Division 4 Player And Coach Of The Year
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The 2022 prep season wrapped up in mid-November and we have seen the release of All-State teams. Now it is time to name our prep Player and Coach of the Year for each of the four divisions. The PrepDig Michigan…
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Continue ReadingThe 2022 prep season wrapped up in mid-November and we have seen the release of All-State teams.
Now it is time to name our prep Player and Coach of the Year for each of the four divisions. The PrepDig Michigan panel discussed and came to a collective decision on each of this year’s selections.
Today, we get started with Division 4.
D4 Player Of The Year: Alaina Brubaker, Athens Sr. Setter
Brubaker led Athens to its first-ever MHSAA finals appearance.
Though Athens suffered a five-set loss to Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart, it was still a great showing by the on-court leader. Brubaker put up 56 assists in the final while adding 19 digs and an ace. The 56 assists ranks 20th in MHSAA history for an individual match.
She added another 29 assists and 14 digs in the semifinal sweep of a talented Lansing Christian team as well.
For the season, Brubaker tallied over 1,100 assists and 350 digs while approaching 100 aces. She had the Indians in the mix in Division 4 throughout the season and then proceeded to play her best volleyball in the postseason.
Athens was a very balanced offense and Brubaker was the big reason why. She had a great feel for her teammates and the offense. She was the glue that kept everyone else on the court together.
Other finalists: Lillie Laney Lillie Laney 5'11" | MB Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart | 2023 State MI , MP Sacred Heart; Isabelle Kirkendall Isabelle Kirkendall 5'11" | OH Lenawee Christian | 2023 State MI , Adrian Lenawee Christian
D4 Coach Of The Year: Krista Davis, MP Sacred Heart
Down two sets in the Division 4 final to Athens, Krista Davis never changed her approach with her Irish volleyball team.
She smiled, she stayed positive and she embraced her players.
What resulted was one of the greatest comebacks in MHSAA finals history, earning SHA its first-ever state championship in volleyball.
Davis is now 289-117-38 over her nine seasons with the Irish, including a 44-7-6 record in 2022.
Though Sacred Heart reached the semifinals in 2021, the Irish had to work in some new pieces and lost a powerful hitter. Davis created a culture of success, but also confidence in her players that they could be the best in the state.
Other finalists: Jacy Cole, Athens; Sarah Rottman, Lansing Christian