VOLLEYBALL: Take a look at SOSA’s All-Area team

Derrick Webb, Managing Editor

Two regional finalists, seven district champions, and a number of instant classic matches … needless to say, this past volleyball season was as successful as they come.

Southern Ohio Sports Authority was right there every step of the way, covering individual milestones, improbable feats and wins that changed history.

After a fun-filled year, take a look at our All-Area team, which consists of 35 area players who were at their best throughout the fall season.

**Bold, italicized statistics recognize team leader

Addy Brewster | Hitter | Senior | Western

364 kills, 32 aces, 36 blocks, 323 digs, 319 assists

Put simply, Brewster is in a league of her own. The do-it-all senior, in fact, did it all again this season. While leading Western to 13 wins and a district final appearance, she posted 364 kills, 323 digs and 319 assists — fully living up to her reputation. Brewster is one of the best players to ever put on a uniform for the Indians, totaling 1,081 kills, 1,169 digs and 1,230 assists. 

Katie Burns | Senior | Hitter | Adena

577 kills, 36 aces, 81 blocks, 259 digs, 14 assists

Nobody that’s ever played in Frankfort boasts of more career kills than Burns. That says all you need to know. The Warriors’ sensational senior pieced together one last ride for the ages, leading her teammates to the Elite 8 and nailing down 577 kills along the way — a school record. She ends her illustrious career with 1,427 kills, 223 blocks and 472 digs. Truly a legend.

Ella Chamberlin | Setter | Senior | Wheelersburg

42 kills, 41 aces, 11 blocks, 260 digs, 881 assists

Now that it’s all said and done, Chamberlin is Wheelersburg’s all-time assists leader, turning in her uniform with 2,485 to her name. Her 881 assists were the 18th most in the state this fall as she continued to cement her legacy as a Pirate. Always putting the ball on target for her hitters to let loose, Chamberlin quarterbacked a powerful offensive attack. She’ll be sorely missed.

Gracyn Clark | Setter | Junior | Gallia Academy

49 kills, 66 aces, 14 digs, 214 digs, 924 assists

There’s not a setter on this list that tallied as many assists as Clark and there aren’t many throughout the entire state. The junior’s 924 assists were the ninth most in Ohio this season, giving her 2,371 in her career with a year to work with. The OVC Player of the Year and first-team All-Ohioan has a real shot to be the 16th Ohioan to ever record 3,000 assists. 

Addi Claxon | Libero | Senior | South Webster

285 kills, 82 aces, 21 blocks, 453 digs, 34 assists

All in all, Claxon may be the best player on this entire list. She has a proven track record of doing literally everything well. She was as solid as ever defensively, where she’s made a name for herself, with 453 digs. And, offensively, she added a new wrinkle with 285 kills. Claxon ends her incredible career at SW with a program-record 1,831 digs. She’s immortalized as a Jeep.

Brenlee Cottrill | Libero | Junior | Federal Hocking

14 kills, 56 aces, 0 blocks, 562 digs, 32 assists

No player on this list tallied more digs than Cottrill. The District 13 Defensive Player of the Year was phenomenal in the back row, posting 562 digs in 83 sets — 6.8 per go-around. She also led the team in service aces with 56, proving her worth on the offensive side as well. The two-time defending TVC-Hocking Defensive POY will be looking for a third consecutive honor in 2026.

Kimmy Dalton | Junior | Libero | Adena

1 kill, 82 aces, 0 blocks, 505 digs, 16 assists

After earning the SVC’s Defensive Player of the Year honor as a sophomore, Dalton repeated the feat as a junior. She was, again, phenomenal in every sense of the word, anchoring the Warriors’ fundamentally sound defense. After surpassing the 1,000 career dig mark, she ended her year with 505 digs — the 25th most in the state of Ohio. She’s as special as they come.

Zoie Dettwiler | Hitter | Senior | Unioto

252 kills, 23 aces, 66 blocks, 66 digs, 11 assists

When Unioto needed to score in a tight situation, Dettwiller was getting her number called. Her 252 kills and 66 blocks were team-highs, proving her elite level of play at the net, and helped her earn first-team all-SVC and second-team all-district status. She posted career highs in nearly every statistical category as her Tanks fought to win 18 games, finishing 11-3 in the SVC. 

Kylee Dunn | Hitter | Sophomore | Southeastern

313 kills, 37 aces, 54 blocks, 51 digs, 6 assists

When Dunn gets a swing on the ball, get all the way out of the way. The powerful middle hitter packed a punch all season long, leading the Panthers with 313 kills and 54 blocks. Offensively, she was a weapon. Defensively, she was a nuisance, forcing teams to find a way around her. With a ton of room to grow, the all-district honoree enters her junior year with 609 career kills.

Addison Edgington | Hitter | Junior | Circleville

379 kills, 14 aces, 90 blocks, 32 digs, 13 assists

Opponents had Edgington circled on their scouting reports all year long and it didn’t make one bit of difference. The 6-foot-2 junior powered down 379 kills and posted 90 blocks, leading the Tigers to 19 wins, including the program’s first district title since 1984. She was a consistent puzzle for opponents to solve and few had the missing piece. She now owns 774 career kills.

Lauren Farrens | Hitter | Senior | Miami Trace

367 kills, 36 aces, 4 blocks, 197 digs, 15 assists

Throughout the entirety of her career, Farrens has had superstar potential. But with Addyson Butts, who is now playing at Robert Morris University, also on the roster, Farrens was often overlooked. Having said that, this past fall was her year to shine and she took full advantage of the opportunity. She led the 17-win Panthers with 367 kills and helped MT win a district crown.

Maycee Ford | Hitter | Senior | Notre Dame

333 kills, 38 aces, 15 blocks, 103 digs, 4 assists

The Titans were oh-so-close to a Final 4 appearance and Ford steered the ship all season long. Her 333 kills were a team-high and she caused havoc nightly at the net. Behind their second-team All-Ohio hitter, the Titans soared to 21 wins, captured league and district championships and made a regional final appearance. Ford ends her time at ND with 806 kills.

Aubree Frazier | Hitter | Junior | Gallia Academy

318 kills, 23 aces, 7 blocks, 90 digs, 4 assists

It could be argued that Gallia Academy featured one of its best-ever volleyball teams this past season. Frazier was at the center of that storm every step of the way. The junior led the Blue Angels with 318 kills, leading her teammates all the way to a district final. After two consecutive seasons with 300-plus kills, Frazier will enter her senior year with 773 in total. 1,000 is incoming.

Kennedy Groff | Setter | Senior | Logan Elm

107 kills, 38 aces, 25 blocks, 246 digs, 546 assists

Groff may be the most underrated player on this entire list. But make no mistake about it, she was essential to Logan Elm’s success this fall. Making a position change isn’t easy, but Groff did it flawlessly. She totaled 546 assists this year for the 18-win Braves, and added 246 digs, 38 aces and 107 kills, proving her versatility. LE will certainly miss one of its trustworthy leaders.

Lauren Guess | Hitter | Junior | Miami Trace

351 kills, 59 aces, 28 blocks, 181 digs, 17 assists

Guess stands at 5-foot-11 but plays like she’s 6-foot-3.  Her 59 aces and 28 blocks were team-highs this season and, paired with her 351 kills, allowed the Panthers to win a share of the FAC championship and reach the Sweet 16. She constantly played above the net, making quick work of would-be blockers. She’ll be chasing 1,000 kills next fall as she currently owns 635.

Laken Gullett | Setter | Senior | Eastern

149 kills, 73 aces, 4 blocks, 230 digs, 361 assists

For the second straight year, Eastern captured the SOC II title. Gullett was right in the thick of that run. The Eagles’ senior leader posted a team-high 73 aces and 361 assists alongside 149 kills and 230 digs, proving her abilities to literally do it all. She ends her time at Eastern with 1,410 assists and 1,013 digs. She led her teammates to a 36-11 mark over the past two years.

Evelyn Hamman | Hitter | Junior | Chillicothe

436 kills, 39 aces, 59 blocks, 198 digs, 3 assists

Hamman will own nearly every one of Chillicothe’s offensive records when she’s had her last say. She set the program’s single-season record this fall with 436 kills and added a team-high 59 blocks to her stat sheet as well. Those numbers helped the Cavaliers win a share of the FAC championship. The honorable mention All-Ohioan enters her senior year with 1,039 career kills.

Jaylynn Hupp | Setter | Senior | Southern

151 kills, 34 aces, 28 blocks, 165 digs, 481 assists

The unquestioned leader of the Tornadoes’ offensive attack was once again spectacular during her senior season. Hupp tallied 481 assists during a year where Southern won 20 matches and earned a share of the TVC-Hocking crown. Hupp ends her career with over 2,000 career assists and has helped the Tornadoes compile an overall record of 75-21 in the past four seasons.

Abbey Isaacs | Hitter | Senior | Chesapeake

277 kills, 50 aces, 3 blocks, 398 digs, 27 assists

While Chesapeake enjoyed an 18-win year, Isaacs was the unquestioned leader of the group. The senior saved her best season for her last, setting career-highs with 277 kills, 398 digs and a 30.2 kill percentage. En route to all-league and all-district honors, Isaacs also collected her 1,000th career dig, ending an incredible four-year run with 1,105 alongside 644 kills.

Sidney Johnson | Hitter | Senior | Waverly

431 kills, 30 aces, 20 blocks, 299 digs, 24 assists

Waverly was quite possibly the area’s most improved team and Johnson undoubtedly led the way. While the Tigers turned an 11-13 mark in 2024 to an 18-6 record this season, their senior leader tallied a team-high 431 kills en route to a third-team All-Ohio honor. She ends her time as a Tiger with the program’s kill and dig record in her name — 1,320 and 1,254, respectively.

Meena Juedes | Hitter | Senior | Alexander

373 kills, 57 aces, 63 blocks, 202 digs, 13 assists

The Spartans rose back to power in the TVC-Ohio this fall and Juedes was a huge reason why. The senior middle led the team with 373 kills and 63 blocks while adding 202 digs on the defensive side. Those numbers helped Alexander win 21 matches and reach a district title game. Juedes earned TVC and District 13 Offensive Player of the Year honors for her efforts.

Claire King | Hitter | Senior | Logan Elm

338 kills, 22 aces, 64 blocks, 211 digs, 29 assists

There has been a ton of talent come through Logan Elm’s program. Having said that, King will forever be considered as one of the best Braves to ever do it. She was a lightning rod, again, as a senior, posting team-highs of 338 kills and 64 blocks, alongside a career-high .410 hit percentage. The first-team All-Ohioan ends her career with 1,230 kills, 610 digs and 236 blocks.

Remi Moon | Hitter | Junior | Fairfield

445 kills, 65 aces, 2 blocks, 322 digs, 23 assists

Early and often, Moon was called on to be the Lions’ leader, and she was just that in every sense of the word. The junior posted career highs in almost every statistical category, including a team-high 445 kills and 65 aces, alongside 322 digs. Her efforts helped Fairfield 16-8 overall and 10-3 in league play. She’ll enter her senior season with 740 career kills and 863 digs.

Alyssa Mullins | Hitter | Junior | Wheelersburg

358 kills, 52 aces, 19 blocks, 264 digs, 9 assists

Some players are just flat-out special. Mullins fits that description to a tee. The junior consistently barraged opposing defenses, taking no prisoners. Her play allowed the Pirates to win 22 matches and capture yet another district championship. She’ll be counted on more than ever during her senior year, one she’ll start with 795 kills and 729 digs — searching for 1,000.

Claire Newman | Hitter | Senior | Northwest

386 kills, 72 aces, 70 blocks, 222 digs, 29 assists

Tucked away in McDermott has been Newman, who has consistently pieced together impressive seasons. This fall was no different as she led the Mohawks with 386 kills, 72 aces and 70 blocks. Those numbers helped her teammates win 12 games and finish 7-3 in league play. Newman finishes her career with 1,129 kills, 822 digs, 182 aces and 220 blocks.

Katelyn Queen | Setter | Junior | Valley

55 kills, 31 aces, 26 blocks, 198 digs, 705 assists

In 2024, area volleyball fans saw the potential that Valley had on its roster. In 2025, that potential became real as the Indians pieced together an 18-win season. Queen was instrumental in making that happen, continuing to guide the team’s offense to success. The junior passed out 705 assists, passing the 1,000 mark in her career, and added 198 digs.

Natalie Ragan | Setter | Senior | North Adams

78 kills, 29 aces, 29 blocks, 213 digs, 671 assists

Ragan enjoyed one of the best careers that the SHAC has ever seen. It’s really that simple. Her 2,765 career assists rank second in school history and are good enough for the 32nd most in state history. She adds 779 digs and 137 aces to her resume after leading North Adams to yet another conference title this past season — one that included a third consecutive Gold Ball.

Joslyn Rockey | Libero | Senior | Lynchburg-Clay

18 kills, 42 aces, 0 blocks, 481 digs, 32 assists

While the Mustangs won 19 games and reached a district final, Rockey consistently held down the fort in the back row. The senior posted a team-high 481 digs and 464 serve receptions, solidifying her role as the team’s leader. She’s a huge part of the Mustangs’ transformation as a program, leading them to 35 wins in the past two seasons. She ends her career with 1,393 digs.

Elin Shaw | Hitter | Sophomore | Clay

302 kills, 62 aces, 20 blocks, 145 digs, 14 assists

Rather quietly, tucked away in Clay Township, was Shaw, who was incredible on a nightly basis this fall. Just a sophomore, Shaw posted her first-ever 300-plus kill season and added 145 digs to her totals. It helped the Panthers win 16 games and finish 7-3 in conference play. Heading into her junior season, she sits at 431 kills, 276 digs and 104 aces. Her game will only grow.

Braelyn Simpson | Hitter | Sophomore | Eastern Meigs

326 kills, 30 aces, 7 blocks, 236 digs, 14 assists

If there was ever an early favorite to make a run at the Final 4 next season, Eastern Meigs is it. Simpson is a huge reason why. The sophomore hitter led the team with 326 kills, alongside a hit percentage of .319 and a kill percentage of 42.3 — also team-highs. The Eagles finished 19-6 overall and won a district championship. And what’s scary about that? They’ll only get better.

Jacey Smith | Hitter | Senior | Adena

72 kills, 42 aces, 4 blocks, 504 digs, 4 assists

Smith didn’t lead Adena in any major statistical category. But without her, the Warriors wouldn’t have been close to ending the season where they did — in a regional final. She seemed to be everywhere all at the same time, chasing down free balls and keeping rallies alive. Her 504 digs and 42 aces helped the Warriors win a Gold Ball and seize the program’s 39th district crown.

Karlee Snavely | Hitter | Sophomore | Zane Trace

365 kills, 46 aces, 49 blocks, 242 digs, 376 assists

The betting favorite for the SVC’s next Player of the Year is Snavely. The sophomore experienced no slump after a budding freshman campaign. She led ZT in kills, aces and blocks while adding 242 digs and 376 assists to her resume as well. She enters her junior season with 558 kills, 478 digs and 836 assists. She’s got a real chance for 1,000 in all three categories.

Ally Thornsley | Setter | Junior | Circleville

102 kills, 34 aces, 30 blocks, 197 digs, 740 assists

When Thornsley played well, success followed in Circleville. She played well almost every night and the Tigers made history. That’s no coincidence. The junior posted 740 assists — now 1,475 in her career — while also adding 102 kills and 197 digs to her stat sheet. Those numbers, and the team’s first district crown in 41 years, helped her earn second-team All-Ohio honors.

Grace Woodward | Hitter | Senior | Wheelersburg

274 kills, 28 aces, 9 blocks, 312 digs, 22 assists

Few players can do everything well on the volleyball court, but Woodward is in that group. The senior was consistent as ever, piecing together a 274-kill, 312-dig season while her Pirates reaped the benefits, finishing 22-4 overall and 10-0 in the SOC III. Woodward was an all-league and all-district honoree, finishing her career with 854 kills, 975 digs and 152 service aces.

Kylie Yeazel | Setter | Junior | Miami Trace

62 kills, 52 aces, 8 blocks, 180 digs, 796 assists

Yeazel’s name already appears on the OHSAA’s list of career assist leaders … and she’s got a year left to move up the leaderboards. Her 796 helpers aided Miami Trace to a 17-win season, one that included league and district titles, while her 52 aces and 180 digs proved her versatility. She’ll go into her senior year with 2,282 career assists, searching for the elusive 3,000 mark.

Honorable Mention Selections

Aspen Barnes, Gallia Academy;Molly Adams, South Point; Erin Lowe, Chesapeake; Madi Pidcock, Nelsonville-York; Mallory Bledsoe, Vinton County; Makenzie Robertson, Eastern Meigs; Brooklyn Burdette, Trimble; Ali Norris, Southern;Grace Inboden, Athens; Sofia Smith, Athens; Lila Moser; Alexander;Brooklyn Ash, Fairfield Union;Drew Hoskins, Circleville; Ava McLaughlin, Lynchburg-Clay; Tylee Davis, Hillsboro; Kaylin Sheppard, Jackson; Macey Whisman, West; Kerigan Davis, Minford; Kendyl Christman, Valley; Taryn Gillott, Waverly; Avary Claxon, South Webster; Sidney Keslar, South Webster; Mylee Gleim, Wheelersburg; Sophia Phillips, Notre Dame; Emma Figgins, Oak Hill; Adrian Moehl, Westfall; Larkin Vulgamore, Piketon; Brailee Hauswirth, Huntington; Kortney Sowers, Adena; Alyssa Stanley, Unioto

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