Pekin’s volleyball team is blend of youth and experience

This season, Pekin’s varsity team is a blend of younger and more experienced players, all of whom have strong volleyball backgrounds and a solid understanding of the game. The team is fortunate to return two seniors, Payten Coleman the libero and outside hitter Katelynn Schultz, who are both serving as team captains. They’ve really stepped up as leaders on the court and set the tone for our team.

We also have Paislee Coleman returning as a middle. She's a reliable presence at the net and in the back row, and someone Coach Mohs can always count on to come through with a big play when the team needs it. Carlie Gambell, a sophomore, is in her second year as varsity setter. She’s not only great at reading the floor but also a strong all-around athlete, much like Paislee.

Pekin’s primary goals this season are to focus on playing as a cohesive unit, building confidence, and maintaining a positive attitude — areas that challenged the team last year. They’re also working on utilizing all of the hitters more effectively and being more aggressive at the net.

Central Lee Tournament, 8/30/25

Pekin 0, Central Lee 2

Pekin lost both matches against host Central Lee, 6-21, 19-21.

Carlie Gambell had five assists, and Paislee Coleman had five kills.

Payten Coleman had five digs, Reece Brisby had three, and Katelynn Schultz and Ezra Parsons each had two.

Pekin 0, West Burlington 2

Pekin fell to West Burlington 0-2 (6-21, 9-21)

Against West Burlington, Paislee Coleman had six digs and Payten Coleman had three. Carlie Gambell put up four assists and Kendra Schultz had two kills.

Pekin 0, Mid-Prairie 2

Pekin lost to Mid-Prairie in two 6-21, 11-21

Payten Coleman and Carlie Gambell each had two assists against Mid-Prairie. Taylor Moore had two kills. Payten Coleman led the Panthers in digs with four. Carlie Gambell and Paislee Coleman each had three, and Reece Brisby had two.

Pekin vs. Keota, 9/2/25

Pekin got a 3-1 win over Keota on Sept. 2, 25-22, 21-25, 25-13, 25-15)

The Panthers hosted Keota on Tuesday, Sept. 2 where they won 3-1.

Carlie Gambell finished the night with 30 assists. Paislee Coleman had 18 kills. Reece Brisby had six kills, Taylor Moore had five, and Kendra Schultz and Carlie Gambell each had four.

Payten Coleman had 11 digs, Paislee Coleman had eight, and Katelynn Schultz had three.

Katelynn Schultz had five aces and was 15 of 16 serving. Carlie Gambell, Paislee Coleman, and Taylor Moore each had three aces; and Reece Brisby had two.