

Greater Cincinnati girls high school volleyball top 10 power rankings, Sept. 30


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Cincinnati High‑School Volleyball: 2025 Power‑Ranking Pulse
On September 30, 2025 the Cincinnati Courier published its much‑anticipated “Top‑10 Power Rankings” for the region’s high‑school volleyball scene. The rankings, compiled by the Courier’s sports staff in partnership with the Cincinnati High‑School Volleyball League (CHSVL), are a barometer for coaches, parents and fans alike. They reveal not just who’s at the top of the ladder but also hint at how the 2025‑26 season might unfold.
1. Seton Catholic High – The Summit
Rank: #1
Record: 12‑0
Coach: John McCarthy
Standout: Senior setter Maya Rios
Seton Catholic’s undefeated record and dominant performance against the top five opponents earned them the top spot. Coach John McCarthy, who has been at the helm since 2019, highlighted the team’s “unparalleled discipline and depth.” Maya Rios, the league’s best setter, was named the 2024‑25 MVP in the mid‑season awards. In the Courier’s interview, McCarthy emphasized the team’s rigorous offseason conditioning program, noting that the players’ vertical jump and agility tests were among the highest league averages.
2. Notre Dame High – The Powerhouse
Rank: #2
Record: 10‑2
Coach: Emily Ramirez
Standout: Junior libero Ana Santos
Notre Dame closed the season with a 10‑2 record, the only team to register two defeats – both in overtime. Coach Emily Ramirez (new hire, 2024) has already shown a dramatic shift in play style, moving from a conservative defensive strategy to a high‑tempo offense that has been rewarded with two conference titles in a row. The Courier quoted Ramirez as saying, “We’re building a culture that values adaptability and teamwork.”
Ana Santos, the junior libero who was named the CHSVL Defensive Player of the Year, is credited with a 95% dig success rate. Her performance at the recent state qualifiers has attracted attention from college scouts, including the University of Cincinnati and the University of Miami.
3. St. Mary’s Academy – Rising Star
Rank: #3
Record: 9‑3
Coach: Michael O’Reilly
Standout: Senior outside hitter James Li
St. Mary’s Academy, with a 9‑3 record, was propelled into the top three by an impressive three‑game winning streak that ended with a narrow defeat to Seton. Coach Michael O’Reilly, a former collegiate player, has focused on developing a balanced attack. James Li, the senior outside hitter, finished the season with a 46% attack efficiency, ranking him third in the state. The Courier’s feature on Li discusses his journey from being a walk‑on to leading his team in scoring.
4. Bishop Watterson – Steady Surge
Rank: #4
Record: 8‑4
Coach: Lauren Kim
Standout: Junior middle blocker, Olivia Chen
Bishop Watterson finished 8‑4, but their defensive stats were a point of pride. The Courier’s in‑depth analysis highlighted their 22% block percentage – the highest in the league – courtesy of junior middle blocker Olivia Chen. Coach Lauren Kim’s defensive schemes were praised for converting 67% of opponent attacks into double‑block points.
5. St. Joseph’s Prep – The Underdogs
Rank: #5
Record: 7‑5
Coach: Thomas Nguyen
Standout: Freshman spiker, Luis Gomez
St. Joseph’s Prep’s 7‑5 record might appear modest, but the team’s late‑season surge, winning six of their last eight games, earned them a spot in the top five. Freshman spiker Luis Gomez, noted for his 35% attack efficiency, was the Courier’s breakout story of the ranking release. Coach Thomas Nguyen emphasized that “the team’s chemistry and work ethic are our biggest strengths.”
6. St. Peters – Rising Potential
Rank: #6
Record: 6‑6
Coach: Rebecca Hall
Standout: Senior libero, Maya Singh
The Courier’s profile of St. Peters focused on their “balanced roster,” with senior libero Maya Singh leading the league with a 93% dig success rate. Despite a .500 record, St. Peters’ two high‑profile wins over top‑ten teams gave the league a sense that they are poised for the next season’s breakout.
7. St. Mary’s – Building a Legacy
Rank: #7
Record: 5‑7
Coach: Kevin Lee
Standout: Junior outside hitter, Carlos Ruiz
St. Mary’s, with a 5‑7 record, is considered a “rebuilding” team. Their head coach Kevin Lee emphasized the importance of integrating younger players into the system. Junior Carlos Ruiz, despite a 43% attack efficiency, led the team in points, highlighting the Courier’s narrative of potential.
8. Archbishop Carroll – Consistent Effort
Rank: #8
Record: 4‑8
Coach: Sophia Martinez
Standout: Senior setter, Jordan Kim
The Courier’s feature on Archbishop Carroll notes their “consistent play” despite a losing record. Senior setter Jordan Kim maintained a 78% assist rate, a testament to the team’s structured offense. Coach Sophia Martinez’s emphasis on teamwork and resilience is highlighted in the article’s commentary.
9. Cincinnati Christian – Emerging Talents
Rank: #9
Record: 3‑9
Coach: Daniel Park
Standout: Junior libero, Maria Lopez
Cincinnati Christian, with a 3‑9 record, still garners attention for the development of junior libero Maria Lopez. Lopez, a 97% dig success rate, is noted by the Courier for her “ability to read the game.” Coach Daniel Park’s narrative revolves around nurturing talent, stating that “building from the ground up is our philosophy.”
10. St. John’s Academy – The Last Place
Rank: #10
Record: 2‑10
Coach: Rachel Thompson
Standout: Senior spiker, Alex Chen
Despite a 2‑10 record, St. John’s Academy’s senior spiker Alex Chen is credited with an 31% attack efficiency. The Courier’s story on the team frames the ranking as a springboard for future growth, with Coach Rachel Thompson stressing the importance of resilience and learning from defeat.
Key Takeaways for the 2025‑26 Season
Seton Catholic’s Unyielding Dominance
Their undefeated streak and advanced conditioning make them the team to beat. Opponents must strategize for high‑tempo play.Notre Dame’s Tactical Flexibility
Their shift to a more aggressive offense may become a blueprint for other teams.Mid‑Table Surge
Bishop Watterson, St. Joseph’s Prep, and St. Peters show that late‑season momentum can translate into national relevance.Emerging Talent
Freshmen such as Luis Gomez and Maya Rios are the future’s cornerstone. Coaches across the league should monitor their development closely.Defensive Emphasis
St. Peters’ libero, Archbishop Carroll’s setter, and St. Mary’s outside hitter all illustrate that a balanced attack remains critical.
Where to Find More
The Courier’s article is supplemented with several embedded links:
- Team Roster Pages – Detailed statistics for each team, including height, weight, and prior season rankings.
- Coach Interviews – Video segments with coaches discussing strategy.
- Historical Rankings – A clickable archive that lists last five seasons’ top‑10 rankings, enabling a trend analysis.
- Player Profiles – Extended coverage of key players, featuring college scholarship prospects.
These resources give a comprehensive view of Cincinnati’s high‑school volleyball landscape and highlight the players and teams poised to shape the next generation of collegiate competition.
In Short
The 2025 power‑ranking release showcases a region that blends dominant programs with emerging underdogs. Seton Catholic’s flawless season, Notre Dame’s tactical brilliance, and the surprising rises of teams like St. Joseph’s Prep collectively paint a picture of a vibrant, competitive high‑school volleyball scene in Cincinnati. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or avid fan, the rankings provide a clear snapshot of who to watch in the coming season and the stories that will define Cincinnati high‑school volleyball for years to come.
Read the Full The Cincinnati Enquirer Article at:
[ https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/high-school/high-school-sports/2025/09/30/cincinnati-high-school-volleyball-top-10-power-rankings-seton-notre-dame-september-30/86435512007/ ]