Early Candidates for Colorado Player of the Year

As another Colorado high school volleyball season approaches, there is no shortage of players capable of putting together a Player of the Year caliber campaign.   While countless athletes across the state have the talent to enter the conversation, a select group has already separated themselves through all state performances, college commitments, and standout club seasons.   Here are some of the early frontrunners to watch as the race for Colorado Player of the Year begins.    [player_tooltip player_id='807927' first='Emery' last='Johnson'] is an athletic six rotation outside hitter who returns as a First Team All State selection in 5A and one of Colorado's top players. Fresh off a national championship with her club team, Johnson is expected to be the driving force behind her high school's success this fall. She is a high flying attacker with a fast arm swing, exceptional court vision, and the ability to elevate above defenders, making her a threat to score in any situation.     [player_tooltip player_id='750208' first='Delaney' last='Lauer'] returns as the reigning 4A Player of the Year and remains one of Colorado's premier pin hitters. Committed to Clemson University and fresh off a national championship with her club team, Lauer combines elite athleticism, a high contact point, and dynamic offensive shots to score from anywhere on the court. Beyond her offensive production, she is a cornerstone in serve receive and defense, making her one of the state's most complete six rotation players heading into the fall season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1010069' first='Ashlyn' last='Delaney'] is a powerful and versatile front row attacker who can make an impact both on the pin and in the middle. Committed to the University of Northern Colorado, she consistently makes highlight worthy plays with her athleticism, physicality, and ability to score in a variety of situations. A returning First Team All State selection, Delaney is poised to be one of the top players in 3A volleyball and a major factor in her team's success this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='1010071' first='Ryen' last='Carlson'] is an athletic setter whose competitiveness extends beyond volleyball, bringing a well rounded athleticism to the court. She distributes the ball efficiently, leads her team's offense with confidence, and serves as one of its core leaders while contributing consistently on the defensive end. After earning First Team All State honors last season, Carlson enters the fall as one of the leading candidates for 2A Player of the Year.     [player_tooltip player_id='830106' first='Avery' last='Hemphill'] is a talented six rotation pin hitter who has the ability to score from anywhere on the court. A crafty attacker with excellent court vision, she uses a wide variety of shots to keep opposing defenses off balance while contributing in every rotation. After earning First Team All State honors in 1A last season, Hemphill enters her senior year poised to lead her team and establish herself as a strong candidate for 1A Player of the Year.

As another Colorado high school volleyball season approaches, there is no shortage of players capable of putting together a Player of the Year caliber campaign.