Revere volleyball team shows remarkable growth: 400% win increase in 2024

By Dom Nicastro

The Revere High School Patriots had three entrants into the postseason this fall: boys soccer, girls soccer and volleyball. Each was impressive.

But when it comes to year-over-year growth, it’s hard to beat the efforts of the volleyball team. Two wins last year. Ten this year and a spot in the Division 2 tournament. Not bad improvement at all – a 400% increase.

The 2024 season marked a remarkable turnaround for the Patriots volleyball team. Under the leadership of Head Coach Emilie Hostetter, the Patriots evolved from a struggling squad to a competitive force in the Greater Boston League. The team ended their season with a respectable 10-10 record, culminating in a postseason appearance.

“It was an incredible overlooked achievement in light of what football’s been doing and what soccer just did but obviously a huge turnaround by volleyball,” said Frank Shea, Revere’s athletics director. “Very happy that they were able to make that type of move and get back to the state tournament. I’m happy for the kids and for Coach Hostetter. She did a great job, and the kids were great as well.”

From the start of the season, Revere demonstrated that this year would be different. The team worked diligently through the offseason, participating in summer leagues and open gyms that strengthened their chemistry and skill set. This preparation paid off in victories over familiar foes like Medford and Lynn English – teams that had swept Revere in previous seasons.

Coach Hostetter noted the dedication of her team, particularly the senior leadership that laid the foundation for success. The four seniors – Lea Doucette, Samantha Hoyos Tobon, Danna Canas and Liv Yuong – played a crucial role in mentoring younger players and setting a standard of resilience and teamwork.

  Statistically, Revere’s improvement was evident across the board. Senior Lea Doucette emerged as a standout, leading the team with 71 kills and contributing 73 digs and eight blocks over the season. Shayna Smith followed closely with 59 kills and 48 digs, while Canas added 40 kills, showcasing the offensive depth of the team. Defensively, Samantha Indorato proved to be a cornerstone, racking up an impressive 427 digs to keep the Patriots competitive in long rallies. Hoyos Tobon also contributed solidly with 101 digs and 76 kills.

The turning point of the season came during a crucial late stretch when the Patriots had to secure back-to-back wins to ensure their postseason berth. The team showed remarkable tenacity, battling through five-set matches and rallying from early deficits. Hostetter recalled how the team rallied on senior night, dropping the first set but coming back to win in a dramatic fourth set.

“Everyone we beat this season was a team that had defeated us last year,” Hostetter said, reflecting on the season’s achievements. “It was a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

  Although Revere entered the Division 2 tournament as the last-ranked team, simply qualifying was an achievement in itself. Their postseason match against Essex Tech showcased their growth, with strong starts and competitive play. While they ultimately fell in straight sets, the experience set the stage for future seasons and provided invaluable lessons for returning players.

  Looking ahead, Revere volleyball is in a promising position. The team will return key players like juniors Smith and Indorato, as well as sophomore Anna Doucette, who led the team with a .786 hitting efficiency. With a solid core of underclassmen and experienced juniors, the Patriots are poised to build on their 2024 success and aim for an even stronger season next year.

Reflecting on the season, Coach Hostetter said it best: “It’s not just about this year’s results – it’s about knowing what we’re capable of and using that as a foundation for the future. The girls have shown that they’re ready for anything.”