The Impact of Seniors on their High School Team

<p>Volleyball in Northern Virginia is back to normal after the season was played in the spring instead of the fall.  In spring 2021, many players chose not to play due to the conflict between the travel and high school volleyball season. This <img class="size-medium wp-image-175416 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/01/wcac-championship-300x174.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="174" />season, Northern Virginia witnessed a lot of talented senior players who had a huge impact on their high school’s success. </p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="111442" first="Akasha" last="Anderson"]</b> - Herndon High School </p> <p>Outside Hitter - Committed To Auburn - 6”3</p> <p>Akasha put her high school team in the spotlight by defeating some of the former Class A6 state champion high schools in Northern Virginia. She brought the competitiveness and winning culture to her younger teammates. She was dominant at the net with her heavy powerful swing. Every coach dreams to have her on the team.</p> <p><b>Riley Debiec</b> - Bishop O’Connell High School </p> <p>Outside Hitter -  Committed to Washington &amp; Lee - 5”10</p> <p>Riley was a great addition to Bishop O’Connell High School and helped them win the WCAC Conference championship after 25 years. Riley’s ability to play all six rotations in the court allowed her team to use her in different ways.  Her athleticism and intelligence made her a better player during tough situations, where her team trusted her to put the ball down versus an experienced big block.</p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="111450" first="Nicole" last="Mallus"]</b> - McLean High School </p> <p>Outside Hitter - Committed to Cornell - 6”3</p> <p>Nicole is a balanced outside hitter.  She is very proficient in attacking, passing, and defending. She was a crucial part of McLean’s offense and the team relied on her terminating attacks, particularly when they found themselves out of the system. Nicole helped her team win the first Liberty District Champion since 2001and led her team to the state class A6 quarter-final. </p> <p><b>Summer Campbell</b> - Wilson High School </p> <p>Middle Hitter/Right Side - Uncommitted - 6”0</p> <p>Summer had a huge impact on her team’s success. She played a big role in winning the state championship for Wilson High School this season. Summer is a strong hitter who can play both the middle and right sides. Her athleticism and high IQ for reading the game allowed her to move from side to side without a problem. Her leadership skills allowed her to become the best example for her teammates. She knew how to motivate her teammates while holding them accountable at all times.</p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="111463" first="Anna" last="Drahozal"]</b> - Bishop O’Connell High School</p> <p>Outside Hitter - Uncommitted - 6”0</p> <p>The WCAC Co-Player of the Year played a big role in helping the Knights win the conference. Coaches describe her as having solid ball control and can attack from anywhere on the court. She is known for hitting shots and using her technique more than power. Drahozal is one of the athletes who is going to be in her high school Hall of Fame one day.</p> <p><b>Ella Park - </b>McLean High School </p> <p>Setter - Committed to Brown - 6”2</p> <p>Ella was the brain in McLean’s lineup.  Her experience allowed her to carry the team with her teammate Mallus. Her height helped her be a dominant blocker and the way she distributed the ball from anywhere in the court gave her team another chance.  Her leadership played a big role, especially with her younger players. McLean is going to miss Ella’s setting and leadership quality next year.</p>