Fall Sports Preview 2026: Scotch Plains-Fanwood Girls Volleyball

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood girls volleyball team enters the 2026 season under new leadership with Coach Jen Carvalho, who led the Raider boys volleyball team to the state title in Spring 2026. Assistant Coach Arvin Arjona brings consecutive championship experience from Millburn boys volleyball. The coaching staff combines high-level championship experience with fresh energy for the girls program.

Previous Season and Rebuilding Challenge

The Raiders finished 9-13 overall and 2-10 in the Union County Conference last season but advanced to the sectional final as the No. 10 seed, demonstrating competitive spirit despite the overall record. The team earned a significant sectional upset of No. 2 seed North Hunterdon, showing ability to perform in high-pressure competition.

The team must replace three graduating seniors: Madelyn Byrne, Elyse Lamberti, and DJ Ngumah. Rebuilding the roster represents a significant transition for the program.

Coaching Leadership and Vision

Coach Carvalho addressed the team's rebuilding phase, noting that prior coaching departed two weeks into last season. She emphasized building trust with players while maintaining high standards and competitive expectations. Her coaching philosophy centers on "The Three I's"—intensity, intentional, and intelligence.

"I want them to be intense," Carvalho stated. "The boys had that, I want our girls team to bring intensity to the game. We will be in shape and outwork the other teams."

Her strategic approach focuses on team intelligence and opponent analysis. "We are building a smart team. We find out what our opponents are weak at, and then we exploit them. This year we won't get outworked, and we will have the best volleyball IQ."

Key Players and Returning Talent

Carvalho highlighted standout returning players shaping the team's offensive and defensive capability. "Brynn Cardenas is the best hitter in the state," Carvalho stated, identifying Cardenas as a premier attacking threat.

Maya Diaz is described as "a great blocker," anchoring the defensive line. Libero Jacklyn Choi is expected to have a strong season in the specialized floor defense role. Sofia Cennamo, playing outside hitter for the first time, is anticipated to perform well in the new position.

Coaching Experience and Development

Coach Carvalho's championship background with the boys program brings proven leadership and winning culture. Assistant Coach Arjona's consecutive championship experience at Millburn reflects high-level coaching expertise. The coaching staff emphasizes player development and competitive excellence.

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Fall Athletics and Community Engagement

High school fall volleyball represents community sports engagement and student athletic participation. Athletes balance academics and athletics while representing school and community pride.

Season Opening and Competition

The team's first match is Wednesday, September 2 at 4:00 p.m. against Gov. Livingston at Gov. Livingston High School. The opening match begins the competitive season and represents the team's first official test under new coaching leadership.

Rebuilding and Growth Opportunity

Coaching transitions present opportunity for program renewal and fresh perspective. New coaching staff brings championship experience and fresh energy to student-athlete development.

State-Level Competition Recognition

Carvalho's identification of Brynn Cardenas as "the best hitter in the state" reflects high-level competitive standards and statewide athletic recognition. Player development at state-level competition represents elite athletic achievement.

Team Chemistry and Coaching Philosophy

Building trust between coaching staff and players after mid-season leadership change requires intentional relationship development. Carvalho's emphasis on trust while maintaining standards reflects balanced coaching approach.

Defensive Strength and Floor Game

Identification of strong defensive players (Diaz as "great blocker," Choi as libero) indicates defensive focus and floor game emphasis. Defensive excellence supports offensive sustainability in volleyball competition.

For Scotch Plains-Fanwood Volleyball Fans

The 2026 season begins September 2 with opening match against Gov. Livingston. Fans can support the Raiders throughout the fall season and witness new coaching leadership and student-athlete development.

Find more Scotch Plains-Fanwood sports, student athletes, and local news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: NJ.com

FAQ

Q: When does Scotch Plains-Fanwood girls volleyball start?
A: The 2026 season begins Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. against Gov. Livingston at Gov. Livingston High School.

Q: Who is the new girls volleyball coach?
A: Jen Carvalho is the new head coach. She led the Scotch Plains-Fanwood boys volleyball team to the state title in Spring 2026.

Q: Who is the assistant coach?
A: Arvin Arjona is the assistant coach. He is a two-time consecutive champion from Millburn boys volleyball.

Q: How did the team perform last season?
A: The Raiders finished 9-13 overall and 2-10 in the Union County Conference but advanced to the sectional final as the No. 10 seed.

Q: Did the team have playoff success?
A: Yes. The Raiders advanced to the sectional final and upset No. 2 seed North Hunterdon in sectional competition.

Q: What players graduated?
A: Three seniors graduated: Madelyn Byrne, Elyse Lamberti, and DJ Ngumah.

Q: Who are key returning players?
A: Brynn Cardenas (hitter), Maya Diaz (blocker), Jacklyn Choi (libero), and Sofia Cennamo (outside hitter, new position).

Q: What is Coach Carvalho's coaching philosophy?
A: Her philosophy centers on "The Three I's": Intensity, Intentional, and Intelligence. She emphasizes outworking opponents and developing volleyball IQ.

Q: How does Coach Carvalho describe Brynn Cardenas?
A: Carvalho stated Brynn Cardenas is "the best hitter in the state."