North Collins starts new season with young roster, senior anchors

Overview

• Courtney Helm begins her first season as North Collins head coach after more than four years of high school coaching experience.
• Morgan Kreinheder gives North Collins a senior middle and captain who recorded 61 kills, 46 aces and 29 blocks in 2024-25.
• Mckenna Ayers is set to direct the offense at setter, with Morgan Kreinheder providing front-row leadership as the team's offensive rhythm develops.
• The schedule opens Sept. 3 at Silver Creek, with the home opener Sept. 9 against Brocton and late-season matches against Brocton, Clymer and Ellicottville.

Courtney Helm is stepping into her first season as North Collins head coach with a roster that blends senior leadership and a wave of younger players moving into varsity roles.

North Collins finished 4-16 in 2025-26. Helm said the group has built early momentum around communication, court energy and a willingness to learn. North Collins' roster includes seniors Amelia Kester and Morgan Kreinheder, juniors Mckenna Ayers and Ashley Niefergold, and four eighth-graders in Sophia Montaldi, Kallie Emke, Brooke Bannister and Allison Niefergold.

"Readers should know that this is a hard-working, growth-minded squad that is eager to learn, support one another, and build a competitive culture from day one, making every match this season an absolute blast to watch!" Helm said.

Kreinheder is a central piece of that foundation. The senior middle is one of North Collins' captains who had 61 kills, 46 aces and 29 blocks in 2024-25, and Helm identified her as both a likely breakout candidate and a primary point scorer.

Ayers, an 11th-grade setter, is expected to run the offense. Helm also pointed to Kreinheder's front-row presence as important support while the team's offensive rhythm develops. Ashley Niefergold and Kester join Kreinheder as captains, and Helm said their leadership will matter as North Collins works younger players into bigger moments.

Allison Niefergold is an eighth-grade outside hitter to watch, while Sophia Montaldi is expected to factor into the defensive picture at libero/defensive specialist.

Helm wants North Collins to build an identity around serving pressure, defense and respect. She said quicker movement to the ball and learning more advanced rotations are priorities as the young group develops.

"I want our team to be defined by our character, grit, and unwavering respect—on and off the court—for our opponents, coaches, and referees alike," Helm said.

The early schedule sends North Collins to Silver Creek on Sept. 3 before its Sept. 9 home opener against Brocton. The team is also scheduled for home matches against Sherman, Pine Valley, Global Concepts, Clymer, Cassadaga Valley, Silver Creek, Forestville and Ellicottville, with October road trips to Sherman, Pine Valley, Brocton and Clymer.

For Helm, the season's bigger target is daily growth. Her coaching background includes three seasons leading the Park/Cardinal O'Hara varsity team, and she said her playing background as a libero and captain at Maryvale and club libero at the University at Buffalo shapes a calm, supportive approach.

"My absolute main goal is to create a positive environment where every girl feels empowered to get just 1% better every single day!" Helm said.