During the past several seasons, Pendleton County volleyball has remained in the top tier of West Virginia Class A volleyball powers. A simple formula has guided each squad, regardless of player name. This consisted of excellent teamwork in the back and middle lines to set up dominance at the net combined with efficient and consistent serving.
Each graduating class of stellar performers has made way for rising talent with volleyball IQ and athleticism combined with determination. Each team has huge shoes to fill, then finds a way to do it.
The 2025-2026 edition of Wildcat volleyball won 20-11 and went undefeated in the Cumberland Valley. It went 12-4 at home, 3-2 at neutral sites, and had an even road record at 5-5. Much of that senior class, Breena Bowers, Carolyn Varner, and Clara Raines, formed a core of middle and back row players who received the shots and set up the big plays on the front line. Brynlynn Waggy also remained a dominant performer on the front line.
Last year also saw the quick development of the players who will form the new core of experience, looking to continue the Wildcat winning ways. All gained a great deal of seasoning against stout competition. While only three have reached the 12th grade, the varsity squad, as a whole, played with discipline and composure most of the time, regardless of age or experience.
Alyssa Bennett returns as the top player in all of West Virginia high school volleyball last season in terms of aces. She racked up 129, 16 more than in her sophomore season. Bennett also was third in kills and blocks and second in digs last season for the Wildcats.
Senior Callie Judy served as a mainstay, placing second in assists last season. Her role lay in setting up the front line for their scoring plays, and she rated third on the team in aces per set. Olivia Gonshor, another senior, brings athleticism and experience to the court as well.
In the junior class, Chesnee Colaw brings yet another steady hand in service. She ranked second on the team last season with 68 aces and was third in receptions, helping to corral shots from the other side to give her own team more opportunities.
