Front row, from left: Sammy Urban, Keira Benck, Ava Rathman, Ashley Singleton, Willow Singleton, Kayla Mattson. Back row, from left: Addison Nowicki, Layla Johnson, Aubrey Thom, Ava Donohue, Londyn Bowers, Taylor Boesch, Coach TJ Williams (not pictured Madison Soloski)

GRANADA – Last season, Granada-Huntley-East Chain/Truman/Martin Luther’s 16-13 record was the volleyball program’s best since the conglomerate of schools merged.

However, despite the magical season, the Jaguars’ run ultimately came to an end in the second round of the Class A Sections, falling to reigning state champion Mayer Lutheran in straight sets, respectively.

As the roster returns a majority of starters from last year’s team, head coach TJ Williams expects an even better record in 2025, aiming to be the “team to beat” in the Valley Conference.

The reason for this being the amount of returning talent Williams has under his watch.

Keira Benck, Londyn Bowers, Addison Nowicki, Kayla Mattson, Willow Singleton and Ashley Singleton all come back to the roster after starting last season.

The only piece of the starting rotation that hasn’t been filled by returning talent has been the two middle hitters. Williams plans on replacing these positions with Ava Donohue and Layla Johnson, a pair of seniors who still bring some experience of their own.

“Our middles are the only ones that are out,” Williams said. “Unfortunately, we had one move at the start of this year, and we also graduated one. But I believe the middles we have coming in will do just fine.”

The Jaguars as a whole are composed of 12 seniors, brining Williams plenty of depth as the season progresses.

Whether it’s guiding other teammates through drills or simply leading by example, these athletes have made their presence felt already in the first weeks of practice.

“You can see the leadership of them showing and helping that younger underclass coming in, the freshman, what to do and not to do, which is great,” Williams said. “Our numbers are looking like 45 [players] from ninth through 12th [grade], so its nice having those seniors step in and help out where I can’t see.”

Overall, the jump in participation in the GHEC/T/ML volleyball program has risen drastically, with this year’s massive senior class not being an anomaly when looking at other grades.

This not only helps with this season, but helps build a foundation throughout a program looking to continue to grow and expand.

“Last year, we had a small upperclass, but these classes coming up have 10 to 12 players coming in every year,” Williams said.

Williams sees this roster’s biggest strength coming beyond the Xs and Os of volleyball, but rather, the team’s “willing to win” and “”not quit.” With the team’s returning experience, Williams believes the Jaguars can be dominant in all aspects of the game.

The team begins this much anticipated 2025 season on Thursday in Granada. Kicking off the year with a home match against Sleepy Eye, Williams is excited to see what his roster can do when the lights are bright.

“Coming out hard and focused,” Williams said when referring to his expectations for the first match. “We need to start the season right with wanting to win.”

The Jaguars contest against the Storm begins at 7 p.m. in the GHEC High School gymnasium.