5 Players We’re Thankful For This Thanksgiving: Part 1

As we embark on this holiday season we want to acknowledge that sport is bigger than just wins and losses, rankings and recruitment… Its about experiences.  We often write about the impact the game has had on players- but on this Thanksgiving, we also want to recognize the reverse- players who have had a lasting impact on the game, and the Oklahoma volleyball community:   [player_tooltip player_id='286289' first='Rylie' last='Steward']   As a senior setter and right side hitter for the state tournament qualifying Bixby Spartans, Rylie has racked up the awards this post-season: Team MVP, Frontier Valley All-Conference Team, and Large East All-State. Any who knows Rylie would not be surprised by her success. Few players are as laser focused and dedicated on improving their game as Rylie. Blessed with natural athleticism, she did not allow herself to rest on that- for years working diligently in private lessons, playing beach volleyball, playing on high level club teams for [program_tooltip program_id='750137' first='Virago' last='Volleyball Club'], Charge Tulsa, and now [program_tooltip program_id='776295' first='Tulsa' last='Power']- she never passed up an opportunity to improve her game. Hitting and setting came natural to her- but you could see her hard work paying off as she developed into a great defender, and one of the best servers in the state. She is intelligent, respectful, and a great leader on the court- a coach's dream. Fortunately, we will get the opportunity to continue to watch Rylie on the court as she takes her talents to Oklahoma City University next season.   [player_tooltip player_id='793686' first='Emerson' last='Hill']   Another senior award winner (Frontier Valley All-Conference, Large East All-State) who's left a great impact on the game is [player_tooltip player_id='793686' first='Emerson' last='Hill'] of Jenks High School.  Never flashy, just a calm and steady presence for the Trojans at the libero position the last 2 seasons.  Her experience and on-court demeanor was exactly what her team needed this season, with Jenks fielding a very young, albeit, very talented varsity roster.  She was one of the most consistent contributors all season as the Trojans advanced to the semi final of the 6A state tournament where they pushed eventual champion Edmond Memorial to 5 sets.  She joins Rylie on [program_tooltip program_id='776295' first='Tulsa' last='Power']'s 18-1 for one last hoorah this club season, before jetting off to Charleston, South Carolina to play at storied military college the Citadel.   [player_tooltip player_id='297123' first='Ana' last='Appel']   One of the things that has really helped propel the growth of the sport of volleyball over the last few years, particularly at the college level, is the emergence of super-star players.  For volleyball to continue to ascend as a spectator sport, we need names and faces who are instantly recognized.  For Oklahoma high school and club volleyball- that star is [player_tooltip player_id='297123' first='Ana' last='Appel'].  As a setter and right side hitter for the Class 4A Conquerors of Victory Christian, she doesn't just run the offense…she IS the offense.  That's not to say her talented teammates, of which VCS has plenty, didn't contribute in their own right- but there's no denying that Ana elevates everyone around her on the court.  What really stands out about her game is that she is always attacking the opposing team- attacking with her serve, attacking with a variety of setter attacks, and of course, attacking as a hitter.  She leads with a fire and charisma that is undeniable when you watch her play.  It's fitting that she will be staying local, bringing not only her talent and drive, but also her fans to Oral Roberts University.  Look for her to make a big impact right away at the next level.   Tyra McKinnie   Another product of Class 4A, Tyra McKinnie of Glenpool High School, has been a monster of a player from day one.  Arguably the best player for the Warriors as a freshman, Tyra would hold onto that crown all the way through her senior season.  Her legacy includes 3 trips to the state tournament, Glenpool's all time leader in kills, blocks and aces, MVP of the Metro Lakes Conference, and Small East All-State.  Extremely athletic right from the start, Tyra has worked hard to develop into a consistent, D1 level player- even traveling from Glenpool to Oklahoma City to play for Oklahoma Peak's top club team the last few seasons.  In an era where many top players have taken advantage of the new transfer rules- Tyra chose to stay and finish out her career in her home town.  She will be continuing her playing career at Division 1 Louisiana Tech University.   [player_tooltip player_id='288992' first='Ally' last='Thompson'] Ally, senior setter for the Union Redhawks, really embodies exactly what this story is about- the experience.  Running a 5-1 offense at the high school level puts a lot of pressure on a setter, but Ally handled that with poise and grace- something she no doubt learned from her father, and Union assistant coach, Darin Thompson.  Most teenagers would shun the idea of having a parent on the sideline- but you could tell the duo reveled in the opportunity to take this journey together- daughter appreciating the unique opportunity for support, and proud dad getting a front row seat.  Ally was a key driver this season behind one of the more successful seasons for Union in recent memory.  Her steadfast leadership on the court was on full display with huge upset wins over two powerhouse teams in Bixby and Broken Arrow, late in the season.  A very intelligent player on the court, we could see Ally following in dad's footsteps in future, and continuing her volleyball career with a clipboard on the sidelines.

As we embark on this holiday season we want to acknowledge that sport is bigger than just wins and losses, rankings and recruitment… Its about experiences. We often write about the impact the game has had on players- but on this Thanksgiving, we also want to recognize the reverse- players who have had a lasting impact on the game, and the Oklahoma volleyball community: