What happens when a team loses most of its varsity roster but still believes in being able to get the job done?
Mount Carmel’s volleyball team is heading into the new season with a very different look but an exciting one. After many players from the 2025 squad graduated, the Caravan plans to lean on a small group of returnees to prepare for the challenging season ahead. Even though there are lots of changes, the team all have the same goals, win games, learn, and compete.
The team opens up with key returners in juniors Mick Carr and Mihailo Popovic and senior Luke Segroves, who are expected to lead on and off the court this year. At the same time, the newer kids plan to learn and build together with the returners.
There is also a coaching change this season. Head coach Mary Kate Byrnes is stepping away temporarily from coaching duties this year because of pregnancy and maternity leave. Coach Kelly Lewis, who coached JV last year, has stepped in to take the role as interim head coach. Players have said this change has moved smoothly.
“It’s pretty good right now,” Carr said when asked about the team’s energy going into the season. “We have two new freshmen, so there’s a lot of learning going on with this new energy.”
This learning curve has become one of the biggest storylines early into the season.
Last year’s team had several seniors and way more experience. The group this year is still figuring out their chemistry, but there is no panic. Call it more of an urgency to get better and win games.
Segroves said the team’s excitement starts with the new leadership roles taken on by returning players.
“Last year we had seniors, so it gives me and Mick Carr a chance to be leaders,” Segroves said. “There’s a standard, even if it’s just volleyball. There’s always a standard in sport.”
That standard matters even more now because so many new players are trying to adjust to varsity volleyball. Some with club experience, like Carr and Popovic, are the main players who will have a huge impact on helping the team.
Popovic said the process has been about getting everyone connected.
“Our energy’s pretty high,” Popovic said. “Even though we lost a lot of seniors from last year, almost our whole team besides me, Nick Carr, and Luke Segroves, we have a lot of new freshmen, younger guys that are bringing some youthful energy.”
He also said some of the older players have had to help guide the less experienced guys into the system.
“The guys that do play club, it’s a little easier for us to get into the system,” Popovic said. “It’s more just the more inexperienced guys getting used to that and knowing their position.”
That role is not just left to the coaches. Popovic described himself as a court leader making sure communication is high during practice.
“I’ve taken on a role as captain,” Popovic said. “The new coach has kind of relied on me a little bit to be directing and helping with form and positioning, trying to guide the inexperienced guys to where they need to go.”
Carr and Segroves both credit their offseason work for feeling prepared going into the season. Segroves said he feels he has just become a better player in general, while Carr says playing club has helped when facing high-level competition.
“My offseason was good,” Carr said. “Me and Mihailo play for Ultimate Volleyball Club. We got the chance to play a lot this last season and compete with some of the best teams in the nation.”
This is a great foundation for the Caravan and their goals of winning a lot of games this year. Coach Byrnes said those returners will be central to the team’s success.
“Michael Carr brings leadership and consistency at the setter position,” she said, “Mihailo Popovic gives us a strong offensive presence on the outside, and Luke Segroves adds versatility and a steady presence on the court.”
She also described this year’s group as “a hardworking, coachable group that’s eager to compete and grow every day.”
This is exactly how the players feel. When asked to describe the team in just a few words, Segroves called the group “energetic” and “eager to learn.”
That seems simple, but it’s a big focal point for the season. MC is going to be a team that will continue to get better as the season goes on, and that is a scary thing. With the leaders continuing to lead, there is a lot of excitement for this season.
Coach Byrnes said the team still needs to improve in some aspects.
“Consistency is the biggest thing right now,” Byrnes said. “Limiting unforced errors and staying steady under pressure. We have to control the first contact. Serve, receive, and defense will be key for us.”
Coach Byrnes believes that once the team clicks and gets the fundamentals down, things will look good.
With MC volleyball moving up to CCL Blue this season, Coach Byrnes said every conference game will be super challenging. She explained that one of the challenges will be facing more veteran teams and being able to stay composed as a younger, more raw team.
Popovic said one goal is for the team to stay close to last year’s success. If possible, he wants even more.
“If we can win as many games as we did last year, that would already be a successful season,” Popovic said. “Especially winning regionals, if we could do that again this year.”
Carr also has his eyes on a bigger postseason run.
“The goal is the same as last year,” Carr said. “Make downstate.”
Last season, the Caravan fell to the number one team in the country, the Marist RedHawks, in the sectional finals. The returnees all said that’s where they want to be back in that spot and make it even further.
For students who haven’t paid mind to volleyball, the players urge them to come out and watch a game. They said they hope the Caravan students can bring a large crowd to at least one home game.
“I think we’re a pretty good, pretty exciting team to watch,” Popovic said. “It’s just going to be a fun year.”
That may end up being the most honest way to describe this season.
The team knows what they lost, but they are more than capable of making a push for a state championship.
Keep a lookout for the Caravan volleyball team.
