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If you remember last season — and how could you forget — the area’s volleyball scene provided plenty of drama and an abundance of success as usual.
Between the SVC, SOC, FAC, SHAC, OVC and MSL-Buckeye, the six conferences within SOSA’s coverage reach, three different programs earned district titles.
But en route to those postseason finishes, there were plenty of individual performances to rave about, multiple records broken and tons of matches that won’t soon be forgotten.
As for this season, we expect much more of the same. But before it happens, for the fifth straight year, we’ve decided to compile a list of the coverage area’s top 30 players. It was an absolute bear to do so, but we think we’ve got a list of 30 athletes who are the absolute best at their craft.
Remember, this list only includes players from within SOSA’s coverage area and it isn’t an end all, be all. We encourage discussion, and giving our athletes the recognition they deserve is always our mission.
20. Jade Stewart, Senior, Unioto
2023 statistics: 183 kills, 20 aces, 21 blocks, 134 digs, 9 assists
When Stewart is firing on all cylinders, she’s dynamic. After graduating a large group, Unioto will be looking for someone to replace that group’s production. Stewart is the perfect candidate to do so. She had 183 kills and 20 aces last fall. Those numbers have a chance to rise drastically.
19. Claire Newman, Junior, Northwest
2023 statistics: 297 kills, 40 aces, 60 blocks, 168 digs, 11 assists
Tucked away in McDermott has been Newman, who has quietly pieced together impressive campaigns in both 2022 and 2023. Last season, however, was by far her best. She totaled 297 kills, 60 blocks and 168 digs with a hitting percentage of .300. She’s severely underrated.
18. Katie Burns, Junior, Adena
2023 statistics: 275 kills, 0 aces, 30 blocks, 59 digs, 2 assists
Burns is just the latest Warrior to put her name on the radar. Like those before her, she helped Adena win a district title — the program’s 37th — with 275 kills and a .254 hitting percentage. She was exceptionally improved from her freshman season. That trend should continue.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
17. Kylie Yeazel, Sophomore, Miami Trace
2023 statistics: 64 kills, 63 aces, 28 blocks, 220 digs, 732 assists
It isn’t easy to slide into a rotation and instantly be one of its best players — especially on a good team. But that’s exactly what Yeazel did for a Miami Trace squad that finished 16-6 with a 10-0 FAC mark. MT returns an abundance of talent in 2024. Yeazel will be in the thick of things.
16. Ally Thornsley, Sophomore, Circleville
2023 statistics: 115 kills, 24 aces, 36 blocks, 207 digs, 416 assists
There isn’t much that Thornsley doesn’t do well. As a freshman last fall, she immediately announced her presence with triple-digit kills, digs and assists. She was a key part of a team that finished 19-5 overall with a 12-2 mark in one of the state’s tougher leagues. She’s legit.
15. Natalie Ragan, Junior, North Adams
2023 statistics: 97 kills, 45 aces, 36 blocks, 219 digs, 551 assists
It didn’t take long for Ragan to make her impact at the varsity level. And since she started doing so, she’s never looked back. In two seasons, she’s already amassed 1,295 assists and 395 digs, helping the Devils go 35-14 wins during that time. Her numbers, and impact, will only grow.
14. Jobey Hattan Senior, Fairfield
2023 statistics: 324 kills, 58 aces, 8 blocks, 463 digs, 29 assists
Hattan is used to having big years by now. But this season could be her biggest yet. Her 324 kills and 463 digs give her totals of 611 and 855, respectively, going into her senior year. Fairfield’s season will largely be determined by how Hattan plays. She’s the Lions’ engine.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
13. Katelynn Boerger, Senior, North Adams
2023 statistics: 321 kills, 66 aces, 63 blocks, 204 digs, 33 assists
Usually towering over the net with her 6-foot-1 frame, Boerger consistently gives opponents nightmares. Her 321 kills last season were a career high, bringing her to a total of 655 — well in reach of 1,000 if all goes well. She’s efficient, consistently productive and, to put it simply, elite.
12. Gracie Perkins, Senior, Wheelersburg
2023 statistics: 275 kills, 0 aces, 75 blocks, 29 digs, 14 assists
When Perkins got a swing at the ball, the Pirates usually benefited. Her .367 hitting percentage led the team, as did her 275 kills. She enjoyed a junior season where she earned career highs in both kills and blocks. She’s a monumental presence in the middle. That won’t change.
11. Ella Chamberlin, Junior, Wheelersburg
2023 statistics: 62 kills, 48 aces, 22 blocks, 308 digs, 691 assists
Time and time again, Chamberlin proved why she had been chosen as Wheelersburg’s setter. In her first year at the varsity level, she tallied 691 assists while playing well on the defensive side, totaling 308 digs — nine less than the team’s leader. She’s one of the best there is.
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