Division 1 Player And Coach Of The Year
In this article:
Division 1 is never short of worthy Player and Coach of the Year candidates. This season was no different. Some of the best players in the nation were at their best during the 2022 prep season, while coaches got the…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingDivision 1 is never short of worthy Player and Coach of the Year candidates.
This season was no different.
Some of the best players in the nation were at their best during the 2022 prep season, while coaches got the most out of their teams come postseason time.
Here’s our picks for this year’s winners, as well as the other talented finalists.
D1 Player Of The Year: Ava Sarafa Ava Sarafa 6'0" | S Marian | 2023 State #14 Nation MI , Marian Sr. Setter
After back-to-back D1 state championships in 2020 and 2021, Marian had a tall task to get a three-peat.
The Mustangs graduated four of their top five hitters from the 2021 squad, including Miss Volleyball winner Ava Brizard.
That put a lot of pressure on Sarafa, a fourth-year starting setter. But, she shined through.
Sarafa continued to keep Marian’s offense running at a fast pace with a high-rate of success. The Mustangs collectively hit just under .300 as a team despite facing all the top teams in the state.
Sarafa finished the 2022 season with 1,359 assists, 291 digs, 98 kills, 54 blocks and 47 aces. Marian would go on the win a third consecutive D1 title and earn a top-3 national ranking.
With a career total of 5,092 assists, Sarafa lands fifth in MHSAA history.
Other finalists: Harper Murray Harper Murray 6'2" | OH Skyline | 2023 State #2 Nation MI , Skyline; Kennedy Louisell Kennedy Louisell 6'0" | OH Forest Hills Northern | 2023 State #140 Nation MI , Forest Hills Northern; Abigail Reck Abigail Reck 6'2" | MB Northville | 2023 State #74 Nation MI , Northville
D1 Coach Of The Year: Ali Smith, Clarkston
Division 1 had plenty of worthy COY candidates. Mayssa Cook continued to propel her squad to national recognition, while Sarah Lindstrom and Darien Bandel led their respective teams to Battle Creek and an emotionally-charged semifinal.
But, Smith earns the nod from PrepDig Michigan for her fight. Not just as a coach, but in her own life.
Going through a fight with breast cancer that required chemotherapy treatments during the season, Smith didn’t let her fight keep her from being there for her team.
On the court, Smith had Clarkston playing arguably the best volleyball in the state at the end of the season.
The Wolves were a complete team with players excelling at every position while gelling together as a unit. Their season ended in unfortunate fashion as part of a five-set loss to the eventual champs, Marian, but one could argue they were an injury, and a point, away from heading to Battle Creek.
Smith’s perseverance shined through to her team and that’s why she’s our 2022 D1 Coach of the Year.
Other finalists: Mayssa Cook, Marian; Sarah Lindstrom, Northville; Darien Bandel, Saline