Updated as of Aug. 31, 2026 at 5:49 p.m.
Yorktown 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, where its season ended in pool play.
As a No. 3 seed, Yorktown defeated rival No. 5 Mahopac 3-1 (25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 25-14) at the Westchester County Center in the Section 1 Class AA championship match for that title.
Returning from that sectional championship squad are Kailey Alexander (senior, middle blocker, All-State All-Tournament player, All-State second team, All-Section, All-League in 2025), Emma McCoy (sophomore, outside hitter, All-State third team, All-Section, All-League), Olivia Brackett (senior, opposite hitter), Haley Allen (junior, libero), Ella Chibbaro (junior, middle blocker), Nina Fasce (junior, setter), and Mia Horn (junior, outside hitter).
“These players will be my leaders both on and off the court as they have the varsity and extended season experience,” said Yorktown ninth-year coach Gigi Kemp, whose team finished 16-7 a season ago.
Paige Baddeley (junior, opposite hitter), Sophia Delgado (junior, defensive specialist), Julia Scavello (junior, middle hitter), Izzy Schaeffer (junior, setter), Angelina Piechucki (sophomore, outside hitter), and Rachel Hess (sophomore, middle hitter) are the Huskers’ newcomers.
“The goal is to play each match, one set at a time and one point at a time,” Kemp said. “Play with power and poise.”
Yorktown starts defense of its sectional crown at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept 8 at John Jay-East Fishkill.
“The key (starting the season) will be to start out strong and gain confidence in each other,” Kemp said.
Leading the Hornets’ into this season is senior outside hitter Kelly Mallon (All-State sixth team, All-Section, All-League), who helped Lakeland garner a 19-2 overall record and co-league title in 2025.
She has amassed 1,100 digs, the first Lakeland player ever to reach 1,000 digs, and 1,050 kills for her varsity career. Mallon was named All-American while playing AAU for Downstate 17 Black, which finished fifth at the AAU Nationals in the Aspire Division this spring.
Lakeland second-year coach Andrea DiMichele said it’s hard to believe Mallon is finally a senior, considering she has been on the varsity since the seventh grade and a starter since the eighth grade.
“Although I haven’t had the privilege of coaching Kelly all those six years, I know how special of an athlete and person she is,” DiMichele said. “Kelly’s volleyball skill set in all aspects of the game-digging, hitting, serving, setting are top notch.”
DiMichele said what sets Mallon, a three-time All-State player, apart from other athletes isn’t just her volleyball talent it’s also her ability to lead.
“To help other teammates to be successful, to encourage others when they’re having a bad practice or game and to be that captain (for the past four years) that her teammates look up to,” DiMichele said. “Kelly has a love and passion for the game of volleyball that is rarely seen. She will continue to be one of the top players in Section 1 this season.”
Another Hornet captain is senior setter/right-side hitter Sofia Cruz (All-Section, All-League), who is a versatile player, willing to do what it takes to help her team win.
“She comes to practice every day with a positive attitude, willing to do anything and everything to help herself and her teammates,” DiMichele said. “The younger players look up to her for guidance and support. She is also one of the kindest, hardworking athletes out there. I’m looking forward to seeing her shine and put it all out there in her final season of volleyball at Lakeland.”
Senior middle hitter Caelyn Faison (All-League) is also a captain.
“Caelyn has consistently improved from year to year,” DiMichele said. “She’s getting stronger, more consistent and more confident. Whether she gets a kill, a block, or a tip, Caelyn has a strong presence that stands out at the net. Off the court, she is funny, always able to put a smile on the faces of her teammates and coaches.”
Junior outside hitter Mia Aquart put the work in over the winter and summer and it shows according to DiMichele.
“She’s a strong, smart, consistent and a great all around volleyball player,” DiMichele said. “This could be Mia’s breakout year.”
Lakeland’s top newcomer is Kelly’s sister, sophomore setter Amelia Mallon.
“Amelia has worked hard to improve her skills to be a setter for Lakeland,” DiMichele said. “She is more confident in her skills and becoming more verbal on the court. I’m excited to see her continue to grow as an athlete this season. It is also pretty special she gets to set her sister Kelly in her final season of volleyball at Lakeland.”
One of the Hornet’s strengths is their experience.
“We have many returning players from last season,” DiMichele said. “They have seen success, finishing last year’s regular season 17-1 and earning the No. 1 seed going into the sectional tournament. They have also seen defeat, losing to Tappan Zee in the (Class A) sectional semi-finals. Difficulties maintaining mental toughness has been Lakeland volleyball’s struggle the past two years. With six seniors on the squad who bring lots of experience, knowledge of the game, leadership qualities and confidence, the hope is that they along with other talented Lakeland players, they can work together no matter how challenging the set or match is and win.”
Lakeland will begin its campaign at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1 at John Jay-East Fishkill.
“Good communication and being consistent in all aspects of the game will be the key to starting the season off on the right foot,” DiMichele said.
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