Player of the Year: Volleyball
National Volleyball POY: Jordan Burgess
January, 10, 2012
Jan 10
9:18
AM ET
By Chad Konecky | ESPN.com
Capping a remarkable prep career that culminated on the court with a third consecutive state volleyball title, Berkeley Prep (Tampa, Fla.) senior Jordan Burgess was named the 2011-12 Gatorade National Player of the Year Tuesday morning.
The 6-foot-1 outside hitter was surprised with the news during class by USA Volleyball's 2011 Beach Female Athlete of the Year, April Ross, who earned Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year honors in 1999-2000.
"People still come up to me and say, 'Remember the day you won Gatorade?'" said Ross. "Jordan is the perfect player and person to pass the torch to."
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
PrepVolleyball.comCati Leak is the returning Gatorade Alabama Volleyball Player of the Year.THE WINNER: Cati Leak
THE BASICS
School: Guntersville (Ala.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 6-foot-2
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Leak led the Wildcats to a 74-5 record and a third consecutive Class 4A state championship this past season. The state’s returning Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year, she amassed 896 kills, 722 service receptions, 557 digs, 120 assists, 74 service aces and 38 blocks while recording a .532 kill percentage. The three-time Class 4A state tournament Most Valuable Player, Leak recorded 15 kills and 12 digs in a state title game sweep of Alexandria (Ala.). As a junior in 2010, she totaled 580 kills, 449 digs, 85 assists, 67 service aces and 51 blocks.
Academic excellence: Also a basketball and track standout, Leak has maintained a weighted 3.60 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Future Business Leaders of America, Leak has volunteered on behalf of the Christmas Coalition and the Soles4Souls footwear charity in addition to serving as a mentor to area youth basketball and volleyball athletes.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
PrepVolleyball.comCati Leak is the returning Gatorade Alabama Volleyball Player of the Year.THE BASICS
School: Guntersville (Ala.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 6-foot-2
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Leak led the Wildcats to a 74-5 record and a third consecutive Class 4A state championship this past season. The state’s returning Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year, she amassed 896 kills, 722 service receptions, 557 digs, 120 assists, 74 service aces and 38 blocks while recording a .532 kill percentage. The three-time Class 4A state tournament Most Valuable Player, Leak recorded 15 kills and 12 digs in a state title game sweep of Alexandria (Ala.). As a junior in 2010, she totaled 580 kills, 449 digs, 85 assists, 67 service aces and 51 blocks.
Academic excellence: Also a basketball and track standout, Leak has maintained a weighted 3.60 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Future Business Leaders of America, Leak has volunteered on behalf of the Christmas Coalition and the Soles4Souls footwear charity in addition to serving as a mentor to area youth basketball and volleyball athletes.
Alaska Volleyball POY: Morgan Hooe
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:48
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Morgan Hooe
THE BASICS
School: South Anchorage (Anchorage, Alaska)
Grade: Junior
Position: Setter
Height: 5-foot-5
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Hooe led the Wolverines to a 26-3 record and the Class 4A state title this past season. She recorded 521 assists, 98 digs, 62 kills, 30 blocks and 25 service aces while posting a kill percentage of .662. A two-time First Team All-State selection, Hooe helped South Anchorage to an undefeated season against in-state competition and she had 35 assists in the state title-clinching victory against Dimond (Anchorage, Alaska).
Academic excellence: Hooe has maintained a 3.44 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: Hooe has volunteered locally on behalf of the Special Olympics and as a youth volleyball coach.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Morgan Hooe
THE BASICS
School: South Anchorage (Anchorage, Alaska)
Grade: Junior
Position: Setter
Height: 5-foot-5
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Hooe led the Wolverines to a 26-3 record and the Class 4A state title this past season. She recorded 521 assists, 98 digs, 62 kills, 30 blocks and 25 service aces while posting a kill percentage of .662. A two-time First Team All-State selection, Hooe helped South Anchorage to an undefeated season against in-state competition and she had 35 assists in the state title-clinching victory against Dimond (Anchorage, Alaska).
Academic excellence: Hooe has maintained a 3.44 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: Hooe has volunteered locally on behalf of the Special Olympics and as a youth volleyball coach.
Arizona Volleyball POY: Bianca Arellano
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:47
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
PrepVolleyball.comBianca Arellano compiled almost 1,300 assists this season.THE WINNER: Bianca Arellano
THE BASICS
School: Xavier College Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Setter
Height: 5-foot-9
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Arellano led the Gators (42-3) to the Division I semifinals this past season. She recorded 1,294 assists, 197 digs, 143 kills, 89 blocks and 62 service aces while posting a kill percentage of .593. A three-time First Team All-State selection, Arellano is a 2011-12 American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour Second Team All-American.
Academic excellence: Arellano has maintained a 3.96 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A devoted member of her church community, Arellano has volunteered locally as an elementary school mentor and on behalf of the Phoenix Baptist Hospital.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
PrepVolleyball.comBianca Arellano compiled almost 1,300 assists this season.THE BASICS
School: Xavier College Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Setter
Height: 5-foot-9
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Arellano led the Gators (42-3) to the Division I semifinals this past season. She recorded 1,294 assists, 197 digs, 143 kills, 89 blocks and 62 service aces while posting a kill percentage of .593. A three-time First Team All-State selection, Arellano is a 2011-12 American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour Second Team All-American.
Academic excellence: Arellano has maintained a 3.96 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A devoted member of her church community, Arellano has volunteered locally as an elementary school mentor and on behalf of the Phoenix Baptist Hospital.
Arkansas Volleyball POY: Shayne Wiedemann
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:46
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Shayne Wiedemann
THE BASICS
School: Bentonville (Ark.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 5-foot-7
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Wiedemann led the Tigers to a 32-5-2 record and the Class 7A state title this past season. She recorded 356 kills, 207 digs and 41 service aces while posting a kill percentage of .455. A two-time First Team All-State selection and a 2011-12 American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour Honorable Mention All-American, Wiedemann was named MVP of the Class 7A state tournament.
Academic excellence: Wiedemann has maintained a 3.47 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A devoted member of her church community and her school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, Wiedemann has volunteered locally as a swim instructor, as part of an elementary education literacy outreach initiative and on behalf of an area assisted living facility.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Shayne Wiedemann
THE BASICS
School: Bentonville (Ark.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 5-foot-7
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Wiedemann led the Tigers to a 32-5-2 record and the Class 7A state title this past season. She recorded 356 kills, 207 digs and 41 service aces while posting a kill percentage of .455. A two-time First Team All-State selection and a 2011-12 American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour Honorable Mention All-American, Wiedemann was named MVP of the Class 7A state tournament.
Academic excellence: Wiedemann has maintained a 3.47 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A devoted member of her church community and her school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, Wiedemann has volunteered locally as a swim instructor, as part of an elementary education literacy outreach initiative and on behalf of an area assisted living facility.
California Volleyball POY: Emily Sklar
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:45
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
PrepVolleyball.comEmily Sklar earned Division II state title match MVP honors.THE WINNER: Emily Sklar
THE BASICS
School: Presentation (San Jose, Calif.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 6-foot-2
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Sklar led the Panthers to a 41-2 record and the Division II state championship this past season. The returning Player of the Year as named by the San Jose Mercury News, she amassed 584 kills, 487 digs, 61 blocks and 33 service aces while recording a .332 hitting percentage and .412 kill percentage. Sklar totaled 41 service receptions, 22 kills, 12 digs, four blocks and one ace in a 3-1 state title match win against La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.), capturing Division II state championship Most Valuable Player honors.
Academic excellence: Sklar has maintained a 3.91 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: In addition to donating her time as a youth volleyball instructor and peer Spanish tutor, Sklar has volunteered on behalf of Sacred Heart Community Service and the Second Harvest Food Bank, and as a fundraiser for Invisible Children. She completed a two-week service-mission trip to Ecuador in 2009.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
PrepVolleyball.comEmily Sklar earned Division II state title match MVP honors.THE BASICS
School: Presentation (San Jose, Calif.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 6-foot-2
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Sklar led the Panthers to a 41-2 record and the Division II state championship this past season. The returning Player of the Year as named by the San Jose Mercury News, she amassed 584 kills, 487 digs, 61 blocks and 33 service aces while recording a .332 hitting percentage and .412 kill percentage. Sklar totaled 41 service receptions, 22 kills, 12 digs, four blocks and one ace in a 3-1 state title match win against La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.), capturing Division II state championship Most Valuable Player honors.
Academic excellence: Sklar has maintained a 3.91 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: In addition to donating her time as a youth volleyball instructor and peer Spanish tutor, Sklar has volunteered on behalf of Sacred Heart Community Service and the Second Harvest Food Bank, and as a fundraiser for Invisible Children. She completed a two-week service-mission trip to Ecuador in 2009.
Colorado Volleyball POY: Nicole Dalton
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:44
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Nicole Dalton
THE BASICS
School: Chaparral (Parker, Colo.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter/setter
Height: 6-foot-2
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Dalton led the Wolverines to a 31-0 record and a second consecutive Class 5A state championship this past season. The state’s returning Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year, she amassed 492 kills, 406 assists, 267 digs, 176 service receptions, 62 blocks and 54 service aces while recording a .454 hitting percentage of and .564 kill percentage. Dalton totaled 22 assists, 13 kills, 13 digs and two blocks in the state title sweep of Grandview (Aurora, Colo.), capturing Class 5A state tournament Most Valuable Player honors for the second consecutive season. A member of the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team, she compiled 473 kills, 376 digs, 127 assists, 87 blocks and 47 service aces as a junior in 2010.
Academic excellence: Dalton has maintained a 3.28 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: In addition to donating her time as a youth volleyball instructor, Dalton has served locally as a companion to the elderly and volunteered on behalf of the Project 600 Christmas party for inner-city children.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Nicole Dalton
THE BASICS
School: Chaparral (Parker, Colo.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter/setter
Height: 6-foot-2
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Dalton led the Wolverines to a 31-0 record and a second consecutive Class 5A state championship this past season. The state’s returning Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year, she amassed 492 kills, 406 assists, 267 digs, 176 service receptions, 62 blocks and 54 service aces while recording a .454 hitting percentage of and .564 kill percentage. Dalton totaled 22 assists, 13 kills, 13 digs and two blocks in the state title sweep of Grandview (Aurora, Colo.), capturing Class 5A state tournament Most Valuable Player honors for the second consecutive season. A member of the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team, she compiled 473 kills, 376 digs, 127 assists, 87 blocks and 47 service aces as a junior in 2010.
Academic excellence: Dalton has maintained a 3.28 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: In addition to donating her time as a youth volleyball instructor, Dalton has served locally as a companion to the elderly and volunteered on behalf of the Project 600 Christmas party for inner-city children.
Connecticut Volleyball POY: Kyley Reed
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:43
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Kyley Reed
THE BASICS
School: Rocky Hill (Conn.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter/opposite hitter
Height: 5-foot-9
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Reed led the Terriers to an 18-4 record and the Class M state title this past season. She recorded 578 kills, 460 digs, 133 service aces and 31 blocks while posting a hitting percentage of .598. A 2011 American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour First Team All-American selection, Reed was the Class M State Tournament MVP and a three-time Class M First Team All-State selection. She concluded her prep volleyball career with 1,517 kills, 1,097 digs and 362 service aces.
Academic excellence: Reed has maintained a 3.37 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: Reed has volunteered locally as part of a fundraising campaign to benefit breast cancer research and on behalf of a park beautification project.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Kyley Reed
THE BASICS
School: Rocky Hill (Conn.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter/opposite hitter
Height: 5-foot-9
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Reed led the Terriers to an 18-4 record and the Class M state title this past season. She recorded 578 kills, 460 digs, 133 service aces and 31 blocks while posting a hitting percentage of .598. A 2011 American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour First Team All-American selection, Reed was the Class M State Tournament MVP and a three-time Class M First Team All-State selection. She concluded her prep volleyball career with 1,517 kills, 1,097 digs and 362 service aces.
Academic excellence: Reed has maintained a 3.37 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: Reed has volunteered locally as part of a fundraising campaign to benefit breast cancer research and on behalf of a park beautification project.
Delaware Volleyball POY: Lauren Kerrigan
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:42
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Lauren Kerrigan
THE BASICS
School: Wilmington Friends School (Wilmington, Del.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Setter
Height: 5-foot-9
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Kerrigan recorded 602 assists, 213 digs, 101 service aces, 81 kills and 43 blocks this past season, leading the Quakers (16-3) to the state tournament semifinals. A First Team All-State selection, she averaged 8.7 assists, 3.1 digs and 1.2 kills per set. Kerrigan has recorded 1,889 assists, 227 service aces, 172 kills and 113 blocks in her prep volleyball career as a three-year varsity starter.
Academic excellence: Kerrigan has maintained a 3.43 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: Co-founder of a student club called Hope for Haiti benefitting earthquake victims, Kerrigan has also organized a food drive for the needy and has volunteered locally at a camp for diabetic children.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Lauren Kerrigan
THE BASICS
School: Wilmington Friends School (Wilmington, Del.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Setter
Height: 5-foot-9
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Kerrigan recorded 602 assists, 213 digs, 101 service aces, 81 kills and 43 blocks this past season, leading the Quakers (16-3) to the state tournament semifinals. A First Team All-State selection, she averaged 8.7 assists, 3.1 digs and 1.2 kills per set. Kerrigan has recorded 1,889 assists, 227 service aces, 172 kills and 113 blocks in her prep volleyball career as a three-year varsity starter.
Academic excellence: Kerrigan has maintained a 3.43 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: Co-founder of a student club called Hope for Haiti benefitting earthquake victims, Kerrigan has also organized a food drive for the needy and has volunteered locally at a camp for diabetic children.
Washington D.C. Volleyball POY: Darian Dozier
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:41
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Darian Dozier
THE BASICS
School: St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 6-foot-1
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Dozier led the Cadets (21-7) to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference semifinals this past season. She recorded 438 kills, 167 digs, 49 service aces and 31 blocks this past season while posting a kill percentage of .514. A 2011 Washington Post First Team All-Met selection and a 2011-12 American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour Honorable Mention All-American, Dozier set a single-game school record with 31 kills in a loss to Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) in late September.
Academic excellence: Dozier has maintained a B average in the classroom.
Exemplary character: Dozier has volunteered locally on behalf of Students Against Destructive Decisions, the Special Olympics and as a youth volleyball camp counselor.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Darian Dozier
THE BASICS
School: St. John’s College (Washington, D.C.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 6-foot-1
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Dozier led the Cadets (21-7) to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference semifinals this past season. She recorded 438 kills, 167 digs, 49 service aces and 31 blocks this past season while posting a kill percentage of .514. A 2011 Washington Post First Team All-Met selection and a 2011-12 American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour Honorable Mention All-American, Dozier set a single-game school record with 31 kills in a loss to Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) in late September.
Academic excellence: Dozier has maintained a B average in the classroom.
Exemplary character: Dozier has volunteered locally on behalf of Students Against Destructive Decisions, the Special Olympics and as a youth volleyball camp counselor.
Florida Volleyball POY: Jordan Burgess
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:40
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
Paul Warner/ESPNHSJordan Burgess is the returning Gatorade Florida Volleyball Player of the Year.THE WINNER: Jordan Burgess
THE BASICS
School: Berkeley Prep (Tampa, Fla.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 6-foot-1
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Burgess led the Buccaneers to a 30-2 record and a third consecutive state championship this past season. The state’s returning Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year, she amassed 553 kills, 366 digs, 48 service aces, 38 assists and 32 blocks while recording a .457 hitting percentage. Also the returning ESPNHS National Junior of the Year, Burgess produced 29 service receptions, 15 kills, 13 digs and four blocks in the 3-1 Class 4A state title win over Bishop Moore (Orlando, Fla.). A 2011 USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships All-Tournament selection and two-time Amateur Athletic Union Junior National Girls’ Volleyball Championships All-American, she is a member of the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team.
Academic excellence: Burgess has maintained a 4.00 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A founding director of the “Everyone Should Play” Foundation, a charitable initiative formed in 2009 to assist the area’s disadvantaged youth offset sports registration fees and equipment costs, Burgess has also volunteered locally as a youth volleyball coach. Team manager of the Berkeley Prep boys volleyball squad since 2009 and a participant in a community literacy-outreach program, she served as a team leader at a two-week youth business leadership summer camp in 2007 and 2008. Burgess has also donated her time fundraising on behalf of Heifer International.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
Paul Warner/ESPNHSJordan Burgess is the returning Gatorade Florida Volleyball Player of the Year.THE BASICS
School: Berkeley Prep (Tampa, Fla.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 6-foot-1
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Burgess led the Buccaneers to a 30-2 record and a third consecutive state championship this past season. The state’s returning Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year, she amassed 553 kills, 366 digs, 48 service aces, 38 assists and 32 blocks while recording a .457 hitting percentage. Also the returning ESPNHS National Junior of the Year, Burgess produced 29 service receptions, 15 kills, 13 digs and four blocks in the 3-1 Class 4A state title win over Bishop Moore (Orlando, Fla.). A 2011 USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships All-Tournament selection and two-time Amateur Athletic Union Junior National Girls’ Volleyball Championships All-American, she is a member of the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team.
Academic excellence: Burgess has maintained a 4.00 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A founding director of the “Everyone Should Play” Foundation, a charitable initiative formed in 2009 to assist the area’s disadvantaged youth offset sports registration fees and equipment costs, Burgess has also volunteered locally as a youth volleyball coach. Team manager of the Berkeley Prep boys volleyball squad since 2009 and a participant in a community literacy-outreach program, she served as a team leader at a two-week youth business leadership summer camp in 2007 and 2008. Burgess has also donated her time fundraising on behalf of Heifer International.
Georgia Volleyball POY: Mary Hannah Arrington
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:39
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Mary Hannah Arrington
THE BASICS
School: Pope (Marietta, Ga.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 5-foot-9
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Arrington led the Greyhounds to a 43-2 record and a third consecutive Class AAAA state championship this past season. The returning Class AAAA Player of the Year as named by the Georgia Volleyball Coaches Association, she amassed 473 kills, 242 digs, 67 service aces, 17 blocks and 10 assists while recording a .493 hitting percentage and .598 kill percentage. An Under Armour Honorable Mention All-American, Arrington totaled 24 kills and 12 digs in the 3-1 state title victory against Whitewater (Fayetteville, Ga.). A three-time Class AAAA First Team All-State selection, she compiled 452 kills and 265 digs as a junior in 2010.
Academic excellence: Arrington has maintained a 3.95 weighted GPA in the classroom and is a member of her school’s foreign language, Renaissance and Beta clubs.
Exemplary character: In addition to donating her time as a youth volleyball and swim instructor, Arrington has volunteered on behalf of her church community and as a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Mary Hannah Arrington
THE BASICS
School: Pope (Marietta, Ga.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 5-foot-9
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Arrington led the Greyhounds to a 43-2 record and a third consecutive Class AAAA state championship this past season. The returning Class AAAA Player of the Year as named by the Georgia Volleyball Coaches Association, she amassed 473 kills, 242 digs, 67 service aces, 17 blocks and 10 assists while recording a .493 hitting percentage and .598 kill percentage. An Under Armour Honorable Mention All-American, Arrington totaled 24 kills and 12 digs in the 3-1 state title victory against Whitewater (Fayetteville, Ga.). A three-time Class AAAA First Team All-State selection, she compiled 452 kills and 265 digs as a junior in 2010.
Academic excellence: Arrington has maintained a 3.95 weighted GPA in the classroom and is a member of her school’s foreign language, Renaissance and Beta clubs.
Exemplary character: In addition to donating her time as a youth volleyball and swim instructor, Arrington has volunteered on behalf of her church community and as a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Hawaii Volleyball POY: Tayler Higgins
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:38
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Tayler Higgins
THE BASICS
School: Punahou School (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Grade: Junior
Position: Setter
Height: 5-foot-9
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Higgins led the Buff n’ Blue to a 15-0 record and the Division I state title this past season. She recorded 95 assists, 16 digs and 11 kills while posting a .578 kill percentage in the state tournament. The 2011 Division I State Tournament MVP, Higgins was also named 2011 Interscholastic League of Honolulu Player of the Year.
Academic excellence: Higgins has maintained a 3.17 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A devoted member of her church community, Higgins has volunteered locally as an assistant in the Punahou School athletic office and has also donated her time collecting gifts and canned goods on behalf of an area shelter for needy families.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Tayler Higgins
THE BASICS
School: Punahou School (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Grade: Junior
Position: Setter
Height: 5-foot-9
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Higgins led the Buff n’ Blue to a 15-0 record and the Division I state title this past season. She recorded 95 assists, 16 digs and 11 kills while posting a .578 kill percentage in the state tournament. The 2011 Division I State Tournament MVP, Higgins was also named 2011 Interscholastic League of Honolulu Player of the Year.
Academic excellence: Higgins has maintained a 3.17 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A devoted member of her church community, Higgins has volunteered locally as an assistant in the Punahou School athletic office and has also donated her time collecting gifts and canned goods on behalf of an area shelter for needy families.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Jenna Ellis
THE BASICS
School: Century (Pocatello, Idaho)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 5-foot-8
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Ellis led the Diamondbacks to a 36-4 record and a second consecutive Class 4A state championship this past season. Also the Player of the Year as named by the Idaho State Journal, she amassed 454 kills, 439 digs, 65 service aces and 18 blocks while recording a .408 hitting percentage and .546 kill percentage. The two-time Class 4A Player of the Year, Ellis totaled 19 kills, 19 digs, six service aces and three blocks in a 3-1 Class 4A state title clincher against Skyview (Nampa, Idaho). She led the Intermountain Volleyball Association to a gold medal at the 2009 USA Volleyball High Performance Girls’ International Youth Championships.
Academic excellence: Ellis has maintained a 4.00 weighted GPA in the classroom and serves on her school’s student council.
Exemplary character: A member of the National Honor Society and Century’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, Ellis has also donated her time locally as a youth volleyball instructor.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Jenna Ellis
THE BASICS
School: Century (Pocatello, Idaho)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 5-foot-8
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Ellis led the Diamondbacks to a 36-4 record and a second consecutive Class 4A state championship this past season. Also the Player of the Year as named by the Idaho State Journal, she amassed 454 kills, 439 digs, 65 service aces and 18 blocks while recording a .408 hitting percentage and .546 kill percentage. The two-time Class 4A Player of the Year, Ellis totaled 19 kills, 19 digs, six service aces and three blocks in a 3-1 Class 4A state title clincher against Skyview (Nampa, Idaho). She led the Intermountain Volleyball Association to a gold medal at the 2009 USA Volleyball High Performance Girls’ International Youth Championships.
Academic excellence: Ellis has maintained a 4.00 weighted GPA in the classroom and serves on her school’s student council.
Exemplary character: A member of the National Honor Society and Century’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, Ellis has also donated her time locally as a youth volleyball instructor.