With a senior heavy roster, strong team chemistry and hopes to make state, North Central boys volleyball is entering the 2026 season with big goals.
Head Coach Chelsea Perisie described this year’s group of players as “electric” and believes this team has the ability with their mindset and talent to make this season a great one. With many seniors playing their final season and many new auditions to the team, it has strengthened the roster. Perisie said the Panthers have the ability to compete this year.
“This team is electric, we have two transfers that we’re excited about on the varsity roster. It’s a really exciting mix of upperclassmen and also new guys,” Perisie said.
Panthers are aiming high this year, Perisie said the team expects to make an appearance at state and that they have the ability to be one of the top teams.
“It is not a secret that this roster expects to make a state appearance and to make a splash,” Perisie said. “We expect to compete at the highest level and we expect to have a shot at a state championship.”
Senior Finn Stillman, a longtime player in the Washington Township volleyball program and a varsity player, is confident in what NC will accomplish this season. He said the team has the mindset needed to make a deep run.
“I’m super confident going into the 2026 season,” Stillman said. “I think the team as a whole is also to just win as many games as possible and we all really feel like we can make a state run this year.”
Stillman also mentioned that one of the biggest strengths of the 2026 varsity team is the chemistry. According to him, the team is the most united it has ever been.
“I think last season, there was kind of a skill gap still between a lot of the players, and we weren’t as cohesive as we are now,” Stillman said. “So this year I think we’re very stable.”
While varsity is leaning on experience, the program is seeing growth from the feeder players. Freshman Evan Myer, who is new to the NC volleyball program, said he can feel the chemistry on the team and is looking forward to improving his volleyball skills.
“I feel really confident because our team chemistry is great this year,” Myer said.
Myer set goals for this volleyball season, he plans to improve his setting and develop as a team leader by having more leadership as a team captain.
“My personal goals for this season are to improve as a team leader, have more leadership on the court,” Myer said.
Perisie has a major focus for this season, she plans to master the little things and stay steady after mistakes.
“One thing we’re really focusing on this season is the block,” Perisie said. “We’ve got to get out there and close the outside block.”
Emotional control will also be a main focus for the team’s success.
“Our biggest emphasis this year will be how to stay steady after a mistake,” Perisie said. “It’s a fast game. We have got to stay steady.”
Leadership is key across this program, Perisie said this year’s players bring experience even more than past groups. Leadership is shown in many different forms, whether it’s in the classroom, locker room or on the court.
“You will hear different boys lead the team in different capacities,” Perisie said.
With such a wide range of more experienced players like Stillman and learning players like Myer growing in the program, NC is building a team culture built on diversity, talent and energy. Peresie said fans should expect a team that is exciting to watch this 2026 season.
“It will be highly athletic. It will be engaging. It will be fun,” Perisie said.
