1. Assumption (Louisville, Ky.)
2006 record: 41-2
Assumption has won Kentucky’s single-class state title 13 times since 1992 and has also won the Nike Challenge in Chicago a record seven times since 1996. Kaitlynn James (Nebraska) and Sloane Donhoff (Michigan) are the main beneficiaries of setter Stephanie Riley (Alabama). Carrie Minogue, Kelsey Luckett, Emily Hayden and Whitney Craven should split time at the other three spots with Maci Wachtel, Lauren Harkins and Sarah Rogers starring in the back row.
2. Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.)
2006 record: 38-2
Mitty is loaded on the offensive front with All-American 6’5” senior middle Amanda Gil (354 kills, .586 hitting in 2006) leading the way. Alyson Boehm (MB), Taylor Smith (Opp.; injured in 2006), Morgan O’Neil and sophomores Rachael Williams and Kristina Graven are also offensive threats. Lainey Gera leads the back row, while sophomore Joan Caloiaro (club standout for Vision) seems to be the favorite for the open setting position.
3. Amarillo (Tex.)
2006 record: 45-1
Defending Texas 5A champion Amarillo returns five starters, paced by outside Kelsey Black and standout setter Brianne Barker (2006 Prep Volleyball.com Junior of the Year). Ashley Pylant and Catherine Nelson are one of the best middle duos in the state. Halie David and Breanne Owens lead the backcourt—the key to the Sandies’ hopes of repeating. Torri Campbell, Aryn Bohannon and 6’2” Stephanie Wells, a move-in from out of the country, add size to the front court.
4. Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, Calif.)
2006 record: 37-1
Alix Klineman (Stanford), Lauren Bledsoe (Florida) and coach Dae Lea Aldrich (retired) are gone. But setter Kendall Bateman (6’4”) and sledgehammer sophomore right side Falyn Fonoimoana return for new coach Lisa Arce (Costa alum and longtime assistant). Middle Pauline Acres (6’1”) is also back for the three-time defending state champs, while Lauren Law (libero), Lane Carico (outside) and junior national team libero Stevi Robinson (move-in) lead the nation’s best passing and defensive group.
5. Kamehameha (Honolulu, Hawaii)
2006 record: 25-1-1
The back-to-back large-class state champs have four senior Division I signees back, including 5’10” outside Kanani Herring (University of Hawaii)—the state’s player of the year the last two seasons—and Jordan Meredith (OH), Bekah Torres (MB) and Tatiana Santiago (S). Cassidee Young (libero) and Alex Akana (middle) are also expected to have a big impact for Chris Blake’s team.
6. Mount Notre Dame (Cincinnati, Ohio)
2006 record: 23-5
Fifteen players return from last year’s Division I titlist. That list is headlined by middle Rachael Adams, a tremendous athlete who led Team Z to the 17 Open J.O. crown. Rachel Rohlfs (setter), Sharon Strizak (right side) and Abbie Rees (libero) are back. Rees teams with the likes of Jackie Schnicke, Liz Debord, Liane Rousseau and Kylee Tarantino to form an exceptional back row for coach Donna Mechley.
7. Marymount (Los Angeles, Calif.)
2006 record: 31-6
The 2006 Division IV state champs graduated stars Megan Tryon and Kelly Irvin, but still feature senior standouts Sammie Selsky (setter) and Alex Ayers (outside). Sunshine club players Mattie Quayle (outside), Kayla Wilson (middle), Amy Newman (middle), Maya McPherson (middle), Samantha Hirschmann (middle) and Jenna Scilacci (right side) will also help, as will sophomore Jen Bonilla (all-tournament 15 Open J.O.’s for SCVC).
8. Mercy Academy (Louisville, Ky.)
2006 record: 31-9
New coach Todd Garvey (who takes over for his retired father, Ken) inherited a team that had no seniors on it last year. Seniors Alli O’Connor (OH), Abby Hall (OH), Liz Goodin (RS) and Paige Dellis, along with superb defenders Morgan Springer and KayLeah Sauer will be key to Mercy’s success. Juniors Casey Garvey (S), Paige Wessel (MB) and Kelsey Anderson (OH) will also help a team that has no six-footers in its regular rotation, but still plays way above the net.
9. Naperville Central (Naperville, Ill.)
2006 record: 27-8
Standout libero Lindsey Mango has moved on, but Naperville Central still returns setter Megan McMahon, a smart signal-caller who always seems to better the ball and her teammates. Throw in outsides in Emily McGee and Rebecca Heath, fill in with several more trees who played for Sports Performance 16 Elite, sprinkle a little of Chelsea Thurlby in the back court and top everything off with a great coach in Brie Isaacson and you have an Illinois Class 4A title contender.
10. Magnolia (Tex.)
2006 record: 33-8
Highly regarded Magnolia enjoyed its best finish in Class 5A in six years in 2006 (regional semifinal). Six of the top eight players from that team return, led by standout hitters Michele Williams (6’1”), Hannah Fort (6’1”) and Alicia Shaffer (5’10”). Setters Hannah Davies and Kati Michael are also back for coach Terri Johnson, who will field one of the tallest teams in Texas with five players standing 6’1” or better.
John Tawa is the editor of Prep Volleyball.com (www.prepvolleyball.com).
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Assumption’s Sloane Donhoff
Mira Costa’s Pauline Acres
Magnolia’s Michele Williams
Marymount’s Amy Newman
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