The AHSAA Double-A Private schools volleyball scene is a powerhouse, with a diverse range of talented athletes showcasing their skills. This year's list of top players highlights the depth of talent across the state, with a mix of seasoned seniors and promising underclassmen. Here's a closer look at some of the standout performers, along with my personal insights and commentary.
Setters: The Court Directors
The setter is often the conductor of the volleyball orchestra, and this year's crop of setters in AHSAA Double-A Private is no exception. Sarah Bacon from Madison Academy leads the way with impressive stats, including 109 kills, 64 aces, 241 digs, and a staggering 956 assists. Her ability to orchestrate plays and set up her teammates for success is remarkable. Bacon's performance is a testament to her leadership and court vision.
Emmy Beech from McGill-Toolen, a senior, has committed to Rhodes College, showcasing her dedication to the sport. Beech's 67 kills, 7 blocks, and 13 digs demonstrate her versatility and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. Chloe Duggan, another standout setter, boasts an impressive 701 assists, 204 digs, 47 aces, and 43 kills, earning her recognition as an AL.com all-state player.
Elizabeth Rohling, a senior at St. John Paul II, shines with 836 assists, 378 digs, 188 kills, and 70 aces. Her performance has been recognized with multiple accolades, including an honorable mention on the AL.com Super all-state team and an all-state selection.
Noele Suellentrop, a junior at Briarwood, showcases her prowess with 1,076 assists, 66 kills, 33 blocks, 252 digs, and 68 aces. Her ability to control the tempo of the game and set up her teammates is exceptional, earning her recognition as an AL.com all-state player.
Alice Wood, a senior at McGill-Toolen, committed to Kansas State, and her stats speak for themselves: 59 kills, 59 aces, 76 blocks, 301 digs, and an astonishing 1,356 assists. Wood's all-around excellence has earned her numerous awards, including the Gatorade Player of the Year and AL.com Super all-state Player of the Year.
Outside Hitters/Right Sides: The Attacking Force
The outside hitters and right sides bring the heat, and this year's crop is no exception. Janelle Lowery from Madison Academy, a senior, racks up impressive numbers with 268 kills and 24 blocks, earning an honorable mention from the AHSVCA. Mikayla Osaji, a sophomore at St. John Paul II, showcases her attacking prowess with 416 kills and 284 digs, earning her recognition as an all-area player.
Marissa Smith, a sophomore at St. Paul’s, shines with 237 kills, 322 digs, and 63 aces, earning honorable mentions from AL.com. Julie Roberts, a senior at Briarwood, dominates with 436 kills, 38 blocks, 258 digs, 61 assists, and 97 aces, earning her the AL.com Birmingham Player of the Year title.
Middle Blockers: The Defensive Wall
The middle blockers provide the defensive foundation, and Mikadyn Cauley, a senior at Faith Academy, excels with 355 kills, 81 digs, 80 blocks, and 48 aces, earning honorable mentions from AL.com. Olivia Gibson, a senior at Lee-Scott, contributes 112 kills, 37 blocks, and 14 aces, while Hannah Joyner, a junior at American Christian, focuses on her kills with 125.
Caitlin Miller, a senior at McGill-Toolen, showcases her versatility with 182 kills, 27 aces, 89 blocks, and 83 digs, committing to Jones College. Her ability to contribute in multiple roles is impressive.
Libero/Defensive Specialists: The Defensive Masters
Isabella Grant, a senior at St. John Paul II, excels in defense with 432 digs and 81 assists, earning recognition as an all-state player. Kyleigh Grosz, a freshman at Faith Academy, showcases her defensive prowess with 525 digs, 92 aces, and 89 assists, earning an honorable mention.
Mia Ridgway, a senior at American Christian, shines with 373 digs, 90 assists, and 70 aces, earning all-area recognition and the title of Team Defensive Player of the Year. Her ability to control the defensive aspects of the game is remarkable.
Athletes: Versatility at its Best
Makayla Johnson, a senior at McGill-Toolen, showcases versatility as a setter and right side with 41 kills, 5 aces, 7 blocks, 29 digs, and 34 assists, committing to Florida A&M. Bekah Mouser, a senior at Madison Academy, excels as an outside hitter and defensive specialist with 314 kills, 30 aces, 392 digs, and 15 blocks, earning all-state recognition.
Lily Nelson, a junior at Briarwood, transferred from Hazel Green and brings impressive stats: 839 assists, 199 kills, 32 blocks, 336 digs, and 40 aces. Her ability to adapt and contribute in multiple roles is impressive.
Zaria Rudolph, a junior at Montgomery Catholic, showcases her versatility with 296 kills, 152 blocks, 361 digs, 465 assists, and 45 aces, earning recognition as the AL.com 5A Setter MVP.
In my opinion, the AHSAA Double-A Private schools volleyball scene is a testament to the talent and dedication of these athletes. Each player brings their unique strengths and contributions to the court, making for an exciting and competitive environment. The recognition and accolades these players receive are well-deserved, and their performances will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the sport.
