Derrick Webb

Derrick is SOSA's chief content coordinator and has worked for the Chillicothe Gazette, the Portsmouth Daily Times and Eleven Warriors. He's a 15-time award-winning journalist, a self-proclaimed baseball purist, a suffering Bengals fan and has never met a stranger.

Ranking the Area’s Top 30 Volleyball Players: 10-1

July 15, 2025
, 4:25 pm
, Features

We take a look at the area's top 30 volleyball players, continuing with numbers 10-1.

Derrick Webb, Staff Writer

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

If you remember last season — and how could you forget — the area’s volleyball scene provided plenty of drama and an abundance of success as usual.

Between the SVC, SOC, FAC, SHAC, OVC, MSL-Buckeye and TVC, the seven conferences within SOSA’s coverage reach, seven different programs earned district titles.

But en route to those postseason finishes, there were plenty of individual performances to rave about, multiple records broken and tons of matches that won’t soon be forgotten.

As for this season, we expect much more of the same. But before it happens, for the fifth straight year, we’ve decided to compile a list of the coverage area’s top 30 players. It was an absolute bear to do so, but we think we’ve got a list of 30 athletes who are the absolute best at their craft.

Remember, this list only includes players from within SOSA’s coverage area and it isn’t an end all, be all. We encourage discussion, and giving our athletes the recognition they deserve is always our mission.

10. Ally Thornsley, Junior, Circleville

2024 statistics: 271 kills, 27 aces, 37 blocks, 161 digs, 319 assists

It seems like Thornsley has springs in her shoes. She’s fun to watch play above the net. Her 271 kills led Circleville to 17 wins last year and a 10-2 mark in a tough MSL-Buckeye. She also tallied 319 assists, proving her versatility. The Tigers will certainly compete for a league crown.

9. Ella Chamberlin, Senior, Wheelersburg

2024 statistics: 43 kills, 43 aces, 22 blocks, 226 digs, 907 assists

It takes a special talent to be a varsity setter. But to be as good as Chamberlin, it takes a next-level type of skill. Chamberlin amassed an eye-popping 907 assists as a junior, helping ‘Burg reach a regional championship game. She’ll enter this season with 1,604 career helpers.

Wheelersburg’s Ella Chamberlin helped the Pirates win 24 matches last season.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

8. Claire King, Senior, Logan Elm

2024 statistics: 160 kills, 10 aces, 25 blocks, 91 digs, 14 assists

King’s junior season ended early. But in just 29 sets, she was magnificent. She posted 160 kills, 25 blocks and 91 digs during that time, allowing Logan Elm to keep afloat in the MSL-Buckeye title race. She’s now in reach of multiple career milestones with 892 kills and 172 blocks.

7. Kylie Yeazel, Junior, Miami Trace

2024 statistics: 49 kills, 51 aces, 20 blocks, 149 digs, 754 assists

With an outside shot at 3,000 career assists, Yeazel’s name is already known throughout the state’s volleyball circles. With back-to-back years of 700-plus assists, the Panthers’ setter has set herself apart at an elite level. Miami Trace is 38-8 with her on the floor. No coincidence.

6. Kimmy Dalton, Junior, Adena

2024 statistics: 0 kills, 29 aces, 0 blocks, 546 digs, 10 assists

Dalton may be the best defensive player on this list and if you’ve seen her play, you know how true that statement is. Last year’s SVC Defensive POY helped her team rack up 24 wins and posted a team-high 19.5 digs per match. She was, and will be, fantastic in Adena’s back row.

5. Gracyn Clark, Junior, Gallia Academy

2024 statistics: 21 kills, 59 aces, 5 blocks, 222 digs, 810 assists

Many setters never reach 1,000 career assists. Clark almost did that in one season. The OVC’s Offensive Player of the Year was locked in every night last fall, posting 222 digs and a mind-boggling 810 assists. She’ll try to earn All-Ohio honors for a second consecutive season.

4. Evelyn Hamman, Junior, Chillicothe

2024 statistics: 353 kills, 63 aces, 72 blocks, 71 digs, 6 assists

Each and every time Hamman steps onto the court, she’s an absolute problem. As she enters her junior year, she already produced a track record of success, posting 603 kills — alongside a .298 hit percentage — 122 aces and 125 blocks. She does it all well and will continue to do so.

3. Alyssa Mullins, Junior, Wheelersburg

2024 statistics: 270 kills, 59 aces, 7 blocks, 301 digs, 13 assists

When the opponent’s game plans revolve around stopping a single player, you know how special that player is. If Mullins isn’t on the opponent’s game plan, then automatically chalk up the loss. She’ll enter this fall with 437 kills, 79 aces and 465 digs in just two varsity seasons.

South Webster’s Addison Claxon posted 532 digs last season.
CREDIT: *Raymond Gleadle/SOSA*

2. Addison Claxon, Senior, South Webster

2024 statistics: 13 kills, 52 aces, 0 blocks, 532 digs, 39 assists

Everywhere. That’s where Claxon is on a nightly basis. Her first three seasons have been nothing short of incredible, and there’s no reason to think this year would be any different. She’ll play add-on to a career 1,378 digs. In 1,843 career serve receptions, she’s made just 99 errors.

1. Katie Burns, Senior, Adena

2024 statistics: 524 kills, 35 aces, 83 blocks, 128 digs, 35 assists

Consistently playing above the net, Burns is one of the most dynamic players in not just the area, but the entire state. After powering Adena to yet another regional crown as a junior, she’s poised for a huge senior year. She’ll enter the season with 850 career kills and 142 blocks.