Player of the Year finalists
Kamaile Hiapo, Skyline
Kamaile Hiapo not only leads Arizona with 847 kills on the season, she is sixth place nationally for her vicious attacking. The University of Arizona commit also leads Skyline high school in digs with 511 on the season and serves received with 1,031. Arizona coach Dave Rubio called Hiapo an elite prospect, stating he believes she is, “the best volleyball player in the state of Arizona.”
Nicole Hoff, Millennium
Senior Nicole Hoff finished her final season strong as the team went nearly undefeated, won a state championship and led her team in digs. Not only did she lead her team but Hoff was second in the state with 835 digs. Hoff played a critical role Millennium's dominant season this year.
Raegan Hope, Northwest Christian
Sophomore Raegan Hope helped lift Northwest Christian Academy to a state title this year thanks to her stellar performance on the court. Her stats landed her among the best this year, ranking 5th overall in the state for kills with 513 and 4th overall in the state for her .372 hitting percentage. With two years still remaining, it’s possible to see this University of Oregon commit become the state’s best player.
Taylor Jacobsen, Hamilton
Senior Taylor Jacobsen had a phenomenal season for Chandler Hamilton, leading the team in kills with 413 on the season. The future NAU Lumberjack also was second on the team for serving aces with 43 and digs with 376 and third overall in total blocks with 73.
Mykenna Nelson, Greenway
Senior Mykenna Nelson played a pivotal role in Greenway’s state championship winning season. An agile player, Nelson led her team this season with 325 kills, 79 aces and 333 digs. The four-year varsity player had perhaps the most outstanding performance during the 4A playoffs and a dominant showing in the finals against Tucson’s Salpointe Catholic, showing why she’s committed to play for Oregon State.
Lauren Ohlinger, Scottsdale Christian
Senior Lauren Ohlinger helped lead Scottsdale Christian Academy to its second consecutive state title. At 6-foot-2, her height and agility definitely showed on the court with 413 kills on the season and 247 digs. The Boise State commit also lead her team in aces with 69.
Shannon Shields, Xavier
Senior Shannon Shields was named the 6A Premier region player of the year for her consistency on the court, which helped lead Xavier to yet another state title. Shields led the team in assists, and is second in serving aces for the Gators. Although she didn’t steal the spotlight in the 6A state championships, she still had an important role when it came to lifting the Gators to victory. Shields is committed to play volleyball for the University of Louisville.
Jazmyn Wheeler, Sunnyslope
Senior Jazmyn Wheeler helped Sunnyslope return to another state championship appearance with her outstanding performance throughout the season. Wheeler was second in the state for her hitting percentage (37.7), she led her team for attacks with 464 kills this season and serves received with 427.
Coach of the year: Millennium coach Julie Vastine
Coach Vastine led the Tigers to a 45-1 overall record and the school’s first-ever volleyball state title. The American Volleyball Coaches Association named Vastine as the Region 9 coach of the year for her team’s stellar performance on the court. Under her direction, Millennium Volleyball climbed all the way up to the number 4 rank for MaxPrep’s Xcellent Top 25 Writer’s poll. Also considered: Lamar-Renee Bryant - Xavier coach Ben Maxfield - Corona Del Sol coach Amber LeTarte - Sunnyslope coach
Honorable mention
Becca Morse, Tempe Corona Del Sol Sedona Sherman, Goodyear Millennium
Ashley Antoniak, Goodyear Millennium
Tatum Parrott, Phoenix Greenway Grace Doyle, Gilbert Perry Madelyn Noble, Tempe Corona del Sol
Briana McKnight, Phoenix Xavier
Prep
Lauren Hess, Buckeye Odyssey
How they were selected
The finalists for girls volleyball player of the year were chosen by the azcentral sports high school sports reporters, using personal observations and interviews with players and coaches as well as statistics and rankings.
azcentral Sports Awards return in June
The azcentral Sports Awards recognizes and honors the top athletic accomplishments in Arizona high school sports. This event is hosted by azcentral and will take place June 9 at ASU Gammage. The show features various awards, contests and a special appearance from a celebrity guest (TBA). To nominate an outstanding student-athlete in your community, click here and tell us all about him or her. Tickets go on sale on Dec. 17.