MaxPreps Volleyball Player of the Year Watch List

Here's a glance at several early-season standouts on the radar for MaxPreps National Volleyball Player of the Year honors:

Reily Buechler, Torrey Pines (San Diego), 6-2 Senior Outside Hitter
Buechler is the top player on a top-ranked California squad that has won the prestigious 64-team Durango Invitational (Las Vegas) the last two years and was runner-up in the California Challenge. She has committed to UCLA. In leading once-beaten Torrey Pines this season, Buechler has 145 kills (317 attempts), 72 digs, 155 receiving attempts, 12 blocks and a dozen aces. With Buechler hitting, TPHS is 17-1 this season.
 
Torrey Pines coach Brennan Dean on Buechler: "Reily is a standout player. She has explosive power complemented with calmness on the court. Her leadership and altruism makes our team stronger every day."

Azariah Stahl, Elkhart Central (Ind.), 5-11 Senior Outside Hitter
Among the national leaders in hitting and kills, Stahl has played a major role in Elkhart's 25-3 season. Stahl, who has committed to Purdue, is averaging 7.6 kills per set (601 on the season) and has a kill percentage of 71. She is also serving at better than a 93 percent rate and has 26 aces. Add to that, she has 225 digs.

Central coach Yolanda Stahl on Stahl: "While other players can touch 10-6, Azariah ('Z') attacks the ball at that stratospheric height. 'Z' has not only had an incredible senior season but an amazing high school career, hitting .624 with 558 kills (7.6 k/s) this year so far and hitting .56 with 2,140 kills (6.6 k/s) for her career. 'Z' is an outstanding six-rotation player that hits with great power and uses all the shots. A great teammate and student (3.4 GPA), look for 'Z' to be a beast for Purdue in 2014 and beyond."

Carli Snyder, Dakota (Macomb, Mich.), 6-1 Senior Outside Hitter
Dakota is unbeaten this season (29-0) and has won 50 straight matches, and it's no coincidence that Snyder is playing the best volleyball of her life. She has 455 kills (6.6 average) and a .474 hitting percentage. Snyder also has a 30 percent ace average on serves (91 in 69 sets) and 366 digs (5.3 per set average). Bound for Florida, Snyder has committed just five service errors on 226 serve receptions.

Dakota coach Tracie Ferguson on Snyder: "Carli Snyder is a very special player. She obviously has the physical abilities and shows them off in each and every match, but what makes Carli so special is her volleyball IQ, versatility and leadership. Carli is a very smart player — she sees the court and controls it. This is something that for most athletes it takes a while to develop, but Carli caught on at a very young age which has made her physical abilities look that much more effortless.

"She is very competitive and knows how to pull that drive out in the rest of the team — there is never a dull moment — she expects to win and always creates that atmosphere day in and day out."

Courtney Crable, Mercy (Louisville, Ky.), 6-1 Senior Outside Hitter
Crable, who has committed to Auburn, leads No. 9-ranked Mercy (29-1) in kills (20.8 per match), hitting percentage (.390), aces per match (2.1) and blocks (4.6 per match). She had 636 kills as a junior.
 
Mercy coach Todd Garvey on Crable: "Courtney not only has the size to get it done at the college level, but she also is a great jumper and is really quick for her size. She already touches over 10 feet, and is just scratching the surface of how good she can be. Courtney has led our Mercy team in kills in each of the past three seasons, and become a six-rotation player."

Courtney has proven that she is already a great player, but what gives her so much upside still is that she has a great work ethic and will continue to get a lot stronger physically to help her when attacking, and will continue to get better in the back row each and every year as well. She has the physical tools to make her a great player, but she also has the work ethic to continue to make her weaknesses her strengths."

Sarah Sponcil, Veritas Prep (Phoenix), 5-10 Senior Setter
Sponcil is a volleyball standout indoor or out. A four-year starter, she has led Veritas to three state titles and this year leads her team, averaging better than six kills (69 percent) and a .617 hitting percentage. She has led Veritas Prep Academy to three straight state championships, has received Arizona Small Schools Player of the Year honors the past two years and is the reigning Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year in Arizona. The Loyola Marymount commit recently teamed with Zana Muno win the 18-under title at the California Beach Volleyball Association Cal Cup. She will play both indoor and outdoor volleyball at the next level.

Veritas coach Wes Goodwin on Sponcil: "I have never coached an athlete as intelligent. Her volleyball IQ is unmatched in Arizona and not only raises the level of play with her teammates, but also raises the level of her competitors. The quote that best describes Sarah comes from tennis great Jimmy Connor: ‘I hate to lose, more than I love to win!' This is the type of drive Sarah has, she always strives to be the best on the court."

Jo-Leigh VerVelde, Oostburg (Wis.), 5-10 Senior Setter
VerVelde does it all. She plays the full court and in leading the 31-3 Flying Dutchman, she has put up some impressive numbers — 322 kills (4.1 per set) with a 58 kill percentage, 54 solo blocks, 156 digs and still manages 5.4 assists per set. Perhaps her most impressive statistic is that 41 percent of her serves go for aces. She has 149 aces with only 21 service errors in 368 attempts and serves 94 percent. In one 3-0 victory this season, VerVelde served 16 aces, had 14 assists and seven kills. She will play collegiately at Western Carolina.

Oostburg coach Scott Greupink on VerVelde: "Jo-Leigh is a complete volleyball player. She has a first team all-state skill set in every phase of the game. Opposing coaches marvel at her ability to attack with accuracy every spot on the court, and the court sense that allows her to frequently find the open spot. She stabilizes our ball-handling when she is setting. She already has 300+ kills this season, and she often unsettles teams with her serve. And Jo-Leigh's impact on our team goes well beyond the numbers. Her focus and competitiveness have been highly contagious with her teammates because she is a tremendous leader. During the past two season when she was earning all-state recognition, she was also leading our team to two consecutive state championships."

Alyssa Goehner, Lakeville North (Minn.), 5-11 Senior Outside Hitter
Goehner is playing as well as she did as a junior when she was named MaxPreps Junior of theYear after leading Lakeville North to its second state title in three years and a 32-1 record. Goehner, who has committed to Nebraska, is averaging 7.6 kills per set with a 52.7 kill percentage. She also has 46 aces and 34 blocks in 68 sets to go along with 273 digs.

Lakeville North coach Walt Weaver on Goehner: "I have worked with players of all ages and experience, including grade school, high school, college and even a few Olympians. In all those years, in all of those capacities, I have not worked with a more exceptional complete player than Alyssa. There is no aspect of the game she does not excel in and there are few games she plays in where she does not dominate. She is an explosive attacker from the front or back court and a ferocious defender in any position required. She is one of the team leaders in passing and team digs.

"In terms of intangibles, she is an excellent student, a humble leader by example and a determined player with a strong will and strong work ethic."

Courtney Schwan, Bellarmine Prep (Tacoma, Wash.), 6-2 Senior Outside Hitter
Schwan has picked up where she left off in 2012. Bellarmine is unbeaten, ranked in MaxPreps Xcellent 25 Poll and Schwan is averaging 4.8 kills (57.2 kill pct.) and 105 digs in 37 sets. She has committed just two service errors in 109 serve receptions. Schwan put together big numbers in leading Bellarmine in 2012 — 488 kills, 281 digs, 95 service aces, 74 blocks and a .454 hitting percentage — as she led the Lions to the Class 4A state title.

Bellarmine coach Jody DeGroot on Schwan: "Courtney is a strong, talented player who has grown tremendously in both her skill and leadership in volleyball. Courtney, currently co-captain of the 2013 season, has led our team to an undefeated season as of late. She consistently gets about six kills per set and her topspin serve is tough to return. Courtney's strength this year is her pure love of the game and her willingness to lead her team to victories."

Courtney Eckenrode, The Woodlands (Texas), 5-9 Senior Setter
Eckenrode is the top player on the nation's No. 1 ranked team. In leading The Woodlands to a 33-0 record, the setter has had four straight seasons with 700 or more assists, including 2013 with a 9.5 average. The MVP at the Pearland Tournament, she also has 239 digs this season and more than 1,000 in her career.

The Woodlands coach Leslie Madison on Eckenrode: "Courtney is our captain this year and a four-year starter for me at The Woodlands. As a freshmen she helped lead our program to the state 5A finals for the first time in school history and is hoping to help lead the team back there this year. 

"Courtney is extremely calm on the court and has an amazing court awareness. She is able to see the defense before making her setting choice and has a great touch on the ball. She is also very good on defense not only back row but blocking as well. She will no doubt have great success at the collegiate level."

Lauryn Gillis, New Castle (Ind.), 6-2 Senior Outside Hitter
The 6-2 outside hitter is healthy and her stats show it with 465 (5.7 average) kills (55.5 percent), and 45 blocks. Gillis, who has committed to USC, also had 262 digs in leading New Castle to a 24-2 record.

New Castle coach Mike DoDrill on Gillis: "Lauryn is a very graceful, dynamic, hard hitting competitor. She sees a block very well and can attack the seam on a consistent basis. Not only does she create offensive shots by working her wrist but she can handle the ball in serve receive and create offense for other hitters. She is a six-rotation kid who is a back row attack threat and defends well too. Match that with her gleaming personality and you have a player that volleyball is lucky to have. Humble, hard working, passion for the game and desire for the highest success separate her from the many good players I have coached in the past and puts her in the great player category for sure."

Crissy Jones, Los Alamitos (Calif.), 6-2 Senior Outside Hitter
The top player on one of California's best teams, the 6-2 Jones is an outside hitter with big time air time. Jones, who has committed to Washington, is averaging five kills per game (50.4 percent), and has 173 digs as Los Alamitos is 22-4 on the season.

Los Alamitos coach Dave Huber on Jones: "She is a four-year starter who is making the transition to outside hitter this season (she played middle the previous 3 years) — a move that definitely shows her versatility and proves she is a hard worker as she learns the little things about playing a new position. 

"She has always been a dynamic hitter who can score from any spot on the court as well as a force blocking at the net. Now she is showing that she can have an impact on defense in the back row also."

Taylor Tashima, New Trier (Winnetka, Ill.), 6-0 Senior Setter
The team captain for the 2013 U.S. Girls' Youth National Volleyball Team has led New Trier to a 15-1 record. She has committed to Northwestern. Tashima is a major reason opponents rarely get into double digits against New Trier. Thus her stats don't show her value, says coach Hannah Hsieh. Despite limited court time, she is hitting 66.6 percent and her kill efficiency is 55 percent. She also has 45 aces and 195 assists in 15 matches.

New Trier coach Hannah Hsieh on Tashima: "She is a four-year starter, and probably one of the most skilled volleyball players, period. She is probably our best blocker, hitter, server and she can set and pass. She is more determined than any player I have had over the past 18 years and works hard to achieve her goals. She is constantly working to improve her game, studies film and helps her teammates to improve."

Frankie Shebby, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), 6-1 Senior Outside Hitter
Shebby is averaging 4.46 kills/set, 2.23 digs/set and .33 blocks/set. When she is in the lineup, Mater Dei is likely as good as any team. Mater Dei is 16-1 in matches that she has played in, while being 6-4 when she hasn't suited up. Mater Dei won the Dave Mohs Invitational and the California Challenge when she played, and took 25th at Durango when she did not play.

Mater Dei coach Dan O'Dell on Shebby: "The best part about Frankie is her ability to step up when the situation calls for it. We have won a lot of tight sets because of her ability to carry us at crucial moments. She's been one of our primary passers while also leading the team in kills. Her offensive repertoire has greatly expanded in the last year allowing her to place the ball wherever she wants, generating kills in a wide variety of ways. Her physicality is matched by very few players across the country."

Cat McCoy, Carroll (Southlake, Texas), 5-7 Senior Libero
McCoy makes the Lady Dragons go and this year that is 36-1 and a 33-match winning streak. She was all-tournament and top defensive player at Pearland Invite and MVP at Arlington. McCoy, who has committed to Texas, has played a key role in Carroll winning 90 of its 96 sets this season.

Carroll coach Arthur Stanfield on McCoy: "She is a hard worker who strives for perfection. Her serve-receive and digging have helped us win many matches."

Christina Ambrose, Winter Park (Fla.), 6-4 Senior Outside Hitter
Though most teams avoid the 6-4 Ambrose, she is averaging 4.3 kills per game and Winter Park is having its best season since 2006 when it won its third of three-straight state 6A titles. She will play collegiately at Purdue.

Winter Park coach Stephanie Gibson on Ambrose: "Christina is a dominant six-rotation player that has the ability to take over a match offensively and defensively. The bigger the match the better Christina performs."

Simone Lee, Menomonee Falls (Wis.), 6-2 Senior Outside Hitter
The Falls have been a power for four years and Lee has been a big part of its success with 2013 being the best to date as the Indians are 37-3. The 6-1 Lee, who has committed to Penn State, has 451 kills (5.2 avg.), 68 aces, 42 solo blocks, 238 digs and 336 service receptions.

Menomonee coach J.C. Bruns on Lee: "Simone has been one of the team leaders in games and in practices for several years now. It's never a bad thing when your best player is also your hardest worker. Even though she has played on U.S. national teams the past two years, she has not let all the publicity and notoriety go to her head. She just wants to be one of the girls. She has no problems shouldering the load, knowing that every defense is going to be keying on her. She has worked tirelessly to become an effective back row player as well. She also works her butt off in the classroom."

Clare Powers, Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.), 6-3 Senior Outside Hitter
Despite being the opponents' focus, Powers is averaging more than 4.3 kills. She played a key role in Mitty going unbeaten in 2012 (38-0) and is currently the top player on a 22-2 team that is ranked No. 20 nationally.

Mitty coach Bret Almazan-Cezar on Powers: "Clare is a six-rotation player and our team leader, best passer, best blocker and best attacker. She doesn't hit a really heavy ball, but finds ways of scoring even though she is keyed on in every match. She is also a wonderful Irish dancer and has a strong value system. She is a a coach's dream."

Nia Reed, Immaculate Heart Academy (Washington Township, N.J.), 6-2 Senior Outside Hitter
Immaculate Heart doesn't play as many matches as many teams around the country, but when Reed surpassed 1,000 career kills it was a very big deal. With Reed hitting 64.6 kill percentage and 5.5 kills per set, the Indians are 25-2. She has 54 blocks in 54 sets. As a result, Nia helped her team finish as the top ranked team in the state the last two seasons. She has been the New Jersey Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year for the last two seasons. She will play collegiately at Penn State.

Immaculate coach Michael Decastro on Reed: "Nia is a four-year varsity starter. She has been IHA's go-to hitter for the last three seasons and has proven to be the best hitter in the state. She also emerged as an all-around player by being one of the main serve receivers and defensive players in IHA's line-up.
 
"Nia has tremendous athleticism and a great vertical with still so much upside potential. Her defense, blocking and serving have improved tremendously this season. Everyone enjoys watching Nia play. She has young girls coming up to her to have their picture taken with her everywhere we go. She is a pleasure to coach and a great teammate."