Lockport builds 2026 volleyball outlook around resilience

Overview

• Stephen Kojsza enters his ninth season as Lockport's varsity head coach.
• Kojsza said Lockport will lean on the returning experience of Samantha Grzebinski, Elena Keleher and Alana Battaglia, with Grzebinski committed to Ohio Christian University.
• Elena Keleher is a returner Kojsza expects to take a step forward, while Vanessa Mohr is a newly featured player who could become an important contributor.
• Lockport is developing its setter rotation while integrating a large group promoted from JV.

Lockport Leans On Returners And Defensive Persistence

Lockport enters the 2026 girls volleyball season with Stephen Kojsza in his ninth season as varsity head coach and a group he sees as resilient.

Kojsza sees a mix of experience and new energy in a group that has worked through the preseason to build a persistent identity.

"The girls continue to build and feed off of each other," he said.

Kojsza said Lockport will lean on the experience of Samantha Grzebinski, Elena Keleher and Alana Battaglia, three returners he expects to lead the team in most statistical categories. Grzebinski, an outside hitter in the Class of 2027, is committed to Ohio Christian University. Keleher, a Class of 2028 setter/right side, is the returning player Kojsza identified as most likely to take a significant step forward, while Battaglia gives Lockport another Class of 2028 setter/right-side option on the roster.

Mohr, a Class of 2027 middle blocker, is a newly featured player Kojsza pointed to as a potential important contributor.

Kojsza also said the team is working through a larger group promoted from JV and trying to build familiarity across the roster. The setter situation is still developing, with multiple athletes taking on the responsibility.

"I applaud them for taking on this responsibility and running with it," Kojsza said.

The identity remains clear. Kojsza said Lockport wants to be known for work ethic, defense and persistence.

"The girls believe that if they get a touch on the ball, they give themselves a chance," Kojsza said. "It could be anyone and everyone's chance to make an impact on a point, rally, set or match whether you're in the game or not."

Lockport opens Sept. 1 at CSAT before hosting Akron on Sept. 2 and Niagara Wheatfield on Sept. 3. The Lady Lions host Lewiston-Porter on Sept. 16 and visit Grand Island on Sept. 18. The schedule closes Oct. 20 at Niagara Falls.

Lockport home matches are streamed through HUDL and can be found on the school district's YouTube account.