By Sam Bernardi for The Montgomery News | Posted October 7, 2026
Sidney Koslow started playing volleyball in eighth grade when a couple of friends introduced her to the game.
It wasn’t long before Koslow found herself on Coach Lauren Matlack’s varsity team.
MHS Varsity Volleyball Player Sidney Koslow
After a strong debut campaign and joining a club program, Koslow had her eyes set on that sophomore year leap. That was all stripped away from her when she tore her ACL at Nationals in Florida.
“I know a lot of people who tear their ACL; they sometimes don’t even feel it,” Koslow said. “… But for me, it was the worst pain I’ve ever felt.”
Instead of competing, Koslow was confined to the doctor’s office. Three physical therapy sessions per week, lasting one hour each, the desperation to return to action nagging at her constantly.
“There wasn’t a day that went by during recovery that I didn’t think about playing,” she said.
Koslow did return, and while the Cougars went 3-22 during that rehab-filled sophomore season, they have bounced back this year for a 9-1 start in 2026.
“She’s been back for the start of this season and has really been a player who has transformed our season so far,” Matlack said. “I mean, we have a strong group of girls, and she’s one of the strongest. It’s great to have her back.”
The outside hitter leads Montgomery in kills and has plenty of digs, too, though her impact on the program stretches far beyond counting stats.
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“Her volleyball intelligence is super strong,” Matlack said. “She knows the game well. She’s one of the first people to talk in the huddles during pregame conversations, during timeouts. She is so loud on the court.”
Koslow always makes sure to bring positivity and energy. Whether it be coordinated handshakes, chants or simple words of encouragement, she cherishes that time on the court.
“It felt so fun to be able to celebrate each point and experience what I’ve been missing out on,” Koslow said.
One element she did not miss as much was the hecklers. When Koslow was a freshman, the Cougars visited Voorhees. Despite the hostile environment, she never wavered:
“I remember serving, and there were literally fully grown men yelling at me… I kind of just ignore it and focus,” Koslow said.
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“She really is an athlete that I want everyone to look at and be like, ‘That’s how I want to be on the court,’” Matlack added.
Koslow spent time coaching at camps, an experience that rounded out her perspective.
She learned to pass on wisdom at appropriate times, always pushing her group toward their common goal. “She’s celebrating everybody’s mini victories. She gives good constructive feedback,” Matlack said. “And people listen to her because she’s doing well.”
Koslow: “When you enjoy something so much and then you have to lose it, you really find the appreciation for it.”
