9/19/25
The weight of expectation sits comfortably on Nola Duncan’s shoulders as she enters her final season at West Orange High School. With 536 career kills already to her name and a Division I commitment to Towson University secured, the senior outside hitter has established herself as one of Essex County’s premier volleyball talents. But for Duncan, individual accolades have always taken a backseat to team success, and this season represents her final opportunity to bring a championship home to West Orange.
Standing at the net during the Mountaineers’ recent matches, Duncan’s presence is unmistakable. Her 86 kills through 17 sets this season demonstrate the consistency that has made her such a reliable weapon for head coach Sara Voorhees. More impressive still is her career trajectory, which shows steady improvement from 59 kills as a sophomore to 237 kills last season, establishing her as the program’s go-to offensive threat.
A Strong Start to a Crucial Season
The 2025 campaign began with renewed optimism for a West Orange program looking to build on previous successes. Duncan’s assessment of the early season reflects both confidence and realistic expectations for a team that has undergone significant changes.
“The season has gotten off to a strong start, definitely better than last year,” Duncan explains. “With some new faces and a young team, I know a lot of players will be stepping up. Our biggest strengths we bring to the court are our dynamic offense and the energy we bring to the game. We have great practices and we have a lot of fun!”
The 4-3 record through seven matches tells the story of a team finding its identity while competing against quality opposition. Duncan’s individual statistics reflect her continued growth, as she has maintained her role as the primary offensive catalyst while adapting to new personnel around her.
“What makes me optimistic is seeing everyone show up to practice, work hard, and embrace whatever role the team needs them to play,” she continues, highlighting the team-first mentality that has defined her approach throughout her career.
The Supporting Cast and Team Chemistry
Despite being the statistical leader, Duncan is quick to acknowledge the teammates who make her success possible. The Mountaineers have built their early season success around a core group of returners who provide stability in key positions.
“Some key returning players besides myself are Olivia Raines, our middle blocker (’26), and Cailee Cassidy, a setter/defensive specialist (’27),” Duncan notes. The duo has provided crucial support, with Raines contributing 17 kills and 14 blocks while Cassidy has distributed 105 assists while anchoring the defensive effort with 22 digs.
The injection of youth has also provided energy and depth to the roster. “We also have some exciting newcomers this season, like Reese Rembert, a middle blocker (’28), and Maelat Kidane, a libero/defensive specialist (’28),” Duncan explains. Rembert has already made an impact with 10 kills and 16 blocks, while Kidane has established herself as a defensive specialist with 22 digs.
The development of team chemistry has been an ongoing process that extends beyond the court. “Our team chemistry has been growing since the summer when we competed in the Power Zone Summer League and continued through different team bonding events on and off the court,” Duncan reflects. “What makes this group so strong is that everyone has a role, and those roles can change from day to day. We pride ourselves on being flexible, open-minded, and willing to step up as leaders in our own way.”
Championship Aspirations and Balanced Goals
For a senior with Duncan’s experience and talent, the final season carries special significance. The team’s goals reflect both ambition and the understanding that success requires more than individual talent.
“Our main goal this season is, first and foremost, to have fun, but of course, we also want to win,” Duncan states. “One of the biggest goals we’ve set is to bring home a County Championship, and we know that will take a lot of dedication and hard work to accomplish.”
The path to a county title runs through a competitive Essex County landscape, but Duncan’s approach focuses on what the Mountaineers can control. “Every team has its strengths and weaknesses, but we’re focused on controlling what happens on our side of the net. That’s why we approach every match like it’s a real test and treat every opponent as tough competition.”
This mentality has served the team well through early season challenges, including tough losses to teams like Livingston and Mount St. Dominic that have provided valuable learning experiences while maintaining focus on long-term goals.
Personal Milestones and College Preparation
As she approaches the final months of her high school career, Duncan has established clear personal benchmarks that complement her team-focused approach. Her individual goals reflect both statistical achievement and the broader preparation necessary for college success.
“My personal goal this season is to reach 300 kills, but more importantly, I want to stay healthy and remain both physically and mentally tough,” she explains. With 86 kills already this season, Duncan appears well-positioned to achieve that milestone while maintaining the durability that has characterized her entire high school career.
The choice to attend Towson University represents the culmination of a recruiting process that aligned perfectly with Duncan’s values and aspirations. Her choice reflects careful consideration of both athletic and academic opportunities.
“My decision to commit to Towson was an easy one, the culture that the team and coaches have built really stood out to me, and I can see myself thriving there over the next four years,” Duncan reflects. The connection with the program began during a summer camp experience that confirmed her instincts about the fit.
“I attended one of their volleyball camps this summer, and afterwards I told my mom, ‘I’m so glad I made the decision to choose Towson.’ I know it’s the best place for me,” she recalls. “Playing at the next level is just another challenge I’m ready to take on, and I’m excited for the opportunity to continue growing, not only as a player but also as a person.”
The Village That Built a Champion
Behind Duncan’s success lies a comprehensive support network that spans multiple coaches, clubs, and family members who have contributed to her development over the years. Her appreciation for this support system reflects the understanding that individual success rarely happens in isolation.
“My village is strong and very diverse. All of my coaches have had an impact on me in their own way and helped shape me into the player I am today,” Duncan explains. The list of influential figures spans her entire volleyball journey, from middle school beginnings to elite club competition.
“From my current high school coach, Coach Vorhees, to my former high school coach, Coach Chang, as well as my club coaches, Coach Barton and Coach Dan from Top Tier Volleyball Club (my current club), and my former club coaches from Eclipse Volleyball Club, Coach Gordon and Coach Keegan and Coach Maritza from Train Up Sports. Each of these coaches has challenged me in many different ways but with the same end result, to help me grow, and become a smarter, better player.”
The foundation of her volleyball journey traces back to middle school, where early guidance set the trajectory for everything that followed. “I don’t want to forget my middle school coach, Coach Cruz, because that’s really where it all started for me, and everything has been uphill from there. And lastly, I also have to mention Coach Fleck, who has been there for me like a big sister, always helping me navigate different situations on and off the court.”
Family support has provided the emotional and logistical foundation that makes elite competition possible. “I’ve also been blessed with a loving family that has always been there for me. I also have a wonderful group of friends who always support me. My parents, especially, have been my rock from day one, supporting me, cheering me on, driving me to practices and games, making sure I had the right training, and sacrificing so much so I could chase my dreams. I’m so grateful for them.”
Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
The early season has not been without its challenges, as evidenced by the team’s 4-3 record and some difficult losses to quality opponents. However, Duncan’s perspective on these setbacks reflects the maturity and resilience that has characterized her development as both a player and leader.
“Yes, I definitely think our record will look different this year compared to last season,” she states with confidence. “We’ve faced some tough games already, but we’re choosing to look at those as opportunities, challenges that push us to learn and grow as we move forward. We know what we need to focus on so we are just gonna keep pushing forward.”
This growth mindset has become central to how the Mountaineers approach both success and adversity. Rather than dwelling on disappointing results, the team has used difficult matches as learning experiences that will serve them well as the season progresses toward county and state tournaments.
The Final Chapter Begins
As Duncan enters the final months of her high school career, the convergence of personal achievement and team success creates a compelling narrative for both the player and the program. Her pursuit of 300 career kills provides a tangible individual goal, while the team’s championship aspirations offer the opportunity for collective achievement.
The statistics tell part of the story, 536 career kills, 104 aces, and 342 digs across four seasons of varsity competition. But the complete picture encompasses leadership, resilience, and the ability to elevate teammates while maintaining individual excellence.
West Orange’s remaining schedule provides ample opportunities for both personal milestones and team achievements. With matches against conference rivals and potential playoff implications on the line, every game carries significance for a senior class that understands this represents their final opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
Duncan’s commitment to Towson ensures that her volleyball journey will continue beyond high school, but her focus remains firmly planted in the present. The combination of individual goals and team aspirations creates the perfect motivation for a player who has consistently delivered when her team needed it most.
Looking Forward with Gratitude
As the season continues and key matches approach, Duncan’s perspective reflects both the confidence of an accomplished player and the gratitude of someone who understands the support that made her success possible. Her journey from middle school beginnings to Division I commitment illustrates the power of consistent effort, quality coaching, and unwavering family support.
The final chapter of Nola Duncan’s high school career promises to be compelling, with personal milestones within reach and team championships still possible. For West Orange volleyball, she represents both present excellence and future inspiration, a player whose impact extends far beyond statistics to encompass the leadership and character that define truly great competitors.
As the Mountaineers continue their pursuit of county glory, they do so with the confidence that comes from having a proven leader who has consistently delivered in crucial moments. Whether Duncan reaches her 300-kill goal or the team achieves its championship dreams, this season represents the culmination of a remarkable journey that began in middle school and will continue at Towson University.
The best chapters may still be ahead, both for Duncan individually and for a West Orange program that has been elevated by her four-year contribution to Mountaineer volleyball.
