Soo Line: Pirate Volleyball Players Serve Up a Sweet 2026 Season Thanks to Talent, Support and Friendships

By Soo Greiman with assistance from Siri Olsen

Full of energy, enthusiasm and ranked No. 5 in the preseason poll, Hudson High School’s volleyball players were anxious to get going when practice began Aug. 10.

As they continued play through September and October, their skills, determination and sense of community, both on and off the court, gave them plenty of reasons to celebrate. The Pirates finished the regular season with a 27-8 record and have continued their success into postseason competition.

But beyond the victories, the players have built something equally important — friendships, trust and a strong sense of teamwork that extends well beyond the volleyball court.

In summarizing his varsity team, coach Zach Ceresa offered plenty of praise.

“This team has a ton of talent. They are athletes for multiple sports, leaders in all their activities, and academic standouts in school,” he said. “What makes this group so special is they might all have their different strengths and passions, but they are united on the volleyball court with a common mission: to play hard and have fun while representing Hudson volleyball.”

That shared mission has helped carry the Pirates through an impressive season, including a trip to their first regional final since 2019.

Asked to share details about themselves, the Pirate volleyball players, ranging in age from 14 to 18, graciously provided information about their experiences, what they enjoy most about being Pirates and the people who inspire them.

TAYLOR DAVIS: The 17-year-old daughter of Kim and Shane Davis is a senior at Hudson. She began playing club volleyball eight years ago, in 2018, and has played for teams including 6-Pack and Legit. When asked what she enjoys most about playing volleyball at Hudson, Taylor responded, “Playing with your best friends and having the best support from the community are what I love about being a Pirate.” Her role model is her brother, Camden, now a junior and member of the basketball team at the University of Sioux Falls.

SIRI OLSEN: An 18-year-old senior, Siri is the daughter of Heather and Ben Olsen. She began playing club volleyball six years ago and continues to play today. “The best thing about being a Pirate volleyball player is seeing all the support from the community and all the little girls that look up to you,” she said. Her role model is Molly Tuozzo, a senior libero at the University of Kentucky. “She is super fun to watch, and I like learning from her!” Siri added.

KAELYN WOLFE: Kaelyn, 17, is a senior and the daughter of Jenn and Tim Wolfe. She began playing club volleyball in fifth grade and has played for two club teams, Smash and Iowa One. When asked what she enjoys most about playing volleyball as a Pirate, Kaelyn didn’t hesitate. “My teammates are the best thing about playing.”

KALEIGH LEARY: The 18-year-old daughter of Mike and Julie Leary is a senior at Hudson. She began playing volleyball in sixth grade in 2020 and joined club volleyball the following year. “The best thing about being a Hudson volleyball player is the support and encouragement from everybody,” Kaleigh said. “There will always be someone to pick you up no matter what. People always show up for us, including other players, coaches and everyone in the stands. The support we have doesn’t go unnoticed.” Kaleigh has several role models, including her parents, siblings, boyfriend and grandparents. “They come to every game and cheer me on,” she said. “Their dedication to supporting me encourages me in each game and practice.”

ABIGAIL SEIBOLD: Abigail, 18, is a senior and the daughter of Dawn and Kyle Seibold. She began playing volleyball in seventh grade but does not play club volleyball. Abigail knows exactly what she enjoys most about playing for Hudson. “It’s getting to play with my friends,” she said. Her role model is Simone Biles, the Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast.

CAITLYNN POPPE: The 17-year-old daughter of Linda and Eddie Poppe is a senior. She began playing volleyball in seventh grade but has not participated in club volleyball. “The best thing about playing Hudson volleyball is getting to have fun with my teammates on and off the court,” she said. Caitlynn’s role model is her mother, Linda. “She teaches me to be true to myself and how to get through difficult situations and handle them,” Caitlynn explained. “I hope I can be half as great as her when I get older.”

NATALIE RAUSCH: A 15-year-old sophomore, Natalie is the daughter of Nathan and Diane Rausch. She began playing club volleyball in third grade and currently plays for Six-Pack in Cedar Falls. Natalie enjoys playing on the Pirate team and pointed out, “Everyone has similar goals, so it makes it very easy to come together and work hard at every practice.” Her most important role model is her mother, Diane. “I admire her because she always tells me to be positive.”

JORDYN RHOADES: The 15-year-old daughter of Jesse and Katie Rhoades is a sophomore at Hudson High School. Jordyn began playing club volleyball in third grade and currently plays for Legit. “The best thing about playing volleyball as a Pirate is that I love being part of a team where we can have fun while working hard to get better together,” she said. Her role model is her older sister, Addie. “I look up to her because she shows me that hard work and dedication can help me become a better athlete.”

MACI INGLES: Maci, 15, is a sophomore and the daughter of Zach and Amanda Ingles. She began playing club volleyball at age 8. “My favorite thing about playing volleyball for Hudson is the fun and energy that it brings,” she said. The person she looks up to most is her father, Zach. “He pushes me to be the best, if not a better version of myself. Thanks!”

PAIGE DAVIS: The 15-year-old daughter of Shane and Kim Davis is a sophomore at Hudson. Paige began playing club volleyball in fourth grade and continues to play for Six-Pack. “To me, the best thing about playing on the Pirate team is the great environment!” she said. “The girls are such fun people to be around.” Her role model is her mother, Kim.

LYZA VAN DYKE: Lyza, 14, is a freshman and the daughter of JD and Jessica Van Dyke. She began playing volleyball in 2023. When asked what she enjoys most about playing volleyball as a Pirate, Lyza pointed to the welcoming environment. “Everyone is so welcoming and kind,” she said. “They always bring me up whenever I need it.” Her role models are Calia Clubb and Reese Booth, both players on the University of Northern Iowa volleyball team.

BRINN OLSEN: The 14-year-old daughter of Heather and Ben Olsen is a freshman at Hudson High School. Brinn began playing club volleyball when she was in fourth grade. When asked what she enjoys most about being a Pirate, Brinn said, “You get to be on the court and play with your friends and experience fun things and play as a team.” Like her sister, Siri, Brinn admires Molly Tuozzo, a senior libero at the University of Kentucky. “She is super fun to watch, and I like learning from her,” Brinn said.

BRIAR BOWERS: A 15-year-old freshman, Briar is the daughter of Allison and Ben Bowers. She began playing club volleyball at age 9 with CIA and continues to play club volleyball with 6-Pack. Like her teammates, Briar shared what makes playing volleyball at Hudson special. “The best thing about playing volleyball as a Pirate is the positivity and the culture of the team,” she said. Her role model is Andi Jackson, a middle blocker for the University of Nebraska volleyball team.

HANNAH CHARDOULIAS: Hannah, 15, is a sophomore and the daughter of Ashley and Nick Chardoulias. She serves as the team’s volleyball manager. “What I love about Hudson volleyball is the atmosphere my coaches and teammates create,” she said.

COACH Zachary Ceresa: Currently in his 10th year of coaching and second season at Hudson, Ceresa is originally from Naperville, Illinois. He attended Mount Mercy University, where he played men’s volleyball and was also a member of the band. Ceresa is grateful not only for the talent and dedication of his players but also for the many people who have supported the Pirates throughout the season. “I am so grateful for the parents and family members who have supported us this season, the school administrators for making this season possible, the students for cheering hard, and the Hudson community for supporting my athletes and my coaching staff every single day,” he said. “GO PIRATES!”