Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls basketball. The tradition continues to close out the 2025-26 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Olivia Vukosa of
Christ the King (Middle Village) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps New York High School Basketball Player of the Year for the second straight season. The 6-foot-4 senior center led the Royals to a 22-6 record and CHSAA AA championship game.
For the season, Vukosa averaged 17.8 points, 18.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 4.4 blocked shots per game.
MaxPreps New York Player of the Year Olivia Vukosa fielded offers from all over the country before signing with UConn, going from Christ the King to Storrs just like WNBA legend Sue Bird did in the late 1990s. (PHOTO: Darin Sicurello)
Vukosa made her national team debut for Croatia earlier this month, averaging 11.3 points and 6.7 rebounds during three FIBA Eurobasket qualifiers.
Regarded as the No. 3 prospect in the Class of 2026 according to ESPN, Vukosa will close her prep career at the McDonald's All American game in April before heading to UConn.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which is scheduled to be released in April. Past selections include 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson (2014) along with 2025 All-WNBA selections Aliyah Boston (2017, 2018, 2019), Paige Bueckers (2018, 2019), Napheesa Collier (2015), Sabrina Ionescu (2015, 2016), Kelsey Mitchell (2014), Nneka Ogwumike (2008), Alyssa Thomas (2010) and Jackie Young (2014, 2015).
Past MaxPreps New York Players of the Year2021-22 — Paris Clark, Long Island Lutheran (Brookville)
2022-23 — Kayleigh Heckel, Long Island Lutheran
2023-24 — Syla Swords, Long Island Lutheran
2024-25 — Olivia Vukosa, Christ the King (Middle Village)
