9-2-25

Senior setter and captain looks to elevate Highlanders to new heights in final high school campaign

Leadership often makes the difference between good teams and great ones. For Northern Highlands, that leadership comes from an unlikely source: a 5’7″ senior setter whose impact extends far beyond her impressive statistical contributions. Allie Reilly, entering her final season as the Highlanders’ floor general and team captain, embodies the “we > me” mentality that has become the program’s rallying cry.

After finishing 12-13 in 2024, Northern Highlands faces a crucial juncture. While that record might suggest mediocrity to casual observers, Reilly sees opportunity where others see disappointment. Her perspective on last season’s challenges reveals the mindset of a player determined to rewrite her team’s narrative.

“I wholeheartedly believe that we can beat last year’s record, which was 12-13,” Reilly states with conviction. “A lot of those losses were ‘bad’ losses, which we give the name to games that we didn’t give 100% effort to. This year’s difference is our chemistry this year, and the fact that we ALL want to win.”

The Architect of Success

As Northern Highlands’ primary setter, Reilly orchestrated the offense throughout the 2024 season with remarkable consistency. Her 496 assists across 57 sets played established her as one of the region’s most productive facilitators, averaging nearly nine assists per set. Those numbers tell only part of her story, as her 146 digs demonstrate her commitment to all-around excellence, while her 33 aces reveal a serve that opposing teams must account for strategically.

“As the setter, I will continue to make smart plays and help my hitters as much as I can,” Reilly explains, highlighting the selfless approach that defines her game. Her ability to distribute the ball effectively last season created opportunities for teammates like senior outside hitter Delia van der Heide (184 kills) and Sophia Van Biert (156 kills), both of whom benefited from Reilly’s court vision and decision-making.

The chemistry between Reilly and her attackers became particularly evident in her relationship with rising senior middle blocker Ava Gagliano, who emerged as a key offensive weapon with 48 kills despite playing in only 39 sets.

“Ava Gagliano, our middle, has also improved immensely this season and as her setter, I can say that we have really good chemistry,” Reilly notes. This connection exemplifies how effective setters elevate not just individual players but entire offensive systems.

Leadership Through Adversity

Reilly’s most defining moment as a player came during her sophomore season, when Northern Highlands defeated perennial power Ramapo in the sectional semifinals. The memory remains vivid for good reason: it represents everything she hopes to recapture in her final campaign.

“My sophomore year, we beat Ramapo in the Sectional semifinals after losing to them before, breaking the previous 1-1 tie,” she recalls. “I vividly remember the energy in the gym and the suspense, especially since we went to 3 sets. I want to approach this season the same way, working our butts off every second to secure every win.”

That victory encapsulates Reilly’s understanding of what makes teams special. It wasn’t just about talent or scheme; it was about collective commitment and the willingness to fight for every point. Now, as a senior captain alongside co-captain Lily Piccinich, Reilly carries the responsibility of recreating that championship atmosphere.

“I want to feel that synergy on and off the court of that day, everyday,” she explains, revealing how that single match has shaped her leadership philosophy.

Building Championship Culture

The transformation Reilly seeks begins with mindset, and Northern Highlands’ team motto of “we > me” reflects her influence on the program’s culture. This philosophy represents more than motivational rhetoric; it defines how the Highlanders approach every practice, every game, and every challenge.

“The team’s main goals this season include carrying out the team motto, which is ‘we > me,'” Reilly explains. “This exemplifies putting the team over your personal problems and not being selfish. Another big goal of ours is to look back on each game knowing that we did everything we could, win or lose, and I think that mentality will definitely take us far.”

This approach addresses what Reilly identifies as the core issue from last season: inconsistent effort and focus. By establishing accountability standards and emphasizing collective responsibility, she hopes to eliminate the “bad losses” that plagued the 2024 campaign.

“As captain, I understand that I have a big impact on the team’s culture and younger girls’ mentality,” she acknowledges. “Actions speak louder than words, so every decision and action will be mindful of our team’s motto.”

The Supporting Cast

While Reilly serves as the team’s emotional and tactical leader, she recognizes the importance of her supporting cast in achieving championship aspirations. Co-captain Lily Piccinich emerged as a defensive stalwart in 2024, contributing 187 digs while adding 15 kills and 15 aces. Her versatility allows Northern Highlands to maintain defensive intensity while creating offensive opportunities.

“One key returner I believe is my co-captain Lily Piccinich, who is not only a smart player on the outside but a key defensive one,” Reilly notes. “She plays all around and I’m really excited to see what she can do this year.”

The development of younger players like sophomore Georgia Cacciabaudo represents another crucial element in Northern Highlands’ championship equation. Reilly’s ability to identify and nurture emerging talent reflects her volleyball IQ and leadership maturity.

“Sophomore Georgia Cacciabaudo holds a lot of potential as well,” she observes, demonstrating her commitment to developing the next generation of Highlanders stars.

Facing Elite Competition

Northern Highlands’ path to sectional championship glory runs through some of New Jersey’s most established programs. The Big North Freedom Division features traditional powers like Ramapo, Old Tappan, and Demarest, teams that have consistently competed at the highest levels of state competition.

“I personally am aiming for the Sectional title, which I know we can secure if we keep working as hard as we are,” Reilly states confidently. “I see the usual top teams as our toughest competitors, like Ramapo, Old Tappan, Demarest, etc.”

The 2024 season included multiple encounters with these elite programs, providing valuable experience while highlighting areas for improvement. Northern Highlands’ losses to Ramapo (twice), Old Tappan, and Demarest (twice) demonstrated the gap between aspiration and achievement, but also revealed the competitive level the Highlanders can reach when executing their game plan effectively.

The Grit Factor

What separates this Northern Highlands team from previous iterations, according to Reilly, is an intangible quality that can’t be measured in statistics: grit. This characteristic, developed through adversity and strengthened by collective commitment, represents the foundation upon which championship runs are built.

“This group feels different from last season’s because we have a lot of grit,” she explains. “Every single one of us comes into practice with a growth mindset, exemplifying ‘We > me’ in every single play.”

That grit manifests in practice habits and game preparation. Under head coach Caryn Schanstine’s guidance, the Highlanders have embraced a culture of accountability that extends beyond volleyball skills to encompass character development and team chemistry.

“The coaches’ approaches to practice this year are all focused on creating a strong team culture,” Reilly notes. “They are strict on being punctual, working our hardest, and never slacking on or off the court.”

The Development Journey

Reilly’s growth as a player extends beyond natural talent to include deliberate skill development through club competition. Her experience with DIGS Volleyball Club has refined her technical abilities while broadening her understanding of offensive systems and strategic concepts.

“My coaches at DIGS Volleyball Club have helped me develop more of my skills this past season,” she acknowledges. “I learned how to be smarter on the court as well as work more offensively as a setter and be more confident on the court.”

This commitment to continuous improvement exemplifies the mentality that separates good players from great ones. Reilly’s willingness to seek additional coaching and training opportunities reflects her dedication to maximizing her potential while elevating her teammates’ performance.

Championship Expectations

As Northern Highlands prepares for the 2025 season, expectations have shifted from hoping for improvement to demanding championship-level performance. The difference, according to Reilly, lies not in talent acquisition but in collective commitment to excellence.

“I truly believe we can be top competitors this year, given how hard we’ve already been working,” she states. “All the girls are 100% committed this year, ready to do whatever it takes to be better every day. Our strength this year I believe is our chemistry, I haven’t seen it like this since my sophomore year.”

That chemistry, combined with the experience gained from competing against elite competition, positions Northern Highlands as a legitimate sectional contender. The Highlanders may not possess the height advantages of some opponents, but their scrappy style and collective determination create matchup problems for traditional powers.

“Even though we are not that tall, we are extremely scrappy in every play,” Reilly explains. “Fans should expect to see us on the floor for EVERY SINGLE PLAY.”

The Final Chapter

For Allie Reilly, the 2025 season represents more than a final opportunity to compete; it embodies the culmination of four years spent building Northern Highlands into a program capable of championship success. Her leadership has transformed not just individual players but the entire culture surrounding Highlanders volleyball.

The statistical achievements – 496 assists, 146 digs, and 33 aces in 2024 – provide measurable evidence of her contributions. But Reilly’s greatest legacy may be the “we > me” mentality that she has instilled throughout the program, a philosophy that will outlast any individual season or player.

As Northern Highlands prepares to write its next chapter, the Highlanders carry the confidence that comes from having a leader who understands that championship success requires more than talent or strategy. It demands the kind of selfless commitment and relentless effort that Allie Reilly has exemplified throughout her career.

The sectional title that has eluded Northern Highlands remains within reach, and with Reilly directing traffic from the setter position, the Highlanders possess the leadership necessary to transform potential into championship reality. In a sport where success ultimately depends on how well teammates work together, having a floor general who truly believes that “we > me” provides the foundation upon which championship dreams become championship banners.