By John Raffel
Correspondent
CLARE — Ludington handed Clare a close 26-24, 25-23 nonleague setback to open the volleyball season on Wednesday at Clare.
In 2024, Clare varsity volleyball won the Jack Pine
Conference (10-1) for the first time since 2002. Clare also won districts for the first time since 2020. Overall record was 18-16-2.
Senior Tessa Kelly passed 500 career kills; Junior Syerra Mills set a season record with 18 solo blocks; Sophomore Amelia Ryzyk passed 1,200 career assists; and senior Addie McMillan passed 1,000 career digs.
Six athletes were named all-conference: Tessa Kelly and Amelia Ryzyk were first team; Addie McMillan was 2nd team; Kyley Wyman, Syerra Mills, and Madeline Ryzyk were honorable mention Sophomore Amelia Ryzyk was named a MaxPreps player of the year for the 2024-2025 season
“Our eighth grade coach, Ava Crowder, was named the Region 6 Middle School Coach of the Year by MIVCA,” coach Shannon Taylor said. Senior Addie McMillan was a 3-year Varsity player and two-year starting libero. She was the captain of our defense and we will miss her efficiency.
“Senior Tessa Kelly was a three-year varsity player and 2-year starting outside hitter. Tessa could play all the way around and always gave our team the energy it needed. Senior Madeline Ryzyk was a 3-year varsity player and a true utility player. We could always count on Madeline to get the job done no matter what position she was put in.
“Senior Taryn Green was a two-year varsity player and a versatile defensive specialist/opposite. Taryn was known for her hustle and her determination on defense.”
The 2025 varsity team is a good mix of returning players and new players.
“We expect big things from all of them and our program as a whole,”
Key players are: Senior Kyley Wyman – Outside – “We expect Kyley to help pace our offense and keep us steady on defense,” Taylor said.
Senior Marlee Clark – Middle – “Marlee is consistent and uses smart shot selection when she’s attacking,” Taylor said.
Senior Syerra Mills – Middle – “A presence on the net; we expect her to be a versatile offensive option too,” Taylor said.
Senior Aria Smylie – Opposite – “Aria is versatile and athletic; a big swing from the right side and a solid blocker,” Taylor said.
Junior Amelia Ryzky – Setter – “Amelia is an elite weapon in our arsenal; we are excited for her to lead the offense,”
Taylor said.
Junior Pamela Allen – Outside – “Improved greatly over last year and this summer; we expect Pam to be a true threat on offense this season,” Taylor said.
Taylor likes her team’s prospects.
“Some people might think this is a rebuilding year, but we don’t see it that way at all,” Taylor said. “We expect to keep our foot on the gas and carry the momentum from last year into this season.
“We have new pieces, but everyone on our team is capable of performing at an extremely high level. Our preparation is as strong as it has ever been, so we look forward to continued growth and success.”
The team’s strength, Taylor said, “is a combination of volleyball skills and leadership. Our athletes are leaders in our school and community. They care about one another and about the program culture that is being built in Clare. Their belief and dedication will lead to our overall success.
“Our mission this year is to have more versatility on offense. We want to improve hitting efficiency with better shot selection.”
The Jack Pine Conference “always presents tough competition. We’d love to come out on top again if we can. We expect a lot of great matches. Teams like Gladwin, Shepherd, and Beaverton are always super competitive,” Taylor said.
“Spectators coming to our matches can use GoFan to purchase tickets.”
