Four Edison State Volleyball Players Receive Postseason Honors
Head Volleyball Coach Julia Brandewie Named Coach of the Year
Edison State Community College's volleyball team recently finished their winning season with a National Junior College Athletic Association Region XII Great Lakes District A tournament appearance. The Ohio Community College Athletic Conference named four volleyball players recipients of postseason awards for the 2025 season.
The OCCAC named Bailey Poppe, from Urbana, Player of the Year and included her on the All-OCCAC First Team. Poppe, a sophomore outside hitter, earned 133 points, 66 digs, 114 kills, and 11 blocks in eight conference games this season. Additionally, the NJCAA recognized Poppe by placing her on the All-Region Team.
"Bailey is an all-around standout player and a fierce competitor," said Head Volleyball Coach Julie Brandewie. "She is definitely a force to be reckoned with on a volleyball court. She sees the court well and is able to adjust quickly."
Emma Luedeke, of New Knoxville, claimed Setter of the Year and landed a spot on the All-OCCAC First Team. The 5-foot-4-inch sophomore put up 74 digs and 327 assists, averaging 10.55 assists per set in conference play. Luedeke also joins Poppe on the NJCAA All-Region Team.
Brandewie said, "Emma is small but mighty. She is incredibly fast, which helped her run down a lot of balls and get them to our hitters. As the only setter on the court, there is a lot of pressure placed on her regularly, and she handled that pressure gracefully."
The OCCAC selected Madyson Buckingham, from Ansonia, as Libero of the Year and named her to the All-OCCAC Second Team. The 5-foot-2-inch sophomore earned 23 points and 142 digs in nine conference games this season.
"She is truly the heart and soul of this team. Madyson gives 100% every time she steps on the court, and that shows in her performance. The attitude and presence she brings while on the court are unmatched. She is also an incredible teammate," said Brandewie.
Joining Poppe and Luedeke on the All-OCCAC First Team is Kylie Green, from Kettering. The 5-foot-9-inch freshman outside hitter earned 131.5 points, 105 digs, 99 kills, and three blocks in conference play.
"Kylie is able to run the court well, which, as a freshman surrounded by all sophomores, is a great quality to have," Brandewie said. "She is not afraid to take charge while on the court. She is also extremely coachable and able to adjust to feedback quickly. I am excited to see what she does next season. I would expect big things from her again next year."
She added, "All four of these young ladies are very talented volleyball players. They are each on the court for the entire match. I asked big things of them this season, and they all rose to the occasion."
Additionally, the OCCAC named Brandewie Coach of the Year, who finished her eighth season leading the Lady Chargers.
"Coach Brandewie is an extremely dedicated coach," said Athletics Director Justin McCulla. "She is invested in the experience and welfare of her student-athletes and has helped grow the footprint of Edison State's volleyball program, developing it into a perennial OCCAC champion and putting us in the spotlight at the conference and regional levels. This award is an honor that signifies her success and dedication this season. Off the court, Coach Brandewie prides her team on being successful in the classroom as well. Last year, her team was an Academic All-American Team!"
The Lady Chargers ended the season 26-7 overall and 10-0 in the OCCAC, clinching the 2025 OCCAC Volleyball Championship.
For more information, visit athletics.edisonohio.edu.