The John Cooper School volleyball program is experiencing a resurgence this fall under the guidance of first-year head coach Rachel Stallman.
With a fresh voice on the sidelines and renewed energy in the gym, the Dragons are quickly becoming a team to watch in the private school ranks. A major reason for the turnaround has been the immediate impact of the “Fab Four” freshmen — Riley Gottsman, Reagan Cooksen, Allanah Maimone, and Dylan Wilson. Despite their youth, the group has shown poise, skill, and confidence well beyond their years, giving Stallman a versatile core to build around for the future. Each has carved out a role on the floor, and together they’ve sparked a new level of competitiveness within the program.
That spark is being fueled by the team’s senior leadership, which has embraced the newcomers and provided the steady presence necessary to balance the roster. The combination of veteran experience and youthful enthusiasm has created the type of chemistry Stallman envisioned when she took over the program.
VYPE’s Matt Malatesta caught up with the four freshman standouts to learn more about their journey, their personalities, and what drives them to succeed. One thing is clear — the Dragons’ foundation is strong, and the future looks bright at John Cooper.