HILLSDALE — For the first time in school history, the Will Carleton Academy volleyball program can call itself a conference champion.
In her first season leading the Cougars, coach Rylee McKitterick guided a veteran lineup to an undefeated run through Crossroads Athletic Conference play and the school’s first-ever regular-season title.
McKitterick, a former Camden-Frontier standout who previously coached club volleyball, joined WCA this fall while also working in the school’s Exploration Program. She inherited a roster loaded with experience but missing a pair of key graduates in Kristin Recob and Icelyn Trumble.
“This season has been one of our strongest yet, filled with growth, grit, and teamwork from start to finish,” McKitterick said. “Our four seniors have led with heart and determination, setting the standard for what it means to compete with pride and purpose. But what has made this season truly special is the development of our underclassmen, especially our sophomores, who have shown up every day eager to learn, improve, and push themselves and their teammates to be better.”
Returning to anchor the lineup were four-year starters Madison Recob, Josie Moore and Brilynn Padget, whose leadership and consistency helped WCA rise to the top of the standings.
The Cougars also received an unexpected boost when North Adams-Jerome athletes joined the team through a co-op agreement after the school could not field its own roster.
The partnership wasn’t new to either side — the schools already share programs in football, cross country, track and field, baseball and softball — but it proved pivotal on the court. Two North Adams players began the season with WCA before an early injury reduced that number to one, yet the addition of senior setter Aleecia Baker provided an immediate impact.
“It was so nice to have Aleecia Baker come over from NAJ and be a part of our team,” Recob said. “We have all become close friends on the team and have so many fun memories from our season. The progression of our team and how we have all played throughout the season has definitely shown as we have grown together to become a stronger team.”
Baker’s early impact led to a nomination and a win for reader’s choice Athlete of the Week.
Building depth
WCA’s success this season wasn’t just about experience. A talented sophomore class pushed the upperclassmen throughout the fall, giving the program more internal competition than ever before.
Sophomore Makenna Roe stepped into the libero role and led the team in digs, while classmate Lilly Draper emerged as a dependable middle blocker and finished as WCA’s leader in blocks.
“Their energy, consistency, and willingness to compete at a high level have elevated our practices and strengthened the entire program,” McKitterick said. “As we head into districts, the mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent has created a powerful dynamic that makes this group exciting to coach and inspiring to watch.”
Tournament success
Looking to test themselves, the Cougars built a tougher schedule in 2025, highlighted by hosting their first varsity tournament and competing in several invitationals.
WCA finished runner-up to Calhoun Christian at its home event, then pushed the Silver Bracket winners to the limit at the Jonesville Pink Tournament, falling narrowly in two sets.
The Cougars also claimed the Tekonsha Invitational championship and capped the regular season by winning the Crossroads Athletic Conference Tournament at Jackson College for the fourth consecutive season. The senior class never lost in that event.
“I am proud of how well the team worked together, by communicating and keeping the encouragement going throughout the game to the end,” Recob said. “It was so nice to be able to bring home the fourth CAC Volleyball Tournament Championship.”
Hosting a historic district
The Cougars’ rise coincides with another first: WCA will host a district tournament for the first time in any sport.
The bracket features a highly competitive field of Hillsdale Academy, Concord and Pittsford — all teams capable of winning elsewhere, with both Hillsdale Academy and Concord currently ranked in the state.
“As we head into districts, we know it’s going to be competitive, but this group is ready for the challenge,” McKitterick said. “They’ve worked too hard not to be.”
Season leaders and honors
WCA’s conference-title lineup combined veteran leadership and production across every position:
Looking ahead
As WCA prepares for the postseason, the program stands on the edge of a milestone year — one built on leadership, trust and growth from top to bottom.
“I want to thank WCA, our athletic director, our coach, the parents and most importantly my other teammates for helping make this volleyball season a wonderful one, especially since it’s my senior year,” Recob said.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Will Carleton Academy volleyball claims first-ever league title behind new coach
Reporting by Joseph Flaherty, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
