scrimmage for Bishop O'Connell against James Madisn she finished with 28 kills and just one hitting error. That is not normal production from a frosh.