8-27-25
The energy is palpable as Hailey Mack enters her senior season at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School. Standing at 5’8″ and bringing three years of varsity experience as an outside hitter, Mack has established herself as one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in South Jersey volleyball. After recording an outstanding 274 kills during the 2024 season and compiling an impressive career total of 437 kills, she represents the kind of consistent production and leadership that championship runs are built upon.
Turning Heartbreak into Fuel
Nothing motivates a competitor quite like unfinished business, and Mack carries the memory of last season’s playoff finale as both a source of pain and inspiration. The battle against Rutgers Prep in the championship game remains etched in her memory as a defining moment that will shape her approach to this senior campaign.
“The last playoff game of the season last year was definitely hard,” Mack reflected. “We were playing against Rutgers Prep and the girls on their team were very strong. We study their film and prepared weeks for that game. We fought hard and we were neck and neck the whole game pushing to 3 sets. In the end we couldn’t pull it off which was very disappointing but for the returning varsity players we’ll definitely keep that game in the back of our heads.”
The three-set thriller that ended in heartbreak has become the foundation for this year’s championship pursuit. “Hopefully that loss will help us push farther this upcoming season,” she noted with determination. That championship game experience, where she tallied 14 kills and 6 digs in the losing effort, showcased exactly why Mack has become such a crucial piece of Bishop Eustace’s success.
New Faces
The departure of key seniors and some transfers could have disrupted the program’s momentum, but Mack sees nothing but opportunity in the changes ahead. Her excitement about the team’s evolution reflects the confidence of a veteran leader who understands how to integrate new talent into a winning culture.
“With losing a couple seniors and a few girls transferring out the team will be different this year but just as good if not better,” she declared with enthusiasm. “We have been working hard in the gym all summer, coming up with new strategies and finding our strengths and working on a new rotation that will be hard to beat.”
The integration of younger players into varsity roles creates fresh energy and new possibilities for the Crusaders’ attack. “Some younger players will also be joining us on Varsity so we are very excited to see how they help the team with their own talents as well,” Mack explained.
A Supporting Cast Built for Success
While Mack provides the offensive firepower, she’s quick to recognize the crucial contributions of her teammates who make her success possible. The depth and versatility of Bishop Eustace’s roster create matchup advantages that opposing coaches struggle to solve.
“Some of the key returners we will be seeing on the court are Paige Ladik, Sophie Durham, and Sam Costello,” Mack highlighted. “Paige Ladik has been such a flexible player throughout the years. She started out as libero her freshman year but then switched to setting her sophomore year. She is very talented in any position she plays and such a good all-around teammate.”
The chemistry between Mack and setter Paige Ladik has become one of the most dangerous combinations in South Jersey volleyball. “I would not be able to have as much success in the front row as I do if she was not there,” Mack acknowledged, demonstrating the kind of teammate-first mentality that creates winning cultures.
Sophie Durham’s multi-positional ability creates additional tactical flexibility. “Sophie Durham has also been utilized in multiple positions. She’s played middle and outside, but is a very strong libero for club. Sophie never fails to put a ball down hard and is always there in whatever position we need her in.”
The setting tandem of Ladik and Sam Costello provides depth and options. “Sam Costello is our other Varsity setter and she plays another crucial role on our team. Not only can she set but she is also a strong blocker and hitter,” Mack explained.
Championship Expectations and Competitive Fire
Bishop Eustace enters the season with clear objectives that reflect both ambition and realistic assessment of their capabilities. The program’s recent success creates expectations, but Mack and her teammates embrace the pressure that comes with being contenders.
“The team’s main goals this season are to build off of the progress we made last year, teach some new girls to play to the best of their ability, and to have fun,” she shared. “We have been putting in extensive training over the summer in the gym and in the weight room to prepare all our girls for the season.”
“As a team we just want to go as far as we can. We have made it to playoffs and won the conference the past two years so our main goal is to stay on that track as long as we can,” Mack explained. The back-to-back conference championships create both confidence and motivation to achieve even greater success.
The competitive landscape in South Jersey volleyball remains incredibly challenging. “Some of our toughest competitors are always Paul VI, Shawnee, and Cherokee,” Mack noted. ” Paul VI ‘s players are all very naturally talented are they are good competition for us to play against. We have been neck and neck with Shawnee and Cherokee the past couple years.”
Coaching Excellence and Program Growth
Coach Brian Nop’s approach to building championship programs combines technical expertise with unwavering commitment to player development. His consistency in expectations and preparation creates the stable foundation that allows players like Mack to reach their full potential.
“Our coach’s approach to this season is no different than any other season,” Mack observed. “Coach Nop always has a determined outlook on any team he coaches whether it’s middle school, high school, or club. He gives a fair shot to everyone willing to play the sport and pushes us to our best ability.”
The dedication extends to every aspect of preparation. “He was in the gym all summer even if only 2 girls showed up to a preseason summer practice, he would make that practice just like any other,” Mack noted with admiration. “Coach Nop makes sure we are ready to go by the middle of August ready for the season.”
The evolution of Bishop Eustace volleyball reflects steady growth and increasing competitiveness. “Last year was our 4th year with a varsity team. This year we have more girls and more experience under our belt to help us build our confidence,” Mack noted. “We will be coming out strong this season with new plays to run and a new rotation.”
Personal Excellence and Future Plans
Mack’s individual statistics tell the story of sustained excellence. Her 274 kills and 63 aces from the 2024 season place her among South Jersey’s elite attackers, while her 156 digs demonstrate the all-around game that defines complete players. The career totals of 437 kills, 184 digs, and 134 aces across three seasons demonstrate the kind of consistency that programs build around.
“I do think the team has what it takes to beat last season’s record,” she stated confidently. “We have multiple girls with strong arms and two setters that have worked very hard throughout the season. Fans will definitely be surprised by our team this year and we won’t go down without a fight.”
As she approaches her final high school season, Mack has clear priorities that extend beyond volleyball. “This season my main goal is to enjoy it. It is my senior year and I really just want to have fun with my best friends who I’ve gotten to be so close with because of volleyball.”
Her future plans reflect a thoughtful approach to balancing athletics with other interests. “I have thought deeply about whether or not I want to compete at the collegiate level or not. My brother decided to transfer from Rutgers to University of Tennessee for his baseball career this past summer. I was able to visit some bigger colleges with him when he was in the transfer portal and it really opened my eyes to all of the different college experiences you can have.”
“I have also always been the type of person to have many interests and not just one hobby that I enjoy. I am leaning towards going to a bigger school and possibly playing club volleyball on the side so I have time to watch my brother play baseball and ride horses which are also both very important to me.”
A Season of Appreciation and Achievement
Mack’s gratitude extends to all the coaches who have shaped her journey. “I want to give credit to all of the coaches that have helped me through the years. Coach Nop always believes in me and always supports my goals, and Coach Alison and Coach Jeremy at East Coast Crush who have coached me for the past couple years in club. All of these coaches have played such a crucial roll in getting me to where I am today.”
With championship experience, veteran leadership, and a deep appreciation for the game, Hailey Mack enters her senior season positioned to leave a lasting legacy at Bishop Eustace. Her combination of individual excellence and team-first mentality creates the foundation for what could be a truly special campaign for the Crusaders.
As the season approaches, the excitement is building for what Mack and her teammates can accomplish. With unfinished business from last year’s championship game and the motivation that comes with knowing this is their final opportunity together, Bishop Eustace volleyball appears poised for a memorable run toward state championship glory.
