Pleasant Valley enters the fall season with a balance of returning talent and promising newcomers across its programs. The Bears will lean on veteran leadership while giving younger student-athletes opportunities to step into bigger roles, with coaches focused on building consistency, chemistry and continued growth.

GIRLS SOCCER

Head coach: Tara Hyland

Assistant coaches: Jim Shoopack, Mark Kutteroff

League: Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (9-10; lost in districts)

Key losses: Morgan Ryals, Brianna Palmeri, Sysali Banks

Key returnees: Sadie Rizzo (Sr.), Peyton Foder (Sr.), Ella Collins (Sr.), Josie Fetterman (Sr.), Marta Perry (Jr.), Keegan Merklin (So.), Payton Shillady (So.), Jordan Fleming (So.)

Top newcomer: Savannah Sacci (Fr.)

Outlook: Pleasant Valley brings back a strong core of starters, led by its senior class. With underclassmen gaining valuable experience last year and a talented group of freshmen joining the mix, the Bears aim to continue building on team chemistry and success. Staying healthy and managing workload will be key.

Quotable: “We are looking to build on last season’s team chemistry on the field and success overall for a strong season. Staying healthy and game load management will be key to our season.” – Pleasant Valley head coach Tara Hyland

BOYS SOCCER

Head coach: Isaac Blagogee

League: Eastern Pennsylvania Conference

Key losses: Zachary Prator, Dominic Balzano, David Halla

Key returnees: Steven Walter (Sr.), Royce Thompson (Jr.), Christian Pinheiro (Jr.), Lennox Granda (Jr.), David Chamara (Sr.)

Top newcomers: Nathan Thompson (Fr.), Isaiah Russ (Fr.), Dominic Chamara (Fr.)

Outlook: The Bears return a solid core with experience in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. Led by standout midfielder Royce Thompson, last season’s Player of the Year, Pleasant Valley is looking to improve finishing in the final third and turn close matches into wins. A resilient defense and the development of younger players add depth and potential to the lineup.

Quotable: “This team has walked through adversity with the kind of faith and perseverance that Scripture speaks. … Every challenge has shaped them, every setback has strengthened their bond. We’re not just ready for the season — we’re ready for the purpose God has placed before us, knowing that with faith, unity and heart, we can overcome anything.” – Pleasant Valley head coach Isaac Blagogee

CROSS COUNTRY

Head coach: Ali Rundle

League: Eastern Pennsylvania Conference

Key losses: Jason Kays, Jake Smith, Dani Boland

Key returnees: Keeley Lawrence, Sara Brubaker, Ethan Blum

Top newcomer: Jacob Schuler

Outlook: Numbers are down after graduating a significant group last season, but Pleasant Valley is hoping to field complete boys’ and girls’ squads. Leadership from the program’s key returnees will be crucial as the Bears look to remain competitive.

Quotable: “Running brings so much to a person, not just physically but mentally. Every run is a mental battle, and the courage to push through and overcome the challenges is so fulfilling.” – Pleasant Valley head coach Ali Rundle

FIELD HOCKEY

Head coach: Corin Owermohle

League: Eastern Pennsylvania Conference

Key losses: Sara Lesnik, Anayah Accilien

Key returnees: Emma DePalma (Jr.), Evelyn Van Derheyden (Jr.), Meadow Hale (Jr.), Emilynn Stipeck (Jr.)

Top newcomers: A large incoming freshman group adds depth and competition.

Outlook: With no seniors, the Bears will rely on a strong junior class and several sophomores who saw heavy minutes last year. Owermohle expects the group’s experience and flexibility to provide opportunities for growth.

Quotable: “This year’s team will be led by a strong junior class. Our team is on the smaller side, so many of them got significant playing experience as sophomores. They know what to expect and they are ready to step up.” – Pleasant Valley head coach Corin Owermohle

VOLLEYBALL

Head coach: Drew Dymond

League: Eastern Pennsylvania Conference

Key losses: Laura Ballek, Alexis Wilkes, Amiyah Poliseno, Ali Snyder

Key returnees: Rylee Ruggiero (Sr.), Mya Williams (Jr.), Emma Weber (Sr.), Molly Bergstresser (Sr.), Rylan Kresge (Sr.), Isabella Slizewski (So.), Lila Borger (Jr.)

Top newcomers: Jessica Tartamella (So.), Emmerson Deluna (Jr.), Sasha Slozina (Jr.), Kira Hnat (Jr.), Ella Rothrock (Jr.), Hunter Farkas (So.)

Outlook: The Bears mix experienced returners with new contributors expected to fill key roles. Developing a balanced offensive attack and chemistry will be critical in navigating the tough EPC slate.

Quotable: “We look forward to building around our second-team all-EPC player Rylee Ruggiero. It won’t be easy to replace the players who graduated last year, but we think we have the talent to compete in the league at a high level this season.” – Pleasant Valley head coach Drew Dymond

GIRLS TENNIS

Head coach: Laura Ammermann

Assistant coach: Gail Urland

League: Eastern Pennsylvania Conference

Key losses: Brianca Pridham (first singles), Shannon Price (second singles), Arianna Moscoso (second doubles), Devon Bush (fourth doubles)

Key returnees: A junior- and sophomore-heavy lineup expected to fill leadership roles.

Top newcomers: Avery Cogan (third singles last season), Amanda Davis (second doubles), Breslin Beck (third doubles)

Outlook: After losing four seniors in key spots, Pleasant Valley is entering a rebuilding year. Ammermann is confident the younger players will grow into their roles, with doubles pairings and consistency as major points of focus.

Quotable: “This season is all about growth — both individually and as a team. We have a young squad with a lot of potential, and it’s our job to help them unlock that. Every match is a learning experience, and we’re going to embrace the challenges ahead.” – Pleasant Valley head coach Laura Ammermann