September: 1A-6A Athlete Spotlights

<p>From the smallest rural schools in Division 1A to the largest programs in 6A, Arizona's high school volleyball scene is filled with remarkable talent. Each division brings its own unique challenges and level of competition, but one thing remains constant across the board—standout athletes who are making a serious impact on the game. In this <em>1A–6A Athlete Spotlights</em> series, we shine a light on the volleyball players who are rising above the rest, not just with their stats, but through leadership, hustle, stories, and heart.</p>   <p>These players represent the best of Arizona volleyball, showing that greatness isn't limited to school size or division. Whether they're leading their team to a state title run or inspiring their community with their perseverance, each athlete featured here has earned their spotlight.</p>   <p>We've selected one player from each division to highlight. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1A: [player_tooltip player_id='891405' first='Sophie' last='Ulrich']- North Phoenix Prep, Right Side Class of 2026</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='891405' first='Sophie' last='Ulrich'] has emerged as a standout not only in the 1A conference but across the state of Arizona, thanks to her relentless work ethic and strong leadership. North Phoenix Prep head coach Summer Anderson praises Sophie's dedication, especially the countless hours she's invested during the off-season to elevate her game. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">This season, she's been tested in multiple ways and has consistently risen to the occasion, stepping up wherever her team has needed her most. As the team's go-to right-side hitter, Sophie has tallied an impressive 130 kills with her powerful and strategic left-handed swing. Known for her high volleyball IQ, mental toughness, and on-court composure, she continues to prove that she's a force to be reckoned with—both as a player and as a leader.</p>   <p><strong>We can't wait to watch her lead her team to victory as she closes out the next month of season. </strong></p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A: [player_tooltip player_id='888819' first='Addison' last='Poston']- Round Valley, OH Class of 2027</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='888819' first='Addison' last='Poston'] is making waves in the 2A conference—and beyond—with a junior season that's nothing short of dominant. A statement player for Round Valley, Addison currently leads all of 2A in kills and ranks No. 2 statewide with 344 kills already under her belt—nearly surpassing her entire total from sophomore year in just the first half of the season. On pace to break the 1,000 career kills milestone, she's also closing in on 500 career digs, showcasing her versatility and consistency on both sides of the ball.</p>   <p>But Addison's impact doesn't stop at attacking and defense. She's recorded 182 assists this season, proving she's a true all-around athlete and a triple threat on the court. Whether she's hammering a kill from the outside, keeping her team steady out of system, or playing defense, Addison is the kind of player who does whatever it takes to win. Her presence elevates the entire Round Valley squad, and her leadership and work ethic set the tone for the program.</p>   <p><strong>With another season still ahead of her, there's no doubt Addison will continue to rewrite the record books and leave a lasting legacy in the 2A conference—and across Arizona volleyball.</strong></p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A: [player_tooltip player_id='801626' first='Ellie' last='Gregg']- Valley Christian, Libero/DS Class of 2026</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='801626' first='Ellie' last='Gregg'] has been quietly building a powerhouse reputation at Valley Christian since she first stepped onto the court as a freshman. After spending much of her life overseas with her international teacher parents, she entered the American volleyball scene with limited experience but limitless potential. Coaches immediately saw her talent and considered placing her on varsity, but with rare maturity, Ellie chose to spend her first season leading JV as captain while also swinging up to varsity — a decision that laid the foundation for her growth as both a player and a leader.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Now a senior and the team's sole veteran, Ellie is the calm anchor of a squad she helped lead to an undefeated season and a 3A state championship last year. Unlike the stereotypical high-energy libero, Ellie brings steadiness and quiet confidence to the back row, consistently controlling the tempo and refusing to let balls drop. Her name is regularly among the top 10 for digs in the state — currently sitting at No. 9 with 319 season totals — a testament to her reliability and grit. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Liberos don't always get the spotlight, but Ellie's performance, poise, and leadership make her impossible to overlook.</strong></p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4A: [player_tooltip player_id='886521' first='Ashlyn' last='Persha']- Paradise Honors, Setter/Right Side Class of 2026</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">In her final season at Paradise Honors, [player_tooltip player_id='886521' first='Ashlyn' last='Persha'] has proven to be one of the most steady and impactful players in the 4A conference. A dual-threat on the court, Ashlyn brings balance, poise, and intensity in every rotation. As a setter, she runs a fast-paced, intelligent offense from the back row, consistently making smart decisions that put her hitters in the best position to score. She's currently 3rd in 4A conference for assists, with 427 to date this season. </p>   <p>When she rotates to the front, she becomes an immediate threat as a right-side hitter. Her ability to swing down the line with precision and power makes her a difficult matchup, and she's known for putting up an aggressive, well-timed block—shutting down even the most dynamic outside hitters. </p>   <p>More than her stats or skillset, though, it's Ashlyn's leadership that truly sets her apart. She's the anchor her teammates look to in high-pressure moments—the calm voice that steadies the team when the match is on the line. Her ability to lead with confidence and composure defines her role as not just a player, but a true captain.</p>   <p><strong>As her time at Paradise Honors comes to a close, she's leaving it all on the court and we can't wait to watch the rest of her season unfold. </strong></p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5A: [player_tooltip player_id='835096' first='Lucy' last='Solorzano']- Notre Dame, OH Class of 2027</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">For the past three seasons, [player_tooltip player_id='835096' first='Lucy' last='Solorzano'] has been a cornerstone of the Notre Dame Prep Saints volleyball program—consistently delivering as both an offensive powerhouse and a dependable defensive presence. A name well-known in 5A, Lucy is currently ranked 3rd in the conference for kills and sits 19th overall in the state of Arizona with 232 kills so far this season. She recently surpassed the 500 career kill milestone and is on pace to reach another major mark in digs, with 179 already recorded this season alone. Her most recent performance against Desert Mountain is a perfect example. In a dominant 3–0 sweep, Lucy racked up 21 kills while hitting an impressive .364, leading the charge for the Saints and showcasing exactly why she's one of the most respected outside hitters in the conference.</p>   <p>But Lucy's impact goes far beyond the numbers. She's a true competitor—one who thrives in high-pressure moments and brings fire and focus to every match. Her passion for the game is evident in the way she plays: fearless, determined, and with a contagious energy that lifts her teammates. When her team needs a clutch point, Lucy is never one to shy away from the moment—often stepping up as the go-to scorer when it matters most.</p>   <p><strong>As Notre Dame continues its push through the season, there's no question that Lucy will be at the center of it all—leading with heart.</strong></p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6A: [player_tooltip player_id='808498' first='Camryn' last='Thruston'] - Highland, L/DS Class of 2026</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Camryn is in the midst of an explosive senior season as the starting libero for Highland High School, and she's proving to be one of the most impactful back-row players in the 6A conference. A force in serve receive, Camryn has already tallied 179 receptions, anchoring the Hawks' first contact with poise and consistency. Defensively, she's just as sharp—racking up 177 digs so far this season.</p>   <p>Her court presence is aggressive and intentional. Camryn plays with her eyes up, constantly adjusting to cover her hitters and staying one step ahead in out-of-system situations—where she's added 50 assists to her stat line. Whether she's digging up a hard-driven ball or keeping a rally alive with a smart, controlled touch, Camryn's influence is felt on every play. But what sets her apart even more is her energy. She's the emotional heartbeat of the Highland squad—a constant source of positivity, fire, and belief. Known as the team's “hype-girl,” Camryn leads not only with her skill but with her voice, lifting her teammates in both momentum swings and pressure moments. </p>   <p><strong>As the Hawks continue to battle through a competitive 6A season, Camryn's leadership, grit, and spark will be key to their success.</strong></p>    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do we choose spotlights? </h2>   <p>Arizona is home to countless talented volleyball players—many of whom are making big impacts in their programs, communities, and the sport as a whole. If you're an athlete who's putting in the work and making a difference on the court, or if you know someone who deserves recognition for their performance, leadership, or growth, we want to hear from you. </p>   <p>Player spotlights are a chance to tell your story, celebrate your journey, and inspire the next generation of athletes across the state. Don't miss the opportunity to be seen—nominate a player or submit your own story today <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGWSR1w3a_ZgKVLmUouN7ymhvldIHGmG6f6zWs54-pGTM_-A/viewform?usp=header">here.</a> <br></p>   <p class="has-text-align-left">Find out more about how you can get on our radar! </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-prep-dig wp-block-embed-prep-dig"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://prepdig.com/2025/09/arizona-submit-volleyball-players-rankings/ </div></figure>

From the smallest rural schools in Division 1A to the largest programs in 6A, Arizona's high school volleyball scene is filled with remarkable talent. Each division brings its own unique challenges and level of competition, but one thing remains constant across the board—standout athletes who are making a serious impact on the game. In this 1A–6A Athlete Spotlights series, we shine a light on the volleyball players who are rising above the rest, not just with their stats, but through leadership, hustle, stories, and heart.