Norwin girls volleyball rebuilding with young, motivated group

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Norwin won only four of 16 matches last girls volleyball season and finished 4-6 in Section 3-4A.

As veteran coach Mary Ellen Ferragonio begins her 19th season guiding the Knights, the team faces an overhaul.

The Knights play in the gym, so they don’t have to worry about mold-abatement projects or stadium construction. No, their issue is youth – lots of it.

“In a sense, we are rebuilding with a group of young players who are motivated to compete and play their best volleyball each day,” Ferragonio said.

Norwin lost seven seniors and returns only four starters in setters Anna Fraser and Gemma Moffatt, defensive player Paige Chitester and hitter Liz Yarosik.

“We have younger players who are working hard every day to fill the roles that are open,” Ferragonio said. “I believe this group of girls will continue to work hard to be competitive.”

While chemistry and mojo are things that happen organically over things that are taught, Norwin does have one thing with which the coach can work.

“The team is a very cohesive and enthusiastic group who work to support and push one another to get better every day,” Ferragonio said.

A new season brings excitement to Ferragonio, even after all these years.

“Seeing the players improve in all aspects of the game and sharing our love of the game with those players,” she said, “makes each day in the gym something to look forward to as coaches.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin