Featuring photography by Heather Daub
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Julia Wenger
When Julia Wenger arrived at ELCO as a freshman, she was a middle hitter. Three years later, the junior has become the quarterback of the Raiders’ offense, rewriting the program’s record book along the way.
Known to her teammates as “Jules,” Wenger has developed into one of ELCO’s most accomplished setters, holding the school’s single-match, single-season, and career assist records. Her latest single-match milestone came on October 6th, when she recorded 49 assists in a thrilling 5-set victory over Manheim Central, breaking her own school record of 44, which she established last season.
The performance came during the week of October 5th, as ELCO battled for postseason positioning in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 2. The Raiders rallied to earn a 3-2 victory, with Wenger directing the offense and making critical decisions throughout the match. Her record-setting effort earned her LebCo Athlete of the Week honors.
“During those five sets, I had 49 assists, running a 5-1, which set a new ELCO record for most assists in a match,” Wenger said. “The previous record was 44, which I had set last year, so it was really cool to break my own record.”
Wenger’s success at setter came after an important adjustment early in her high school career. ELCO head coach Wes Harpold recalled that she readily agreed to switch from middle hitter to setter at the beginning of her freshman season. By the middle of that year, she had taken over as the varsity setter and has led the Raiders’ offense ever since.
As a sophomore, Wenger established ELCO’s single-season assist record with 694 while also setting the previous single-match mark. This fall, she added another chapter to that success, recording her 1,525th career assist during another dramatic 5-set victory over Solanco. That milestone established a new ELCO career assists record, giving Wenger all 3 major assist records for the Raiders.
Harpold was quick to point out that those accomplishments reflect the efforts of the entire team.
“Of course, individual records are often the result of the hard work of a team,” Harpold said. “An assist starts with a great pass and ends with an effective attack. ELCO has been a team of great passers and skilled hitters that complement a great setter like Julia.”
Wenger shares that appreciation for the teammates around her. She also understands the responsibility that comes with directing an offense, comparing her position to that of a quarterback in football, with the setter responsible for calling plays and making decisions that can influence the outcome of a match.
“Playing this role has taught me how to be a leader, stay calm under pressure, and make quick decisions,” Wenger explained. “I have to know my teammates well enough to understand what works best for them and how to put them in the best position to succeed.”
That leadership has been particularly important during a season in which ELCO has continued to establish itself as a postseason contender.
The Raiders finished the regular season 10-7, edging Cocalico for 2nd place in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 2 and earning a berth in the L-L League playoffs. Although ELCO fell to Manheim Township in Monday evening’s opening round, the Raiders also secured their second consecutive District 3 Class 4A playoff appearance, sitting 3rd in the classification’s power rankings.
For Wenger, those team accomplishments have been every bit as meaningful as the records.
“Volleyball is a team sport, and we all have a part to play,” Wenger said. “Setting is mine, and I do my best to use that role to help our team reach its goals.”
Harpold has been impressed by the growth he has witnessed over the past 3 seasons.
“It has been wonderful to watch Julia develop as both a player and a leader over the past three years,” Harpold said. “Her growth, dedication, and leadership have played a significant role in ELCO earning its second consecutive district playoff appearance.”
Despite already owning several school records, Wenger continues looking for ways to improve, including becoming a stronger hitter, developing greater consistency with her sets, and adding more aces from the service line. She credits her ELCO and club coaches, teammates, family, and friends for helping her reach this point.
Wenger also plays for Central Pennsylvania Volleyball Club and will compete as a right-side hitter on its national team during the upcoming club season. After playing basketball during her freshman and sophomore years, she is transitioning to winter track and also competes in spring Track & Field, focusing primarily on the discus.
Athletic success runs in the family as well. Wenger’s older brother, Brett, earned Lancaster-Lebanon League recognition in golf and qualified twice for District competition in tennis. Her father, Corey Wenger, wasa multi-sport athlete while in high school at ELCO before moving into coaching collegiate football. He eventually landed back near home and joined the staff at Lebanon Valley College, where he serves as a defensive assistant.
Looking ahead, Wenger hopes to attend a four-year college to study forensic accounting while potentially continuing her volleyball and discus careers at the collegiate level.
Away from athletics, Wenger maintains a busy schedule. She shows livestock, including cattle and hogs, and is heavily involved in ELCO’s FFA chapter. She is also a certified parliamentarian, and her Parliamentary Procedure team finished 2nd at the Pennsylvania State FFA Convention.
Wenger also works at the K-Ville Tavern, Messy Pig Catering, and the merchandise stand at Lebanon Valley College football games. When she finds time to relax, she enjoys listening to music, particularly Nelly Furtado.
For Wenger, however, some of the best parts of volleyball are the experiences that come with competing alongside her teammates.
“What I love most about sports is the competition and the feeling during a close game when the whole crowd is loud and everyone is giving it their all,” Wenger said.
She also appreciates the smaller moments, from teammates braiding her hair and exchanging high-fives after a good play to picking one another up after mistakes. Even team-bonding activities, including games of hide-and-seek in the dark, have helped make the experience memorable.
With another District 3 postseason appearance ahead, Wenger and the Raiders have an opportunity to build on a season that has already produced some memorable moments.
Congratulations to Julia on earning LebCo Athlete of the Week honors, and best of luck to her and the Raiders as they begin their District 3 playoff run.
Photography by Heather Daub
LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Gavin Meson (Coming Soon)
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