Sparta girls volleyball enters season with high expectations

It’s time for some action as the regular season in the fast paced, back and forth sport of volleyball is about to begin across the state. That’s certainly exciting news for all involved with the Sparta High School girls volleyball program.

The Spartans are set to host West Morris on Thursday, Sept. 3.

“We want to be competitive and see how far we can go in Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament and States, going up against some really talented teams,’’ Sparta head coach Caitlin Jozefczyk said. “And we want to have a great time while doing it.’’

Key returning Spartans include Grace Mathurin (senior, outside hitter), Maeve Uitdenhowen (junior, outside hitter) and Brooke Meara (junior, middle blocker),

“Grace, last year had to play middle for us but this year she can go back to her first love, which is being the outside hitter,’’ Jozefczyk said. “Maeve is our other outside hitter and is very strong. Brooke is a very strong middle blocker who is returning for us.

“We have two very solid freshman on our varsity team this year. Olivia Stanton is a really great 6 rotation middle hitter and Kylie Snyder will be one of our setters.’’

A pair of seniors will be looked upon for their leadership capabilities this season.

“My two senior captains Grace Mathurin and Valerie Kopco are amazing leaders,’’ Jozefczyk said. “They have great energy and communication. They know the standards of our team and hold everyone accountable to them. They model competitiveness, enthusiasm and all of the qualities I want my program to stand for.’’

Sparta collected 15 well-earned victories and advanced to the semifinal round of the NJSIAA North 1 Group 2 Sectional Tournament in 2025.

The Spartans compete in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) American Division along with Mount Olive, Randolph, West Morris, Randolph and Morristown.

“Our Division is always ridiculously talented, but a lot of teams’ standout players graduated, so the door is wide open and the opportunity is there,’’ Jozefczyk said. “We are always going to think of ourselves as contenders until we aren’t anymore, but I am optimistic that we should be competitive this year in all of our games against all of our opponents.”