End of Season: 1A-6A Athlete Spotlights

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another month of Arizona volleyball has come and gone, and what a month it's been! As we head into the final stretch of the regular season, the competition is fiercer than ever. Throughout October, we turned our focus to recognizing the athletes who truly stood out — the ones making game-changing plays, leading their teams, and setting the tone for the postseason push. With so much high-level action and thrilling matchups across 1A through 6A, narrowing down our list was no easy task. But these players have more than earned their spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've selected one player from each division to highlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1A: [player_tooltip player_id='882808' first='Nicole' last='Damian'] - Cicero Prep, Right Side/Setter, Class of 2027</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["882808"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69099f63b8dd1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Since her freshman debut, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='882808' first='Nicole' last='Damian']</strong> has been nothing short of a powerhouse for the Cicero Prep Centurions. A cornerstone of the program, she's played a pivotal role in securing back-to-back <strong>2023 and 2024 State Championship titles</strong> — and there's no doubt she's hungry to keep that streak alive this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now in her junior campaign, Damian continues to dominate on both sides of the ball. She currently ranks 3rd for 1A in both assists and kills. She's tallied <strong>212 kills</strong>, <strong>a .223 hitting average</strong>, <strong>77 aces</strong>, <strong>23 blocks</strong>, <strong>141 digs</strong>, and <strong>347 assists</strong> — a true testament to her versatility and all-around impact. With the pace she's on, she's projected to <strong>surpass 2,000 career assists</strong> before the season's end, an incredible milestone for any setter-hitter hybrid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Opponents have long been familiar with her <strong>signature powerful swing</strong>, but that doesn't make it any easier to stop. Her explosive approach, lightning-fast transition, and vertical leap make her nearly unstoppable at the net. Whether she's tooling a block or creating a one-on-one opportunity with her speed and precision, Damian consistently finds ways to put her team in control of the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was exciting to watch her and the rest of the squad pull out another state championship title! We will be watching her senior season at Cicero closely and can't wait to see her shine. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A: [player_tooltip player_id='816637' first='Makenna' last='Murphy'] - Northland Prep, Setter, Class of 2027</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["816637"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69099f63b8e2b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Makenna is had a standout season, elevating her team with poised leadership and high-level play in every match. Earlier this year, she orchestrated a signature 3–1 upset over Round Valley, using sharp offensive decision-making and a fast tempo to keep opponents off balance. Her ability to run a quick, unpredictable offense—combined with her well-timed dump attacks—consistently throws off opposing defenses. She helped guide her team back to the state playoffs, where they battled No. 4-ranked Trivium through three tight sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her individual numbers this season speak for themselves. She's currently ranked <strong>#1 in assists for the 2A conference and 7th overall in the state of Arizona. </strong> Defensively, she was a rock, keeping her team in system with 246 digs. From the service line, she delivered <strong>50 aces,</strong> and at the net she added<strong> 36 blocks.</strong> Even while running a demanding 5-1 offense, she still produced 66 kills of her own. Makenna ends her high school season with a remarkable<strong> 2,198 career assists</strong> as only a junior—<strong>902 of those coming from this season alone.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Makenna's performance this year was a true showcase of her talent, versatility, and leadership on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A: [player_tooltip player_id='901141' first='Tehya' last='Yazzie'] - Monument Valley, OH/MB, Class of 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["901141"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":901222,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69099f63b8e74"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='901141' first='Tehya' last='Yazzie'] delivered a remarkable final season at Monument Valley, showcasing exceptional grit, athleticism, and all-around dominance as a true six-rotation powerhouse. A trusted go-to option in the biggest moments, Tehya's steady leadership and reliable scoring fueled her team's outstanding 13–2 conference record and their return to the state tournament, where they battled to the quarterfinals against a tough Gilbert Christian squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her offensive production this season was nothing short of elite. Tehya finished ranked <strong>#2 in kills in the entire 3A conference</strong> and <strong>#22 statewide</strong>, closing just shy of 400 kills for the year. She graduates with a stellar <strong>1,225 career kills</strong> and a strong <strong>.226 hitting percentage</strong>, cementing her reputation as one of the most dangerous attackers in Arizona.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Equally impactful in the back row, Tehya recorded 200 digs this season and 764 throughout her career, proving her value as a complete, six-rotation player. At the service line and the net, she added <strong>66 aces</strong> and <strong>72 blocks</strong>, rounding out an incredibly versatile and dominant senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tehya's final season was one for the books. We will definitely miss watching her in 3A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4A: [player_tooltip player_id='806213' first='Kristyn' last='Grantham']- ALA Gilbert North, Outside Hitter, Class of 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806213"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":901223,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69099f63b8eba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='806213' first='Kristyn' last='Grantham'] closed out her high school career with a truly phenomenal season, leading her team through some of the most intense battles of the year. She was the driving force behind a five-set thriller in late September, where her squad defeated the defending 4A State Champions, Estrella Foothills. She also anchored her team in a back-and-forth showdown with ALA Queen Creek, pushing the match to a tight, hard-fought five sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Statistically, Kristyn established herself as one of the most dominant hitters in Arizona. She <strong>led the entire state in kills</strong> with an astounding <strong>574</strong>, while hitting an exceptional <strong>.333</strong>. She finishes her high school career with <strong>1,124 total kills</strong>, solidifying her place among the top attackers in the 4A division. Her all-around game was equally impressive, adding <strong>36 aces</strong>, <strong>50 blocks</strong>, and <strong>219 digs</strong> to her season totals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kristyn helped propel her team to the <strong>No. 7 seed</strong> in the 4A bracket, where they came out firing with a commanding first-round win over Cactus. In that match, she delivered <strong>16 kills with a .429 hitting percentage</strong>, showcasing her ability to rise to the moment. Though the season concluded in the quarterfinals against the No. 2 seed, Kristyn competed with relentless fight and leadership, leaving everything on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kristyn's final season was outstanding—it was a testament to her talent, determination, and impact as one of the premier players in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5A: [player_tooltip player_id='906388' first='Mali'e' last='Soza'] - Ironwood High School, L/DS, Class of 2027</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["901142"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":906995,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69099f63b8eff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='901142' first='Malie' last='Soza'] anchored Ironwood's back row with confidence and control all season long, consistently keeping her team competitive against some of the toughest opponents in Arizona. She delivered 18 digs in a dominant three-set sweep over Desert Mountain and an astounding 38 digs in Ironwood's late-October upset of Centennial. Her steady, standout play was a major factor in the Eagles securing the No. 6 seed in the 5A bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Malie finished the season as the No. 1 dig leader in the 5A Conference and No. 3 in the entire state of Arizona</strong>, racking up<strong> 584 digs</strong> this year alone. That performance brings her career total to 949—putting her on track to cross the 1,000-dig milestone at the start of her senior season. She also added impact behind the service line with <strong>41 aces</strong> and kept the offense alive in tough moments, contributing<strong> 36 out-of-system assists</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Malie leading the back row, the Ironwood Eagles have firmly established themselves as a 5A team to watch in the 2026 season. They made waves this year—and they're only getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6A: [player_tooltip player_id='754538' first='Avalon' last='Legg'] - Corona Del Sol, L/DS, Class of 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754538"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69099f63b8f44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Recent NAU commit [player_tooltip player_id='754538' first='Avalon' last='Legg'] delivered a standout season for Corona del Sol, showcasing elite back-row command and unwavering competitiveness. Her defensive presence was a major catalyst in the Aztecs securing the No. 2 seed in the 6A Conference heading into playoffs. In the postseason alone, Avalon tallied 42 digs, anchoring the defense and helping drive her team all the way to the championship match, where they ultimately fell to top-ranked Xavier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avalon is consistent, always hustling, and produces high-level results. She finished her senior year ranked 6th in 6A for digs within her graduating class and 19th overall in the conference—an impressive feat for a player rotating in for only three rotations. She posted 332 digs this season, pushing her career total to an outstanding 952, just shy of the 1,000-dig milestone. From the service line, she added another layer of impact with 44 aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avalon leaves behind a legacy at Corona del Sol built on heart, leadership, and relentless work ethic. The Aztecs will miss her presence on the court, but the state gets to keep a special one: she's headed to Northern Arizona University, and there's no doubt she's going to make big things happen as a Lumberjack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do we choose spotlights? </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <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> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <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> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Get on our radar for future spotlights by signing up for our December showcase! Use code MorahPD25 for a discount. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"left"} --> <p class="has-text-align-left">Find out more about how you can get on our radar! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://prepdig.com/2025/09/arizona-submit-volleyball-players-rankings/","type":"wp-embed","providerNameSlug":"prep-dig"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->