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We’re taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Oregon high school volleyball. Our fourth list focuses on the outside and right side hitters.

There are hundreds of standout volleyball players in Oregon and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive. Use the comments section to share some information about some of the state’s other standout hitters.

Bailee Hartsook (Sweet Home) photo by Leon Neuschwander 

Earlier: Setters | Liberos | Middle blockers

Jenna Albrecht, Jr., Ridgeview

Albrecht moved to the outside this season after playing defensive specialist for last season’s Class 5A state champion. She has thrived in her new role, hitting .477 through six matches with 107 kills (5.6 per set) while remaining “a huge asset to us defensively as well,” according to Ravens coach Randi Viggiano.

Lily Albrecht, Sr., Sprague

Albrecht was a part-time varsity player as a sophomore, when the Olympians made a surprising run to the Class 6A state final with a deep veteran core and she was a champion cheerleader on the bench — so much so that she stressed coach Anne Olsen as Albrecht crept closer and closer to the court, and the coach feared a sanction for entering the court without permission. The two can share a laugh about that intense moment now that Albrecht has developed into a key player for the team. Last season, she stepped into the void and earned second-team all-Mountain Valley honors, and this season, she’s become the clear No. 1 hitting option — in the opening week of the season, she had 22 kills, 20 digs and five aces in victories over McKay and Dallas. “Lily has learned to be a leader from those before her, and she has come into her light,” Olsen said. “This year is her year to truly shine.”

Izzy Armstrong, Sr., Bend

Armstrong has developed into a steady and reliable offensive weapon for the Lava Bears, earning first-team all-Mountain Valley honors last season, when she had 202 kills (.276 hitting), 127 digs (2.1 passing rating) and 24 aces. She has signed to play at Slippery Rock. “Izzy has been our go-to outside hitter these past few seasons, and her hitting percentage remains high even though we feed her in the front and back row,” Bend coach Kristin Cooper said. “She always rises to the challenge as a hitter, whether making strong rally-killing hits, tooling the block or diving to the floor making jaw-dropping saves. She is a spark on the court.” 

ha.Izzy Armstrong.Bend volleyball

Kendyl Arnett, Fr., West Albany

Arnett has made an immediate impression on the Bulldogs in her first year in the program. Prep Dig Oregon’s No. 6 recruit in the Class of 2024 had 15 kills and 40 digs in the team’s first two matches. “It’s rare to find a player at that age who can walk on the court with the confidence that Kendyl does and be highly successful,” West Albany coach Megan Wallace said. “She is definitely a power hitter but is incredibly smart with her decision-making. I can’t wait to see how she grows over the next four years.” 

Gabby Auer, Sr., Mountainside

Auer is a three-year starter for the Mavericks who last season earned second-team all-Metro recognition after finishing fourth on the team in kills. This season, she is third on the team in kills and hitting efficiency. 

Liz Barker, Sr., Crook County

Barker last season was a first-team all-Intermountain right-side hitter for a Cowgirls team that placed fourth at the Class 5A state tournament. 

Keanna Bingham, Sr., Powder Valley

Bingham has earned the ironic nickname “Grace” from her teammates for her unartful manner of diving for balls — “we all laugh every time she does it,” coach Marji Lind said — but it’s that same hard work and effort that have made her a key player for the Badgers. She was a first-team all-Old Oregon selection and made the all-tournament second team last season in helping them finish second at the Class 1A tournament. She had 182 kills, 67 aces (.926 serving), 367 assists and 193 digs as a junior, and combining Season 1 and 2 numbers this school year, she had 155 kills, 168 digs and 41 aces as of late March. “Keanna is very hard-working and has put in a lot of time and effort in becoming the athlete she is today,” Lind said. 

ha.Keanna Bingham.Powder Valley volleyball

Josie Bolstad, Sr., Phoenix

Bolstad last season was a first-team all-Skyline selection in volleyball and basketball. She signed with Pacific University in Forest Grove for basketball.

Emily Bourne, Sr., Santiam Christian

After winning Class 3A player of the year honors as a sophomore, the Oregon State signee came back to earn first-team all-state honors and help the Eagles go 26-0 and win a second consecutive state championship. A four-year starter, she had 395 kills as a sophomore and finished her junior season with 443. “Emily eats, sleeps and breathes volleyball,” Santiam Christian coach Kelli Fitzpatrick said. “If she’s not spending time repping in our gym, she’s doing it with her club team with her dad. I’ve known her since junior high, and she’s worked hard to get her scholarship. I’m really proud of her.” 

Sydney Brewster, So., Sandy

Brewster was an all-Mt. Hood second-team selection as a freshman and is considered one of the top Class of 2023 hitters. “She’s a versatile player who will put the ball away,” Pioneers coach Lihau Perreira said.

Eva Buford, Sr., Crescent Valley

Buford, an all-Mid-Willamette honorable mention selection as a junior, has received interest from several small colleges and community colleges, attracted by her combination of strong play and academic ability. “Eva is one of the most athletically talented players I have ever worked with,” Raiders coach Troy Shorey said.

Elliott Bush, Jr., Central Catholic

If the state selected a Most Improved Player, Bush would be in contention for the honor. After playing a bit role for last season’s Class 6A state runner-up, she has become a go-to offensive weapon for the Rams this season, tallying a team-high 44 kills (hitting .320) in their first four matches along with 29 digs and eight aces (.950 serving). “Elliott is a different player this year — more mature, more engaged, and having stepped into a leadership role,” said first-year coach Kayla Hambley, who was a Rams assistant last season. “She’s playing all the way around, leading the team in serve disruptions and kills while also putting up some big blocks and dynamic defense in the back row. Her intensity is balanced by a carefree vibe that keeps the team focusing on the next play.” 

Amelia Combs, Sr., South Eugene

Combs will play for Emerson College in Boston. She was a first-team all-Southwest selection as a junior, when she had 119 kills, 116 digs and 28 aces. “Mae helps lead our team on a daily basis in so many different ways,” Axe coach Alicia Chamness said. “She leads us in kills and crushes at serve receive every game, and she is also a student of the game in every aspect. She is always striving to learn, grow and teach. Mae is engaged in the game like no one I have ever met before.”

Nita Cook, Jr., Vernonia

Cook’s true passion is softball, where she was the Northwest League player of the year as a freshman, but she also is a standout on the volleyball court for the Loggers, receiving second-team all-league honors and helping them place fifth at the Class 2A state tournament in their first appearance since 1998. “Nita does an excellent job balancing the two sports, and we’re lucky to have such a good kid and talented athlete as part of our team,” Vernonia coach Teresa Williams said. “She is a competitor on the volleyball court and the team’s offensive and defensive leader this year. Nita has a very calm demeanor that helps her team stay at ease even in the toughest situations.”

Maci Dahl, Jr., Grant

Dahl earned first-team all-PIL recognition each of her first two seasons with the Generals.

Breanna Dapron, Sr., Creswell

Dapron had a breakthrough junior season for the Bulldogs, earning first-team Class 3A all-state recognition and leading them to the state final, where they finished runner-up for the fourth time in the past six seasons. 

Greta Davis, Jr., Sisters

Davis was a first-team all-Oregon West and second-team all-state selection as a sophomore, saving her best for the Class 4A state tournament, where she made the all-tournament first team in leading the Outlaws to a fourth-place finish. For the season, she had 123 kills, 18 blocks, 80 digs and six aces. “Greta is a dynamic and powerful hitter,” Sisters coach Rory Rush said. “She has the ability to hit from anywhere on the court and put the ball down with force.”

ha.Greta Davis.Sisters volleyball

Myka Delamarter, Sr., Central Christian

Delamarter competed for Redmond Gymnastics Academy in grade school, reaching Level 5 before turning to her new passion — volleyball. She received all-Mountain Valley honorable mention as a junior, helping the Tigers win their first playoff match ever before falling one victory short of a first Class 1A state tournament berth. She will play at Bushnell University in Eugene. “Myka is a very hard-working and gracious leader,” Central Christian coach Barbara Unfried said. “She desires to constantly learn more about the game and improve her skills.” 

Maddy Dowdall, Sr., Jesuit

Dowdall was a first-team all-Metro and Class 6A all-state honorable mention selection for the repeat state champion Crusaders last season, when she had 288 kills (.238 hitting), 39 blocks and 115 digs. The Chapman University commit had improved her hitting percentage through eight matches this season, hitting .405 with 38 kills, 16 blocks, 18 digs and seven aces (.922 serving). 

Ashli Edmiston, Jr., Wilsonville

Edmiston is the latest in a progression of standout hitters to come through the Wildcats program, following three-time all-state pick Lindsey Hartford and senior teammate Clarissa Klein. Edmiston started as a freshman and made the all-Northwest Oregon team the past two seasons — first team in 2018 and second team in 2019, when she had 160 kills (.274 hitting), 114 digs, 13 blocks and 38 aces. In the team’s first four matches this season, she had 30 kills (.299 hitting), 17 aces (.909 serving) and 18 digs. Wilsonville coach Nathan Blankenship called Edmiston “one of the best all-around players I have ever had the honor to coach, a gifted and top-level player who has the rare quality of being gracious and kind despite her phenomenal abilities. She is a truly exceptional athlete that makes it look so easy.” 

ha.Ashli Edmiston.Wilsonville volleyball.credit Greg Artman

Photo by Greg Artman

Frances Eisenhardt, So., Valley Catholic

Eisenhardt plays defensive specialist at the club level, but for the defending Class 4A state champion Valiants, she was a six-rotation outside hitter who sports a hard float serve that frustrates opponents — she had 72 aces as a freshman. “She rarely makes unforced errors and makes smart shots based on the set she gets and the defense on the other side of the net,” Valley Catholic coach Becky Kemper said.

Kelsey Fausett, Jr., Astoria

Fausett is a three-sport standout for the Fishermen, making the all-Cowapa first team in volleyball and being named Cowapa player of the year in basketball. At the 2019 Class 4A state track meet, she finished fourth in the javelin and anchored two medal-winning relays. 

Naima Foster, So., Valley Catholic

Foster capped an outstanding freshman season by being voted to the all-tournament first team after helping the Valiants win a second consecutive Class 4A state title. She finished the season with 225 kills and 47 blocks. “Naima has an incredible jump reach, and she is learning how to put that together with an improved swing and hand contact, making her able to make amazing cut shots as well as hitting deep corner over the block,” Valley Catholic coach Becky Kemper said. “Her passing has improved tremendously from last season, so she is now a six-rotation player and we can utilize her hitting from the back row as well.” 

Renee Geib, Sr., Sunset

Geib last season was a first-team all-Metro selection for the Apollos, helping them reach the Class 6A state tournament for a second consecutive season. 

Brynna Geibel, Sr., Newberg

Geibel picked up her love for volleyball from her father, Craig, who set (and still holds) the single-match and single-season record for digs at Ohio State University before playing professionally for seven years on the AVP beach volleyball tour. She also will head to Ohio after graduation and play for Cleveland State. She played an all-around outside for the Tigers last season but has added setting responsibilities this spring. 

Sophia Gregoire-Salagean, So., Newberg

The state’s No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2023 according to Prep Dig, Gregoire-Salagean got off to a strong start to her high school career, finishing with 172 kills (.335 hitting), 136 digs and 21 aces (91 percent serving) last season, when she made the all-Three Rivers first team. This season, she leads the team in kills and blocks and is second in passing. She can jump 10 feet, 1 inch, on approach. Tigers coach MacKenzie Upchurch coached Gregoire-Salagean in middle school club ball before she had committed to the sport, and the coach saw her potential. “Now, she’s coming in with that experience, court awareness and general volleyball IQ that’s going to take her to the next level,” Upchurch said. “It’s nice to see her step into roles that are typically held by upperclassmen, but she’s carrying the weight of the team. She’s relentless, doesn’t let down, and is not afraid to take risks.” 

Sierra Hale, So., Damascus Christian

Hale made a big impression as a freshman for the Eagles, finishing with a team-high 290 kills (4.1 per set) and 70 aces while splitting time at setter, where she had 238 assists in helping them place fourth at the Class 1A state tournament. She was a first-team all-Valley 10 selection who received all-state honorable mention. “As a freshman, Sierra stepped up and helped lead our team,” Damascus Christian coach Emily Russau said. “Her drive to win and be her best is inspiring to her teammates.”

ha.Sierra Hale.Damascus Christian volleyball

Bailee Hartsook, Sr., Sweet Home

Hartsook lines up at outside hitter but is a six-position standout for the Huskies, a two-time Oregon West player of the year who made the all-tournament and all-state first teams last season, averaging 8.1 kills and 11.25 digs per match in leading them to the Class 4A final. The Western Oregon signee also is a beast at cornhole, taking on all challengers — and usually besting them. “Bailee is as defensive as she is offensive, easily holding down whatever area of the court she is playing and reading the ball extremely well,” Sweet Home coach Mary Hutchins said. “Bailee hits with power and has a great vertical. She is quick and effective and could easily play opposite or middle for our team.”

Hailey Heider, Jr., West Albany

Heider has developed into one of the top players in the Class of 2022, becoming a key cog in the Bulldogs attack. “She is a power outside hitter and dominates the left side,” West Albany coach Megan Wallace said. “She has great court awareness, giving her the ability to read her opponents and make smart decisions. She stays level-headed and has great on-court communication.”

Amanda Henry, Sr., Jesuit

Henry came up big during the Crusaders’ run to a second consecutive Class 6A title last season, getting 58 kills (3.1 per set, .243 hitting) in five playoff matches and finishing the season with 194 kills and 50 digs. The Trinity University (San Antonio) commit had a team-high 86 kills (3.3 per set, .351 hitting) through eight matches this season to go with 41 digs and 12 aces (.952 serving). 

Allie Hueckman, Sr., Burns

Hueckman could have played collegiately in three sports, and while she chose basketball as her sport at Eastern Washington, that takes nothing from her accomplishments on the volleyball court — two-time Eastern Oregon League player of the year and second-team Class 3A all-state as a junior, when she had 565 kills, 406 digs, 76 aces and 53 blocks to help the Hilanders place sixth at the state tournament. This season, she had 98 kills (giving her 1,191 for her career), 20 aces (.957 serving), 72 digs and 10 blocks through 10 matches. “Allie is a natural athlete,” Burns coach Paula Toney said. “Combined with her work ethic, she has created success that the Hilanders have continued to see in the program.”

Nessa Hurliman, Sr., Tillamook

Nessa, the younger sister of Western Oregon hitter Isabel Hurliman, was an all-Cowapa first-team selection as a junior and was voted senior class president. 

Sierra Jenkins, Sr., Thurston

The Colts last season made the state tournament for the first time since 2009 (placing sixth) led by three all-Midwestern first-team selections, including Jenkins, who signed with Bushnell University.

Presley Justice, Sr., La Grande 

Justice was a first-team all-Greater Oregon selection last season, when she took on an even bigger role with the Tigers, finishing with 225 kills, 350 digs (3.6 per set) and 60 aces (.950 serving). She signed with Kentucky Christian.

Mackenzie King, Fr., Burns

King got her high school career off to an impressive start, being named MaxPreps/AVCA Player of the Week with 59 kills, 43 digs, 13 aces and 67 receptions in victories over Baker, Vale and North Lake/Paisley. Through 10 matches, she had a team-high 99 kills, 54 digs and 14 blocks. “Mackenzie is a natural volleyball player,” Hilanders coach Paula Toney said. “Combined with her love of the game, we expect great things from her future.”

Hainite Kinikini, Sr., Tigard

A lefty playing on the right side for the Tigers, Kinikini came back from surgery following a knee injury as a junior and all the necessary rehab to be able to play her senior season. “Hainite goes at 100 percent in everything she does — she has no half-speed,” Tigard coach Megan Norris said. “She is a major part of our offense.” 

The Tigard High School Varsity volleyball team takes on rival Tualatin High School on March 9, 2021 in an OSAA Three Rivers League game.

The Tigard High School Varsity volleyball team takes on rival Tualatin High School on March 9, 2021 in an OSAA Three Rivers League game.

Photo by Christopher Germano

Clarissa Klein, Sr., Wilsonville

Klein got a late start in the sport but has more than made the most of her efforts, making the Class 5A all-state first team and earning an All-American nomination as a junior in helping the Wildcats reach the state final. She finished her junior season with 189 kills (.332 hitting), 23 blocks, 100 digs and 52 aces, and in her first four matches this season, the Saint Mary’s signee led the team in kills (48) and aces (20). “Clarissa threw herself into the game as a freshman,” Wilsonville coach Nathan Blankenship said. “A superb athlete with an amazing drive to excellence and the skills and physicality to match, she is one of the rare players touching 10 feet. She’s a huge asset to the team and one of the best offensive players in the state, if not the nation.”

Matty Ladd, Sr., Cottage Grove

Ladd played middle for the Lions her first three seasons, earning first-team all-Sky-Em honors as a junior, before transitioning to outside for her senior year. She has signed to play for Carroll College in Montana. “Matty is a hard-working individual who continues to show dedication to her team and self-improvement,” Cottage Grove coach Abby Ladd said.

Mackenzie Leith, Sr., Mountainside

Leith, who has committed to play at the University of Puget Sound, is a two-time all-Metro second-team selection and a three-year starter for the Mavericks. Last season, she was second on the team in kills and third in passing and digs, and midway through this season, she was leading the team in kills and passing and was second in digs. 

Daley McClellan, Sr., Canby

McClellan is one of the Northwest’s top outside hitters, a University of Oregon signee for both indoor and beach volleyball who overcame a midseason ankle injury as a sophomore to earn all-Three Rivers honors for the second time. She was the Three Rivers player of the year and a first-team Class 6A all-state selection as a junior, when she had 591 kills (.313 hitting, 7.8 per set) to go with 62 digs, 46 aces and 29 blocks. “It has been an absolute honor to coach Daley — she is a phenomenal volleyball player,” Cougars coach Terri Jo Schlatter said. “As a hitter, she is special because she can hit any set she is given and create kills from anywhere on the court. And as great as she is as a hitter, she is also an amazing serve-receive passer. She is a workhorse on the court, a great teammate, and is surprisingly humble.”

Elsa McDermott, So., Catlin Gabel

McDermott played libero for the Lewis & Clark champion Eagles last season, earning all-league honorable mention with 64 aces (.941 serving), but she has moved to outside hitter. “Elsa is tough,” Catlin Gabel coach Jeannette Lee said. “She understands the game at a high level and uses her IQ to better her team. She is our leader in passing and defense and has taken on an attacker role for us.”

Rilea Mills, Jr., Central Christian

Mills lives in a town of 67 residents more than an hour from Central Christian’s Redmond campus, but the 6-1 hitter has helped turn the Tigers into a Class 1A contender — they nearly made the state tournament in their first playoff appearance. Mills was a first-team all-Mountain Valley selection as a sophomore, and in a season-opening win over Class 3A La Pine, she had 26 kills with only three hitting errors. “Rilea has improved leaps and bounds in the last year and a half that I have known her,” Central Christian coach Barbara Unfried said. “She is a raw talent but has an incredible drive to improve her skills. At 6-1, she could make a serious impact at an NCAA Division I school.” 

ha.Clarissa Klein.Wilsonville volleyball.credit Greg Artman

Clarissa Klein (Wilsonville) photo by Greg Artman

Izzy Patterson, So., Jesuit

Patterson is part of the next wave of Crusaders coming through the pipeline. In her first eight matches this season, she had 45 kills (.270 hitting) and 51 digs (2.2 per set) and was serving at a .944 rate. 

Josie Peters, Sr., Sheldon

Peters has a couple of college offers after a junior season in which she earned second-team all-Southwest recognition with 199 kills and 49 digs. This season, the three-year team captain had 22 kills, 22 digs, 13 aces and a 2.28 serve-receiving rating through three matches. “Josie is a leader on and off the court,” Irish coach Martine Wodke said. “She finds the best in any situation, helping her team work through rough plays.”

Natalie Potter, Jr., Catlin Gabel

Potter was a second-team all-Lewis & Clark selection as a sophomore, when she led the Eagles with 274 kills to go with 53 aces and 23 blocks (all solo). “Natalie is an attacking chameleon,” Catlin Gabel coach Jeannette Lee said. “We can effectively run the offense through her in all three front row positions and she will dominate. That versatility makes us tough to defend.”

Maddy Powell, Jr., McMinnville

Powell plays right side, where last season she had 93 kills, 63 digs, 10 blocks and 14 aces (.908 serving) to help the Grizzlies win their first conference championship in the past 15 seasons. She is a standout outfielder for the softball team. “Maddy’s athleticism immediately grabs your attention, as does her powerful left-handed swing,” McMinnville coach Ben Patterson said.

Jaydn Puncochar, Fr., Hillsboro

Puncochar is part of a youth movement that coach Suzan Hopman hopes will lead to a revival of a Spartans program that last qualified for the postseason in 1997. She had 11 kills and two aces in a victory over Milwaukie and a team-high six kills against Wilsonville. Prep Dig Oregon ranks her among the state’s top 10 recruits in the Class of 2024.

Lily Reynolds, Sr., Beaverton

Reynolds is better known as a high jumper for the track team, twice placing fifth at the Class 6A state meet — she will jump for Brown University next season. On the volleyball court, she plays opposite Lauren Wilborn on the Beavers’ front line. “Lily is another natural athlete who swings for us at different positions,” Beaverton coach Ashley Waggoner said.

ha.Lily Reynolds.Beaverton volleyball

Ainslie Ridgway, Sr., McMinnville

Ridgway, a first-team all-Pacific selection last season for the conference champion Grizzlies, finished with 173 kills, 187 digs and 39 aces (.922 serving) as they came within a win of their first state tournament appearance since 1998. She will join two sisters who played volleyball collegiately when she joins Corban in the fall. “Ainslie is a high-IQ player who plays an elite all-around game,” McMinnville coach Ben Patterson said.

Skylar Rissel, Jr., Hillsboro

Rissel has drawn interest from East Coast colleges for her court IQ, strong defensive play and serving for the Spartans. “Skylar had some phenomenal defense and continues to be a leader defensively,” Hillsboro coach Suzan Hopman said.

Makayla Roginski, Jr., Gresham

Roginski was a competitive gymnast until reaching middle school, when she switched to volleyball, becoming a first-team all-Mt. Hood selection on the right side of the Gophers’ attack last season. “After a commanding performance in her sophomore year, she returns this year stronger, faster and tougher,” Gresham coach Lori Anderson-Cook said. “She continues to dominate from both the front and back row with her southpaw attack, but this year, she is proving to be a more well-rounded threat, adding incredible defense, tough serving and tenacious blocking to her toolkit.”

Catherine Rostel, Sr., North Medford

Rostel, a second-team all-Southwest selection last season, is averaging 15 kills and 10 digs this season for the Black Tornado.

Savannah Schwindt, Sr., Sheldon

Schwindt has made it all the way back from hip surgery she underwent at the end of her sophomore year. She signed with Southern Oregon. She had 102 kills as a junior for the Southwest Conference champion, and through three matches this season, she had 19 kills and 16 digs. “Savannah is a hard worker and loves competing,” Irish coach Martine Wodke said. “She has been dedicated to getting herself stronger and back to jumping high. She knows when to have fun, be serious and make a stressful time ease up.” 

Kelsie Siegner, Jr., Crane

Siegner devoured Mustangs opponents with the same fervor that she attacks post-match pizzas (she once ate an entire medium pizza on an overnight trip to Baker City to the astonishment of her coaches and teammates), averaging 10.2 kills, 11.9 digs and 4.2 aces during a sophomore season in which she earned High Desert player of the year honors and made the Class 1A all-state second team as Crane came within one win of advancing to the state tournament. “Kelsie is the girl every coach wants on their team,” Mustangs coach Lindsay Robertson said. “Her presence on the floor is reassuring to her teammates and intimidating to the opposing team, and most of the time, she doesn’t seem to know. She is athletically gifted and very humble.” 

ha.Kelsie Siegner.Crane volleyball

Hannah Stadstad, Sr., West Albany 

Stadstad was a first-team all-Mid-Willamette and Class 5A honorable mention right-side hitter last season, helping the Bulldogs place fifth at the state tournament. She signed with Southern Oregon over the winter. “Hannah is our big hitter on the right side,” West Albany coach Megan Wallace said. “When she puts the ball away, you can’t help but get excited. Not much can rattle her. She stays calm under pressure.” 

Elise Suing, Sr., Kennedy

Suing, a first-team Class 2A all-state selection, is part of a senior class that has shined wearing Kennedy uniforms in many sports, including winning the school’s first volleyball state title last season.

Gabrielle Tata-Rodrigues, Sr., North Salem

Tata-Rodrigues might be one of the most accomplished athletes on the North Salem campus. Besides being a standout on the volleyball team, she was a runner-up at 155 pounds at the state wrestling championships and placed fifth in the shot put and eighth in the discus at the 2019 Class 5A state track meet to help the Vikings win the team title. “If I had to pick an athlete to start a volleyball program with, I would absolutely start with someone of her ability level and, more importantly, someone of her character,” North Salem coach Chris Harmon said. “She is an extremely talented player who not only excels in her volleyball skills and abilities, but in her desire to be a good teammate and help the team succeed.” 

Keira Vaughn, Jr., Sheldon

Vaughn moved from the middle, where she was an all-Southwest honorable mention pick as a sophomore (161 kills, 51 blocks), to the outside this season, and she had a team-high 37 kills off 79 swings to go with 10 digs and 2.13 serve-receive passing as of late March. “Keira has been motivated this year to focus on her passing and defense,” Irish coach Martine Wodke said. “She is a great teammate and dedicated student.”

Emily Warmenhoven, Jr., West Linn

Warmenhoven, a second-team all-Three Rivers selection as a sophomore, is the state’s No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2022 according to Prep Dig, having already committed to Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. She had 377 kills (.333 hitting), 150 digs and 35 blocks last season. “Emily is a major part of our offense this year,” Lions coach Emilie Wilmes said. “She is someone we can rely on to put a nice ball away.”

Lauren Wilborn, Sr., Beaverton

Wilborn’s younger sister, Hannah, plays for Mountainside, splitting the family’s loyalties for the time being — Lauren is set to play for Hamline University in Minnesota in the fall. “Lauren is a kind heart, a natural leader and incredible teammate,” said Beaverton coach Ashley Waggoner, who pointed out that Wilborn was a near-unanimous choice for team captain this season.

ha.Lauren Wilborn.Beaverton volleyball

Audra Wilmes, Sr., West Linn

The University of Washington signee last season earned second-team Class 6A all-state honors after leading the Lions to a fifth-place finish at the state tournament, where she was a unanimous all-tournament pick. She hit .382 for the season, finishing with 438 kills, 230 digs, 46 blocks and 62 aces with a passing average of 2.01, and she was named to the AVCA/Under Armour All-America third team and an alternate for the FIVB Girls U18 World Championship. “Audra is not only a standout athlete but a great leader on the court,” said her coach and older sister, Emilie. “She loves taking the younger girls on the team under her wing to show them the ropes. Not a lot of upperclassmen would do that voluntarily.”

Brooke Womack, So., Sandy

Womack joined the Pioneers varsity team this season and has quickly become one of their top offensive threats. “She is an aggressive and smart player for us,” Sandy coach Lihau Perreira said.

Kaitlyn Wright, Jr., Burns

Wright was a first-team all-Eastern Oregon League selection as a sophomore, finishing the season with 210 kills, 229 digs, 93 blocks and 49 aces. This season, she led the team in digs (81) and blocks (15) to go with 87 kills as of late March. “Kaitlyn is a quick player,” Hilanders coach Paula Toney said. “She continues to grow strong day by day.”

Kylie Zralka, Sr., Tualatin

Zralka and Tualatin coach Tiffany Zwick first worked together on Zralka’s first club team at the 12U level, “and seeing her grow from then to the player she is now is pretty special,” Zwick said. Zralka started at middle her first three seasons with the Timberwolves, earning second-team all-Three Rivers honors as a junior, but transitioned to outside hitter this season in anticipation of her college career at Carroll College. She leads the team in kills and is among the team leaders in digs.