Harrison Central volleyball team honors players, reflects on growth at season banquet

“Good evening players, families, friends and administration. Thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate the 2025 Husky volleyball season.”

Those were the opening words of Harrison Central Head Girls Volleyball Coach Grace Bengier as she welcomed guests to the team’s end-of-season banquet and awards ceremony, held Nov. 4, in the Harrison Central cafeteria. Flanked by her varsity assistant coach, Taya Rocchi, and junior varsity coach, Katlain Carothers, Bengier reflected on the team’s growth and accomplishments throughout the season.

“It has been a growing journey this year and I couldn’t be prouder of this group of young women,” Bengier said. “Tonight, we will take a moment to look back on what we’ve accomplished together. We will visit the hard work, the laughter, the challenges and the moments that made this season so special.”

Bengier noted that both varsity and junior varsity teams faced a tough schedule, lineup changes and injuries but demonstrated resilience and determination. “Our goals were simple—we wanted to grow as athletes, as teammates and as people,” she said.

Among the highlights of the season, Bengier recalled the team’s “Pink Out” match victory over Edison, where the parents club raised $4,932.09 for the Harrison County Cancer Crusaders. The Huskies also earned five-set wins over Indian Creek and Buckeye Local. Senior Mik Pelegreen surpassed 500 career digs, while teammates Hannah and Leah Grady each surpassed 500 career assists—Hannah finishing with 584 and Leah with 622.

“Beyond the numbers, what stood out the most was the way this team grew together,” Bengier said. “From the first serve of the season to the last point, we learned how to trust each other, communicate better and compete with heart.” She also thanked the parents club for its continued support throughout the season.

Bengier then honored seniors Hannah Grady and Jaylin Ward for their leadership and dedication. “Hannah has been such a strong and dependable leader for the team,” Bengier said. “She brings passion, determination and a true love for volleyball every time she steps on the court.” Grady was recognized as a Buckeye 8 First Team selection and earned honorable mention from the District V Volleyball Committee.

“Jaylin has been such a strong-spirited and uplifting presence and leader on our team,” Bengier continued. “Her enthusiasm and team spirit shined both on and off the court. She brought energy and positivity to everything we did, helping everyone around her feel confident and supported.”

Bengier thanked both seniors for their contributions, adding, “You’ve set an incredible example for the younger players, and your legacy will continue to shape Husky volleyball for years to come.”

The evening continued with the presentation of team awards, which highlight the program’s core values—heart, character, hustle and spirit.

Heart Awards were presented to Jaylin Ward, Leah Grady, Autumn Hibbits, Ava Conley and Averee Hyde. Character Awards went to Hannah Grady, Mik Pelegreen, McKynze Bryant, Aubrey Coffman, Emma Jarvis and Lillian Thomas. Hustle Awards were given to Abbi O’Rourke, Emma Palmer, Maddie Taylor, Madalyn Johnson, Sophie Sullivan and Denali Stull. Spirit Awards went to Ava Huffman, Katie Cumings, Regan Applegarth and Baily Smith.

Additional team recognitions included Participation Awards for Regan Applegarth, McKynze Bryant, Aubrey Coffman, Katelynne Cumings, Autumn Hibbits, Ava Huffman, Averee Hyde, Madalyn Johnson, Emma Palmer, Denali Stull and Sophie Sullivan.

Varsity letters for the 2025 season were awarded to Ava Conley (first), Hannah Grady (second), Leah Grady (third), Emma Jarvis (first), Abbi O’Rourke (first), Mikayla Pelegreen (second), Madison Taylor (first), Lillian Thomas (first) and Jaylin Ward (first).

The evening concluded with applause and celebration as players, coaches and families reflected on a season filled with teamwork, perseverance and pride in Husky volleyball.