The Brock women’s volleyball team is coming off another successful year, falling short of another OUA title after losing to the McMaster Marauders in the finals. The 2024-25 season was an important one for the Badgers, as many of the team’s best players would be leaving the next year — not to mention that they were fighting for their fourth straight Quigly Cup win.
Now in a transitional stage, Steve Delaney went to work this summer recruiting six new players amid a haul of departing seniors, including:
- Tatiana Drozd
- Victoria George
- Anna Minyaylo
- Jenna Peters
- Campbell Phaneuf
- Abbey Whittington
It will be interesting to see how coach Delaney uses his rookies this upcoming season, especially after first-year middle Charlotte Ross had a breakout year, propelling the Badgers back to form after senior Gigi Markotic went down with an injury in the first game of the season. Ross is a player to keep an eye on entering the new season. With a full season under her belt, she was inserted into the starting lineup for the majority of last year, exceeding expectations with her reliability and veteran-like poise as a middle. Expect the St. Catharines native to continue improving on the court after her experience of playing through multiple playoff series.
There’s no question that Delaney will have his players ready for the beginning of the season. The Badgers’ coach has proven year-after-year that no matter the type of adversity faced, his team always finds a way to rally. Delaney frequently puts his players in tough situations to build trust. This was especially true for third-year libero Brianne Whalen. The Hamilton native played an important role in the Badgers’ success last season. Even after her playing time fluctuated near the end of the season, Whalen’s work ethic didn’t go unnoticed, and she was able to make some huge plays through the stretch of games. Since joining the Badgers, the libero has continuously gotten better — and it wouldn’t be a surprise if we see another leap from her amidst a stacked position.
Speaking of stacked positions, last year’s right-side rotation featured the all-time points leader for Brock women’s volleyball and first-team all-star Sadie Dick. Behind Dick, Madison Tuck was quietly putting together a solid campaign for the Badgers as a reliable hitter with a motor unlike any other. With Dick’s departure, Tuck will now be inserted into a more important role as Delaney looks upon his upper-year players to contribute as they did last season. Last year, Tuck proved why she was such a vital part of the team, putting her defensive capabilities on full display throughout the entire year, along with her stellar hitting ability that often catches opposing teams off guard.
Without a doubt, the most intriguing player entering the 2025-26 season is Emma Baruchelli. The Italian middle made a splash last season, destroying teams with her intimidating power and ability to play in any situation coach Delaney needed her to. Racking up clutch play after clutch play, Baruchelli seemed to be on a mission each game, energizing the crowd with every play she made. Now entering her third year with expectations that are through the roof, you can expect a sharper version of herself, as many coaches will be adjusting to her game as the season progresses.
Arguably one of the most important pieces to the Badgers’ success last year was Mackenna Knox. The third-year setter earned an OUA second-team all-star nod last season, excelling in her role night in and out, assisting almost every big hit down the stretch. When Knox wasn’t present in the lineup, her importance to the team became evident, as her chemistry with players like Sadie Dick and Emily Foest was potent throughout the season.
Foest is entering her fifth year as a member of the Badgers’ volleyball team. Last year was one to remember for the outside hitter, making it as a third-team all-star; she never missed a beat during the regular season. Foest is a force to be reckoned with, oftentimes leading the team in kills as well as times getting the crowd off their feet. She embodies what it means to be a Badger, excelling on her home floor. Foest has become a fan-favourite at Brock in large part due to her earth-shattering hits that never fail to excite spectators in the Bob Davis Gymnasium.
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Regardless of the departure of their seniors, Delaney will be the first to tell you that there are still high expectations for his team this season. The collection of incoming rookies and upper-year talent this Badgers team has is unlike any other team in the league. With a fresh look at their roster, it should be no shock to see the Badgers return to the playoffs again. It’s an exciting time to be a fan of Badgers volleyball.