The Emmaus High School boys volleyball team is set to begin its second season under head coach Jon Wilson. Last year, the Hornets finished 17-3 overall and 11-1 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, tied for the top team with Parkland.

But in the postseason, Emmaus fell one match shy of competing for both the conference and District 11 titles, losing in the semifinal round of both tournaments.

Like every year, the Hornets graduated a talented class after last season but welcome back a strong group, including senior outside hitter Lucas Mondin, senior libero Jackson Holden, senior middle/opposite hitter Brayden Dang, senior middle hitter Colin Holden, senior liberos Jude Boyle and Gabe Dressler, junior setter Ben Skekel and junior opposite hitter Grayson Answini.

Some newcomers include juniors Jayden Perez, Chris Mitchell, Bilaal Kerim, Sander Houtz, Cameron Furniss, Josiah Brown and sophomore Miles Boulrice.

“I’m very excited about this season,” said Wilson. “The potential we have as a team is awesome. We’re carrying a large roster, which keeps everyone on their toes and creates the potential for a high-level practice.

“This year we have a desire to focus on what we have directly in front of us, whether that’s another day of practice or a match. We see the potential in the team we can become but want to focus on the work and details that have to take place in order for us to get there.”

The team has shown that it can be solid defensively and complement the offense with the defense.

“During the early stages of the season we’ve shown we have great capabilities from a defensive standpoint,” Wilson said. “Along the net and in the back row our blocking and digging will aid us greatly this season. We will focus a lot of attention on our offense. Everyone is learning to play with two new setters. We will strive to complement our defense with an offense that can terminate the ball regularly.”

Emmaus opened its 2025 regular season with a sweep of Central Bucks West in nonconference action on the road last Saturday by scores of 25-16, 31-29, 25-14.