VHSL State Volleyball Championship Predictions for 2026

Time for the Prep Dig predictions for Virginia high school state champions. Last year Prep Dig was correct on only two of the six classes (Riverside and James Wood), two other picks reached the finals but lost (Colgan and Fort Defiance) and Auburn lost in the semi-finals. Grafton was picked to win Class 3 but they bumped up to Class 4, losing in the semi-finals there. That one was lost on a technicality. Below are Prep Digs new predictions for the 2026 VHSL high school season. Later posts will predict the VISAA, WCAC, ISL, IAAM and MPSSAA, a smorgasburg of alphabet soup. After that the first top 25 high schools in the DMV will come out.   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Class 6</h1>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">West Springfield (2025 champion)</h2>    Her libero play was key to West Springfield winning the state championship last year. [player_tooltip player_id='438046' first='Anna' last='Dierks'] sprained her ankle early in the season but when she got healthy the team ran a 5/1. That requires excellent passing to run effectively. Audrey provided that. As a result the team went on a 17 match winning streak to end the season.   They beat Colgan in five winning the last set 15-10. Audrey finished with a team high 27 digs, passed the ball 38 times with only three serve receive errors. She was a freshly oiled machine in the back row with her passing and defense.   They did lose 38 of their 46 kills from that match through graduation. That will be tough to replace.    Key Returners - They will have a solid back row with [player_tooltip player_id='725456' first='Audrey' last='Busch'] and [player_tooltip player_id='754934' first='Addison' last='Lopez'] returning. [player_tooltip player_id='438046' first='Anna' last='Dierks'] will repeat her role as the setter. She still has some weapons to go to with [player_tooltip player_id='720348' first='Milena' last='Kibret'] returning to the middle. [player_tooltip player_id='693144' first='Layla' last='Babiker'] will replace some of that lost offense at one of the pins.   Key departures - left side Nina Schweigert, right side Ryleigh McGovern and middle Andrea Lazo are the key departures. Ryleigh McGovern was cut her junior year returned her senior year, finishing second on the team in kills. They can't hope for something like that to happen again.   Newcomers - [player_tooltip player_id='994374' first='Eldhana' last='Kibret'] played for the junior varsity last year. She is the younger sister of Milena. She currently does not appear on the Max Prep varsity roster. They do have a senior Kyleigh Sheater a 6'1" right side/middle who did not appear on the roster last year.   Prediction - They have the talent to make the state bracket but will fall short of the championship. It is not easy to repeat in Class 6. Langley did it in 2023/2024 but that is the only high school that has done it since Class 6 was created.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Oakton (New Champion)</h2>    This is a bit of a bold selection since Oakton has yet to win a State championship. West Springfield had not won a state championship either until last year. Why not Oakton? At least Oakton appeared in the final four in 2016 before losing to Kellam in five. Kellam later won the championship that year.   The Cougars may have to do that under a new coach with a new setter, but they have the talent at the other positions. The best of that talent may be their sophomore left side [player_tooltip player_id='754650' first='Madison' last='Meiring'] who with another year of experience will display a more accurate right arm. Last year she led the team in kills but hit at a .088 clip. That is not unusual for a frosh. This year she will find the floor inside the court more.   Madison will have help from right side [player_tooltip player_id='465321' first='Marissa' last='Turek'] and middle [player_tooltip player_id='814457' first='Jocelynn' last='Kinlaw'].    Key Returners - They have the offensive performers in left side [player_tooltip player_id='754650' first='Madison' last='Meiring'], right side [player_tooltip player_id='465321' first='Marissa' last='Turek'] and middle [player_tooltip player_id='814457' first='Jocelynn' last='Kinlaw']. They have a very strong back row with [player_tooltip player_id='756342' first='Olivia' last='Baick'], [player_tooltip player_id='768534' first='Carolyn' last='Angelicchio'] and Isabella Peterson.   Key Departures -Setter Julia Xu, ds/libero Abigail Hegg.   Newcomers - Middle [player_tooltip player_id='768531' first='Luciana' last='Martinez'] comes up from the junior varsity to solidify the middle while setter [player_tooltip player_id='947249' first='Eileen' last='Kim'] replaces Julie Xu as the setter.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other challengers</h2>   Colgan - They reached the finals last year before losing to West Springfield in five. They have one of the best liberos in sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='747458' first='Angelie' last='Rose Carrasco']. [player_tooltip player_id='550688' first='Sienna' last='Mitchell'] provides the offense from the left side. The key could be how well middle [player_tooltip player_id='813491' first='Gabrielle' last='Cherry'] recovers from her injury.   Colonial Forge - They share the same Region as Woodbridge and Colgan. All three have the talent to reach the state bracket. Colonial Forge has yet to provide rosters but they have talent on offense with middle [player_tooltip player_id='581553' first='Karinne' last='Goodrum'], right side [player_tooltip player_id='443570' first='Lexiana' last='Everetts'], outsides [player_tooltip player_id='623179' first='Kendal' last='Walker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='530396' first='Jaylyn' last='Barnes']. [player_tooltip player_id='879248' first='Paige' last='Stoll'] could take over the libero role while setters [player_tooltip player_id='888906' first='Ella' last='Sloan'], [player_tooltip player_id='476422' first='Aniyah' last='Brevard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='664252' first='Cameron' last='Stoll'] all return to share the setting duties.   Others to compete - Landstown, Woodbridge, Fairfax and Langley   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Class 5</h1>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Riverside (2025 champion)</h2>    Sydney will take over the middle spot after the Gabbie Vizek graduation. The team has lost a lot of offense with the additional graduations of Nadiya Johnson and MacKenzie Davis. They have also lost their two setters Sydney Ray and Davis.   [player_tooltip player_id='763151' first='Sydney' last='Lewis'] can provide some of that lost offense. With one more year of experience she will be a force in the middle with her blocking and her ability to hit the quick tempo sets. Last year she was a back up to the two senior middles. When she played she was effective with a .366 hitting percentage and .6 blocks per set. Sydney should improve on those numbers this year.    Key Returners - Libero [player_tooltip player_id='438070' first='Camryn' last='Coulther'] will keep the passing sharp. Left side [player_tooltip player_id='464556' first='Kennedy' last='Peyton'] appeared to bypass club this year. They may need her to pick up her offense. Last year she was fifth on the team in kills but the four ahead of her have all graduated. Middle [player_tooltip player_id='763151' first='Sydney' last='Lewis'] is still young. A three peat does not appear in the cards.   Key Departures - middles Gabby Vizek and Hadassah Dakin-Davis, right side Nadiyah Johnson, settes Mackenzie Davis and Sydney Ray   Newcomers - middle [player_tooltip player_id='947948' first='Ava' last='Ibiezugbe']   Prediction - They will fall short of a three peat. They lost a lot of offense and need to replace both setters.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Independence (new champion)</h2>    Another bold prediction, especially when you consider they went 6-12 last year. Kieran, who has committed to William & Mary will lead a young offense. No rosters available but it would not surprise me if two very talented frosh make the roster in [player_tooltip player_id='849196' first='Leyla' last='Landry'] and [player_tooltip player_id='990790' first='Kinley' last='Rhoton'].   [player_tooltip player_id='290176' first='Kieran' last='Rhoton'] is that veteran leader that will help the young players assimilate in the varsity environment.    Key returners - Independence is not the best at providing rosters but with what I know right side/left side [player_tooltip player_id='290176' first='Kieran' last='Rhoton'] will lead the offense. [player_tooltip player_id='471485' first='Kaelyn' last='Wharton'] will share the senior leadership and hits left side. [player_tooltip player_id='782196' first='Samantha' last='Green'] can also play the pins. [player_tooltip player_id='934826' first='Victoria' last='Liakos'] and [player_tooltip player_id='768482' first='Ella' last='Peay'] will play middle. Don't know who will set or pass but perhaps rosters will become available this year. If all they have are hitters it will be tough. Someone has to get the ball to them.   Newcomers - Right side [player_tooltip player_id='990790' first='Kinley' last='Rhoton'] and left side [player_tooltip player_id='849196' first='Leyla' last='Landry'] could help the offense immediately, but there are veterans at their positions.   Other Challengers - Ocean Lakes, Frank Cox, Lightridge, North Stafford and Briar Woods   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Class 4</h1>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">James Wood (2025 champion)</h2>    The Colonels have won four straight championships. However, their two leaders Kennedy Spaid and Brenna Corbin have graduated. A new Kennedi with a different spelling hopes to lead the charge.   This Kennedi will probably take over one of the outside positions. She stands taller than Brenna but shorter than Kennedy. The important thing is she hits hard like Kennedy and can place the shots like Brenna. She also plays for [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'].    Key Returners - middle [player_tooltip player_id='827679' first='Reese' last='Justice'], left side [player_tooltip player_id='877850' first='Kennedi' last='Bower'], setters [player_tooltip player_id='621440' first='Kylee' last='Plumb'] and [player_tooltip player_id='720415' first='Bella' last='Middleton'], libero [player_tooltip player_id='877848' first='Macie' last='Hewitt'] all return. That is a veteran group assigned the task of making up for the loss of Kennedy and Brenna.   Key Departures - outsides Kennedy Spaid and Brenna Corbin, middle/right side Claire Keefer.   Newcomers - [player_tooltip player_id='991046' first='Callie' last='Keefer'], setter [player_tooltip player_id='948217' first='Sophia' last='Roddefer']   Prediction - Another defending champion falling short. The dynamic duo will seek new titles at James Madison and Arizona State.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Millbrook (new champion)</h2>    A lot of returning talent on this team. Before heading off to Connecticut to play volleyball next year Aaliyah hopes to finish her career with a state championship. She is one of the top hitters for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''].   Millbrook was once the cream of the crop in the Northwestern District. James Wood has now dominated the last four years. It is time for Millbrook to turn the tables.    Key Returners - left sides [player_tooltip player_id='435748' first='Aaliyah' last='Green'] and [player_tooltip player_id='536738' first='Avery' last='Fauver'] will be a tough duo to contain. They can also provide punch from the right side with [player_tooltip player_id='530280' first='Lora' last='Totcheva'] and [player_tooltip player_id='878697' first='Reese' last='Cooke']. [player_tooltip player_id='451960' first='Paisley' last='Cook'] and [player_tooltip player_id='878688' first='Mckenna' last='Homans'] will share setting duties while liberos/defensive specialists [player_tooltip player_id='437980' first='Katherine' last='Madden'] and [player_tooltip player_id='878689' first='Madisyn' last='Carter'] will provide the passing and defense to establish the offense.   Key Departures - outside Drue Patterson, libero Natalie Huck   Other Challengers - Loudoun County, Grafton (if moved up to Class 4), Heritage and Atlee   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Class 3 </h1>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Abingdon (2025 Champion)</h2>   Despite winning the state title no one on the team is ranked by Prep Dig. They beat Christiansburg in the state finals. It has been since 1983 when they won their first and only title. They made it to the finals and lost in 1987, 1989 and 1994.   While many players are returning their two first team all state team players Gracie Statzer and Annsley Trivette are departing. They were the two captains on the team. They do appear to have one frosh to make the roster, middle Sawyer Mathesius. Don't see them repeating.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kettle Run (New Champion)</h2>    Ava impressed when I watched her play against Meridian. At 6'1" she carries height for a left side. With a 10 foot approach jump she hits balls hard off the block or to the floor. She earned a spot on the first team all state last year, the only sophomore to make the first team.   She carried on her excellence playing for Paramount 16, hitting both right and left side. Paramount took second in the National Division at Junior Nationals. She made the Prep Dig all tournament team as a right side.   Now she returns to Kettle Run a year wiser and much stronger.    Key Returners - left side [player_tooltip player_id='755134' first='Ava' last='Ewald'] will probably win player of the year. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='947242' first='Alexa' last='Balgavy'] knows who to set when they need a point. Libero [player_tooltip player_id='705537' first='Maddie' last='Stubblefield'] and left side [player_tooltip player_id='881848' first='Alex' last='Adam'] also provide support.   Key Departures - middle Brook DeAtley and setter Bella Carlson.   Other Challengers - Christiansburg, New Kent, Lord Botetourt   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Class 2</h1>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Radford (2025 champions)</h2>   Setter Mattox Adams was ranked 191 in our class of 2026. She won player of the year for Class 2. She committed to play volleyball at Salisbury University. Jaylyn Holt and libero Briana Dobbins also made the first team. Lillian Joyce made the second team. All those players have graduated. They beat Fort Defiance in the finals last season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fort Defiance (New Champion)</h2>    Caroline set for the team as a frosh then moved to right side her sophomore year. Fort Defiance made it to the finals in both her frosh and sophomore years. During that time Maecy Frizzlle hit outside. She led the team in kills. Maecy has graduated and will attend Bridgwater this year to play volleyball.   Caroline made it to the second team in the Class 2 All State as a right side. [player_tooltip player_id='809104' first='Norah' last='Anderson'] also made the second team as a libero. Norah ranks at 201 in the class of 2027. After losing the top hitter on the team Caroline could move to the left side. She finished second on the team in kills, but at 5'7" is undersized for a front row player. At the lower class levels this should not be a problem.   This year she lists on the roster as an opposite/defensive specialist. Last year as a six rotation player she showed she could pass and play defense.    Key Returners - right side [player_tooltip player_id='845331' first='Caroline' last='Hanger'], libero [player_tooltip player_id='809104' first='Norah' last='Anderson'], setter [player_tooltip player_id='1022095' first='Alexis' last='Miller']. Alexis set a 5/1 last year. She lists 5'9". Alexis won second team all state team honors as well as All Valley setter of the year. It was her first year setting for Fort Defiance. The previous year she spent most of her time on the bench as the third setter behind [player_tooltip player_id='845331' first='Caroline' last='Hanger'] and Riley Davis. Her 771 assists last year were the third highest in Fort Defiance history. She also plays softball and basketball for the school.   Key Departures - left side Maecy Frizzelle, middle Savannah Crookshanks   Newcomers - Frosh outside hitter/setter Maddie Gale   Other Challengers - Appomattox County and James River   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Class 1</h1>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Giles (2025 Champion)</h2>   Giles had the dominant 6'1" Sophie Taylor to hit outside. She broke Caleigh Ponn's record for most career kills by a Virginia player. This year she will attend Mississippi to play volleyball. She won state player of the year for Class 1 for the third consecutive season. Max Preps named Giles as the number one small school in the country. It will be hard to replace her offense.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lancaster (New Champion)</h2>    Alexis will replace Sophie as the 6'1" outside bomber. She has already committed to Iowa. Last year Lancaster reached the semi-finals before losing to Middlesex. Libero [player_tooltip player_id='907088' first='Addison' last='George'] ranks at 176 in our class of 2028.   In the semi-final loss to Middlesex Alexis finished with 20 kills and 19 digs. It would not surprise me to see her take the player of the year award as well. As a sophomore she made the first team all state, the youngest player on the first team.   This is a young team filled with juniors who last year started as sophomores.    Key Returners - left side [player_tooltip player_id='768375' first='Alexis' last='VerMeer'], libero [player_tooltip player_id='907088' first='Addison' last='George'], Kelsie Cox, Kelsey Bishoff, Kynleigh Wilson, Issabella Gil, setter Rory Lally   Newcomers - Frosh Allie Davenport, frosh Kailyn Allen   Other challengers - Middlesex and Auburn

Time for the Prep Dig predictions for Virginia high school state champions. Last year Prep Dig was correct on only two of the six classes (Riverside and James Wood), two other picks reached the finals but lost (Colgan and Fort Defiance) and Auburn lost in the semi-finals. Grafton was picked to win Class 3 but they bumped up to Class 4, losing in the semi-finals there. That one was lost on a technicality. Below are Prep Digs new predictions for the 2026 VHSL high school season. Later posts will predict the VISAA, WCAC, ISL, IAAM and MPSSAA, a smorgasburg of alphabet soup. After that the first top 25 high schools in the DMV will come out.