Class 1 Preseason Player of the Year Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2026 volleyball season approaches, Class 1 is gearing up to be an incredibly competitive landscape. Following the departure of a talented 2026 class, this year's group of athletes is proving to be just as formidable—if not more so. With several players advancing to the next level, including a few heading to Division 1 programs, the excitement promises to be intense for the season and when playoffs start in late October. Below are my early-season picks for the Class 1 Player of the Year candidates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rylie Schreiner – Leopold</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rylie, a Maryville commit, dominated last season by leading Missouri with an impressive 672 kills, ranking 29th nationally and averaging nearly 6 kills per set. Standing at 5'11", this versatile pin hitter can attack from any position on the court, showcasing her skills in all six rotations as a primary passer. Rylie significantly improved her performance from her sophomore to junior year, jumping from 323 kills to 672. With career totals standing at 1,210 kills, 222 aces, and 578 digs, Rylie is set to be one of the state's top hitters again this season, aiming for a Final Four finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Reagan Tenholder – Archie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reagan has been a four-year starter for the Whirlwinds, playing as a left middle hitter in all six rotations. Last season, she led Class 1 with 6.6 kills per set, amassing 595 kills and totaling 1,105 career kills. Her athleticism, size, and length make her a formidable presence on the court. Reagan excels as a passer and defender, understanding how to be effective both in the front and back rows. Notably, she improved her hitting percentage from .253 to .332 last season and showcased her versatility by playing setter and hitting on the opposite pin for the KC Voltage club team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ashtyn Van De Ven – Leopold</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashtyn, a Murray State commit, is the lone setter on this list and a standout player in the SEMO area. Her aggressive style and skill set make her one of the best setters in Class 1, with over 300 career kills, 200 aces, 794 digs, and an impressive 2,646 assists. If she achieves 1,000 more assists this season, she will secure a spot among the top five in MSHSAA career assists leaders. Ashtyn's ability to play multiple positions only adds to her value as a vital asset for the Leopold Wildcats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sadie Kile – Winona</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'10" middle hitter, Sadie, has played a crucial role in leading Winona to back-to-back state championship appearances, including a title and a runner-up finish in her first two years. Transitioning from a six-rotation middle to an outside hitter this year, she is a smart player who hits a heavy ball and excels in defense. With over 1,068 career kills and 621 digs, Sadie is on track to finish her career among the top five in MSHSAA for career kills, solidifying her status as one of Class 1's elite players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lexie Rayoum – Valle Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Valle Catholic's move down to Class 1, Lexie enters the preseason Player of the Year conversation. The 6'0" Murray State commit recorded 399 kills last year while competing in Class 2. Known for her resilience against larger schools, Lexie consistently delivers stellar performances, particularly after an impressive club season with Pursuit. Her growth from her sophomore to junior year, increasing her kills from 174 to 399 and improving her hitting percentage from .169 to .240, positions her as one to watch this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alexa Garbee – Billings</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returning for her final season, Alexa shattered her school's single-season kill record with 503 kills last year. This all-around player not only led her team in digs 460 and assists 482 but also contributed to 83% of Billings' kills, either directly or through assists. Standing at 5'9", Alexa is a smart hitter who can exploit defensive weaknesses with powerful strikes or perfectly placed tips. As one of Class 1's top players in kills, digs, and assists, she aims to guide her team deeper into the state playoffs this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Olivia Kennedy – Advance</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olivia is part of a legacy of exceptional Hornets players and aspires to continue this tradition. A four-year starter who has participated in two state Final Fours, she has consistently increased her kill totals each season. Currently, she boasts 873 career kills, 221 blocks, and 464 digs as a versatile six-rotation middle who can also excel on the pins. Olivia's accolades include selections to All-Conference, All-District, and All-State teams, affirming her status as one of Class 1's top competitors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->