Former Clarion Area Bobcat Volleyball Standout Ellie (Burns) Proksell And Husband Evan On A Wonderful Ride In North Allegheny’s State Championship Run

Photos Courtesy North Allegheny Girls Volleyball – Above: 2023 North Allegheny Tigers PIAA Girls Class-4A State Volleyball Champions David Schmidt, Molly Tuman, Ally Hodnik, Anna Bridges, Julie Butler, Molly Robertson, Ariana Schiller, Bella Huwar, Jordan Frisco, Jamie Frisco, Marin Dunaway, Bridgit Murphy, Elysia Smith, Kyra Schmidt, Avery Butcher, Rylee Gadomski, Mackenzie Jones, Caileigh Duffy, Alisha Mokube, Hannah Delucia, Macey Castan, Keely McMahon-Regan, Russ Hoburg, Terri Jones, Ellie Proksell, Elora Proksell, and Evan Proksell.

The North Allegheny High School Tigers Girls Volleyball Team, from Wexford, won their seventh consecutive Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), state championship, defeating the District 1 champion Unionville Longhorns, 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 26-24), in the 2023 Class-4A title tilt, on Saturday, November 18th, at Cumberland Valley High School, in Mechanicsburg.

The consecutive championship streak is the second most in PIAA history, and places them just two behind the standard set by Norwin’s nine consecutive state crowns from 1976-1984.

This championship was NA’s 12th overall, which is also the second most in state history.

On the Tigers coaching staff are former Clarion Bobcat All-Stater Ellie (Burns) Proksell, who played collegiately at Pitt and IUP, and her husband Evan, who played his college volleyball at Thiel College.

Ellie has been an assistant coach for four of the seven titles, joining the staff in 2020, head coach Heidi Miller’s final year at the helm. Evan came on staff in 2021, current head coach Russ Hoburg’s first year.

Ellie shared about the team during this remarkable run, “Each year is a special year. Every year is unique in its own way. It’s like comparing apples to oranges, yet they’re both fruits. Every year, our team strives for the same goals; however, each year, each team, is unique in their own ways.

“We have new personalities, new strengths, new challenges, etc. I think the major difference is that each year the pressure gets a little bit bigger with each win.

“I commend our girls and our staff for always remaining poised with such a big target on our backs.”

Ellie and Evan are enjoying this historic ride, “We are really blessed to be a part of the NAVB family.”

It all flows down from the top, with the “Captain” guiding, while allowing the staff do what they do best, for advancement of the team. “Russ does an exceptional job at leading our ship. He works hard to take the lead, all while allowing the coaching staff to bring their own strengths to the table.”

What’s the next goal? We are going for eight.

Congratulations to Ellie, Evan, Elora, head coach Russ Hoburg, all the players and coaching staff on this fantastic season!!!!

(Thanks to North Allegheny Girls Volleyball for the photos!!)