Meet Butler County’s Top 9 girls volleyball players to watch in 2026 PIAA season
Girls volleyball is consistently one of Butler County’s best high school sports, and the 2026 season is primed to add to that tradition with standout efforts from individuals and teams.
The following are nine players to watch, listed alphabetically, once the games begin later this month.
She tallied 656 assists along with 119 digs and 39 aces as a junior and is back to facilitate Slippery Rock’s offense. Caldwell was named to the District 10, Region 3 second team in 2025.
“She was a libero before joining the high school team,” Rockets coach Brandon Ferrier said. “Her volleyball IQ has increased immensely.”
Her junior campaign included a single-season school record 811 assists, 176 digs and 20 blocks. Gallagher was named second team All-Big 56 Conference and all-section.
“We’re playing a 5-1 (one setter), so she has to be the leader in getting us going,” SV coach Brett Poirier said. “After the season she had last year, I’m excited to see what she can do as a senior.”
The recent George Mason University commit broke SV’s single-season record for digs with 342 last year. Was named second team All-WPIAL as a sophomore.
“She’s one of the best liberos in the WPIAL,” Poirier said.
Lewandowski tallied over 500 kills as a starter the last two seasons. She was second on the team last year in serve percentage, blocks and aces to earn All-Big 56 Conference and all-section honors.
“She’s our leading offensive weapon and is very consistent in the front and back row,” Butler coach Halee McCance said. “She’s a dominant athlete and is a vocal leader.”
Of her 601 career kills, 294 came last year to break the single-season school record. Mueller was named third team All-WPIAL.
“She does a bit of everything, can step back and serve up a clutch ace, and is one of the best passers on the team,” Poirier said.
Pagano tallied 120 digs last season in helping Freeport reach the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs.
“She’s one of the top two liberos in the WPIAL, no matter the class,” Freeport coach Tom Phillips said. “She proves it day in and day out.”
She can play anywhere in the front row but is most comfortable at outside hitter. Radvan was named second team All-WPIAL Class 3A as a junior.
“She’s so experienced, and her versatility makes her an X-factor,” Phillips said.
Runtas paced the Rockets with 300 digs last year, adding 50 assists and 24 aces. She earned District 10, Region 3 first-team honors as a junior.
“She gets to a lot of balls that other girls can’t reach,” Ferrier said.
She earned a second team All-WPIAL nod last year after dishing out 870 assists.
“She’s nearing 1,800 career assists, and after just two seasons, that’s remarkable,” Mars coach Tami Caraway said. “She’s very disciplined and skilled.”
