Clinton Township’s Chippewa Valley High School achieved a significant milestone by securing its first district championship since 2014. The team, led by senior outside hitter Reagan Lesley, overcame a challenging start to defeat Utica in a thrilling 3-1 victory on November 6, 2025. This victory not only ended an eleven-year drought for the program but also fulfilled a promise Lesley made to her teammates earlier in the season.
Lesley, who has committed to play volleyball at NCAA Division II Michigan Tech University, played a crucial role in the match, delivering an impressive performance that included 26 kills. The Big Reds, who had faced disappointment in the district finals for the past three years, rallied to win the match with set scores of 15-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20.
After a rocky start, where Chippewa Valley lost the first set decisively, the team regrouped. “We started slow but figured it out eventually and found a way to win,” said Chris Hull, the Chippewa Valley coach. His team’s resilience was evident as they bounced back, demonstrating a collective effort to turn the tide in the following sets.
A Dramatic Turnaround
The first set saw Utica take a commanding lead, quickly turning a 4-4 tie into a substantial 23-12 advantage before closing it out with an ace from sophomore Kara Chambers. Chippewa Valley, however, refused to let the early setback define their performance.
In the second set, trailing 11-5, Lesley delivered a series of strong serves that revitalized her team. This momentum shift allowed the Big Reds to mount a comeback, ultimately closing the set with a 13-6 run to equalize the match. “We had to establish a little bit of our offense,” Hull noted, reflecting on the turning point that followed a timely timeout in the second set.
As the match progressed, Chippewa Valley maintained consistency and control, leading significantly in both the third and fourth sets. Lesley’s contributions were pivotal, including a stretch in the final set where she scored three consecutive kills, pushing the Big Reds to a 21-13 lead.
Celebrating a Historic Victory
This championship marks the 12th district title in Chippewa Valley’s history, an achievement that resonates deeply with the players and coaching staff. “It’s been so long. I’ve wanted this since my freshman year,” expressed Lesley, reflecting on the long wait since the team last won the title in 2014.
The victory is not only a testament to the talent on the team but also to their perseverance. After suffering defeats in the finals for the previous three years, this win was a significant boost for the players and the school community.
Looking ahead, Chippewa Valley (23-12-2) is set to face unranked Oxford in the regional semifinals on Tuesday, an opponent that recently upset state powerhouse Clarkston. Hull emphasized the importance of this next match, stating, “We’re headed to the big-time now. None of these girls have ever been to a regional.”
The excitement surrounding the team’s success and their upcoming challenges is palpable. With players like Lesley leading the way, Chippewa Valley is poised to make a mark in the upcoming regional competition.
