Lady Pioneers look to build on breakthrough season

Momentum around the Warren County volleyball program hasn’t slowed down since the final whistle of the 2025 season. If anything, it’s only grown.

After finishing 16-10 and taking third place in District 7-AAA last fall, the Lady Pioneers are already back in the gym preparing for another run. Coach Erin Blalock said the excitement around the program has been impossible to miss during spring workouts and offseason clinics.

“I think everyone is ready to get started,” said Blalock. “We’ve had spring practice these past two weeks and it’s been great to be back on the court with the girls. There has been a palpable excitement on the court as they’ve come back together.”

That excitement is spreading throughout Warren County too. An army of middle school and high school athletes attended offseason clinics last week ahead of upcoming tryouts.

“We had right at 80 girls at the clinic,” Blalock said. “It’s extremely encouraging to see the interest in the sport continuing to grow.”

The Lady Pioneers will have key pieces returning from last year’s squad, including all-district standouts Aubrey Oleksik and Ali Young. Oleksik developed into one of the team’s most dangerous hitters last season, while Young anchored the defense and became one of the team’s emotional leaders.

Warren County also saw a talented freshman class emerge throughout the year. Sloan Youngblood was a major contributor with her high-flying ability at the net, while Reese Reinitz and Maelee Turner proved they could handle pressure moments during district play and postseason action. Their growth gave the Lady Pioneers a glimpse of a bright future.

“Definitely very excited to build the roster out this upcoming season,” said Blalock. “We’ve got a couple of seasoned seniors who’ve got plenty of varsity minutes already in their careers and I have a feeling the younger returning players are going to be heavy contributors to the squad this upcoming season.”

Warren County remains in the same district and expects another difficult road ahead, but the expectation around the program has clearly changed after last season’s success.

“The goal will be to keep the momentum of the success of last season going this upcoming year and make a run at it,” Blalock said.

Tryouts for new and freshman players are scheduled for Friday from 10 a.m. until noon. The Lady Pioneers will officially begin summer workouts following Memorial Day.