Buhler High School head coach Deedra Emel fields a young team this season, but that is not stopping the Lady Crusaders from competing against a tough schedule. 

“We will be young this season with seven underclassmen on the varsity roster. This team is high energy and hardworking. We are looking forward to a lot of growth this season,” said coach Emel. 

The lone senior this season is Emily Scherbath who will see time at outside hitter for Buhler. Scherbath is followed by two juniors in Lauryn Holland and Sophia Rose. Holland will play the RS (right side) while Rose is expected to play middle blocker. Coach Emel said she is excited to see Holland make her return to the court. 

“Lauryn was injured her entire sophomore season. She used that time to encourage and push her teammates to be their best each day. Over the summer, she has done the same thing on and off the court. We are excited to have her healthy again and looking forward to the impact she makes on her teammates every day,” said coach Emel. 

A half-dozen sophomores make up the bulk of the lineup. 

Natalya Krafels and Charlie Baxter are two middle blockers who will also play outside hitter and right side, respectively. Coach Emel said Krafels had a great offseason. 

“Natalya is a sophomore who has grown tremendously over the offseason. She is a high jumping versatile player with the ability to play multiple positions. She is a three-sport athlete for Buhler High School. She brings a calm energy to the court and is always

smiling. We are looking forward to her continued growth,” said coach Emel. 

Braelyn East is another outside hitter/right side player while Ellie Keeton will likely be the teams defensive specialist or Libero. 

Setters, Breann Ruda and Sydney Lehl are also sophomores coach Emel is excited to see on the court this season. 

Freshman Emerson Waldren comes in as the fresh face on the roster this season and is looking to see the court as an outside hitter.