Spring Valley Wins 2025 Dragons Invitational🏆, Hear From Players

The varsity volleyball team at Spring Valley High School made a statement by winning the 2025 Dragons Invitational, highlighted by their grit, chemistry, and clutch play. The Grizzlies battled through tough competition, delivering key serves, kills, and defensive stops to secure the championship. After the win, several players shared what the accomplishment means for their season ahead.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='532709' first='Kelsea' last='Baer'], Libero, Junior, 4'9”</h2>   Kelsea, a three-year varsity player, is easily recognized as one of the city's top liberos. Known for her quickness and court awareness, she is on pace to reach 1,000 career digs as a junior. This season she leads her team with 182 digs, adds 49 assists, and has anchored the back row with 364 serve-receive passes, keeping her team in system and competitive.   How did it feel to win this tournament?   It felt really great winning the tournament. We had to persevere through many tough games so I feel that we really deserved it. Playing 7 sets against Green Valley was definitely the highlight and it felt really great when it was all over.   How long have you played volleyball?     I started playing when I was young but I started to play club in middle school.   Are you playing club in Spring? If so, what team?   I am playing for Next Level Rising 17-1 Lehua this season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lilia Kahelepo, Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist, Senior, 5'9”</h2>   A versatile six-rotation player, Lilia impacts the game in every phase. Fresh off a season with the highly competitive Vegas Aces 17 Ren, she has carried that experience into her senior year as a key contributor. She leads her team with 41 aces and 121 kills, while also recording 171 digs, proving her ability to score, defend, and steady the back row.   How did it feel to win this tournament?   Winning the Dragons invitation tournament felt so surreal. Our team played 7 straight sets against Green Valley, three of which we lost. We were physically on our last straw and yet we still pushed our limits and competed till the very end. It was so crazy coming in first and winning gold because of how mentally and physically exhausted we were but my team deserved it!    How long have you played volleyball?     I have been playing volleyball for almost 6 years. I started out just for fun and recently I have been becoming more and more competitive.    Are you playing club in Spring? If so, what team?   I am playing club ball at Vegas Aces on the 18 National team. I'm playing mostly with girls I played with last year and I hope we could have a good season this year too!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='761356' first='Zakiyyah' last='Rashada'], Outside Hitter, Senior, 5'6”</h2>   Zakiyyah brings consistency and leadership to her team as a six-rotation player. So far this season, she has tallied 109 kills, ranking second on her team, while also contributing 99 digs and 29 aces to balance her offensive production with defensive consistency. With 264 serve-receive passes, also second on the team, she provides reliable first contact and all-around stability.   How did it feel to win this tournament?   It honestly felt so great to win during my senior year because I was so proud of what me and my team accomplished. It was like a reward for all the hard work and effort of practice. I had never felt that much joy for winning, but that win felt so earned, that I couldn't stop smiling!   How long have you played volleyball?     I have been playing volleyball for 7 years   Are you playing club in Spring? If so, what team?   I'll be playing at Squad volleyball on the 17s elite   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='743075' first='Simone' last='Miller'], Middle Blocker, Sophomore, 5'10”</h2>   Simone is already making a strong impact at the net as a sophomore. So far this season, she has tallied 109 kills, ranking second on her team. She has also contributed 99 digs and 29 aces, balancing her offensive production with defensive consistency. Defensively, she has totaled 27 blocks, using her size and timing to disrupt opposing hitters and anchor the middle.   How did it feel to win this tournament?   To win this tournament it felt like I accomplished everything that I wanted to with my teammates. It was an experience that I want to experience again and cherish.   How long have you played volleyball?     I've been playing volleyball for not too long, I started by playing volleyball with i9 sports when I was nine and kept going from there and when I was twelve is where I started playing club.   Are you playing club in Spring? If so, what team?   I am playing for a club and the amazing club I'm playing for is Topflight.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='710352' first='Leyla' last='Navrkal'], Defensive Specialist, Junior, 5'4”</h2>   Leyla excels at keeping her team in system with reliable digs and serve-receive. She has recorded 139 digs and 145 serve-receive passes, ranking third on the team with 2.0 digs per set. In addition to her defensive contributions, she has chipped in 13 assists and 17 kills, showing her versatility and ability to contribute across multiple categories.   How did it feel to win this tournament?   Winning this previous tournament was very exciting and thrilling. The team worked very hard ended up playing the team we won against in the championship three times in a row which we lost the first time, so it was a thrilling moment when we beat them twice in a row in the last two games.   How long have you played volleyball?     I've been playing volleyball for about almost 8 years now starting in nys.   Are you playing club in Spring? If so, what team?   Yes, I am playing club this year at for the second year on Impact 17s national team!!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Congratulations to Spring Valley High School volleyball team.   We're grateful for the opportunity to provide coverage for high school volleyball players! Your support means so much—not just to our scouts, but to the athletes who gain valuable exposure through our platform.   Tag, Collab and Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdignv">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://x.com/prepdignv">Twitter</a> @prepdignv

The varsity volleyball team at Spring Valley High School made a statement by winning the 2025 Dragons Invitational, highlighted by their grit, chemistry, and clutch play. The Grizzlies battled through tough competition, delivering key serves, kills, and defensive stops to secure the championship. After the win, several players shared what the accomplishment means for their season ahead.