Courtesy Photo The Alpena High School Varsity Volleyball team is looking toward a competitive 2025 season.

ALPENA — The Alpena Wildcats varsity volleyball team is preparing for a challenging season with competition as its primary focus. The Wildcats will open their schedule with tournaments downstate before traveling to Traverse City Central just two weeks into the season.

“Our primary goal for this season is to compete,” head coach Kolby Andrews said. “We need to learn early on where our strengths are going to be and lean into them.”

The Wildcats return eight players from last year’s roster, including several with multiple years of varsity experience. Andrews noted that their offseason work will play an important role in converting preparation into results.

Players trained together throughout the summer, attended college camps and clinics, and gained valuable experience at the Central Michigan University Team Camp Tournament in July. Many also competed in Alpena’s youth beach volleyball program.

Key returners include:

— Madelynn Cameron, an all-around contributor entering her third varsity season.

— Grace Cameron, the returning setter who controls the team’s offensive rhythm.

— Kayla Girard and Paige Samp, outside hitters who bring athleticism and strength.

— Lily Rospierski, who will step into a new role at middle.

— Ashlyn Gray and Emily VanHorn, defensive specialists expected to anchor the back row.

— Laura Poli, known for her strong defense and court coverage.

Although the Wildcats may be undersized compared to many opponents, Andrews expects the team’s serving and attacking to be a strength this season.

“We will have to take our energy at our opponents and keep them on their heels,” Andrews said.

Andrews added that team chemistry has been a positive factor entering the season.

“They love the game, they love being in the gym, and they love being a team,” Andrews said. “We put in the long hours together, we have fun together, we win together, and we lose together. They embrace this, and it makes my job easier as a coach when the players all want to be there and compete for each other.”

The Wildcats begin their season with a mix of early tournaments and Big North Conference matchups as they look to build on their summer preparation.