Experienced Core Has Horicon Volleyball Aiming High in 2026

The Horicon varsity volleyball team enters the 2026 season with an experienced group of returning players and a focus on becoming a more consistent and aggressive team on the court.

Head coach Tara Boehmer returns several key contributors from last season, led by Sarah Hodgson, Eliana Rivera and Emily Bunkoske.

Hodgson led the Marshladies with 163 kills and 16 blocks last season while adding 172 digs. Rivera directed the offense with a team-high 251 assists and also led Horicon with 29 aces while recording 86 digs. Bunkoske contributed 109 kills and led the team with 31 aces while adding 139 digs.

Also returning are middle Grace Thornton and defensive specialists Aubrie Cundy and Leah Holl. Newcomers Hadley Buechel and Claire Schwartz will look to make an impact at the varsity level.

Boehmer believes the team’s chemistry will be one of its biggest strengths.

“Our girls are a tight group of girls who work well together,” Boehmer said. “Together, they are motivated and determined to keep learning and growing stronger together both on and off the court. Attitude and effort are strong.”

Horicon’s goals for the season include serving aggressively and consistently, improving its passing average and competing near the top of the conference. The Marshladies also want to increase their offensive production.

“We need to put the ball away more to win points,” Boehmer said.

Offensively, Horicon will look to maximize its scoring opportunities while keeping opponents from anticipating where the attack is coming from. Defensively, Boehmer wants her team pursuing every ball with speed and determination.

“No ball touches the ground without effort,” she said.

Boehmer expects plenty of competition within the conference this fall.

“Our conference will be competitive, and there will be some good volleyball to watch throughout the season,” she said.

The early schedule should allow the Marshladies to see where they stand, with the Beaver Dam Invite providing an early test.

“We will have good competition, especially at the Beaver Dam Invite,” Boehmer said. “We will be able to learn a lot about ourselves early on and continue to build on that knowledge to improve our competitiveness.”

With an experienced core, strong team chemistry and an emphasis on consistency, Horicon will look to use those early tests to build toward its goal of competing near the top of the conference.

Horicon opens the season Tuesday, Aug. 25, hosting the Horicon Invite before traveling to Poynette for a quad Friday, Aug. 28, at 9 a.m. The Marshladies return home Tuesday, Sept. 1, to host Dodgeland at 7:15 p.m.