The 2024-25 Southern Lehigh girls’ volleyball team not only accomplished an undefeated season but also made it to the second round of the state tournament. This was the first time the team made it to the state playoffs since the 2019-2020 season. However, they were unfortunately eliminated from contention.
“They set goals at the beginning of the year. They know where they want to be,” said head volleyball coach Mr. Donald West. “I think the league title was first then districts then beyond, that is everything extra. And, we know we’re good enough to compete with anyone in the State.”
Although the team only has two seniors – four-year starter Alexis Hoyer and three-year starter Trinity-Sky Hunte – there was certainly no lack of experience. Juniors Mia Stanten and Natalie Pristas are three-year starters who have also been recognized for their achievements on the court.
“The girls gave it their all and showed they could compete with anyone, beating Pottsville in the District semifinals in a dominant fashion, winning three sets to none, ” said Coach West. “They then went on to defeat Allentown Central Catholic, who had won the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (EPC) last season, in a convincing manner, winning three sets to one to earn the District XI gold, earning them a ticket to the State tournament.”
Hunte said this was a season she will never forget.
“This is the first and only year of my volleyball history that we’ve won districts and made it to states,” she said, “so it’s a fulfilling dream as a high school senior to do what previous ones didn’t.”
It seemed as though dreams were accomplished but not over. Once they earned the district championship, the girls faced off against Middleton High School from District 3 on the Southern Lehigh home court in round one of the State tournament.
“They played ferociously with great teamwork,” said junior volleyball manager Andrew Pachence. “They all have great communication. They played so long together that they are used to how each other play.”
The Spartans showed out on home court and rose above Middleton to win the game three sets to zero.
From there the Southern Lehigh Cinderella story ended on November 9, where the girls fell short to Pope John Paul II High School. This loss capped off an incredible run for the Spartans and will be remembered by the team as one of their most dominant performances.
“As a team we realized how good we can be and how far we can go, which is what really motivated us. This year was so special and no one wanted it to end,” said Hoyer.

The secret to the girls’ success was not only their incredible talent but also their friendship and chemistry.
Coach West said there is a “close bond between all the players; they have fun on and off the court, [and] they are goofy and energetic.”
The Spartans closed out the year with a 22-1 record. This remarkable season would not have been possible without the leadership of seniors Hoyer and Hunte, who had big expectations throughout.
“I would describe our success as earned,” said Hoyer. “Going into districts everyone looked down upon our team. They doubted us. We proved everyone wrong because of how hard we worked and wanted to win.”