A familiar face is stepping into a new role, and the expectations inside the Cuyahoga Heights Volleyball program are already climbing.
After serving on the Red Wolves’ coaching staff for the past five seasons, Sheila Ogden takes over as head coach with the advantage of knowing both the program and its players inside and out. That continuity, coupled with six returning starters and a veteran core, has Cuyahoga Heights believing it can build on last season’s 7-15 record and become a dangerous team in the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division.
The Red Wolves finished 1-1 in the postseason, defeating Brookfield before falling to Ashtabula St. John in a hard-fought five-set match. While graduation claimed several key leaders, the experience gained by a young roster could prove invaluable entering 2026.
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Familiar faces, familiar chemistry
Returning nearly the entire starting lineup gives Ogden something many first-year head coaches don’t enjoy—continuity.
“We have a lot of returning starters, so I am hoping that the chemistry we established last year carries over into this season,” Ogden said. “We will be scrappy in the back row and consistent with our defense.”
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That defensive identity begins with senior libero Alex Williams, one of the top back-row players in the conference. Williams earned First Team All-CVC Metro Division honors after recording more than 200 digs and 37 aces last season, but Ogden says her greatest value can’t be measured by statistics.
“Our three seniors fit together like a perfect puzzle,” Ogden said. “Alex brings the support and understanding as a leader to the team. She is a ray of sunshine that is working incredibly hard every play. She is the ultimate supportive teammate and exactly who you want to be the anchor of your squad.”
Senior Olivia Kucia provides another stabilizing presence after developing into one of the team’s emotional leaders over the past three seasons. A versatile outside hitter and defensive specialist who finished with more than 100 digs, Kucia has earned the respect of both teammates and coaches.
“Olivia has grown into her leadership role over the last three years, and I am so proud of the player and person that she is today,” Ogden said. “She is a vocal leader, hard worker, and someone the younger players look to for guidance and encouragement.”
Experience running the offense
Junior setter Alexis Unger returns for her third season directing the varsity offense after posting 300 assists, more than 100 digs and 40 service aces a year ago.
Ogden believes Unger’s experience will be one of the team’s biggest strengths.
“Alexis is a coachable and reliable teammate who I expect to strengthen her presence as a leader this year,” Ogden said. “This will be her third year setting for varsity.”
The Red Wolves have several experienced hitters benefiting from Unger’s distribution.
Sophomore Becca Koprowski made an immediate impact as a freshman, finishing with 61 kills while establishing herself as one of the team’s most promising young attackers.
“Becca made a huge impact as a starting freshman last year,” Ogden said. “I am looking forward to her continued success on the outside and an even stronger presence as a leader as she is returning to the team as a starter this year.”
Junior Maddie Perconti gives Cuyahoga Heights valuable versatility in the front row. Whether she’s playing middle hitter or opposite, Ogden knows she can count on Perconti to do whatever the team needs.
“Maddie is a reliable piece of our offense who is willing to switch up her position if needed,” Ogden said.
Senior Giada Presot might be the ultimate example of selflessness.
Having coached Presot since middle school, Ogden has watched her develop into a player capable of filling virtually any role on the court.
“Giada is the ultimate utility player,” Ogden said. “Watching her grow from eighth grade to now, I’m not sure which position she hasn’t played. She is incredibly coachable, athletic and hard-working. I am lucky to have her as an example of what it means to be a team player on our court.”
Sophomore Kailey Clark is expected to step into a larger front-row role after an impressive offseason.
“Kailey’s abilities in the front row continue to grow so rapidly,” Ogden said. “She works hard during the offseason, and it absolutely shows. I am so excited to see how she rises to the challenge this year as a middle hitter in a more competitive environment.”
Building quality depth
The Red Wolves won’t rely solely on their returning starters.
Sophomore Sienna Clark gained valuable varsity experience late last season, stepping into key situations with confidence.
“Sienna stepped in towards the end of the season to relieve some players and did it with poise and enthusiasm,” Ogden said. “I know that she is reliable and I’m looking forward to factoring her into the lineup this season.”
Junior Vaya Pumphrey is expected to make an impact after battling injuries during previous seasons.
“Vaya has had to overcome some injury hurdles in the past, but is a valuable part of our team,” Ogden said. “She will make her mark on the court this year as a vocal and experienced player.”
Junior defensive specialist Addy Stoltz also appears ready for an expanded varsity role after anchoring the JV back row.
“Addy has been working hard and was a staple of the JV defense last season,” Ogden said. “This season she will definitely have an impact as part of the varsity’s defensive effort.”
The sophomore class continues to provide reasons for optimism.
Kalyn Wojtyszyn has impressed with her versatility and offseason work ethic.
“Kalyn’s hard work in the offseason has made her a go-to utility player on the front line,” Ogden said. “I know she is dependable for any instance where we may need a fresh perspective or relief at any point this season.”
Gianna Apathy gives the Red Wolves another athletic option capable of playing multiple positions.
“Gianna is a member of the very strong sophomore class,” Ogden said. “She has so much potential as a vocal leader, but her skill and athleticism speak for themselves. I am looking forward to finding a place for Gianna to continue to grow as a competitive and vocal leader on our team.”
Meanwhile, Kyliee Coyne has continued to elevate her game through steady improvement.
“Kyliee has really impressed me leading up to this season,” Ogden said. “She has grown and matured as a player and still has so much time left to hone her talent and ability. I am very excited to see Kyliee continue to prove her place as an integral part of our team.”
The key to taking the next step
Replacing last year’s seniors won’t simply be about replacing production.
Ogden says their greatest contribution was preparing the next group to lead.
“Last season’s seniors definitely had a strong leadership presence,” she said. “The void will be felt there, but they did a great job including the younger players on the team, so I believe they set us up for a lot of success this year.”
That leadership will be tested throughout the season, especially as the Red Wolves continue building chemistry.
“Communication and trust are the main focus of the team this year,” Ogden said. “Skill can only get you so far, but we need a strong team chemistry to finish the matches in our favor.”
Ogden plans to lean into what her roster already does best.
“The leaders on our team are mostly defensive players, so I am relying on them to run the court and keep morale high,” she said. “Our passers will be solid, and our offense will hopefully take off from having that strong foundation.”
Although this is her first season leading the program, Ogden hardly feels like a newcomer.
“I have been a part of the Cuyahoga Heights volleyball staff for five years now, so even though it is my first year as head coach, I know that the players and I have a strong relationship,” she said. “I am looking forward to this season and all that we will accomplish.”
With six returning starters, experienced leadership, an improving sophomore class and a coach who already has the trust of her players, the Red Wolves have every reason to believe they’re ready to take a significant step forward in 2026.
