Aug. 28—NEW LONDON — New London-Spicer is going to have a drastically different look in 2026.
The Wildcats graduated eight players from a squad that made the Class AA state volleyball tournament for the second straight season. NLS also has a new head coach.
The new-look Wildcats don't plan on slowing down despite the changes.
"We have a group of seniors who want to carry on the tradition and leave a legacy," said new head coach Andy Regnier. He previously coached at Redwood Valley from 2013-18. Regnier's assistants are Gina Macik, Erin Schoumaker and Jess Newman.
Regnier added, "They've worked intensely hard all summer alongside their teammates. These young ladies are hungry and willing to work to be the best team we can possibly be. We have a team that should be explosive, energetic and fun to watch. They sacrifice themselves each play to keep the ball up and give one another a chance to put the ball down. We have an experienced coaching staff working together, helping develop our players."
NLS claimed its second straight Section 3AA title while sporting a 17-12 record in 2025. That included a 6-2 Wright County Conference record.
Gone due to graduation are Ayla Caskey, Katelyn Delzer, KayAnna Gehrke, Autumn Tortorella, Shelby Miller, Ella Andresen, Mallory Thorsrud and Bria Marxhausen.
The cupboard is far from bare. Four of the Wildcats' leaders from last season are back.
The offense will be orchestrated by 5-foot-11 senior setter Ezri Boelter. She had a team-best 831 set assists. She also put up 176 digs and 20 ace serves.
The back row will be led by 5-7 senior libero Brooke Barney. She was the Wildcats' digs leader last season with 414. Barney is also the top returning server with 29 ace serves.
The block has Susannah Danielson back in the mix. A 6-0 senior middle blocker, Danielson put up a team-high 72.5 ace blocks to go with 128 kills.
Then there is 5-11 senior outside hitter Addie Olson. is 5-11 senior Addie Olson. Olson led NLS with 264 kills. She also had 29.5 ace blocks and 110 digs.
Boelter, Danielson, Olson, Barney, and 5-10 right-side hitter Sam Wookey are the team's senior captains.
"All five are captains and will be the reason we succeed or do not succeed," Regnier said.
The Wildcats start the season ranked sixth in Class AA in the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association's pre-season poll. Jackson County Central, the team NLS beat in the Section 3AA championship, is eighth in the pre-season poll.
"This team won't care about the stats," Regnier said. "They know any success one of them has revolves around their teammates (and) the work they put in this off-season and in practice. Only some of the names will appear in the stat line, but everyone will have contributed to that."
Regnier continued, "They have really worked hard and believe in we before me. Every girl in that gym contributes to our success, one way or another."
Leave a Comment