Prep Dig Missouri: 2026 All-KC Metro Awards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the first year I've done the All-KC Metro selections exclusively with Missouri athletes. As a refresher, until this season, I included Kansas athletes in these selections as well. With the focus now solely on Missouri, I've expanded the number of spots and added several individual awards to recognize more of the outstanding performances we've seen throughout the season. Also, though I cover all of Missouri, I live in Kansas City, so I see and hear about these athletes more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One thing to keep in mind: Any athlete who earns an individual award will also be named to the All-KC Metro Prep Dig Team. You'll see the complete team announcement in the coming days.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, let's get to this year's award winners!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Player of the Year: [player_tooltip player_id='557372' first='Piper' last='Hudson'] – Oak Grove</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were plenty of deserving candidates, but Hudson's impact on Oak Grove's historic season made her a standout choice. She was a major part of the Panthers' run to their first state championship, providing the offensive production and competitive presence that helped make Oak Grove one of Missouri's best teams. Her season totals included: 498 kills at a .448 clip. 96 aces, 363 digs, 107 assists, and 242 receptions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defender of the Year: [player_tooltip player_id='729510' first='Andi' last='Gardner'] – Lee's Summit West</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you put up 585 digs in a season, averaging more than 16 per match, you deserve some recognition. Gardner was a defensive anchor for the Titans, consistently keeping plays alive and giving her team opportunities to transition into offense. Her performance helped Lee's Summit West reach the Class 5 state championship match. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Setter of the Year: [player_tooltip player_id='725066' first='Myia' last='Dillman'] – Mid-Buchanan</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dillman put together an impressive season, finishing with 1,108 assists. Running an offense takes more than simply getting the ball to the hitter. It requires consistency, decision-making, and an understanding of how to keep opposing defenses off balance. Dillman checked those boxes while helping lead the Dragons throughout the season as they had a program-defining season. And yes, I added Mid-Buch to my All-KC Metro team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Coach of the Year: Kate Sollars – Oak Grove</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Building a championship program takes time, but getting a team to perform at its highest level when the stakes are greatest is what separates good coaching from great coaching. Sollars guided Oak Grove to a historic season and the first state championship in program history. The Panthers didn't just win; they established themselves as one of the premier programs in Missouri. One thing I love about watching Sollars up close and personal on a few occasions this year; she coaches her top talent hard, something in this era some may be scared to do in the transfer era. Salute, coach!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Freshman of the Year: [player_tooltip player_id='788587' first='Kayleigh' last='Byrd'] – North Kansas City</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had a conversation with one of my Prep Dig Missouri colleagues a couple of weeks ago about rankings. Because North Kansas City didn't upload their stats on MaxPreps, he had no idea who Byrd was. I had to fill him in. She's the real deal. I've been high on her since the club season. It's always exciting to see a freshman make an immediate impact at the varsity level, and Byrd certainly did that. She finished the season with 429 kills and 359 digs, showing that she could contribute on both sides of the ball. Those are impressive numbers for any player, let alone someone just beginning her high school career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Comeback Player of the Year: [player_tooltip player_id='828322' first='Miah' last='Omoike'] – Platte County</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I remember watching box scores for Platte County last fall and seeing an important name missing. I found out later she had been dealing with some injury issues. I saw her back on the court some during the club season, but it was good to see Miah back on the court this fall. Omoike made her presence felt this season, finishing with 276 kills and 41 blocks. Her return to form and ability to contribute offensively and at the net made her an important piece of Platte County's lineup, and the record showed. This award recognizes not only the production but also the work it takes to get back and make an impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breakthrough Athlete of the Year: [player_tooltip player_id='694190' first='Avery' last='Henson'] – Blue Springs South</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sometimes the numbers tell the story better than anything else. Henson went from 101 kills last season to 445 this year. That's an enormous jump and a clear indication of how much her game developed. Whether contributing as an outside hitter or helping run the offense, Henson took a significant step forward and established herself as one of the metro's most versatile players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->