Palmerton enters the 2025 fall season with momentum across several programs, as returning standouts and senior leaders – including back-to-back Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Male Cross Country Athlete of the Year Connor Hibell – are joined by promising newcomers eager to make their mark. From the soccer pitch to the field hockey turf, the cross country trails to the volleyball court, the Bombers are relying on a mix of experience and depth to continue their climb in the Colonial League and beyond.

FIELD HOCKEY

Head coach: Meg Leadbetter (4th season, 40-21-1 overall record)

League: Colonial

Key losses: Mikayla Pengelly, Bella Catania, Mackenzie Long.

Key returnees: Alisyn Green (Sr., Mid., 10 career goals, 5 assists), Tessa Sander (Sr., Mid./For., 25 G, 4 A), Sarah Sabo (Sr., GK, 97 saves), Cate Morgan (Sr., Def., 3 G, 2 A), Maddie Thomas (So., Mid./For., 8 G).

Top newcomers: Chelsea Brown (So., For./Mid.), Kylie Bonser (Fr., For.), Kylee Dietterich (Fr., Def./Mid.), Julia Maupin (Fr., GK).

Outlook: Palmerton posted an 11-9-1 overall record last season, finishing as district runner-up and reaching the state tournament for the second year in a row. The Bombers return six senior starters and bring “blazing speed” to the forward line, according to Leadbetter. A veteran midfield provides balance, while underclassmen will look to push into the lineup.

Quotable: “Expectations are high once again for this group. Their skill and experience position them perfectly for another postseason run — fighting for hardware and chasing a three-peat to the state tournament. With younger players stepping into bigger roles, I’m counting on my core of upperclassmen to serve as an extension of the coaching staff, guiding and setting the tone. This offseason has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m eager to see how this group comes together to create the strongest Palmerton team I have had the pleasure to coach.” — Palmerton head coach Meg Leadbetter

CROSS COUNTRY

Head coach: Mike Horvath (4th season)

League: Colonial

Key losses: Sean Jahelka.

Key returnees: Connor Hibell (Sr.), Emma Rex (Sr.).

Top newcomers: Chase Ader (Jr.), Payten Fornaro (Sr.).

Outlook: Two-time Times News Boys Cross Country Athlete of the Year Connor Hibell returns for his senior season after winning back-to-back District 11 Class 2A titles. He will again look to contend for league and state medals. On the girls’ side, senior Emma Rex leads the way, with classmate Payten Fornaro providing support. Junior Chase Ader strengthens the boys’ lineup. The Bomber boys finished 17-11 last year, while the girls posted a 7-21 mark.

Quotable: “Blue Bomber seniors plan to empty the tank and end their high school cross country careers on their terms. We have plenty of seniors that are plenty in shape. And this is THEIR season!” — Palmerton head coach Mike Horvath

GIRLS SOCCER

Head coach: Jon Perloni (3rd season, 4th with program)

League: Colonial

Key losses: Ella Baumgardt (13 G, 15 A), Nataly Walters (20 G, 7 A).

Key returnees: Courtney Connell (Sr., Def.), Hadlee Lake (Sr., Mid.), Aubrey Frable (Jr., For.), Taylor Wasilewski (Jr., GK).

Top newcomers: Leah Rumfield (Sr., Def.), Addison Buck (Jr., Mid.), Kate Fritz (Jr., Def.), Avery Barry (Fr., Mid.), Harper Lake (Fr., Mid.).

Outlook: Palmerton finished 8-9 last year, missing the playoffs by one game. Coach Perloni believes the Bombers’ “pure togetherness” will help them take the next step. Despite small numbers in a competitive league, Palmerton will rely on its chemistry, communication, and effort to close the gap and return to postseason play.

Quotable: “I feel this coming season will be a big improvement from the last. We missed out on both leagues and districts by one game last year. I believe this group has everything they need to not only qualify but to compete for it.” — Palmerton head coach Jon Perloni

BOYS SOCCER

Head coach: Antonio Orlando

League: Colonial

Key losses: Five graduated seniors.

Key returnees: The Bombers feature seniors Colton Ruzicka (C), Garrett Warner, Kurt Jedrejczyk; juniors Devlin Moyzan (C), Wyatt Spalding (C), Brody Wells (C), Hunter Sell, Logan Stroup, Matthew Breiner, Ty Eckhart; and sophomores Ben Jahelka, Zachary Borger, Anthony Pellegrino, Nikolai Sywensky, Justin Sturdik and Alexis Mejia on this season’s squad.

Top newcomers: Freshmen on the roster include Lincoln Baker, Seth Pompa, James Balliet, Markus Stevens, Dylan Smith, Brett Smith, Jacob Shafer, Carter Tubbs, Carter Huber, Landon Alexander and Levi Moyer.

Outlook: Palmerton made history last season, qualifying for both the Colonial League and District 11 playoffs for the first time. The Blue Bombers return a strong core, led by senior captain Ruzicka and junior captains Moyzan, Spalding, and Wells, while welcoming a large freshman class that boosts the roster to 27. With senior leadership at the top and promising newcomers throughout, Palmerton has the depth and balance to build on last year’s breakthrough and push deeper into the postseason.

Quotable: “It’s about working hard, staying focused, and keeping our concentration. You set a goal, and then you try to accomplish it.” — Palmerton head coach Antonio Orlando

VOLLEYBALL

Head coach: Savannah Mickel (4th season)

League: Colonial (2-16 overall, 2-14 CL in 2024)

Key losses: Claire Thomas.

Key returnees: Hailey Barry (Sr., 2024 Team MVP), Sadie Gair (Sr.), Elizabeth Keiper (Sr.), Kylie Mattrazzo (Sr.), Mikayla Maxwell (Sr.).

Top newcomers: Grace Schneider (Sr.), Morgan Wayda (Jr.), Dalainey Keiser (So.).

Outlook: Palmerton is aiming to continue progress after taking a set off Northwestern for the first time last season. That moment showed the Bombers they could compete with top programs. With six experienced upperclassmen providing leadership, Mickel believes the group can raise its level of play and push toward more victories.

Quotable: “As always, Palmerton is a small school with a newer program, very few feeder opportunities, and a small volleyball community in the area. This challenges us to get interest to join the team and compete against big schools with a lot of experience, but we combat that with a positive attitude and love for the game.” — Palmerton head coach Savannah Mickel