There’s a lot of energy on the floor as the 2025 Norwalk Warrior volleyball season is set to begin on Tuesday at Dowling. With just a couple of scrimmages left, the Warriors are set for another exciting season after setting a new school record in wins (28) last year and finishing with a regional final appearance for the third year in a row. 

Jillian Hammond, a senior middle hitter and last season’s blocks leader (57), is coming off a meniscus injury. She feels ready for an early return. “It was expected to be about 5 or 6 months, but I got cleared in about 4 months. So, that definitely is a big confidence booster, knowing that I’m recovering and healing quickly…I’m feeling pretty good for the first game knowing that I’ve been able to get reps in.”

Junior setter Hadley Michael has a few goals, both personal and collective, that she feels are attainable this season. “I personally want to beat the school record of setting assists, and I think I can do that this year. Team-wise, I really want us to get to state, and I know we can with this team. I’m very confident with this team, so I’m so excited for this season.” Last season, Michael notched 893 assists and is on track to pass her own assistant coach, Ryley Harris, to be the new school record holder in that category. 

Hammond and Michael shout out some of their teammates, assuring the competition to particularly keep eyes on Reese Heim, Elle Hatlevig, and the rest of the front of the net. Both girls are particularly excited about the team’s defense and their ability to communicate. 

Some highly anticipated matchups the girls are looking forward to this season include: the season opener at Dowling (8/26), vs. Indianola (8/28), a rematch of the regional final at Pella (9/2), and vs. DCG (9/23).

For the full interview with Hadley Michael, and Jillian Hammond, watch for their Today’s Lely Radio Sports Page feature on Thursday, 8/21, on kniakrls.com.