How very different paths led Butler’s Julia Mason, Mars’ Gabi Weidemann to rare achievement — 1,000 assists
Cheers come only after one of their teammates does her job, but Julia Mason and Gabi Weidemann wouldn’t have it any other way.
A setter for Butler and Mars volleyball, respectively, both recently reached 1,000 career assists and were honored for the achievement at home games shortly afterward.
Mason is a senior and Weidemann only a sophomore, but they’re both in their second year of starting in a 5-1 offense, which includes one setter as opposed to two.
“Julia has benefited from the formation, and she’s been the perfect fit at setter for us,” Butler coach Halee McCance said. “When you look at the effort she puts in, she’s always trying to improve. She’s a workhorse and comes to play every single day.”
Mason played on junior varsity as a freshman and sophomore. She tallied 666 assists for varsity last year, but admits she could have enjoyed the season more than she did.
“I struggled with self-confidence, was always comparing myself to other setters,” she said. “A lot of it occurred after games, but I’ve become more mentally tough, and am able to control my emotions better now.”
Mason knew she had a good chance of getting to a grand in assists after her junior season, but when the moment came in a match against North Hills last month, it led to “an unforgettable feeling,” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without the help of my coaches.”
She also lauded the team’s hitters, which include Raina Lewandowski, Brynn Cornibe and Ashlan Tosadori, for often turning her sets into kills.
“There was good chemistry between me and the hitters before this season, and we’ve been able to build on that connection,” said Mason, who is looking into playing at a Division III college in the region, particularly a school in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, which includes Grove City. “A setter is like the quarterback of the team, and I enjoy keeping everyone in line.”
Volleyball allowed Weidemann to find a comfort level in an unfamiliar place.
She grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis, but moved with her family to Western Pa. just weeks before her freshman year began in 2024.
A club volleyball star in Minnesota, she knew she’d be joining the team at Mars.
“The players were so welcoming. They seemed excited to have me join them and I was excited to be there,” Weidemann said. “Because of volleyball, I met a lot of people early on and that really helped.”
Weidemann became part of the most successful team in program history. The Planets won the WPIAL Class 3A title and reached the state final. She achieved 1,000 assists just a few games into this season.
“Reaching 1,000 assists that quickly is very rare,” Mars coach Tami Caraway said. “Setting a 5-1 formation, plus that long playoff run we had last year helped in that respect.”
In Thursday’s loss to Hampton, Weidemann surpassed Julia Zimmer to become Mars’ all-time assist leader. She is now closing in on 1,400.
“Gabi is very talented, is a great all-around volleyball player,” Caraway said. “She’s able to put the ball in spots that allow our hitters to do the most with it.”
Those hitters include Cecilia Christy, Rylee Wooldridge and Kate Southwell, among others.
“I was proud to be part of what we accomplished last year,” Weidemann said. “We have a solid team again, and I think we have a chance to make another good run.”
