This season marks the first for Jim Thorpe in the Colonial League, after having previously competed as an independent.

JIM THORPE

Head Coach - Emilio Mercado

League - Colonial

Key Losses - Ashlyn Miller

Key Returnees - Keira Reese (Jr.), Chloe Tantala (Sr.), Noelanie Sepulveda (So.)

Season Outlook - This year marks Jim Thorpe’s debut in the Colonial League, and the Olympians are excited about the challenge. The team has been working hard, and has incorporated weight training into daily practices, thanks to the support of assistant coach Nathan White. Thorpe is highly motivated to improve and aims to secure enough wins to qualify for the district tournament. A year ago, Ashlynn Miller qualified for the district singles tournament, and also paired with Keira Reese to reach the district doubles tournament. Though Miller has graduated, head coach Emilio Mercado will hope to build on that success and postseason experience with Reese returning as a junior.

Quotable - “Every match is a step toward greatness. Our goal is not just to compete, but to excel and make our mark in the Colonial League.” - Coach Mercado.

PLEASANT VALLEY

Head coach - Laura Ammermann

League - Eastern Pennsylvania Conference

Key returnees - Brianca Pridham (Sr.), Shannon Price (Sr.), Ariana Moscoso (Sr.)

Season outlook - Senior Brianca Pridham will be at No. 1 singles for head coach Laura Ammermann, who took over as head coach last year after a long tenure as an assistant. Senior Shannon Price will be moving up from doubles to second singles, and senior Ariana Moscoso is moving up from fourth doubles to second doubles. Ammermann expects this season to be a growing year for PV, as the Bears graduated eight seniors, six of which were in the lineup. Only three varsity players return this year, with the rest of the squad learning and playing the sport for the first time. Ammermann knows the team will do its best and continue to gain meaningful experience on the court.

Quotable - “All I want from the players is to learn something about their game each and every match to make them better players.” - Coach Ammermann.

TAMAQUA

Head Coach - Kathy Odorizzi

Key losses - Emily Antonio, Jenna Fernandez, Bri Snyder

Key returnees - Bradyn Brothers (Sr.), Gabby Eroh (Sr.), Destiny Steinmetz (Jr.)

Top newcomers - Megan Linkhorst (Sr.), Emma Ziajka (Jr.), Skora Ndikwiki (Jr.), Alison Arthurton (Jr.)

Season outlook - Kathy Odorizzi takes over as the team’s head coach and will look to build on last year’s 6-8 record. The Blue Raiders lost their top three singles players in Antonio (No. 1), Fernandez (No. 2) and Snyder (No. 3). Odorizzi will look to senior co-captain Bradyn Brothers, who played No. 1 doubles last year, but is switching to singles for her senior year. With her strong serve and volleys, Coach Odorizzi is looking forward to seeing her succeed in one of the top singles positions. Senior captain Gabby Eroh returns as half of the No. 1 doubles team, and had a strong showing last year with her great ball placement and quickness on the court. She is an integral part of the team because of her leadership skills, positive attitude and determination. Junior Destiny Steinmetz continues to work hard, and has shown tremendous improvement since her sophomore year, and is expected to be a strong player at one of the top singles or doubles positions. Senior Megan Linkhorst, along with juniors Emma Ziajka, Chloe Ryan, Skora Ndikwiki, and Alison Arthurton will round out the top singles and doubles positions. Their athleticism, power and desire to improve their skills will be integral to the team’s success.

Quotable - “With only three of our top players returning this year, we will have to overcome the inexperience of the majority of the team. We have some tough opponents, but I believe if we keep working hard and developing our skills, we can be a competitive team. This is a dedicated and hard-working group of girls. I look forward to seeing our team grow and improve throughout the season.” - Coach Odorizzi.