After a 35-11 season in 2025, the Hillsboro High School volleyball team will enter the new season with a much different look.
The Trojans return just two letterwinners from last year’s team, creating plenty of opportunities for younger players to step into new roles. Coach Sandy Arnold said the early part of the season will be about developing confidence and learning how to play together.
“With only a few varsity players returning, we will have youth and inexperience at the beginning of the season,” Arnold said. “It is also possible that our returners may come back in new roles.”
Senior libero Amyah Werth gives Hillsboro an experienced leader in the back row. Werth earned CKL first-team all-league honors last season, was selected to the 2A State All-Tournament Team and earned Kansas Volleyball Association first-team all-state honors in Class 2A.
Senior Daisy Klein, a defensive specialist/setter, also returns for the Trojans.
Senior Mackenzie D’Albini is another player with varsity experience. D’Albini saw time on the varsity floor last season when injuries created opportunities, and Arnold expects her to contribute in the front row this year.
“She filled in last season when girls were injured,” Arnold said. “We anticipate her helping us out in the front row.”
Hillsboro graduated seven players from last year’s team, leaving several positions open for underclassmen to compete for during preseason practices.
The Trojans also expect to look different stylistically because of changes in the team’s size and personnel. Arnold said Hillsboro will emphasize fundamentals and repetitions early in the season as the young roster develops.
“With all this change, it will be important for us to give ourselves time to gel and gain confidence,” Arnold said.
Passing and serving will receive plenty of attention, along with teaching the strategies and nuances of the game. The Trojans will also adjust their style of play to fit their personnel.
“Our focus early in the season will be on getting lots of reps in passing and serving and teaching the strategies of the game,” Arnold said. “Because we will look different in our size, we will also focus on a different style of play.”
While the Trojans may need time to find their identity, the goal remains the same: continue improving throughout the season and position themselves for a postseason run.
“It is our goal to grow and improve each day so that we will be a team to contend with in the post-season,” Arnold said.
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