Volleyball has become one of the hottest sports in Yorktown over the past year, and for good reason.
Yorktown’s girls volleyball team enjoyed a historic season last fall, winning the Section 1 Class AA title — its first sectional championship since 2013 — and advancing to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association tournament for the first time in program history.
The Huskers, who finished 16-7, commemorated their championship season with a ring ceremony during halftime of Yorktown’s 25-6 flag football victory over Peekskill on May 5.
Players and coaches said the event was a memorable way to celebrate the team’s accomplishments.
“The girls were excited to get their rings and be acknowledged by family, friends and the community who supported us along our regular season and post season journey,” said Yorktown coach Gigi Kemp. “A ring ceremony was new to them so they didn’t know what to expect.”
When each player received their ring, it was a moment the team cherished.
“We waited until everyone’s name was called and then we opened our boxes together,” said Kemp, whose sister Sunnie Killeen, is her assistant coach. “It was special.”
Junior Kailey Alexander, who earned All-League, All-Conference, All-Section and second-team All-State honors, was among the players recognized. Alexander surpassed 100 career blocks in two varsity seasons and was named to the state all-tournament team.
“It truly felt great to be honored at the ring ceremony especially because I got to reunite with some of my teammates and celebrate our historic season,” Alexander said.
Alexander was ecstatic when she received her ring.
“It was wonderful just to open the box and see this beautiful ring with my name on it,” Alexander said. “This ring is something I will cherish deeply and serves as a reminder of our truly amazing season.”
Alexander believes the team’s success and recognition can continue to grow interest in volleyball throughout the community.
“I think we’ve already gained a lot of Yorktown interest from last season and will earn even more due to not only our athleticism but our amazing community that has supported us through everything,” Alexander said. “As my coach said, ‘Yorktown is on the map.’ ”
Kemp hopes the ceremony also inspires other Yorktown teams and younger athletes.
“Having this ceremony will hopefully keep championships going from sport to sport,” Kemp said. “It also will encourage the younger athletes to envision themselves at their ring ceremony one day and put in the hard work to get there.”
The program recently hosted its Yorktown Athletic Club clinic, giving younger players a chance to learn from the varsity team.
“Our Yorktown Athletic Club clinic has been fantastic,” Kemp said. “We have capped out our attendance and had kids on a wait list. Their skill level has improved and it’s exciting to have the coed clinic to see what our future is for both the boys and girls programs. The YAC players get to know the high schoolers as they lead and teach the kids to a higher level. This has increased our tryout numbers and passion for volleyball.”
The following players, along with Alexander, were members of Yorktown’s Section 1 Class AA championship team.
Senior captains: Natalia Lyon (All-League, All-Conference, All-Section, All-State first team), Mia Riordan (All-League, All-Conference), and Julia Amado.
Seniors: Kaitlyn Riordan (All-League), Hailey Riordan, Lucy Von Lahndorff and Jordyn Drap.
Junior: Olivia Brackett.
Sophomores: Mia Horn, Nina Fasce, Haley Allen, Ella Chibbaro, Isabella Schaeffer and Julia Scavello.
Freshman: Emma McCoy (All-League, All-Conference, All-Section, All-State third team).
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