Aly Wiseman received the call in July 2023 that she would be the next head coach of the Quakers, and for the then-23-year-old assistant coach, it came as a surprise.
“I applied more for the interview experience, but as the possibility became more real that I would be the next head coach, the mindset changed to ‘Let’s go,’” says Wiseman.
That mindset is brewing a culture shift in Wilmington despite consecutive nine-win seasons and a preseason vote for a ninth-place finish in a challenging Ohio Athletic Conference. The season is looking up for the Quakers, with 12 players returning and 13 new athletes joining the program.
“They’re buying into what we’re trying to do, and they understand where our program is and how they want to change it,” says Wiseman. “Having the new players come in and bringing a new energy to the gym, the returners doing everything we’ve taught them in the spring and buying into it, and the leadership to take this program to the next level, it’s been awesome to see.”
Key Pieces Lost
Wilmington will be looking to replace the top solo blocker in the OAC, Joy Bebe, and one of the OAC’s best servers in Emma Schroer. Bebe and Schroer were two of four seniors who graduated from last year’s team.
“There is definitely a hole to be filled in the middle,” says Wiseman.
The other two seniors, Sofia Thomas and Victoria Long, were Academic All-OAC members last year and key contributors all four years.
Key Pieces Returning
Wiseman notes four key returning players, senior setter Andie Dolven, senior outside hitter Josie Crabtree, junior right-side hitter Sarah Brown, and senior defensive specialist Corissa Oeder.
“[Dolven] is on the brink of breaking a couple of program records this year,” notes Wiseman, but the biggest impact is her leadership and personal growth over the past year.
“She’s grown, not only as a player but as a person, in the past year.”
Crabtree played as a middle last year but is a “true outside hitter,” according to Wiseman.
“It was a change of pace for her, but we’re excited to get her on the outside. We appreciated her taking that on, but we’re excited to get her back on the pin where she truly belongs.”
Wiseman is appreciative of the senior class’s leadership.
“I can’t ask for more out of this senior class, how they’ve carried themselves this preseason,” says Wiseman “The way they’ve included the newer players, it’s been great to see their growth and how they’ve adapted.”
Junior RS Sarah Brown is coming off a notable sophomore campaign. Wiseman states that there’s a lot of untapped potential in Brown and is one of the team’s most potent hitters.
“Her game at Capital last year was unheard of for her and trying to be ‘that’s where we want to be every match,’” says Wiseman. “She’ll be a go-to for us. She knows how to put the ball down and place the ball.”
Senior DS Corissa Oeder is a player that has seen her role completely changed on the court.
“Her leadership skills, how she carries herself on the court, one of the biggest leaders in the gym,” says Wiseman.
“Oeder is super vocal, and we’re excited to see what her senior campaign has in store.”
Outside Hitters
In addition to Crabtree, sophomore Emelia Mohler has impressed Wiseman this year. “She is strong, extremely coachable, a player looking to get better, and comes into the gym hungry.”
First-years Addison Sparks, Ella Cutright, and Paige Shouse are constantly pushing the older players to the next level. “Can’t ask for anything better from them,” says Wiseman.
Middle Hitters
The middle role is the one spot where there’s a hole to be filled, as Wiseman notes, losing Bebe to graduation and moving Crabtree to her natural position, but there’s a lot of hope to be found in this group of middle hitters.
According to Wiseman, this group, which includes sophomore transfer Gabby Russell from Lake Erie College, a dual-sport athlete, sophomore Lauren Stonewall from East Clinton High School, first-year Kamryn Spriggs, first-year Baileigh Rieder, first-year Brinlee Preston, and first-year Caroline Corcoran, is hungry to learn and build relationships with the setters.
The middle hitters are the youngest group on the team, but Wiseman recognizes they are growing fast. “Many of them understand that being the middle is a huge aspect of the game. But, they’re adjusting well.”
Right Side Hitters
In addition to Brown, senior Kieran Yarkosky had an injury during the preseason, but Wiseman looks forward to what she brings.
Wiseman says they’ve been doing roster shuffling to see different matchups, but this is another group that has the hunger to grow.
First-year Zoe Smith is a player who has developed into her own and is super-bought into the system.
Setters
In addition to Dolven, junior Kyra Frasier brings the life to the team and is growing into her role as a leader.
“Definitely a lot of the girls look to [Kyra]. She’s the one always on aux,” says Wiseman.
Wiseman looks at the utility player, sophomore Kaileigh Schneberger, as an all-over type.
Schneberger stepped into the middle hitter role during the spring season and is a player that “does what’s best for the program.”
Defensive Specialists
Wiseman notes that the defensive line is a gritty group, complimenting assistant coach Braya Elsea.
“They’re buying into everything Braya is teaching,” says Wiseman.
With Oeder, senior Trinity VanDusen is taking on senior role well. “Those leadership qualities and handling relationships with the first years, making sure they’re having the best experience possible.”
Sophomore Logan McQuillin has been bringing high-energy during preseason and rounds out the core of the defense.
First-Years to Watch
The biggest challenge for any first-year athlete transitioning to college is the game’s speed, but Wiseman notes that this group has been adjusting well to the difference.
“They’re not shying away from it. They love the challenge,” says Wiseman. “They’re ready to go. They’re getting after it.”
Sophomore Jarika Hart is one of the more high-energy players in the program and lightens the mood at practice.
Bailey Rieder and Brinlee Preston are a bit of do-everything players and will fill that hole in the middle.
Setter Emma Specht brings a defense-first mindset, which, according to Wiseman, is many setters’ least favorite part of the game.
“The way she carries herself, and the leadership qualities she’s shown already, is awesome to see.”
