Oregon’s top high school volleyball players: Meet the state’s best middles
By René Ferrán
Over the next week, we’ll be taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Oregon high school volleyball. Our third list focuses on the middle blockers and middle hitters.
There are hundreds of standout volleyball players in Oregon and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive! Let us know about any other middles you think should be added.
Halle Garrity (Westview) photo by Leon Neuschwander
—
MH Olivia Adamo, Oregon City, Jr.
Adamo was the only sophomore to make the all-Three Rivers first team last fall, and she’s off to another strong start this season after returning from an injury. During September, she had 92 kills (.328 hitting percentage), 24 aces and 16 blocks. “Olivia is a dynamic hitter whose ability to see holes in the block or open spots on the court is amazing,” said Pioneers coach Erica Frafjord.
MH/RS Lucy Allen, Sunset, Sr.
Allen has led the Apollos in blocking all season. Through Sept. 30, she had 51 blocks (17 solo) to go with 40 kills (.257 hitting percentage), 14 aces and 40 digs.
MB Jaycee Anderson, Powder Valley, Jr.
Anderson has thrived moving into the starting lineup this season, leading the Badgers in kills and ranking among the team’s top servers with a devastating jump serve. “Jaycee has walked onto the court this fall a totally different player,” coach Marji Lind said. “She is confident, has become a team leader, and is taking the floor by storm.”
MB Alyssa Baird, Portland Christian, So.
Baird is already one of the grizzled veterans on a young Royals roster that features one senior. She was a second-team all-Northwest League selection last fall, helping the team reach the 2A quarterfinals. “Alyssa is a solid all-around player,” said first-year coach Denetia Chimuku. “She is a key this year in our success and an integral part of our growth as a team.”
MH Taelyn Bentley, Crescent Valley, So.
Bentley made the all-Mid-Willamette second team last season and has improved her numbers across the board this fall — 142 kills (3.3 per set) with a team-high .469 hitting percentage and 31 blocks. Raiders coach Troy Shorey boldly proclaimed, “she is one of the top two middles in the state. She brings the team a lot of energy when she attacks.”
MB Cali Bitzer, Mazama, Fr.
Bitzer has transitioned from soccer to volleyball and can play just about any position for the Vikings. She has settled into her role as a middle blocker, with 29 blocks, 70 kills and 22 aces. “Cali is not only a 6-foot blocker, but she also plays amazing defense,” said assistant coach Sam Fenner. “She has a powerful arm swing and can hit consistently to the 10-foot line.”
MH Grace Bradford, Myrtle Point, Sr.
Bradford was one of the bright spots for the Bobcats last season, leading the team in kills and making the all-Sunset first team while leading the squad to the conference playoffs — all after cutting off her thumb in woodshop class in June 2021, having it reattached and healing in time for the season. This fall, she again leads the Bobcats in kills and aces and is second on the team in digs.
MB Sydney Brewster, Sandy, Sr.
Brewster made the all-Mt. Hood list in each of her first three seasons — the second team as a freshman and sophomore and the first team last fall. This year, she averaged a team-high 14 kills per match during September while posting a 2.5 passer rating. She also won the 6A state championship in the discus in May. “Sydney is the rock of our team,” said Pioneers coach Maggie Young. “She is a true leader and knows how to keep herself and her team calm in the most stressful situations. She is truly a team-first athlete.”
MH/RS Anabelle Davidson, St. Paul, Sr.
Davidson was a first-team all-Casco selection last season, finishing with 218 kills (.421 kill percentage), 80 blocks and 85 aces while serving at a .919 clip. “She’s a great leader on the court,” Buckaroos coach Les Hiller said.
MB/RS Joya Euhus, Santiam Christian, So.
Euhus bided her time last fall for the Eagles, but her play for her club team has drawn the attention of several D-I and NAIA schools in the region. “Joya was new to our school and program last year, so she came in still figuring out her role,” coach Kelli Fitzpatrick said. “Over the last year, she has grown significantly in her skill, confidence and leadership. I am very impressed with the growth I’ve seen in her, and as a team, everyone is benefiting from where she’s at today.”
MB Mia Fedota, St. Mary’s Academy, Sr.
Fedota is a 6-3 presence in the middle of the Blues front line, leading the team in kills. The four-year varsity player has committed to the University of Puget Sound. “Mia’s court vision is amazing — she can hit any spot on the court,” said first-year coach Wendy Stammer. “Mia is so hungry to improve in every aspect of the game and is extremely humble as a player.”
MB Halle Garrity, Westview, Sr.
Garrity has anchored the middle of the front row for the Wildcats for three seasons, making the all-Metro first team last fall. She leads the team in blocks with 38 and is second with 102 kills and 21 aces. “She is an explosive player in the middle and a strong, consistent server,” coach Janelle Brandt said. “She is a big block for us at the net and hard to stop offensively.”
MB Aly Herber, Salem Academy, Sr.
Herber dominated the middle for the 2A state champion Crusaders last season, earning first-team all-Tri-River, all-state and all-tournament honors — she had a match-high 14 kills in the state final. She picked up where she left off this year, leading the team with 281 kills at the halfway point of the season. She also had a team-high 36 aces and 145 digs, second to freshman Emma Brewer.
MH Caitlyn Horrell, Burns, So.
Horrell played a secondary role in the Hilanders attack last fall, yet she made the all-Eastern Oregon League second team. She’s taken on a bigger role this season, and through Oct. 7 she was second on the team in kills with 162 (.267 hitting percentage), blocks (55) and aces (51).
MH Akyla Kaino, Burns, So.
Kaino made the 3A all-state second team as a freshman for the state champion Hilanders last season, when she had 204 kills and 120 blocks. She’s picked up where she left off this year, improving her hitting (.230) and kill (.398) percentages with a team-high 175 kills (2.9 per set) and 92 blocks.
MB Willa Kayfes, Valley Catholic, So.
Kayfes transferred back to Valley Catholic from Westview over the summer, and she infused some needed height to the front row. The 5-11 middle led the team during the first month with 12 blocks and was second in kills with 112 (.347 hitting percentage). “We are so glad she (came back),” coach Becky Kemper said. “She is key to our offense.”
MB Caitlin Kirkpatrick, Sherwood, Sr.
Kirkpatrick last season made the all-Pacific second team in helping the Bowmen win the conference title, finishing with 78 kills and 46 blocks.
MB Kate Klobas, Tillamook, Jr.
Klobas made the all-Cowapa first team last season. Cheesemakers coach Lavonne Rawe called her “a quiet warrior, willing to do anything for the betterment of the team. These athletes are the grit of the team. Kate is one of those.”
MH Stella Koch, St. Paul, Jr.
Koch won Casco player of the year honors and was a unanimous first-team all-tournament selection for the 1A state runner-up last season, finishing with 351 kills (.437 kill percentage) and 112 blocks.
MB Lilly Lansing, Jesuit, Jr.
Lansing has emerged from the shadow of all-state middle Tess Masingale this season, leading the Crusaders in blocks (32) and ranking third in kills (91, .309 hitting percentage).
MB/OH Kendall MacFarland, Caldera, Jr.
MacFarland had a .335 hitting percentage through Oct. 7 for the Wolfpack. She is a passionate social justice advocate who is part of the Spanish immersion program at school and plans to become an immigration attorney. “Kendall is a dynamic kid who will play wherever you need her,” coach Alicia Roe-Rudloff said. “She’s a tall kid at 6 foot, but she’s all over the floor with the defensive specialists and putting away balls as a forceful hitter.”
MB Jacie Madden, Klamath Union, So.
Madden was a part-time player for the Pelicans last season, when she had 20 kills and 14 blocks, but she quickly became a go-to standout this year. “She’s young, but she has tenacity and a great work ethic,” coach Faryn Case said. “She has become a huge force for us this year, not only with her blocking but hits and defense.”
MB Olivia Madsen, Westview, So.
The Wildcats are a veteran group, but Madsen has managed to crack the lineup and has shown she will be a building block for the team in the future. She was third on the team with 76 kills and 18 blocks during their 17-3 start. “Olie is young and still developing in the middle but can hammer the ball when she connects well with the setter,” coach Janelle Brandt said.
MB Ellianna McMoore, David Douglas, Jr.
McMoore averages a team-high two solo blocks per match and was second on the team in kills through the first month of her first varsity season. “She has made a big impact, and I am very excited to see what Ellianna does in the second half of the season,” Scots coach Janeen Rainey said. “Not only is she a strong and dedicated athlete, but she is also an amazing teammate.”
MB Kate Miles, Marshfield, Sr.
Miles had a solid season last fall for the Pirates, finishing with 51 blocks, 82 kills, 53 aces and 223 digs in earning second-team all-Sky Em recognition. “Kate has amazing timing and hangs in the air on her blocks,” coach Tammie Montiel said. “Although she plays middle blocker, she could be an amazing libero as well.”
MB Julia Mitchell, Damascus Christian, Sr.
Mitchell is a two-time all-Valley 10 first-team selection who made the 1A all-tournament team last fall, finishing the season with 219 kills, 235 digs, 57 blocks and 56 aces. She led the Eagles through 15 matches this season in serve percentage (.957) and had 100 kills, 20 blocks and 33 aces. Coach Emily Russau called the Spring Arbor University commit “a servant leader, always the first one to start setting up the net, cleaning the gym, or whatever it may be that the coaches need. She is the glue to this team. She not only brings intensity to the team but also creates team chemistry that is vital to our success. Her work ethic is contagious.”
MB Sky Nesser, Powder Valley, Fr.
Badgers coach Marji Lind quipped that “the sky's the limit” for her freshman phenom, who earned the nickname “Bird” from her teammates “because it looks like she is flying most of the time.” Lind also praised how Nesser “has accepted the role and pressure as a varsity player as a freshman very naturally. She has tremendous natural talent, and her work ethic is outstanding.”
MB Julissa Pernsteiner, St. Mary’s Academy, Jr.
Pernsteiner, an honorable mention all-Three Rivers pick last season, leads the Blues in blocks and is second to Mia Fedota in kills. The versatile 5-9 third-year varsity player has played all three front-row positions this season, but first-year coach Wendy Stammer likes her best playing opposite Fedota as a middle. “Julissa is the most physical hitter on our team,” Stammer said. “When she hits the ball, she makes heads turn. She is only 5-9, but she plays middle like she’s 6-2.”
MH Genevieve Robinson, Weston-McEwen, Sr.
Robinson is a 6-1 presence in the middle who made the all-Blue Mountain first team after finishing last season with 265 kills, 45 aces and 62 blocks. “Her blocking is a game-changer at the net,” said TigerScots coach Shawn White. “She greatly affects the other team’s hitters.”
MH Bailey Robertson, Sisters, Jr.
With all-state middle Gracie Vohs moving outside this year, the door opened for Robertson to enter the starting lineup, where she has thrived during the Outlaws’ 19-2 start. “Bailey worked hard in the offseason to establish herself as one of the top middles in our league,” coach Rory Rush said. “She has a quick attack and can put up a big, strong block, frustrating her opponents.”
MB Olivia Rosborough, Silverton, Sr.
Rosborough made the all-Mid-Willamette first team last season in leading the Foxes to the 5A quarterfinals for the first time since 2015. This year, she had a team-high 24 blocks (17 solo) and 70 kills (.290 hitting percentage) in September. “Liv is a strong athlete and a true competitor,” coach Reilly-Jane Rosecrans said.
MB Hayley Shaaf, Catlin Gabel, Fr.
Shaaf has hardly looked like a freshman during the first month of the season, leading the Eagles in hitting efficiency and ranking second in kills. “She’s going to be a force in the future,” coach Jeannette Lee said. “We work hard to give her the ball as often as possible.”
MH Cayton Smith, Oregon Episcopal, Sr.
Volleyball might be the third of Smith’s three sports — she has committed to play basketball at the University of Puget Sound and might also golf for the Loggers after finishing eighth at the 4A/3A/2A/1A state tournament as a junior — but you’d never guess it. She was a Lewis & Clark co-player of the year and a second-team 3A all-state selection as a junior, when she had 236 kills, 321 digs, 58 aces and 18 blocks in leading the Aardvarks to the quarterfinals. This season, she averaged 12.8 kills and 15.8 digs per match through Oct. 3. Somehow, she still finds the time to run her bakery business, C.C.’s Crazy Cakes. “Cayton is a competitive player who gives everything she has while being a leader for her teammates,” said OES coach Nikole Weir. “She is steady, consistent and our go-to player.”
MB Ella Smith, Corvallis, Sr.
Smith, a four-year varsity player, made the all-Mid-Willamette honorable mention list last season. She warmed up for conference play this year by hitting .244 with 1.8 kills per set to go with 17 blocks and 24 aces. “Ella is a great leader and player who is a strong blocker and hitter,” said Spartans coach Kari Morrow. “She has unlimited potential.”
MB Tayler Westfall, Silverton, Sr.
Westfall moved from the right side to the middle this year, playing opposite Olivia Rosborough in the rotation and recording 18 blocks (15 solo) in the season’s first month. “Hard-working and tenacious” is how coach Reilly-Jane Rosecrans described her, adding that “Tayler will look to overcome any challenge or doubts set in front of her.”
MH Brooke Williams, Oregon City, Jr.
Williams has enjoyed a breakthrough season this fall, hitting .355 with 124 kills during the first month of the season while leading the team with 31 blocks. Pioneers coach Erica Frafjord called her “an aggressive middle hitter who is an intimidating presence on the net.”
MB Drewsey Williams, Grant Union, Jr.
Williams was a first-team all-Blue Mountain selection last season who helped the Prospectors finish fourth at the 2A state tournament. Coach Mariah Moulton watches her stay after practice every day, taking extra reps at the net, then arriving early the next day to put in extra work before practice. “She is a very strong leader on and off the court,” Moulton said. “I am very excited to see where life takes Drewsey in the future.”
MB Kaitlyn Wood, Sheldon, Sr.
The first-team all-Southwest selection last season has committed to Rocky Mountain College. She had 106 kills and 22 aces during the Irish’s 14-4 start this season. “Kait is a great teammate,” coach Martine Wodke said. “She always works hard and brings great energy to the game. She is a pleasure to coach.”
MH/RS Tessa Zimmermann, West Albany, Sr.
Zimmermann made the 5A all-state honorable mention list last season, when she hit .266 with 105 kills, 28 blocks and 56 digs to help the Bulldogs win the state title. With the graduation of three all-state teammates, she has stepped into a leadership role this year while hitting a team-high .423. “Tessa has a strong voice and keeps a level head,” coach Megan Wallace said. “She has been a force this season playing all six rotations. She is reliable in all aspects of the game and does a great job of building up the people around her.”
