Montague enters the 2025 season with huge gaps to fill in the lineup after heavy graduation losses from last year's district finalist squad. The Wildcats, though, have another strong group of seniors this year that is ready to deliver another good season.
"We return six juniors, now seniors, who had plenty of playing time together and who are 100% committed to each other and improving our team's chemistry," Montague coach Gretchen Schneider said. "All contribute high volleyball IQs, strong and accurate serving abilities, and a load of passion for excellence and winning."
Reagan Cederquist, a fourth-year varsity middle hitter, is the team's most experienced player. Gentry Knop has taken over at libero, and Emalee McGee is the new starting setter. Abbi Tallquist is a good defensive player, and Jenna Woller brings versatility and intelligence to a utility role. Annelyse Schneider is moving into a starting middle hitter position alongside Cederquist, and up-and-coming left-handed junior Hallie VanTuyl is also set to be part of the offense.
The only real question mark is at outside hitter, where both starting positions were vacated by graduating seniors. Senior Abriana Ramthun has taken hold of one of those spots, while the other is still up for grabs among juniors Gabby Dietz and Saige Perales and sophomore Ella Evans.
Despite all the moving parts, the Wildcats are confident in their on-court chemistry, not least because they've been intentional in devoting time to developing it. They've also set aside time to specifically address mental toughness.
"We are putting in the time and effort to strengthen both our physical and mental selves," Schneider said. "We have set goals and have mapped our direction. Our sights are firmly affixed on taking conference and district (titles) this season."
Schneider believes she has a roster capable of running any of several types of offenses, though the early plan is to run a 5-1 set with McGee setting the stage for her teammates. However, depending on opponent strengths and weaknesses, the Wildcats may tweak their lineup at times.
"I believe we're well-rounded in our skill sets and capable of making seamless on-the-fly adjustments," Schneider said.
The West Michigan Conference Lakes race could be interesting, Schneider said, with new coaches in place at traditional power programs Whitehall and Ludington. (Ludington's new coach, Alex Hoffman, has experience in the Montague program.) Fremont, which won the title last year, is the presumed favorite, but with new philosophies and players abound throughout the conference, unpredictability is to be expected.
"We are extremely excited about this season and all that it will bring," Schneider said. "We are preparing with purpose and we are all-in."
