CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - After winning the sectional title in 2024, the departure of a number of mainstays helped lead to just five wins last year. Nonetheless, the work in progress is continuing, according to Coach Theresa Swertfager.
Building from last year, she said, “We’ve had a lot of conversations about being a team. ‘We’ over ‘me,’ caring about one another and having each other’s back.”
At setter, it won’t matter which way her two main girls are facing. Kiera Coffey and Ruby Quinn, said the coach, “They have such a presence on the court.”
Also bringing pretty good serves, the duo have a glut of girls to tee up on the front line. Euwen Chong returns as a junior and is ready to tilt. “She’s improved tremendously,” said Swertfager, adding that her IQ is definitely higher.
Up next, Blake Axelrod is returning after a year’s absence while playing soccer. “She played club volleyball and realized she was loving volleyball more,” said Swertfager of the sophomore, who is a dominant hitter and blocker.
In the same class, Layla Grassi is also pretty definitive in her game. “She jumps high, is consistent and can put the ball away,” said Swertfager.
Not done, Emily Fulton hunkered down in the middle last season. “She’s dominant, loves the game and has a high IQ,” she said.
On defense, the Wolves lead with the trio of Maria DeGaetano, CC Ohana and Georgia Costa. “All three, their IQ is very strong and are very consistent hitters,” said Swertfager.
As for the lead at libero, the position has yet to be filled. “They are all fighting for the spot,” she said.
Top billing in the Swertfager family isn’t determined either. Diane Swertfager taking over at Somers has the former John Jay player reminiscing over the old battles versus Hen Hud. “It’s like high school all over again,” she joked.
Of course, success will be determined inside the gym walls at John Jay. “The effort is there, the respect is there, so I have high hopes for this team,” Swertfager concluded.
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