High school volleyball: Lexington’s top teams, best players and biggest games in 2023

This year, in the 30th year of girls’ volleyball in the city of Lexington, Henry Clay’s team will look a little different.

If you were to make your way to see the Blue Devils in action this season, you’d find a familiar face — one Luke Grupe — in a new role. After a nearly 30-year career leading high school volleyball programs, his father Dale retired from teaching and will simply help out where he can while Luke, a former assistant coach, now leads the program.

“I wasn’t going to come back this year,” Luke Grupe said. “I told the girls last year that was probably my last season, last year. But with my father retiring and being this is the 30th year, and this has been my whole life, basically. I was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. I’m 29 years old right now, so my entire life has been the evolution of this program, so it’s very important to me.”

Also important to both father and son is the celebration of those 30 years of Lexington girls’ volleyball.

“I was at Woodford (County) those first four years,” Dale Grupe said. “But I guess I was here when it started. I guess celebrating those people, the Teresa Isaacs, the Patti Stantons, you know, a half-dozen more others that were instrumental in getting, first, Title IX, and then getting volleyball in Lexington. I think it’s just a good time to celebrate them.”

Celebrations will include the honoring of past players at home games and feature commemorative shirts.

Despite a short string of disappointing seasons dating back to 2021, Luke and Dale believe there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season.

“Last year was kind of our real first-year regrowth of trying to get back going (after the difficulties of COVID),” Luke Grupe said. “This group, definitely, they want it a lot more than our past two years. They want to leave a legacy for themselves. They’re tired of being the underdogs. They want to put up a fight and show the whole city basically, ‘Hey, we’re Henry Clay and we’re coming back.’”

Circled on the Blue Devils’ schedule is the Sept. 5 matchup against fellow traditional power Paul Laurence Dunbar, once again coached by Jenni Morgan and, this year, ranked No. 3 overall in the Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association rankings. The Bulldogs are again the favorite to win the 11th Region following last season’s 33-11 record and trip to the KHSAA state championship match where they lost to Notre Dame. Morgan will rely on her returning players from last year’s title-game loss to remind the others of the ultimate goal.

“We always talk about like when you have those moments, you need to feel them,” Morgan said. “And you want to bottle them up. And not every player gets those feelings, and not every player gets to experience what they felt last year. … To keep them alive, you have to relive what they were and who they were. And you have to be able to tell those stories. And that’s kind of what we’d like to get, and to continue, in hopes that if the other ones want to strive and feel that, then it’s up to the players that were there to relive it and relive it over. And you’re not living in the glory days, but you’re wanting to have those emotions and those feelings and that experience again.”

Dunbar is joined in the rankings by No. 6 Frederick Douglass and No. 21 Lexington Catholic.

Frederick Douglass is now coached by Christina Coleman, who has previously led teams at Shaw University, Georgetown College, Kentucky State University and Central State University.

Following is a view of Lexington volleyball for the 2023 season. Teams are listed in order of their preseason rankings, or, if unranked by the KVCA, their finish from the 2022 season.

All-city nods and statistics from the 2022 season are also listed, if available. Quotes are from each program’s head coach. Guide to positions: DS-defensive specialist; H-hitter; L-libero; MB-middle blocker; MH-middle hitter; OH-outside hitter; RS-right-side hitter; S-setter.

PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR

KVCA preseason rank: No. 3.

Coach: Jenni Morgan.

Last season: 33-11. 43rd District champion and 11th Region champion. Lost in the KHSAA state championship match to Notre Dame in three sets.

Standing out: Bela Haggard, jr. S, first-team all-city (206 kills/328 digs/44 aces) committed to play at Indiana. … Mia Telechbush, sr. L, first-team all-city (736 digs/45 aces), committed to play at Illinois-Chicago. … Delaney Gash, sr. OH, first-team all-city (601 kills/270 digs/35 aces), committed to play at Akron. … Daisy Katte, sr. MB, honorable mention all-city (180 kills). … Tiara-Lynn Shirley, sr. DS (40 digs).

Coach says: “The team has high goals and expectations. … The team again has a rigorous schedule which includes travel to Orlando. … I’ve always kind of had that mindset that if you want to be the best, you’ve got to compete with the best, and that doesn’t mean you’re gonna win them all.”

Notes: Dunbar’s trip to Orlando at the end of August is meant to provide an opportunity for the team to continue to bond as it faces high-level competition from around the country in preparation for the remainder of its season.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS

KVCA preseason rank: No. 6.

Coach: Christina Coleman.

Last season: 24-8. Lost 3-1 to Scott County in the 42nd District championship.

Standing out: Addison Jarvis, jr. OH, first-team all-city (261 kills/135 digs/34 aces), AAU All-American. … Tori Starks, sr. MH, second-team all-city (228 kills/44 digs) committed to play at Butler. … Brooke Turner, jr. MH, second-team all-city (182 kills/46 digs). … Masyn Thayer, sr. S, second-team all-city (106 digs).

Coach says: “… We are excited about the strong team we have coming back. We want to make program history by beating and competing with some top teams in the state!”

Notes: Douglass returns seven starters in Coleman’s first season with the program.

LEXINGTON CATHOLIC

KVCA preseason rank: No. 21.

Coach: Jeff Kaufmann.

Last season: 25-10. Lost 3-0 in the 43rd District championship to Dunbar and 3-0 in the 11th Region semis to Great Crossing.

Standing out: Lauren Moore, sr. OH, honorable mention all-city (322 kills/90 digs). … Caroline Holbrook, sr. OH, honorable mention all-city (172 kills). … Addie Lowe, jr. MH, first-team all-city (212 kills/76 digs) … “All three hitters hit with good power and accuracy,” Kaufmann says. “We will be better at the pins this year with blocking and we look to capitalize on their experience and game knowledge.” … Allie Kronenberg, sr. S/RH, first-team all-city (250 digs/47 aces). “Shared setting duties with our LCHS all-time assist leader, Jackie Jarosz, last year but will be running the 6-1 offense on her own this season.” … Hannah Kaufmann, sr. L, second-team all-city (376 digs/33 aces) and Izzy Romero, sr. DS/L, second-team all-city (179 digs/29 aces). “Both have started varsity since their sophomore year and bring consistency and reliability to the defensive side of our game. Plus, they both provide excellent leadership on and off the court.”

Coach says: “With the number of returning players, and our depth at many positions, I feel that we can perform at, or above, the level that we were at last year. We finished 25-10, so surpassing the 25-win mark is just one of our goals. …We are extremely excited to be adding 6-0 freshman Miller Duncan to the varsity lineup this year, as her height and ability will allow us to expand the roles of some of our other hitters. It will also allow us to run an offense that is a bit more complex than we ran last year.”

Notes: Lexington Catholic returns 11 players who saw varsity playing time last season.

SAYRE

Coach: Leigh Nahra.

Last season: 28-7. Lost 3-1 to Scott County in the 42nd District semifinals.

Standing out: Reese Collins, sr. MH, captain, first-team all-city (481 kills/195 digs/66 aces), committed to play at Buffalo. “A talented player who focuses on her team. It’s never just about her.” … Anna Mullikin, jr. L, captain (267 digs/91 aces). “A competitor who wants to win. She leads her back row and her pursuit is relentless. Anna leads by example.” … Brooke Barntsen, fr. S. “Her future is bright as a Sayre Spartan. As an incoming freshman, she models dedication, drive, and passion for the game. She’s a perfect fit.”

Coach says: “I like our chances. We have a few new faces that compliment the work ethic and drive of the returning players. I’m excited to watch them grow and improve throughout the season.”

Notes: Sayre returns four starters in its ninth season as a program.

LAFAYETTE

Coach: Chris Langston.

Last season: 19-17. Lost 3-0 in the 43rd District semifinals to Dunbar.

Standing out: Cailyn Fuamatu, sr. MH (118 kills/41 digs). “Our team leader and plays with tremendous emotion on the court.” … Avery Habersack, sr. OH, second-team all-city (294 kills/46 digs). “Very powerful arm swing and is quick off the floor.” … Elise Trimble, so. S, first-team all-city (234 digs/58 aces). “Great passion for the game and has tremendous hands and ability to run our offense.”

Coach says: “We have a big group of junior DS/L that will be the backbone of our team. … We also have a core group of juniors and seniors that have worked very hard to improve so they can bring whatever the team needs to succeed this year … We had a great team camp at Morehead State University, which led to the team deciding that playing in the regional tournament is their goal this year.”

Notes: Lafayette is returning five starters.

LEXINGTON CHRISTIAN

Coach: Kirby Willoughby.

Last season: 16-15.

Standing out: Reagan Martin, so. OH (269 kills/313 digs/41 aces). “A fierce competitor. She is talented and brings her best every day. She is a leader, who leads by example first. She works tirelessly to improve and is never satisfied. She has a very consistent offensive presence, and we will rely on her leadership and athleticism this season.” … Abbey Potter, sr. L (245 digs/46 aces). “As many years of back row experience and she will be vital to our success as we look to replace our libero from last season. Abbey is a steady and consistent leader and we will rely on her to lead the defense.” … Makenna Hurst, sr. S (178 digs/35 aces). “Has several years of experience working with our hitters. We will need her consistency and decision making to run the offense with our younger attackers.”

Coach says: “I am excited for this group. They are a close-knit group who enjoy being with each other on and off the court. I want them to bring their enthusiasm, effort and energy together every day as they set new goals and work toward achieving new things. We are working on being our best individually so that we compete at the highest level as a team.”

Notes: Lexington Christian returns four starters from last season.

TATES CREEK

Coach: Morgan Contino.

Last season: 12-20.

Standing out: Kylie Simpson, sr. DS/L, first-team all-city (438 digs/40 aces). “Great defensive specialist who was in the top 50 in the state last year for digs. Reads the call extremely well, solid in serve receive, great role model and high volleyball IQ.” … Desiree Kinnon, so. MH, first-team all-city (180 kills/20 aces). “Dynamic and versatile hitter with a heavy arm, can fill whatever role the team needs her for.” … Bry Ruehrwein, senior MH/OH (133 kills/99 digs). “Emerged as a very effective hitter last season, powerful on her attacks, consistent all around player.” … Sarah Krupp, sr. MB, honorable mention all-city (131 kills/34 digs). “Consistent and smart middle hitter, has gotten more efficient over time, great leadership.” … Kenley Verhoven, sr. S, “Coming off of an injury from last season, can’t wait to see what she can accomplish this season. Versatile player who has a high volleyball IQ, great leadership, makes the right reads.”

Coach says: “Coming off a tough season last year, we are now healthy and ready to compete for a district title and region berth. …We have a strong underclassmen group we are excited to develop. Our senior leadership is strong and we already have great team chemistry.”

Notes: Tates Creek returns nine starters. This is the team’s second season in its new gym.

HENRY CLAY

Coach: Luke Grupe.

Last season: 10-26.

Standing out: Sunny Hilliard, sr. OH, second-team all-city (208 kills/248 digs/49 aces). … Kathryn Urbanek, sr. MB/RS, honorable mention all-city (117 kills/28 digs). … Catherine Carlos, sr. MB/RS, second-team all-city (120 kills).

Coach says: “We like our chances. We are rebounding from a couple off seasons with respect to wins and championships, however we continue to play a top-notch schedule and feel that this year’s group is ready to bounce back and be more competitive especially in our district and region. Our goal is to continue to improve and continue to have fun playing this great sport. We hope to compete for a district and/or region title this season.”

Notes: Henry Clay returns seven starters this season. Former head coach Dale Grupe will help out on the sidelines following his retirement.

BRYAN STATION

Coach: Hilary McKenzie.

Last season: 9-23.

Standing out: Cameron Owens, so. OH, second-team all-city (254 kills/145 digs/37 aces). “A solid all-around skill set, both hitting and passing as well as a part-time setter.” … Beatriz Moreira, jr. MB (63 kills). “She is a consistent net defender and middle attacker.” … Sierra Mulder, sr. L (266 digs/41 aces). “She patrols the court on defense as a productive passer.” … Taylor McKenzie-Price, 8th-grade S (132 digs). “She distributes the ball effectively as well as attacking and passing.” … Dee-Dee Euridice Rodriguez Perdomo, sr. DS. “A consistent passer full of hustle.”

Coach says: “We just want to approach this season one game at a time, and hopefully it will put us in a good place when the KHSAA state championship comes around.”

Notes: Bryan Station returns five starters.

THE BIGGEST GAMES

The following is a selection of what’s expected to be some of the best games for Lexington teams during the 2023 season. Complete volleyball schedules, including start times and scores, can be found at KHSAA.org.

Tuesday: Dunbar at Ryle; Frederick Douglass at Madison Central.

Wednesday: Bryan Station at Lexington Catholic.

Thursday: Lexington Catholic at Great Crossing.

Aug. 21: Henry Clay at Sayre.

Aug. 22: Lexington Catholic at Lexington Christian; North Oldham at Dunbar; Frederick Douglass at Notre Dame; Lafayette at Great Crossing.

Aug. 24: Frederick Douglass at Tates Creek.

Aug. 29: Frederick Douglass at Dunbar; Lafayette at Henry Clay; Tates Creek at Lexington Catholic.

Aug. 30: West Jessamine at Lexington Catholic.

Sep. 5: Paul Laurence Dunbar at Henry Clay; Tates Creek at Lafayette.

Sep. 7: Great Crossing at Frederick Douglass.

Sep. 9: Lexington Christian and Sayre compete in the All “A” Classic.

Sep. 12: Frederick Douglass at Lexington Catholic.

Sep. 14: Henry Clay at Frederick Douglass; Sayre at Bryan Station.

Sep. 19: Paul Laurence Dunbar at Manual; Lexington Christian at Tates Creek.

Sep. 21: Lexington Catholic at Dunbar; Henry Clay at Bryan Station.

Sep. 26: Lafayette at Lexington Christian; Tates Creek at Bryan Station.

Sep. 27: Lexington Christian at Henry Clay.

Oct. 3: Sacred Heart at Dunbar.

Oct. 10: Assumption at Dunbar; Madison Central at Lafayette.

Oct. 11: Frederick Douglass at Sayre.

Oct. 12: Bryan Station at Lafayette.

Oct. 14: Cooper at Dunbar.

KVCA PRESEASON TOP 25

The Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association released its preseason poll for the 2023 season on Aug. 8. First-place votes are listed in parentheses. 11th Region teams are in bold.

1. Assumption (24); 2. Sacred Heart (11); 3. Paul Laurence Dunbar; 4. Notre Dame (8); 5. Mercy (1); 6. Frederick Douglass; 7. Great Crossing (1); 8. Central Hardin; T-9. Bowling Green; T-9. Bullitt East; 11. St. Henry; 12. Ryle; 13. Elizabethtown; 14. McCracken County; 15. West Jessamine; 16. Taylor County; 17. Cooper; 18. Warren East; 19. Madison Central; 20. Manual; 21. Lexington Catholic; 22. Ballard; 23. Conner; 24. North Oldham; 25. Logan County.