Huntington Girls’ Volleyball Sees Interest Booming

Interest in the sport of girls’ volleyball is booming in Huntington UFSD. The varsity and junior varsity teams have a combined total 30 players while the two teams at Finley Middle School routinely see as many as 100 girls tryout in November.

Huntington alum Todd Donaghy coaches the varsity team with high school physical education teacher Lauren Blackburn coaching the JV and one of the Finley teams. The second Finley team is coached by Woodhull School physical education teacher Carrie Postel.

The Blue Devil varsity is coming off a spectacular 2023 season. But with the loss of several key players, Donaghy is trying to find the right mix on the court this fall.

The JV roster features Alexandra Boeckman, Caleigh Camarata, Lakhiasja Casey, Paige Falk, Mia Gulino, Gabriella Jones, Olivia Koiyet, Nallely Linares, Mackenzie McKay, Dylan McKean, McKenzie Moore, Kaylin Olivo, Taylor Peters, Taylor Ranft, Karina Rodriguez and Adriana Garcia Cruz.

The varsity team’s roster includes Emily Barba, Brianna Borenstein, Amelia Carino, Lauren Donaghy, Kymora Dorvilus, Madelyn Falk, Manpreet Kaur, Shannon Koepele, Mia Miller, Isabella Morris, Dakota Respass, Melanie Rodriguez, Jocelyn Thorbourne and Andreana Vlahos.

Coach Donaghy has organized periodic intramurals and clinics over the past year, stimulating interest in the sport and program.

Volleyball is also one of the most popular units in physical education classes. The outdoor volleyball court behind the high school gym also sees regular use by students who arrange to play a fun game between themselves.