By Jack Hart | ILSportsWire
The Pana Panthers are heading into the 2026 volleyball season with a new-look roster, strong team chemistry and plenty of motivation after a productive summer of preparation.
Head coach Greg Cothern knows the Panthers have some important pieces to replace after graduating three key hitters and blockers, along with a school-record-setting libero. But rather than calling this a rebuilding season, Cothern sees a team with young players ready to step into important roles.
The Panthers used the summer to evaluate those players, competing in leagues in both Pana and Mt. Zion. The experience allowed the team to face different styles of competition while figuring out where each player could make the biggest impact.
“We’ve got a few kids in key positions that are new, but the summer gave us a chance to kind of feel who goes where best,” Cothern said.
That summer work has given Pana confidence heading into the first weeks of practice.
Senior Leadership
The Panthers will lean heavily on seniors Bella Bennett and Phoenix Pope, who are the only two seniors on this year’s roster.
Both understand the responsibility that comes with being the team’s veterans.
Bennett said her focus is on stepping up, leading by example and keeping the team’s energy high, especially when things aren’t going the Panthers’ way.
Pope has taken a similar approach. She and Bennett have already discussed their leadership roles and are focused on helping prepare the junior class to eventually take over those responsibilities.
“We’re trying to take them under our wing and help them to the best of our ability,” Pope said.
Junior Brooke Cox has seen that leadership firsthand. Having played with Bennett and Pope since seventh grade, Cox knows what both seniors bring to the team. She pointed to Bennett’s energy and enthusiasm as something that helps elevate the entire group.
With such a young roster, the leadership of Bennett and Pope could be one of Pana’s biggest assets.
Building Chemistry
The Panthers have also made team chemistry a priority.
Volleyball requires constant communication, and the players have spent time together away from the court during summer games and tournaments. Locker-room games, music and team activities have helped the Panthers build relationships and become more comfortable with one another.
Pope described this year’s group as hardworking and determined, while Cox said the chemistry has developed naturally.
Now the goal is to take that chemistry onto the court.
Communication has been a major emphasis during preseason practices, with the Panthers working to make sure everyone is on the same page.
The Battle Begins With Serve-Receive
Cothern has placed a major focus on serving and, especially, serve-receive.
For Pana, that skill is the starting point for everything the Panthers want to do offensively.
The Panthers are looking to play a faster, quicker-tempo style, but Cothern knows they must first be able to consistently handle opposing serves.
Practice has included everything from individual passing work to larger game-like situations as Pana works to become more comfortable in serve-receive.
The players are also putting plenty of attention into hitting.
For Bennett, improving her efficiency, accuracy and consistency as a hitter is one of her personal goals heading into her final season.
Cox also identified hitting and communication as two of the biggest areas the Panthers have been working on.
Plenty of Motivation
Pana won’t be short on motivation when the schedule begins.
Hillsboro is one opponent several Panthers are eager to see. Cox remembers last year’s three-set conference championship loss and hopes the Panthers can get another opportunity to turn the result around.
Staunton is another team the Panthers have their eyes on, while the long-standing rivalry with Shelbyville adds another highly anticipated matchup to the schedule.
Cothern, however, doesn’t want his team looking too far ahead.
His philosophy is simple: focus on the opponent directly in front of them.
“We take it game by game by game,” Cothern said. “Our next game is our most important game.”
That approach will be especially important for a team with several new players stepping into major roles.
A Program Built on Tradition
The Panthers also benefit from a coaching staff with deep ties to the Pana volleyball program.
JV coach Kelsey Schneider played for Cothern’s mother and later played club volleyball for Cothern. Freshman coach Abby Kuhn is another former player and student who has returned to the district as a teacher.
Assistant coach Colleen Weddle is also a former player who brings her experience and knowledge back to the program.
Cothern’s mother remains involved as the sixth-grade coach, while Cothern coaches the eighth-grade team.
That continuity creates a strong connection from the younger levels all the way to the varsity program.
As the Panthers prepare for the 2026 season, they know there are questions to answer and new roles to fill. But they also know they have the work ethic, chemistry and leadership necessary to take on the challenge.
With Bennett and Pope leading the way, a talented group of underclassmen stepping up and Cothern’s staff continuing to build the program, the Pana Panthers are ready to see what this new chapter can bring.
