Tag: Volleyball

Eve Rackham Watt announces additions to Lady Vols’ volleyball

Tennessee head coach Eve Rackham Watt announces additions to Lady Vols’ volleyball.

Tennessee head coach Eve Rackham Watt announced the addition of two student-athletes to the Lady Vols’ volleyball program.

Libero and defensive specialists Orian Drore and Julianna Santiago are part of Tennessee’s 2024 recruiting class.

“We are delighted to finally announce Orian Drore will be joining our Lady Vol Volleyball program,” Rackham Watt said. “Orian is a player who will compete from day one as a libero and help solidify our back row play. She has an excellent platform and good range on defense but what really separates her is the ability to out of system set and communicate at a high level. She will join us this May, as we train for our foreign tour, and our staff is looking forward to watching her develop.

“Juliana is a player who we have watched play for a couple of years now. She has gotten better every season, and we always believe in looking for local talent first. We are excited to add one of the best in-state players to our roster, while continuing to bolster our defensive specialist unit. What I love most about ‘Santi’ is how hard she plays, her competitiveness and how vocal she is with her teammates. I know she will be a great addition to our program, and she too will join us in May as we start training for our international trip.”

Drore is from Mater Academy in Hialeah Gardens, Florida, while Santiago hails from Battleground Academy in Nashville, Tennessee.

Julianna Santiago (11). Mark Zaleski/USA TODAY Network

2024 USA TODAY Sports/AVCA boys volleyball regional rankings: Week 4

The best volleyball teams in the West, Midwest, South, and Northeast regions as the 2024 season enters April.

Here are the USA TODAY Sports/American Volleyball Coaches Association regional volleyball rankings as the 2024 season heads toward Week 5 action.

Related: See the latest USA TODAY Sports/AVCA Super 25

West Region: 

1. Newport Harbor (Newport Beach, Calif.)

Record: 22-3

2. Loyola High School (Calif.)

Record: 15-1

3. Corona Del Mar High School (Calif.)

Record: 19-5

4. Mira Costa High School (Calif.)

Record: 23-3

5. Sandra Day O’Connor High School (Ariz.)

Record: 18-3

6. Torrey Pines High School (Calif.)

Record: 15-2

7. Huntington Beach High School (Calif.)

Record: 24-4

8. Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix, Ariz.)

Record: 18-1

9. Clovis East High School (Calif.)

Record: 18-4

10. San Clemente High School (Calif.)

Record: 18-6

11. Carlsbad High School (Calif.)

Record: 13-6

12. Clovis High School (Calif.)

Record: 15-3

13. Tesoro High School (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.)

Record: 13-6

14. Westlake (Saratoga Springs, Utah)

Record: 11-1

15. Coronado High School (Henderson, Nev.)

Record: 6-2

Midwest Region:

1. Glenbard West High School (Glen Ellyn, Ill.)

Record: 2-0

2. Marist High School (Chicago, Ill.)

Record: 7-0

3. St. Xavier High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Record: 8-0

4. Moeller High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Record: 4-1

5. New Trier High School (Winnetka, Ill.)

Record: 2-0

6. Loyola Academy (Wilmette, Ill.)

Record: 7-0

7. Cathedral High School (Indianapolis, Ind.)

Record: 8-1

8. Glenbrook South High School (Glenview, Ill.)

Record: 3-0

9. Fishers High School (Ind.)

Record: 11-2

10. Roncalli High School (Indianapolis, Ind.)

Record: 7-1

11. Lockport High School (Ill.)

Record: 12-1

12. Wheaton Warrenville South High School (Wheaton, Ill.)

Record: 4-0

13. Lafayette High School (Wildwood, Mo.)

Record: 3-0

14. Hudsonville High School (Mich.)

Record: 5-0

15. St. John Vianney High School (Kirkwood, Mo.)

Record: 4-0

Northeast Region:

1. Shaler High School (Pa.)

Record: 9-0

2. Exeter High School (Reading, Pa.)

Record: 4-0

3. Old Bridge High School (N.J.)

Record: 0-0

4. Scotch Plains-Fanwood (N.J.)

Record: 0-0

5. Darien High School (Conn.)

Record: 0-0

6. Parkland High School (Allentown, Pa.)

Record: 2-1

7. Southern Regional (Stafford, N.J.)

Record: 0-0

8. Needham High School (Mass.)

Record: 1-0

9. Central York High School (York, Pa.)

Record: 2-0

10. St. Joseph’s High School (Metuchen, N.J.)

Record: 0-0

South Region: 

1. Lake Howell High School (Winter Park, Fla.)

Record: 9-1

2. Miami Senior High School (Fla.)

Record: 10-1

3. Timber Creek High School (Orlando, Fla.)

Record: 8-2

4. Winter Park High School (Fla.)

Record: 5-0

5. Southwest Miami High School (Fla.)

Record: 8-1

6. Belen Jesuit High School (Miami, Fla.)

Record: 12-1

7. Columbus High School (Miami, Fla.)

Record: 7-2

8. Marvin Ridge High School (Waxhaw, N.C.)

Record: 6-0

9. West Forsyth High School (Clemmons, N.C.)

Record: 5-0

10. Allatoona High School (Acworth, Ga.)

Record: 0-0

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2024 USA TODAY Sports/AVCA boys volleyball regional rankings: Week 3

The best volleyball teams in the West, Midwest, South, and Northeast regions as the 2024 season heads toward April.

Here are the USA TODAY Sports/American Volleyball Coaches Association regional volleyball rankings as the 2024 season heads toward Week 4 action.

Related: See the latest USA TODAY Sports/AVCA Super 25

West Region: 

1. Newport Harbor (Newport Beach, Calif.)

Record: 20-3

2. Loyola High School (Calif.)

Record: 14-1

3. Mira Costa High School (Calif.)

Record: 22-2

4. Corona Del Mar High School (Calif.)

Record: 15-5

5. Sandra Day O’Connor High School (Ariz.)

Record: 16-3

6. Torrey Pines High School (Calif.)

Record: 14-2

7. Huntington Beach High School (Calif.)

Record: 20-4

8. Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix, Ariz.)

Record: 16-1

9. Clovis East High School (Calif.)

Record: 18-4

10. Coronado High School (Henderson, Nev.)

Record: 6-1

11. Pleasant Grove High School (Utah)

Record: 13-0

12. San Clemente High School (Calif.)

Record: 17-6

13. Carlsbad High School (Calif.)

Record: 12-6

14. Clovis High School (Calif.)

Record: 15-3

15. Tesoro High School (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.)

Record: 11-5

Midwest Region:

1. Glenbard West High School (Glen Ellyn, Ill.)

Record: 2-0

2. Marist High School (Chicago, Ill.)

Record: 3-0

3. St. Xavier High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Record: 7-0

4. Moeller High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Record: 4-1

5. New Trier High School (Winnetka, Ill.)

Record: 2-0

6. Loyola Academy (Wilmette, Ill.)

Record: 7-0

7. Glenbrook South High School (Glenview, Ill.)

Record: 3-0

8. Fishers High School (Ind.)

Record: 10-2

9. Roncalli High School (Indianapolis, Ind.)

Record: 5-1

10. Cathedral High School (Indianapolis, Ind.)

Record: 5-1

11. Grand Haven High School (Mich.)

Record: 0-0

12. Lockport High School (Ill.)

Record: 5-1

13. Brebeuf Jesuit High School (Indianapolis, Ind.)

Record: 7-1

14. Wheaton Warrenville South High School (Wheaton, Ill.)

Record: 4-0

15. Lincoln-Way West High School (Lenox, Ill.)

Record: 7-0

Northeast Region:

1. Shaler High School (Pa.)

Record: 1-0

2. Parkland High School (Allentown, Pa.)

Record: 2-0

3. Old Bridge High School (N.J.)

Record: 0-0

4. Scotch Plains-Fanwood (N.J.)

Record: 0-0

5. Darien High School (Conn.)

Record: 0-0

6. Exeter High School (Reading, Pa.)

Record: 0-0

7. Southern Regional (Stafford, N.J.)

Record: 0-0

8. Needham High School (Mass.)

Record: 0-0

9. North Allegheny High School (Wexford, Pa.)

Record: 0-0

10. St. Joseph’s High School (Metuchen, N.J.)

Record: 0-0

South Region: 

1. Lake Howell High School (Winter Park, Fla.)

Record: 8-0

2. Miami Senior High School (Fla.)

Record: 10-1

3. Timber Creek High School (Orlando, Fla.)

Record: 6-2

4. Southwest Miami High School (Fla.)

Record: 8-1

5. Belen Jesuit High School (Miami, Fla.)

Record: 11-1

6. Columbus High School (Miami, Fla.)

Record: 7-2

7. Winter Park High School (Fla.)

Record: 2-0

8. Marvin Ridge High School (Waxhaw, N.C.)

Record: 4-0

9. West Forsyth High School (Clemmons, N.C.)

Record: 3-0

10. Allatoona High School (Acworth, Ga.)

Record: 0-0

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2024 USA TODAY Sports/AVCA boys volleyball regional rankings: Week 2

The best volleyball teams in the West, Midwest, South, and Northeast regions as the 2024 season heads toward April.

Here are the USA TODAY Sports/American Volleyball Coaches Association regional volleyball rankings as the 2024 season heads toward Week 3 action.

Related: See the latest USA TODAY Sports/AVCA Super 25

West Region: 

1. Mira Costa High School (Calif.)

Record: 20-1

2. Newport Harbor (Newport Beach, Calif.)

Record: 17-3

3. Loyola High School (Calif.)

Record: 12-1

4. Huntington Beach High School (Calif.)

Record: 19-2

5. Torrey Pines High School (Calif.)

Record: 9-1

6. Sandra Day O’Connor High School (Ariz.)

Record: 14-3

7. Corona Del Mar High School (Calif.)

Record: 12-3

8. Punahou High School (Honolulu, Hawaii)

Record: 7-1

9. Tesoro High School (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.)

Record: 11-4

10. San Clemente High School (Calif.)

Record: 15-6

11. Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix, Ariz.)

Record: 14-1

12. Carlsbad High School (Calif.)

Record: 10-5

13. Coronado High School (Henderson, Nev.)

Record: 5-1

14. Riverton High School (Utah)

Record: 8-0

15. Edison High School (Huntington Beach, Calif.)

Record: 12-8

Midwest Region:

1. Glenbard West High School (Glen Ellyn, Ill.)

Record: 0-0

2. Marist High School (Chicago, Ill.)

Record: 0-0

3. Barrington High School (Ill.)

Record: 0-0

4. Lyons Township High School (LaGrange, Ill.)

Record: 0-0

5. St. Xavier High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Record: 5-0

6. De Smet Jesuit High School (St. Louis, Mo.)

Record: 0-0

7. Moeller High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Record: 3-1

8. Glenbrook South High School (Glenview, Ill.)

Record: 0-0

9. New Trier High School (Winnetka, Ill.)

Record: 0-0

10. Roncalli High School (Indianapolis, Ind.)

Record: 5-1

11. Fishers High School (Ind.)

Record: 9-2

12. Cathedral High School (Indianapolis, Ind.)

Record: 5-1

13. Brebeuf Jesuit High School (Indianapolis, Ind.)

Record: 6-0

14. Grand Haven High School (Mich.)

Record: 0-0

15. Lockport High School (Ill.)

Record: 0-0

Northeast Region:

1. Shaler High School (Pa.)

Record: 0-0

2. Parkland High School (Allentown, Pa.)

Record: 0-0

3. Old Bridge High School (N.J.)

Record: 0-0

4. Scotch Plains-Fanwood (N.J.)

Record: 0-0

5. Darien High School (Conn.)

Record: 0-0

6. Exeter High School (Reading, Pa.)

Record: 0-0

7. Southern Regional (Stafford, N.J.)

Record: 0-0

8. Needham High School (Mass.)

Record: 0-0

9. North Allegheny High School (Wexford, Pa.)

Record: 0-0

10. St. Joseph’s High School (Metuchen, N.J.)

Record: 0-0

South Region: 

1. Lake Howell High School (Winter Park, Fla.)

Record: 8-0

2. Columbus High School (Miami, Fla.)

Record: 6-0

3. Timber Creek High School (Orlando, Fla.)

Record: 6-2

4. Southwest Miami High School (Fla.)

Record: 7-1

5. Miami Senior High School (Fla.)

Record: 8-1

6. Belen Jesuit High School (Miami, Fla.)

Record: 9-1

7. Winter Park High School (Fla.)

Record: 2-0

8. Marvin Ridge High School (Waxhaw, N.C.)

Record: 1-0

9. West Forsyth High School (Clemmons, N.C.)

Record: 2-0

10. Allatoona High School (Acworth, Ga.)

Record: 0-0

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2024 USA TODAY Sports/AVCA boys volleyball preseason regional rankings

The best volleyball teams in the West, Midwest, South, and Northeast regions as the 2024 season begins.

Here are the USA TODAY Sports/American Volleyball Coaches Association regional volleyball rankings as the 2024 season begins.

Related: See the Opening USA TODAY Sports/AVCA Super 25

West Region: 

1. Corona Del Mar High School (Calif.)

2. Loyola High School (Calif.)

3. Mira Costa High School (Calif.)

4. Sandra Day O’Connor High School (Ariz.)

5. Kamehameha High School (Honolulu, Hawaii)

6. Huntington Beach High School (Calif.)

7. Torrey Pines High School (Calif.)

8. San Clemente High School (Calif.)

9. Carlsbad High School (Calif.)

10. Clovis East High School (Calif.)

11. Brophy College Preparatory (Ariz.)

12. Shadow Ridge High School (Nev.)

13. Punahou High School (Hawaii)

14. Riverton High School (Utah)

15. Cherokee Trail High School (Colo.)

 

Midwest Region:

1. Glenbard West High School (Ill.)

2. Marist High School (Ill.)

3. Barrington High School (Ill.)

4. Lyons Township High School (Ill.)

5. Moeller High School (Ohio)

6. De Smet Jesuit High School (Mo.)

7. Roncalli High School (Ind.)

8. St. Xavier High School (Ohio)

9 Glenbrook South High School (Ill.)

10. New Trier High School (Ill.)

11. Cathedral High School (Ind.)

12. Fishers High School (Ind.)

13. St. Xavier High School (Ky.)

14. Grand Haven High School (Mich.)

15. Brebeuf Jesuit High School (Ind.)

 

Northeast Region:

1. Shaler High School (Pa.)

2. Parkland High School (Pa.)

3. Old Bridge High School (Pa.)

4. Scotch Plains-Fanwood (N.J.)

5. Darien High School (Conn.)

6. Exeter High School (Pa.)

7. Southern Regional (N.J.)

8. Needham High School (Mass.)

9. North Allegheny High School (Pa.)

10. St. Joseph’s High School (N.J.)

 

South Region: 

1. Southwest Miami High School (Fla.)

2. Lake Howell High School (Fla.)

3. Horizon High School (Fla.)

4. Winter Park High School (Fla.)

5. Kings Academy (Fla.)

6. Timber Creek (Fla.)

7. Cardinal Gibbons High School (Fla.)

8. Marvin Ridge High School (N.C.)

9. West Forsyth High School (N.C.)

10. Allatoona High School (Ga.)

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Ayden Ames named 2023-24 Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year

The Texas Longhorn commit earned the honor in Gatorade’s 39th year of recognizing high school excellence, both on and off the court.

The celebration of the nation’s best in volleyball shined a spotlight on Prosper, Texas — where a confetti-filled surprise awaited the 2023-24 Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year, Ayden Ames.

Ames, a 6-foot-4 attacker who is headed to the University of Texas next year, thought she was showing up at her high school for a photoshoot.

Simple enough. 

But one “Gatorade Dunk” later, the future Longhorn learned that she was the recipient of the prestigious Gatorade honor, which includes a roster of past winners who have combined for 91-plus gold medals and 13 National Championships on the volleyball court.

Former Gatorade National Players of the Year Averi Carlson and Harper Murray surprised Ames with the trophy at her high school surrounded by her family, coaches and teammates.

Joining Hall of Famers like April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings, Ames was selected from over half a million other student-athletes. And her high school career showcased that she was more than worthy of such an achievement.

The nation’s No. 3 recruit ended her run at Prosper with 1,594 kills, 312 total blocks, and 96 aces in three varsity seasons. 

Chris Tobolski, chief editor at Vballrecruiter, summed it up best:

“Ayden Ames is a force whether she’s front or back row,” said Tobolski in an email statement. “She’s a dynamic attacker who not only puts tremendous pressure on defenses, she opens up the rest of the offense for her teammates because she draws so much of opponents’ attention. With the experience she has playing middle blocker, she adds another wrinkle because she’s that rare outside who can run slide attacks. Just look at what she did against the eventual Texas 6A state champion in the postseason, when she recorded a season-high 27 kills—what further proof could you want that she’s arguably the best player in the Class of 2024?”

To that on-court dominance, Ames also demonstrated the type of community leadership that make Gatorade’s athletes so unique, having volunteered locally for women’s and pet shelters and participated in the “Heal The Bay” coastal clean-up in Manhattan Beach, Calif.

Also a member of her school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, Ames tutored and mentored a young boy with brittle bone disease, while she maintained a 3.9 GPA in the classroom.

Overall, it’s easy to see why her name was added to the legendary list of volleyball athletes.

“Of the half a million student athletes who play volleyball nationwide, Ayden stood out for her dedication to excelling as a student-athlete,” said Gatorade president and general manager Michael Del Pozzo in a statement. “Not only did she have a phenomenal season, but her resume off the court made her a clear choice for Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year.”

(Photo courtesy of Gatorade)

Hayden Kubik signs with Tennessee volleyball

Nebraska transfer Hayden Kubik signs with Tennessee volleyball.

Tennessee head coach Eve Rackham Watt announced the signing of Nebraska transfer Hayden Kubik on Monday.

“Hayden is a player that our staff is really excited about,” Rackham Watt said. “Joining us this spring, she will gain a significant advantage by being able to both train and compete with the team, while also acclimating to our system and embracing the special Lady Vol culture. We firmly believe in Hayden’s potential to evolve into a standout outside hitter in the SEC, and we are committed to supporting her in reaching that level. What we really like about Hayden is her ability to play six rotations and the championship experience she will bring with her. Her skill set and versatility complement our existing group exceptionally well. Additionally, Hayden’s maturity, strong character and academic excellence make her an ideal match for our program.”

Kubik was ranked as the the No. 1 overall recruit by PrepVolleyball.com in the 2022 class when she signed with Nebraska.

Tennessee extends Eve Rackham Watt’s contract

Tennessee extends volleyball head coach Eve Rackham Watt’s contract.

Tennessee announced a contract extension through Jan. 2029 for volleyball head coach Eve Rackham Watt on Friday.

“I am incredibly excited about the future of Tennessee volleyball and want to thank Danny White, Cam Walker and Angie Boyd Keck for their support of me, my staff and what we are building here,” Rackham Watt said. “Since arriving in Knoxville, we have dedicated ourselves to revitalizing this program and striving to compete on a national stage. Coming off the most successful season in almost 20 years, I am proud of where we are, yet fully aware that there is still much more to achieve. Our administrative support has been tremendous, and I am looking forward to continuing to move our program forward.”

Paityn Chapman signs with Lady Vols

Paityn Chapman signs with Tennessee volleyball.

Tennessee volleyball announced the signing of Paityn Chapman on Tuesday.

“Paityn has the potential to be a game changer for us,” Tennessee head coach Rackham Watt said. “Her skill set is exceptional, and we are excited to see her growth and development as she joins our team. Paityn’s versatility on the court is what makes her unique. She is a 6-rotation player, who can hit from either pin at a very high contact point. She exhibits fearlessness on defense and has a point-scoring serve. We love how hard Paityn plays the game every time she’s on the floor. She will add depth to our outside hitter position, and as she develops, I know our fans will enjoy watching her play.”

Chapman is from Castle View High School in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Final 2023 USA TODAY High School Sports/AVCA Super 25 national girls volleyball rankings

The Monarchs stand tall atop the nation’s 25 best girls volleyball teams of the 2023 season.

The 2023 high school volleyball season ended with the Mater Dei Monarchs atop the best of the best in the country, headlined by an 8-0 record in the Trinity League and a CIF State Championship.

Congratulations to Coach Dan O’Dell, the staff, and the talented athletes for the Super 25 crown.

To that, a standing ovation to all the teams that appeared in the rankings this season.

As we close the book on the 2023 calendar, here is the final USA TODAY HSS/American Volleyball Coaches Association Super 25 volleyball rankings.

1. Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, Calif.)

Region: 9 | Record: 43-2

2. Grand Oaks High School (Conroe, Texas)

Region: 4 | Record: 50-1

3. Cathedral Catholic High School (San Diego, Calif.)

Region: 9 | Record: 34-5

4. Prestonwood Christian (Plano, Texas)

Region: 4 | Record: 36-4

5. Dike-New Hartford (Iowa)

Region: 6 | Record: 50-0

6. Mira Costa High School (Manhattan Beach, Calif.)

Region: 9 | Record: 39-4

7. Hamilton Southeastern High School (Fishers, Ind.)

Region: 5 | Record: 33-0

8. Wayzata High School (Plymouth, Minn.)

Region: 7 | Record: 34-0

9. Pace Academy (Atlanta, Ga.)

Region: 3 | Record: 37-3

10. Cornerstone Christian (San Antonio, Texas)

Region: 4 | Record: 34-7

11. Carrollwood Day (Tampa, Fla.)

Region: 3 | Record: 31-2

12. Lafayette High School (Wildwood, Mo.)

Region: 6 | Record: 36-2

13. Divine Savior Holy Angels (Milwaukee, Wis.)

Region: 6 | Record: 47-1

14. Northville High School (Mich.)

Region: 5 | Record: 48-3

15. Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)

Region: 8 | Record: 29-0

16. Assumption High School (Louisville, Ky.)

Region: 5 | Record: 37-5

17. Huntington Beach (Calif.)

Region: 9 | Record: 32-9

18. Kamehameha-Kapalama (Honolulu, Hawaii)

Region: 10 | Record: 30-3

19. Harlan High School (San Antonio, Texas)

Region: 4 | Record: 44-6

20. Lake Catholic High School (Mentor, Ohio)

Region: 5 | Record: 29-0

21. Lincoln Southwest High School (Neb.)

Region: 7 | Record: 33-4

22. Prosper High School (Texas)

Region: 4 | Record: 37-10

23. Hudsonville High School (Mich.)

Region: 5 | Record: 45-3

24. Mother McAuley (Chicago, Ill.)

Region: 4 | Record: 37-5

25. St. Mary’s Lancaster (N.Y.)

Region: 1 | Record: 50-2-1