Depew Enters 2026 With Ahmed, Senior Core In Place

Overview

• Lindsay Ahmed has coached at Depew since 2013 and enters 2026 leading the Wildcats' varsity program.
• Depew went 14-5 in 2025-26.
• Kylie McCarthy is the Wildcats' captain and is a senior setter.
• Coach Ahmed highlighted Macey Malicki, Ava Juszkiewicz, Avery Smolarek and Shawna McCarthy among players to watch.
• Depew is scheduled to open Sept. 3 at Tonawanda, with the home opener set for Sept. 14 against Maryvale.

Depew Girls Volleyball 2026-27 Preseason Preview

Depew enters the 2026 girls volleyball season with Lindsay Ahmed leading the Wildcats and a senior group at the center of the roster.

Ahmed has coached at Depew since 2013. She began with the boys varsity team, later coached girls junior varsity and eventually took over the girls varsity program. Her overall coaching background dates to 2008, with stops at Tonawanda and Lancaster before continuing at Depew.

Ahmed said her own playing and coaching influences still shape how she leads.

"My playing background has had a significant influence on how I coach," Ahmed said. "Sue Pernick, my varsity coach at Lancaster, was a role model both as a coach and as a person. I continue to admire and look up to her, and many of the lessons she taught me have stayed with me throughout my coaching career."

Ahmed was an All-State outside hitter at Lancaster and went on to play at Canisius College, primarily as a right-side hitter and defensive specialist.

Depew went 14-5 in 2025-26. The 2026 roster lists five seniors: setter Kylie McCarthy, defensive specialist/libero Sam Fino, middle/right-side Kennedy Hunt, outside hitter Macey Malicki and middle Avery Smolarek.

Players To Watch

Kylie McCarthy is Depew's captain entering the season. Ahmed identified Macey Malicki as the returning player most likely to take a significant step forward, giving the Wildcats a senior outside hitter to watch.

Ava Juszkiewicz, a junior defensive specialist, is a player Ahmed believes could become an important contributor.

Avery Smolarek is the player Ahmed highlighted as a primary point scorer, while Shawna McCarthy is the libero Ahmed identified as a player whose presence can affect the rotation and the way Depew defends.

The rest of the roster includes juniors Shayla Burns and Juszkiewicz, plus sophomores Shawna McCarthy, Lexi Bridenbaker, Ari Evens and Kelsey Michalski.

Schedule Landmarks

Depew is scheduled to begin the season Sept. 3 at Tonawanda before traveling to Pioneer on Sept. 8. The Wildcats' home opener is set for Sept. 14 against Maryvale, followed by another home date Sept. 16 against Springville.

Later September dates include Mount Mercy Academy, East Aurora, Iroquois and Pioneer. October brings matchups with Tonawanda, Iroquois, City Honors, Springville, Starpoint, East Aurora and Lancaster.