Small School Senior Pins Who Play Big

When it comes to talent, the size of the school doesn't matter—and these seniors are proof of that. We've had the privilege of watching them develop over the past four years, and their growth, dedication, and relentless work ethic have truly stood out. Now, in the final stretch of their high school careers, they're making every match count. With just over a month remaining in the season, here are the small school seniors who are leaving it all on the court—and leaving a lasting mark while they do.   Who's on our watch list? Read on to find out:    [player_tooltip player_id='810576' first='Alexia' last='Heyn'] has been an invaluable contributor to her team throughout her time at Gilbert Christian. This season, she's posting an impressive .288 hitting percentage and is nearing 200 kills. She is also ranked 6th in 3A for kills. She played a key role in helping her 3A team earn standout wins against much larger schools in the Nike Tournament of Champions and delivered strong performances against top programs like Chaparral, Notre Dame, and Perry. Her consistent hitting from the pins and calm, steady presence on the court have kept opponents on their heels.   Next year, Alexia will take her talents to USC, where she will continue her beach volleyball career. As she wraps up her senior season and indoor days, we look forward to watching her lead Gilbert Christian in her final games.     [player_tooltip player_id='827316' first='Mary' last='Hamann'] is having a standout senior season, currently ranked 2nd in 2A and 4th in the state of Arizona for kills—closing in on the 300 mark. Over the course of her career at Veritas, she's been a consistent and versatile force. She began as a key presence in the middle before making a successful transition to the outside in her junior year, proving she can be a threat from anywhere on the court.   A go-to option for her setters, Mary thrives under pressure and knows how to deliver in big moments. As her time at Veritas winds down, there's no doubt she'll finish her high school career on a high note.     She may not be an Arizona native, but [player_tooltip player_id='201903' first='Madison' last='Sherby'] has certainly made her mark in just one season with the NVCA Lions. From the moment she stepped on the court, she's been a game-changer—quickly becoming the team's go-to outside hitter in high-pressure situations. Her impact doesn't stop at the net; she also anchors the back row with strong defensive play and reliable serve receive, making her a true all-around threat.   Madison's presence brings confidence and stability to the floor, and her ability to perform in clutch moments sets her apart. Her commitment to Arizona Christian University means we'll get to watch her continue to grow and compete at the next level—right here in Arizona.     [player_tooltip player_id='882705' first='Petra' last='Zepeda'] has made a name for herself across the 2A division, building an impressive legacy as a standout player for the Knights. Known for her powerful left-handed swing from the oppo position, she's been a nightmare for opposing defenses—especially this season. Currently ranked #3 in 2A for kills and 7th overall in the entire state of Arizona with an impressive 280 kills, Petra has proven to be one of the most dynamic attackers in the game. Petra is also a major presence on defense, ranking 7th in 2A for blocks with 43 so far this season. Her ability to impact the game on both sides of the net makes her one of the most well-rounded and dangerous players in the division.   Offensively and defensively, Petra is a force—and she's far from finished. As the season heads into its final stretch, there's no doubt she'll continue to leave her mark and lead the charge for the Knights.       [player_tooltip player_id='806789' first='Miley' last='Avenell'] has become a well-known name throughout the 2A division, serving as a cornerstone of the Rancho Solano Mustangs program over the past four years. Her experience and versatility have made her a critical piece of the team's success, and her stats back it up. Miley currently ranks in three key categories in 2A: she's 1st in aces (and 4th statewide), 11th in digs, and 13th in kills—showcasing her all-around impact on the game.   A former libero in club, Miley's defensive instincts shine in the back row, where she consistently keeps rallies alive and provides a strong foundation for the Mustangs' defense with almost 200 digs this season. But she's just as dangerous on offense—her back-row attack is one of Rancho's go-to weapons, and her front row attack doesn't give opponents a break either.   With playoffs around the corner, Miley is locked in and ready to make her final season count. She's a competitor through and through, and we know she'll leave it all on the court as the Mustangs make their postseason push.     [player_tooltip player_id='822954' first='Cadence' last='Roberts'] has been a standout player for the NCS Crusaders over the past four years, and she's making sure her senior season is one to remember. A consistent force on the outside, she's currently hitting an impressive .245 with 170 kills—earning her the #11 spot in the highly competitive 3A division for total kills.   Cadence brings both leadership and skill to the floor. Her ability to read opposing defenses and find smart scoring opportunities makes her a constant threat at the net. One of her most impressive performances this season came in a key matchup against a strong Gilbert Christian squad, where she led the Crusaders to victory with a dominant 15-kill performance.   With just a few weeks left in the season, Cadence is showing no signs of slowing down. We're excited to see how she finishes out her senior campaign and leaves her final mark as a Crusader.     [player_tooltip player_id='807054' first='Peyton' last='Schwinden'] has been a standout for San Tan Charter, consistently turning heads with her explosive play despite being considered an “undersized” hitter. Standing at 5'7", she more than makes up for it with an impressive vertical and a lightning-fast arm swing that allows her to terminate the ball with power and precision. Her ability to mix up shots and move the ball around the court keeps defenses on their heels—she's a player who constantly keeps opponents guessing.   But Peyton's game doesn't stop at the net. She's a key contributor in the back row as well, with 81 digs and 144 serve receive receptions so far this season—proving she's a true six-rotation player. Her all-around skill set, court awareness, and relentless work ethic have made her a cornerstone of the San Tan Charter program throughout her career.   As she heads into her final games as a senior, there's no doubt Peyton will bring her signature intensity and talent to the court. We're expecting nothing less than a strong finish from one of San Tan's fiercest competitors.     When it comes to top right-side hitters in 2A, [player_tooltip player_id='844006' first='Page' last='Oothoudt'] absolutely deserves to be in the spotlight. She's currently ranked 5th in 2A for total kills and 18th overall in the state of Arizona, with an impressive 233 kills so far this season. Her offensive efficiency is just as notable—she holds a solid .233 hitting percentage, placing her 15th in 2A.   What truly sets Page apart is her versatility and presence on the court. Unlike many right-side hitters, she plays all six rotations, making her an invaluable asset for Camp Verde on both offense and defense. Holding down the middle-back base spot, she's already tallied over 200 digs this season—acting as a defensive anchor and showing her ability to read the game at a high level.   Page brings leadership, consistency, and a competitive edge every time she steps on the floor. As she enters the final stretch of her senior season, she'll continue to shine and finish her high school career on a high note.     [player_tooltip player_id='877980' first='Zillah' last='Wildblood-Crawford'] has solidified her reputation as one of the top offensive threats in 2A volleyball. Currently ranked 4th in the division with 265 kills and holding the 13th spot for hitting percentage at an impressive .234, she's also ranked 11th overall in the entire state of Arizona for kills.   A four-year standout for Northland Prep, Zillah has long been the team's go-to hitter in high-pressure moments. That role has only grown over the years, and this season, she hit a major milestone by surpassing 1,000 career kills. She's also a force on defense, tallying 122 digs so far this season and proving herself as a complete six-rotation player. One of her most memorable performances came in a hard-fought four-set battle against St. Johns, where she poured in 27 kills to keep her team in the match and showcase her clutch ability.   With the playoffs fast approaching, Zillah is clearly locked in and ready to lead. Her combination of power, experience, and grit makes her a player to watch as she closes out her incredible high school career.     [player_tooltip player_id='819319' first='Sophie' last='Ryken'] has been a standout force for the SPA Spartans this season, racking up an impressive 209 kills—ranking her 7th in the 2A conference. Her impact doesn't stop at the net; she's also been a defensive powerhouse with 221 digs so far, nearly matching her total from all of last season—and we're only halfway through.   One of her most impressive performances came in a key win over Arizona Lutheran, where she delivered 15 kills and 27 digs to help secure a 3-1 victory, setting the tone for the Spartans' momentum this season.   In her final season, Sophie is clearly on a mission—and we can't wait to see what she does next.

When it comes to talent, the size of the school doesn't matter—and these seniors are proof of that. We've had the privilege of watching them develop over the past four years, and their growth, dedication, and relentless work ethic have truly stood out. Now, in the final stretch of their high school careers, they're making every match count. With just over a month remaining in the season, here are the small school seniors who are leaving it all on the court—and leaving a lasting mark while they do.