Virginia State Champion Predictions

After watching a few scrimmages and attending one tournament it is time for our 2025 Virginia State champion predictions. Last year for Virginia I hit the button on 4 of 7 while for Maryland/DC it was a perfect 5 for 5. You think my knowledge would favor the state I live in. Maryland/DC will come next week. Jeremy has already made his predictions for Maryland. My selection comes down to a high school he did not pick.   In general, to win a state championship teams need at least three players who are difference makers. That can include a left side/middle/setter combination or two left sides and a setter. Without three difference makers it becomes hard to win rallies. Ideally, placing a pretty good libero on the court for passing and defense is critical to sustain rallies, unless you have two left sides that can do the same. James Wood won a championship last year without a libero.   As I did last year I will expand the number of Divisions included in the predictions. For Virginia they will include all the VISAA divisions. For Maryland the IAAM will be added.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">VHSL Class 6 - Colgan</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/72-Sienna-Mitchell.jpg?w=867" alt="" class="wp-image-729681" style="width:231px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='550688' first='Sienna' last='Mitchell']</figcaption></figure>   Last year I picked James Madison over the repeat champion Langley. James Madison lost to Langley in a regional battle. The Saxons went on to repeat as state champions. This class is open. At least four or five different high schools are in the running. No team carries that superstar that will lead her team to victory. That could develop by the end of the season but now it appears a team effort will win the championship.   Colgan looked good at the Jamboree and the Virginia Volleyball Showcase. They may carry the top pin hitter in the class with [player_tooltip player_id='238593' first='Tehillah' last='Garrison'] burying balls from the left side. Every team needs a closer to snuff out rallies. With the Sharks Tehillah can score points with her top spin serve and close out rallies whether hitting from the back row or front row. She has support from the sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='550688' first='Sienna' last='Mitchell']. Last year Sienna played middle and right side. This year she returns to her more familiar position of left side.   The Sharks also carry lots of depth in the middle with the two 6'1" towers in [player_tooltip player_id='333653' first='Elizabeth' last='York'] and [player_tooltip player_id='813491' first='Gabrielle' last='Cherry']. They also carry the smaller but extremely athletic [player_tooltip player_id='809716' first='Kennedy' last='Buchanan'] who can handle middle despite her 5'9' height. York played right side for Club 540 so they can mix and match depending on circumstances. Clearly, one of the right side positions will be handled by [player_tooltip player_id='609533' first='Madeline' last='Dumais'].   At setter they carry the senior leadership of [player_tooltip player_id='464563' first='Elizabeth' last='Robinson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='643810' first='Jasmine' last='Belle Carrasco']. They have been through the trenches the last couple years, including getting the team into the state championship last year in what I thought would be a rebuilding year. They lost in that quarterfinal match to Langley.   Their back row of [player_tooltip player_id='747458' first='Angelie' last='Rose Carrasco'], [player_tooltip player_id='609504' first='Brooklyn' last='Rothwell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='602392' first='Elise' last='Nair'] tops the Class 6 schools in talent and consistency. Their only downside is their youth with Rose being the top rated frosh libero in the class of 2029 and Brooklyn and Elise both sophomores.   Other contenders - Langley, James Madison, Patriot and Colonial Forge .   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 5 - Riverside</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/18-Sydney-Lewis.jpg?w=835" alt="" class="wp-image-781847" style="width:363px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">sydney lewis</figcaption></figure>   They had a rough go of it at the James Wood tournament. They lost two matches there, one to James Wood and the other to Handley. That equals the number of losses they took the last two years. While rosters are not available, they have some strong returning starters.   [player_tooltip player_id='464556' first='Kennedy' last='Peyton'] returns as one outside but with the graduation of Simone Schaefer they will need to find a second. Kennedy is not one of those left sides that will dazzle you with power however she brings a tremendous amount of court sense to the game. A six rotation player who can nick at the empty spots on the court.   One middle returning is [player_tooltip player_id='333652' first='Gabriella' last='Vizek']. An athletic 6 footer she can go pin to pin with her blocks. They need to replace Brianna Holladay. That may come from the talented but raw 6 foot frosh [player_tooltip player_id='763151' first='Sydney' last='Lewis']. They return one of the top liberos in the area in Virginia commit [player_tooltip player_id='438070' first='Camryn' last='Coulther'].   Last year the team ran a 5/1 around [player_tooltip player_id='333651' first='Sydney' last='Ray']. That was because their other setter, the 6'0" Christopher Newport commit [player_tooltip player_id='377335' first='Mackenzie' last='Davis'] opted to sit out the season. She played club last year for Virginia Elite so if she returns that should strengthen the setting position, or they could use her at right side. The United States junior national team representative [player_tooltip player_id='301696' first='Nadiya' last='Johnson'] occupies the other right side. She may be the most terminal hitter this year in the DMV high school ranks. With two setters her back row play could be limited.   Other Contenders - Kellam, Frank Cox, Heritage, Lightridge and Midlothian   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 4 - James Wood</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/IMG_1908.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-764515" style="width:282px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: [player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid'] and [player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</figcaption></figure>   As long as they have [player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid'] and [player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin'] hitting left side it will take a monster effort to take the championship away from them. They have led the Colonels to the state championship since they were frosh. Now in their senior year there is no reason for them not to do it for a fourth year. Although it has been tougher each year. Last year Courtland took them to five.   It was surprising not to see [player_tooltip player_id='320815' first='Tenley' last='Mattison'] on the roster. She has been with the team the last two years but is not on the roster this year. Frosh [player_tooltip player_id='877850' first='Kennedi' last='Bower'] appears to have taken her place in the middle along with [player_tooltip player_id='845377' first='Claire' last='Keefer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='827679' first='Reese' last='Justice']. They appear to rotate the three between middle and right side. Neither comes with the height of Tenley.   [player_tooltip player_id='621440' first='Kylee' last='Plumb'] appears to be the main setter with [player_tooltip player_id='720415' first='Bella' last='Middleton'] stepping in. Last year they did not play with a libero but this year frosh [player_tooltip player_id='877848' first='Macie' last='Hewitt'] has played a significant role in the back row with her digs and serve receive. Brenna may be one of the top liberos in high school but for the Colonels she hits outside, despite her 5'5' stature. She is a testament to the belief that it does not take power to notch up kills, but location can get you just as many.   James Wood has started the season strong with a victory against defending Class 5 state champion Riverside as well as wins over West Virginia powerhouse Musselman and Loudoun County. They have started the season 6-0 with their only set loss coming against Riverside.   Other Contenders - Courtland, Millbrook, Loudoun County and Dominion.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 3 - Grafton</h2>   Last year we picked Grafton to upset Hidden Valley in the playoffs. As I suspected, this lit a fire under Caleigh Ponn and she finished the championship win over Grafton with 20 kills. She has moved on to Kansas State so I feel somewhat safe in picking Grafton to win a championship this time. After all, they have been to 12 finals and lost them all, most of them to Loudoun County when they played in Class 4. For nine consecutive seasons. split between Class 4 and 3 they have been to the finals and lost. They are bound to win at some point.   They are led by their 6'2" middle/right side [player_tooltip player_id='810003' first='Kenzie' last='Smith']. She can power balls over blocks and dominate a game. The 6'1" [player_tooltip player_id='465315' first='Ana' last='Breckons'] can also be a force at the middle or right side. They have provided the bulk of the offense this year for the Clippers. At left side little sister frosh [player_tooltip player_id='883712' first='Alivia' last='Breckons'] has contributed to the offense, placing third on the team in kills. She lists at 5'11" but has room to grow.   The libero responsibilities are handled by the steady [player_tooltip player_id='238858' first='Allyson' last='Burke']. She provides strong leadership on the court. With her passing and defense the Clippers will stay in system which allows them to set their middles more. Olivia Delacruz has been handling most of the setting duties with Claire Choi also contributing.   Other Contenders - Liberty Christian, Kettle Run, Hidden Valley and Christiansburg   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 2 - Fort Defiance</h2>   I will be the first to admit that my knowledge of this class is limited. I do know that the Indians have [player_tooltip player_id='720606' first='Maecy' last='Frizzelle'] on the roster. She stands just 5'9". Even though I have yet to see her play what I do know is that she finished with over 500 kills last year to reach 1,000 in total for her career. That put her in the 2026 player rankings at 127.   This year Maecy will have help from sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='845331' first='Caroline' last='Hanger'] on the left side as well. She is second on the team in kills. Libero Nora Anderson leads the team in aces and digs. Alexis Miller sets a 5/1.   Other Contenders - Ridgeview, Clark County   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 1 - Auburn</h2>   Auburn has won six consecutive titles. Last year they defeated my pick Giles in four with [player_tooltip player_id='452562' first='Sophie' last='Taylor'] hitting left side. Unfortunately, I don't know much about the Auburn roster. They do have three frosh making their debut this year so they could be reloading this year. They have already started the season 3-0.   Other Contenders - Giles   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">VISAA Division I - Bishop O'Connell</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/DSC04891-Enhanced-NRcover_websize.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-840130" style="width:298px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Kojo Assasie [player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray']</figcaption></figure>   In the last 14 years or so no team has won the VISAA Division I except Flint Hill or Bishop O'Connell. The Knights won it in 2016 and last year while the Huskies have won it every year since 2007. Liberty Christian beat Flint Hill in 2007 and 2011. After 2011 Flint Hill has dominated the division.   The Knights come in with two of the better players in the VISAA. That would be last year's MVP as a sophomore left side [player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'] and frosh setter/right side [player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria']. Macie has committed to James Madison. She is a solid six rotation player. [player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria'] has been the Knights top hitter early this year, which is rare for a frosh not to struggle early in the season. Her setting, blocking and top spin serve makes her a complete player on the court. She ranks at the top of the 2029 class.   [player_tooltip player_id='488812' first='Olivia' last='Boggs'] is a force in the middle. She hits the quick tempo sets well. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='612396' first='Natalie' last='Hobson'] also brings good hands to the court giving the Knights a couple setters to build from for the next couple years. Last year [player_tooltip player_id='520868' first='Caroline' last='Semko'] played right side for Flint Hill because of their shortage of pin hitters. She transferred to Bishop O'Connell where she fills her more natural role as a libero. [player_tooltip player_id='377397' first='Ellyson' last='Miller'] handles the other left side. She has a nice easy swing that can be used to tool the blocks or hit around them.   The key to the Knights success will revolve around the development of the two 6'2" frosh twins [player_tooltip player_id='755132' first='Abigail' last='Battcock'] and [player_tooltip player_id='755129' first='Lillian' last='Battcock']. They could fill one of the middle positions and the other right side. [player_tooltip player_id='529254' first='Gracie' last='Davig'] is also in that competition. Another wild card is transfer [player_tooltip player_id='805097' first='Cayla' last='Sawyers']. At 5'7" she is a bit undersized for a left side but she puts good velocity on her hits. She also plays a strong back row.   Other Contenders - Flint Hill, Paul VI, Saint Catherines, Norfolk Academy   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">VISAA Division II - Covenant</h2>   The Covenant won it last year beating a strong StoneBridge team. The two may again go head to head in the finals. I still like the Covenant to win out with the strong middle blocking of [player_tooltip player_id='720080' first='Miller' last='Grimes']. This year she will combine with the 6'2" [player_tooltip player_id='826753' first='Katie' last='Lyons'] to create a strong middle. Setter and outside is where they really need to find replacements. Sophomore Mollie Wamoff may fill the setter role. Kerrigan Poindexter or Ryan Frazier may fill the primary left side position.   In their first four matches they have yet to lose a set. That means something must be going right.   Other Contenders - Stonebridge, Virginia Academy,   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">VISAA Division III - Chelsea Academy</h2>   Last year they lost in the finals to Timberlake Christian. This time Chelsea will come out on top. They always schedule a tough schedule to prepare for the playoffs. Their opener was against Paul VI where they were swept in three. They reached 20 in two of the three sets and 19 in the other.   The players you have to watch are for the most part all named Barvick. They tend to crowd the court. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='239323' first='Ava' last='Barvick'] and 8th grader Veronica Barvick hit the pins. Another 8th grader Charlotte Barvick played libero but she can also hit outside. Finally, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='625566' first='Olivia' last='Barvick'] can set or hit right side. That is more than half the court filled with Barwick sisters.   Players not named Barvick who also contribute are 8th grade setter Malta Klassen and outside Evelyn Wingate. They also have 6'0" middle senior Miriam Pilon and 5'10" sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='809636' first='Gigi' last='Lagarde'] to add height to the team. Wait a couple years and this team may dominate. This year their youth could make it difficult.   Other Contenders - Timberlake Christian   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">VISAA Division IV - Denbigh Baptist Christian</h2>   They have the top leader in kills with [player_tooltip player_id='752075' first='Julia' last='Kinney'] hitting left side. She was the first Virginia player voted by MaxPreps as player of the week. Last year they made it to the finals where they were swept by Brunswick Academy despite the 17 kills by [player_tooltip player_id='752075' first='Julia' last='Kinney']. They have added a frosh outside Leah Wilson who is also contributing. Julia Helmsderfer and Addy Burgess share setting duties.   Other Contenders - Brunswick Academy

After watching a few scrimmages and attending one tournament it is time for our 2025 Virginia State champion predictions. Last year for Virginia I hit the button on 4 of 7 while for Maryland/DC it was a perfect 5 for 5. You think my knowledge would favor the state I live in. Maryland/DC will come next week. Jeremy has already made his predictions for Maryland. My selection comes down to a high school he did not pick.