The Emmaus High School girls volleyball team had a historic 2025 season and one of the best in program history.

“This season, our biggest focus was unity,” said Hornet head coach Jessica Olang. “We started off with the mantra ‘If we are for each other, who can be against us?’

“It was all about making sure that every single player felt empowered to encourage and uplift one another. We worked hard on that sense of trust and on being a true unit whenever we stepped on the court. Throughout the season, we did a lot of team-building and even brought in other coaches from the district to share their perspectives. It really helped us reach a new level of mindset and camaraderie — those intangibles that are so crucial in athletics. And honestly, I think that foundation of unity is what made this season such a success.”

The Hornets finished 21-5 overall and won the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, placing runner-up in the District 11 playoffs and won their first match at the state tournament. Winning the EPC Championship for the first time in program history was something Olang and her 2025 group will never forget.

“Honestly, it meant everything,” Olang said. “Not only did we clinch EPCs for the first time in our program’s history, but we did it against what felt like a Goliath opponent. Bethlehem Catholic was undefeated all season and had swept us in three sets earlier in the year. So going into that championship match, it really came down to our mindset. We knew we had the talent and the capability, but it was about how hard and how long we were willing to fight for each other.

“Winning that match wasn’t just a huge milestone for bringing home our first conference championship to Emmaus girls’ volleyball; it was also proof to the team that they could go into battle against the best and come out on top. That belief and that victory are going to be part of our legacy now.”

In the first round at states, Emmaus downed the District 2 champ Delaware Valley in straight sets before falling to eventual champion Spring-Ford in the quarterfinals.

“It was a historic moment for us,” said Olang. “This was indeed the first time Emmaus made it past the first round of states in a long while, so that alone was huge. I think what was so great about that first-round sweep against Delaware Valley was that it showed how prepared and confident the girls were. They stepped onto that state stage and just played their game with no fear. And then, to go into that second match and fight as hard as we did, even though it was a tough one, really proved that we belong at that level. Overall, those two matches at states were such a confidence booster and a milestone for our program.”

Senior Amanda Rivera led the attack with 171 kills and had 94 digs. Sophomore Fiona Answini recorded 101 kills and 31 digs. Junior Rosie Landino tallied 96 kills, 17 digs and 12 blocks. Junior Andraya Flowers contributed 39 kills. Senior Alyssa Heffner had 414 assists, 77 digs and 26 kills. Seniors Corrine Slivka and Sophia Freemont ended with 124 digs and 102 digs, respectively.

The Green Hornets will graduate nine seniors, including Freemont, Slivka, Rivera, Heffner, Kylie Heffner, Maleya Hinds, Haley Seidel, Sierra Stevens and Claudia Walls.

“We went into the season with eight seniors and then we lost Maleya Hinds to injury in the preseason,” Olang said. “Even with those bumps in the road, the seven seniors who took the court, plus Maleya who was an incredible leader from the sidelines, set an amazing tone. From the moment we walked into open gyms, you could tell this senior class had chosen to lead with positivity, energy, and unity. They set a precedent of hard work and inclusiveness that everyone followed.

“This senior class was the heart and soul of our team culture. It’s no surprise that we earned the sportsmanship award this season, and that’s largely thanks to the example our seniors set. They meant the world to this program and to the coaching staff.”

With a championship in tow, Olang is excited for what her team in 2026 can do.

“You know, I think what excites me the most is that we faced so much adversity this year and still came out strong,” said Olang. “Everyone had high expectations for us because we had so many returning starters, and even when we lost a few key players unexpectedly, we still found success. Every time something got in our way, another athlete stepped up. That really shows the depth of our team and the unity we’ve built. Whoever was next in line just fit right in and kept that cohesion on the court.

“Even though we’ll miss the seniors and all the talent and heart they brought, I’m really excited to see our juniors step up and lead next season. There’s a lot of talent still here, and I think we’re going to see some really exciting things ahead.”