August 21, 2025
Senior outside hitter leads Highlanders’ pursuit of first state title after reaching Group 2 finals
For a volleyball program that’s only a decade old, Governor Livingston has already accomplished what many established programs struggle to achieve. The Highlanders have built a reputation as a force in Union County, consistently competing with the area’s most prestigious programs. At the heart of this success story stands senior outside hitter Abby Kim, whose commitment to play for Loyola University Maryland and outstanding performance have helped elevate the program to new heights.
“Since my time at Governor Livingston, one of the most rewarding moments has been being a part of the first times we have ever won against traditionally strong programs like Union Catholic and Westfield,” Kim reflects on the program’s growth. “As a program that’s only about 10 years old, it’s been exciting to see how far we’ve come and how we’ve worked our way up to compete with established teams.”
A Season of Historic Achievement
Last season marked a watershed moment for Governor Livingston volleyball. The Highlanders compiled their best record in program history at 24-6, advanced to the Group 2 state championship game, and proved they belonged among New Jersey’s elite programs. Kim played a central role in that success, leading the team with 355 kills while adding 170 digs, 114 service points, and 50 aces from her outside hitter position.
“Considering that we achieved our best season record ever last year, doing it again is a challenge, yet definitely possible,” Kim says as the team prepares for another championship run. The Highlanders fell just short in the state final, losing to Old Tappan, but the experience has only fueled their hunger for more success.
“Considering we have fallen short in the finals for the past 3 years, of course it’s always our goal to win the state championship, and we’re motivated to get there,” Kim explains. “While it’s fulfilling to win games, we also strive to see how our connections on the court continue to develop and strengthen throughout the season.”
Building Chemistry and Momentum
As the new season approaches, Kim sees encouraging signs in practice that suggest the Highlanders are poised for another strong campaign. “Even though we’ve only been playing together for a few days, it’s exciting to see the chemistry already forming on the court,” she observes. “We’re strong defensively and we are a really scrappy team.”
That defensive identity has become a hallmark of Governor Livingston volleyball under head coach Steve Hess. The team’s ability to extend rallies and make spectacular defensive plays has been crucial to their success against more traditionally powerful programs.
“We’ve already had so many competitive, long rallies in practice, and it excites me to see how we will match up against other strong teams this year,” Kim adds with anticipation.
The Highlanders have lost some great players to graduation, a core group that includes setter Anna Kramarchuk, who distributed 546 assists last season, and middle blocker Nia Joseph, who contributed 55 kills and 38 blocks as well as libero Gia Naik who anchored the defense with 208 digs and outside hitter Eva Sottosanti added 107 kills and 69 digs. But the return of Kim, Brianna Garro, and Mya Joseph will position the 2025 team for success.
Competing in Union County’s Elite Circle
Governor Livingston’s rise has come in one of New Jersey’s most competitive conferences. Union County volleyball features several powerhouse programs that have dominated the state landscape for years, making the Highlanders’ breakthrough achievements even more impressive.
“Union County is filled with talent and our toughest matches are usually against strong programs like Westfield and Union Catholic,” Kim acknowledges. The fact that Governor Livingston now competes with these established programs on a regular basis speaks to how far the program has come.
“Going into this season, I’m looking forward to more of those intense, competitive matches because that makes playing the game so enjoyable,” Kim says, embracing the challenge of competing at the highest level.
The Path to Loyola
Kim’s individual excellence has not gone unnoticed at the collegiate level. Her commitment to play for Loyola University represents the culmination of years of dedicated training and development, both at Governor Livingston and with her club team Sideout Sports.
“Competing at the next level at Loyola means I’ll be surrounded by athletes who push me to work even harder,” Kim explains. “Volleyball has been a big part of my life, so having that opportunity to continue playing in college is a chance to keep growing as both an athlete and as a person.”
Her commitment also reflects the coaching and development she has received throughout her career. “My coaches at Governor Livingston and at Sideout Sports push me every day to improve and to see what I am capable of,” Kim says gratefully. “They’ve taught me how to stay confident, forget my mistakes and to focus on what I can control.”
Leadership and Personal Growth
As a senior and one of the team’s top players, Kim understands the leadership role she must embrace for Governor Livingston to achieve its championship goals. Her approach focuses on both individual excellence and team success.
“It is a continuous goal of mine to keep improving my consistency on the court in all aspects,” she states. “I want to push myself not only to perform individually but also help lead my teammates by contributing positive energy and maintaining composure in high pressure moments.”
That leadership mentality has been shaped by the program’s recent success and near misses. The experience of reaching multiple finals has taught valuable lessons about what it takes to get over the finish line.
A Program’s Continued Evolution
Kim sees clear signs that this year’s team has the potential to complete the championship journey that has eluded them in recent seasons. “This season we’ve already seen clear improvements in our defense at the net and in the back row,” she observes. “Our game play is getting cleaner and more intense with each practice which I believe will set us apart from other teams.”
The combination of experience, talent, and motivation creates an ideal environment for success. Having been so close to a state championship, the Highlanders understand exactly what they need to do to reach their ultimate goal.
“I have been playing club volleyball since I was 12 years old, and I look to take my volleyball career to the next level,” Kim reflects on her journey. “I pride myself in my hard work on the court, in the gym and academically, which has led me to the achievements that I have reached.”
The Championship Window
As Governor Livingston prepares for another season, the pieces are in place for a special campaign. The program has established itself as a legitimate contender, the players have championship experience, and the coaching staff has proven capable of developing talent and implementing winning strategies.
“I highly value leadership and teamwork, which I believe is a key part to success,” Kim emphasizes. “My passion for the sport only drives me to work harder for the goals I want to achieve, which are exemplified through my love for playing on the court.”
For a program that has already exceeded expectations and built something special in just one decade, the ultimate prize remains within reach. With players like Abby Kim leading the way, Governor Livingston volleyball continues to write a remarkable success story that began with humble beginnings and now includes realistic championship aspirations.
The journey from a new program to state championship contender represents the best of high school athletics, where dedication, coaching, and team chemistry can overcome traditional advantages and create something lasting. As the Highlanders take the court for another season, they carry with them the knowledge that they belong among New Jersey’s elite programs and the belief that this could be the year they capture their first state title.