Six TVBCA Solid Division II-AA Returning Players to have on list

Of the five Tennessee Volleyball Coaches Association All-State lists, the Division II-AA has the most coming back this fall with 11-of-17 players returning. Two defensive specialists in [player_tooltip player_id='845986' first='Mia' last='Kinney'] and [player_tooltip player_id='511279' first='Cat' last='Nygaard'] lead this list.   Briarcrest Christian may have won its 12th state championship last fall, but a number of teams seem primed to challenge this fall. Among them are Christ Presbyterian Academy, Knoxville Catholic and Baylor. These six expect to put on shows in the fall.    Keith (pictured) keeps her right arm back then unleashes the power. Keith great size and a nice vertical jump for a high attack point to get over and around blocks. That starts with a solid net approach. Keith attacks seams relentlessly. Keith is especially tough on cross shots. Keith puts balls down on solid defensive specialists. She makes plays in the middle and at the pins.     Loe displays the art of defense on the court, owning the back row. Loe is sound on serve reception and first touches. She has great range and extends her arms when needed, but tries to keep her feet and body aimed at the target in the two and three zones. Loe does not hesitate to dive forward on tips to the middle and make pancake digs to keep plays alive. Loe can put her hands up quickly to pick up balls hit toward back lines. Loe uses her size well to track down balls others can't.     Ataga puts on a hitting clinic when she takes the court, doing a great job mixing things up. Opponents are in for a long day if they do not rise up consistently and at least slow her hits down. Ataga has a nice vertical jump, extension and follow-through on her hits. Ataga takes great steps even before balls hit the setter's hands. Her vertical jump lets her go over and around blocks. She attacks windows in double blocks and rips the seams. Ataga is especially tough on shoots and jams. Ataga can also hit balls off blocks for sound points.     Nygaard is so talented a rival high school coach said they try to serve away from her and approach with caution where they hit with her because she picks up a lot on defense. Nygaard consistently makes the simple passes and does whatever she can to beat balls to their destinations on the floor with her outstanding range. Nygaard does not hesitate to fly in to make diving saves on her knees under control. Nygaard soundly executes bump and overhead passes. She eats up cross shots and other hits, then quickly jumps into net coverage. Nygaard also makes quality out of system sets. Nygaard also has good jump serves. She does not send balls too high, allowing her to make good contact with them and serves to different parts of the court.     Hobbs runs a smooth offense with her great hands. Hobbs sends outstanding jump sets to the targets and does not lock elbows to gain great control of balls. Hobbs executes a variety of sets with great court vision. She does not lean much on her back sets. Hobbs mixes in deceptive setovers. Hobbs makes crisp first touches. She does not hesitate to dive and make pancake digs on tips over blockers. Hobbs sends free balls over with a purpose.     Fisher does an outstandig job getting the Knights into a good offensive rhythm. Her range lets her track down balls all over the court. Fisher stays in her platform on well-struck balls to make precise passes. She swings her arms out and keeps her body aimed at the target in the two, three zones. Fisher also does a good job picking up deflected and tipped balls off blockers. Fisher also does a sound job in net protection.    Note from the Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for two years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigkentucky/#">prepdigkentucky</a>, @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigtennessee/#">prepdigtennessee</a> or @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigoh/#">prepdigoh</a> on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy, @PrepDigTN or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky, Tennessee or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky or Tennessee rankings, please email Mike at michaelgraham@prepdig.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount on yearly subscriptions, enter code graham30 at checkout.

Of the five Tennessee Volleyball Coaches Association All-State lists, the Division II-AA has the most coming back this fall with 11-of-17 players returning. Two defensive specialists in Mia Kinney Mia Kinney 5'10" | DS/L/OH Knoxville Catholic | 2027 State TN and Cat Nygaard Cat Nygaard 5'8" | DS/L Girls Preparatory | 2027 State #95 Nation TN lead this list.