2026 HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM PREVIEWS
A look at the teams, coaches and players to watch heading into the fall season
PUEBLO CENTRAL WILDCATS
A senior-led group looks to take the next step
Head Coach: Danny Saenz — 4th Season2025 Overall Record: 14-112025 SCL Record: 4-4 — 3rd Place
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ashlynn Saenz — Senior — Libero
Mylie Schauer — Senior — Defensive Specialist
Melany Decasas Falcon — Senior — Defensive Specialist
COACH'S EXPECTATIONS
With a special group of seniors leading the way, Pueblo Central enters the season with its sights set on returning to regionals and taking the next step toward the state tournament. Saenz wants his Wildcats to continue building on the strong culture within the program while representing Pueblo Central High School as a first-class program both on and off the court. This year's senior class holds particular significance, as the group was made up of freshmen when Saenz took over as head coach four seasons ago. Now, he hopes to see that group cap its time in the program by helping lead Central to another postseason run.
TEAM STRENGTH
The Wildcats' strengths begin with their ball control and defensive ability. Central expects to be strong defensively while also bringing solid play from the front row. Saenz also sees an opportunity for the Wildcats to make significant improvement at the net, particularly in blocking. If Central can continue to build on its defensive foundation while becoming stronger at the net, the Wildcats could be a difficult team to attack throughout the season.
2026 OUTLOOK
Pueblo Central enters Danny Saenz's fourth season at the helm looking to build on a 14-11 campaign from a year ago. The Wildcats finished 4-4 in SCL play, good for third place, and now turn to a senior-heavy group to help push the program toward another postseason appearance.
Leading the way are three players to watch in senior libero Ashlynn Saenz and senior defensive specialists Mylie Schauer and Melany Decasas Falcon. The experience of the senior class will be especially important as Central looks to maintain its defensive identity while continuing to develop its front-row play.
For Saenz, however, the season represents more than simply chasing wins. The five seniors who were freshmen when he took over the program are now the leaders of a team hoping to return to regionals, advance to state and finish their high school careers by representing Pueblo Central with pride.
PUEBLO COUNTY HORNETS
Defending the SCL crown with their sights set on the state tournament
Head Coach: Vanessa Clementi — 4th Season2025 Overall Record: 19-62025 SCL Record: 7-1 — 1st Place
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Eden Johnson — Senior — Outside Hitter
Brynn Clementi — Sophomore — Setter
Ella Schmitt — Senior — Middle
Sydney Vigil — Senior — Defensive Specialist
COACH'S EXPECTATIONS
“This season, our team is on a mission. This group hasn’t had the opportunity to experience the state tournament yet, and that’s something they’re incredibly motivated to change. They’ve put in a lot of work during the offseason, and they’re excited about what’s ahead.
Our first objective is to defend our title as SCL Champions. We know every team in our league will be coming after us, so nothing is going to be handed to us. We’ll have to work hard to make sure we get the job done.
Our schedule is challenging from day one, and that’s by design. We want to play quality opponents early because those matches will expose areas we need to improve and prepare us for the level of competition we’ll see throughout league play and, hopefully, into the postseason.
If we continue to grow as a team, compete with the best, and trust the process, I believe this team has the opportunity to accomplish big things.”
TEAM STRENGTH
“Our biggest strength is our balance. We have experienced players who provide leadership and younger players who bring energy and talent and collectively they have spent a lot of time on the volleyball court."
“This group competes hard, pushes each other, and truly enjoys playing together. Our team chemistry and willingness to work for each other will be a big part of our success.”
2026 OUTLOOK
Coming off a 19-6 season and a first-place finish in the SCL, the Hornets enter the fall with a clear goal: defend their league championship and make their first trip to the state tournament.
PUEBLO EAST EAGLES
New leadership, new culture, same competitive expectations
Head Coach: Mariah Romero-Leblanc — 1st Season2025 Overall Record: 17-82025 SCL Record: 7-1 — 2nd Place
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Haley Welte — Senior — Outside Hitter
Reagan Falletta — Senior — Outside Hitter
Allyson Daniels — Senior — Libero
Emily Daniels — Sophomore — Setter
COACH'S EXPECTATIONS
“My girls have big shoes to fill after losing eight seniors last year and only having two starting returners. This team, however, is up to the challenge."
“My biggest expectations are to build a competitive program, trust each other, and trust the new process and culture my coaches and I have implemented. We plan to compete at a high level with everyone in the SCL and be back in regionals this year."
“If we commit to the culture, our play will follow.”
TEAM STRENGTH
“Our biggest strengths this year will be our willingness to compete and our work ethic. We are really going to lean into Haley and Reagan. They bring a big presence on the court, both as leaders and athletes.
“We have implemented a summer weights program so these girls are getting stronger and faster outside the lines of the volleyball court. We have a good group of all-around athletes who want to get better, but also genuinely support each other.”
2026 OUTLOOK
Pueblo East enters the 2026 season facing significant turnover after graduating eight seniors from last year's 17-8 team. With only two returning starters, the Eagles will have plenty of new faces stepping into important roles.
But the change extends beyond the roster. Romero-Leblanc takes over the program for her first season as head coach, bringing with her a new process and culture that she hopes will help establish the foundation for the program moving forward.
With senior outside hitters Haley Welte and Reagan Falletta providing experience and leadership, Pueblo East believes its willingness to compete, work ethic and team chemistry can help the Eagles remain among the SCL's top programs. After finishing second in the league at 7-1 last season, the goal is clear: compete at a high level and earn another trip to regionals.
PUEBLO SOUTH COLTS
A new era begins with a focus on culture, character and effort
Head Coach: Ramon Arriaga — 1st Season2025 Overall Record: 1-202025 SCL Record: 0-8
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Shay Timme — Senior — Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Serenity Dawson — Senior — Setter/Right-Side Hitter
Mikyla Lessar-Grasmick — Senior — Setter/Right-Side Hitter
Taya Mirshamsi — Senior — Outside Hitter/Right-Side Hitter
COACH'S EXPECTATIONS
For Arriaga, his first season at the helm is about establishing the foundation of the program. His expectations extend beyond what happens between the lines, with an emphasis on developing good people both on and off the court. Attitude and character will be important pieces of that process, while Arriaga wants his players to fully buy into the culture he and his staff are working to establish. The goal is to build something that can become the foundation for the Colts moving forward.
TEAM STRENGTH
The Colts' biggest strengths will be their ball control and their willingness to be scrappy. Arriaga expects his team to bring energy and effort every time it steps onto the court, creating a group that is willing to fight for points and compete for every ball. That competitive mentality will be an important part of South's identity as the program begins building its new culture.
2026 OUTLOOK
A new chapter begins at Pueblo South as Ramon Arriaga takes over the girls volleyball program for his first season as head coach. The Colts enter 2026 looking to build from a 1-20 season in which they finished 0-8 in SCL play.
The Colts will have a senior-heavy group to help lead the transition, with Shay Timme, Serenity Dawson, Mikyla Lessar-Grasmick and Taya Mirshamsi among the players to watch. Each brings versatility to the lineup, giving South experienced options across the court.
But the biggest focus for Arriaga will be establishing the identity of the program. Energy, effort, character and a willingness to buy into the team's culture will be at the center of the Colts' first season under their new head coach. With ball control and a scrappy style serving as potential strengths, South will look to make its mark one point at a time as it begins building toward the future.
PUEBLO WEST CYCLONES
A veteran program looking to build on another strong season
Head Coach: Alyssa Robinson — 2nd Season2025 Overall Record: 21-42025 CSML Record: 10-2
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Joie Johnson — Senior — Setter
Mackenzie Sawvel — Junior — Outside/Middle Blocker
Madison Sawvel — Junior — Setter/Defensive Specialist
COACH'S EXPECTATIONS
For Pueblo West, the expectations go beyond wins and losses. Robinson wants her Cyclones to rely on one another's skills, play as a team and celebrate the little moments that make a season special. That includes recognizing and celebrating teammates' successes along the way. Above all, the Cyclones will approach the season with a one-game-at-a-time mindset, keeping their focus on the task directly in front of them rather than looking too far ahead.
TEAM STRENGTH
The Cyclones' biggest strength this season could be their ability to adapt and overcome adversity. In a sport where momentum can change quickly, Pueblo West will rely on its ability to adjust when challenges arise and find ways to keep moving forward. That resilience could be an important characteristic for a team coming off a 21-4 season.
2026 OUTLOOK
Pueblo West enters the 2026 season looking to build on one of the area's strongest campaigns from a year ago. The Cyclones finished 21-4 overall and went 10-2 in the CSML, establishing themselves as a force within the league.
Robinson enters her second season leading the program, with a trio of players to watch in senior setter Joie Johnson and juniors Mackenzie Sawvel and Madison Sawvel. Sawvel brings versatility as an outside hitter and middle blocker, while Madison can contribute both as a setter and defensive specialist.
With experience returning and an emphasis on teamwork, resilience and staying focused on one match at a time, Pueblo West enters the season with another opportunity to make its mark.
PUEBLO CENTENNIAL BULLDOGS
A veteran core looks to push the Bulldogs up the SCL standings
Head Coach: Anthony Gonzalez — 5th Season2025 Overall Record: 6-172025 SCL Record: 2-6
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sierra Montoya — Senior — Setter
Daana Gonzalez — Senior — Middle Hitter
Leilah Duncan — Junior — Defensive Specialist
Minroe Hernandez — Sophomore — Defensive Specialist
COACH'S EXPECTATIONS
For Gonzalez, the goal is simple: continue making the Centennial program stronger year after year. After finishing 6-17 overall and 2-6 in the SCL last season, the Bulldogs are looking to improve their position within the league. With a veteran group returning and continued development throughout the program, Centennial hopes to take another step forward in 2026.
TEAM STRENGTH
Centennial enters the season faster and with greater chemistry after increasing the demands of its summer training program, particularly through cardio and plyometric work. The players who took advantage of those opportunities have made significant gains, giving the Bulldogs added athleticism heading into the season. A strong senior class, including five returning lettermen, also provides Centennial with valuable experience and leadership as the program continues to build.
2026 OUTLOOK
The Bulldogs enter Anthony Gonzalez's fifth season at the helm looking to turn continued program growth into results on the court. Centennial finished 6-17 overall last season and 2-6 in the SCL, but returns a group that Gonzalez believes has made noticeable strides during the offseason.
The senior class will be particularly important, with Montoya and Daana Gonzalez among the players expected to lead the way. Add in the development of Duncan and Hernandez, and Centennial has a mix of experience, youth and athleticism to work with.
The Bulldogs' goal heading into the fall is clear: continue strengthening the program and improve their standing in the SCL. With increased speed, improved chemistry and a veteran group helping lead the way, Centennial will look to make that next step in 2026.
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