Rachael Aquila was named Head Coach of the Women's Volleyball team on July 1, 2021. A graduate of Nazareth High School, Aquila (formerly Caywood) starred for the Spartans during their back-to-back NJCAA National Tournament appearances in 2015 and 2016, earning All-Tournament honors in 2016.
2024 was an up and down season for the Spartans, as they finished 16-7 overall, falling in the NJCAA East District semifinals. The Spartans were ranked as high as #13 in the country during the season. Kailen Felty earned First Team All-Region accolades, while Mackenzie Davis and Lexi Womack earned Second and Third Team honors, respectively.
The 2023 campaign produced a conference title, Region 19 championship, District championship and a return trip to the NJCAA National Tournament, the 7th in program history. Aquila guided the Spartans to a perfect 15-0 record during the regular and Regionals, earning Region 19 and NJCAA East District A Coach of the Year Honors. Ayana Bomani was named Region 19 Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, while freshman Kailen Felty earned All-Region accolades. The Spartans also received the prestigious NJCAA Sportsmanship Award following the National Tournament.
2022 was a breakthrough year for Aquila and the Spartans as they returned to national prominence, winning the EPAC Championship, Region 19 Championship, North Atlantic District B title and finishing 10th at the NJCAA National Tournament. Ayana Bomani was named Region 19 Player of the Year, while Jordan Appleton was chosen as EPAC Player of the Year. Aquila was named EPAC Coach of the Year, Region 19 Coach of the Year and North Atlantic District B Coach of the Year for her efforts.
In her first season at the helm, Aquila guided the 2021 Spartans to a 3-10 record and mentored freshman Jordan Appleton to All-Region and All-Conference accolades. The Spartans won 3 of their final 5 matches of the season.
A coaching fixture in the Lehigh Valley on the club volleyball circuit, Aquila is employed as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT).
AQUILA at NORTHAMPTON - 4 seasons
Overall Record:
53-22 (71%)
Championships:
Region 19: 2022, 2023
EPAC: 2022, 2023
Honors and Awards:
2023 NJCAA Sportsmanship Award
2023 Region 19 Coach of the Year
2023 East District A Coach of the Year
2022 EPAC Coach of the Year
2022 Region 19 Coach of the Year
2022 North Atlantic District B Coach of the Year
