Cheektowaga Builds Around Serving, Defense Entering 2026

Overview

• Denee Hickson enters her 27th year at Cheektowaga and her 28th season coaching overall.
• Hickson said Cheektowaga returns every starter except two outside hitters.
• Serving and defense are expected to be strengths, with Hickson pointing to a group of servers who can spot serve well.
• Lilly Ruhlmann and Ashley Szafranski are captains, with Ruhlmann also highlighted defensively and as a breakout candidate.
• Maci Mikulski is a player to watch for scoring, while Hickson expects Szafranski to be an important contributor.

Cheektowaga Girls Volleyball 2026-27 Preseason Preview

Cheektowaga Central enters the 2026 girls volleyball season with a familiar coach, a returning core and a clear early identity.

Denee Hickson is in her 28th season coaching and her 27th year at Cheektowaga. Her own playing background began at Sacred Heart Academy and continued at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

The Chargers graduated two six-rotation outside hitters from last year's team, but Hickson said the rest of the starting lineup returns.

That puts part of the early focus on the pins. Hickson said the team's pin hitters are young, so adjusting to varsity speed and tempo will be an area to develop as the season progresses.

Serving And Defense Set The Tone

Hickson pointed to serving and defense as Cheektowaga's expected strengths.

"I think serving will be a strength," Hickson said. "We have very good servers who spot serve very well."

Hickson said Cheektowaga will most likely run a 5-1, with the possibility of using a 6-2 at times.

Hickson also said the team's goals are tied more to growth than record.

"I'm not concerned about our record as much as I am improving daily on what we need to," Hickson said.

Players To Watch

Lilly Ruhlmann and Ashley Szafranski are Cheektowaga's captains entering the season. Hickson named Ruhlmann as the returning player most likely to take a significant step forward and also pointed to her as a libero or defensive specialist who can affect the rotation.

Szafranski is another name to watch after Hickson said she could become an important contributor.

Maci Mikulski is the player Hickson highlighted for scoring.

Schedule Landmarks

Cheektowaga is scheduled to open Sept. 9 against Maryvale before hosting Amherst on Sept. 11. The Chargers also have a Sept. 24 date with West Seneca East before visiting West Seneca East on Oct. 21.

Fans can watch the Chargers on Hudl and follow the program's Instagram page.