Butler’s Maddox McCall (1) is taking on a larger role this season for a team that lost all six starters from 2025. Butler Eagle file photo

Turnover will be the theme of the 2026 PIAA boys volleyball season in Butler County.

Butler, Mars, North Catholic and Seneca Valley all lost a significant amount from their starting rotations due to graduation. So this year’s players to watch list takes on a new meaning: names to get to know.

There are some familiar faces back, but it could take some time for the season — and the next crop of stars — to get its footing.

Here are five players from the county to keep both eyes on this season, listed alphabetically:

The 6-foot attack had 220 kills last year to go along with 117 digs, 38 aces and 15 blocks. He was named WPIAL Class 3A all-district third team last season.

The Golden Tornado are replacing six starters from last season, and McCall will take on a big roll in that effort after recording 145 digs last season. He had 11 in the season opener March 13.

Ranier was an honorable mention on the Butler Eagle’s all-county team last season. The Trojans lost a lot of talent to graduation.

Another senior who will be tasked with providing instant leadership and production in a larger role, Slaugenhoup had 189 kills, 110 digs, 29 blocks and 11 aces a season ago to earn WPIAL Class 3A all-district second team and Butler Eagle all-county honorable mention honors.

Mars' Will Suppa (16) is one of the few returning starters from any Butler County team this year. He has a “deadly float serve,” head coach Mike Nypaver said. Butler Eagle file photo

Morgan Phillips

Like several Butler County teams this year, Mars is also retooling after a big graduation class last spring. Suppa returns to the starting rotation and should step into a leading role as a captain with a strong work ethic. Head coach Mike Nypaver said he has a “deadly float serve.” Suppa had 48 kills, 19 assists, 16 aces and five blocks last season.