TOLEDO, Ohio — A decade ago, St. Ursula Academy's volleyball team found itself at the OHSAA state tournament every season. From their last championship in 2010 to their most recent 2015, the Arrows appeared on the sport's biggest stage.
It then became a quest to get back, which head coach Jason Reilly and the team accomplished last year.
"Now, it's turning to this 2024 team and making sure we're ready," Reilly said. "When October comes, hopefully, we're able to get as close to replicating that as we possibly can."
His team has lost six talented seniors from that state run. However, experience does return in the form of senior skill.
Devin Dzienny highlights the class as she is committed to the University of Florida as a libero. Mia Hasty and Molly Malone also return, coming off roles as sophomores.
"I'm excited for this group, it's a fun group," Reilly said. "We're extremely athletic this year which is really nice for us."
"Yeah, we graduated six but at the same point almost every kid who will see the floor this year was at practice with them," he added. "We don't practice starters versus bench players at all, we mix up everything."
St. Ursula's path to success caters to its schedule as well. The program ended up with a 19-9 record in 2023, which played into the strength of the schedule.
It's no easy start this upcoming season for the Arrows, though, as they will head to the state capital on opening weekend for the Columbus Invitational Tournament. St. Ursula has scheduled Anthony Wayne, Calvert and rival Notre Dame, too.
"I don't think we have to taper any of our expectations," Reilly said. "Your record in the regular season, yes you want to win, but there has to be those learning experiences for them."
It's a mindset that has proven to hit the mark. On top of a final four run last fall, St. Ursula also finished tied for first in its inaugural Catholic High School League campaign.
"We go with the motto 'coaches don't need to coach during games' a ton because we did all the work in the practices," Reilly said. "Early in the season, if we're able to see them communicate and flow through all of that then we're in a good spot."
His tactic extends to practice as well. Reilly believes in healthy competition that allows everyone on the team to receive quality reps.