By Chris Parker
Hillcrest volleyball has a tight-knit group coming into the 2025 season looking to improve on last season’s six-win campaign.
“Their chemistry, and their ability to work hard together is so good,” Hillcrest head coach Deirdre Smith said. “They work extremely hard, and they push each other. They celebrate each other, and there is no jealousy. It’s been so fun to watch them.”
Five varsity players return this season.
Alyssa Brison (senior MB) had 92 kills with a team-high 82 blocks last season.
“Alyssa Brison will return this season as our first middle,” Smith said. “Alyssa led our team in blocks last season, and she will be a big offensive threat at the net. Alyssa has worked hard on her footwork, and her connection with our new setter this summer, so that she can make a difference for us.”
Piersyn Ray (senior defensive specialist) contributed 153 digs and 237 receptions last season.
“Piersyn Ray returns as a starting defensive specialist,” Smith said. “Piersyn’s ability to pass the ball on serve-receive makes her such an integral part of our program. She keeps a smile, and she has worked very hard on her footwork in the back court. Piersyn will be a huge asset to our team.”
Lillie Moore (junior pin) is the top returning hitter in terms of kills. She had 157 last season.
“Lillie Moore is coming back with vengeance,” Smith said. “Lillie has just come off a successful basketball season with the Lady Hornets, and her pure athleticism makes her versatile as she can fill in many positions. This will be Lillie’s third season playing on varsity, and she will be a six-rotation player for us this season. Lillie is tall, a great jumper, and she works hard to get to balls in the back court. She has put time in the weight room this summer to improve her swing and her vertical. Lillie will make a big impact this year.”
Nicholette Guavis (junior libero) is the top returning player in both digs (250) and receptions (354). She was second in both categories last season.
“Nicholette Guavis will lead our back court in the libero jersey this season,” Smith said. “This is her second year playing libero for varsity. Nicholette has great serve-receive, and her ability to read and react on defense is superb. The thing that makes Nicholette such an asset is her ability to keep her head in the toughest of situations. She is one of those players who can keep her mental game in check. I am so excited to see her perform this season.”
Molly Percival (junior pin) will have an expanded varsity role after playing in 22 varsity sets last season.
“Molly filled the RS position at the end of last season,” Smith said. “She is a very sneaky player. She’s not flashy, and she’s not that big, but her ability to block and her connection with the setter is something to be aware of. Molly has developed hugely in her past club season with special thanks to the amazing coach she had. She has come back with a confidence that I have never seen in her before. I’m excited to see what she will do this season.”
KeAshza Roy (junior setter) and Sophia Strathdee (junior MB) will be new players to the varsity equation.
Smith on Roy: “KeAshza Roy will be our quarterback on offense this season. She has been working extremely hard in the weight room this summer so that she can deliver the best sets to our hitters.”
Smith on Strathdee: “Sophia Strathdee will make her debut on varsity this season. We expect big blocks from her this season.”
Jorja Parlette, Averie Gerald, Jerzie Easton, Joanna Beal and Ashiya Adams are all working for varsity time as well.
Hillcrest opens the season on Sept. 2 at home against Glendale.
“I expect the girls to compete no matter who the opponent is or what the score is,” Smith said. “I want to see grit from them all the time.”
