AN EAGLE IN GERMANY

Photo Credit Bastian Frank (Frankphoto.de) Shot for InSuedthueringen.de 

SUHL GER-  In the heart of Hubbard, Ohio, a volleyball prodigy emerged, setting the courts ablaze with her talent. Adria Powell, a former Hubbard Eagle, transitioned seamlessly from high school sensation to collegiate star, and now, she’s making waves in the professional volleyball scene in Europe.

Powell’s journey began amidst the fervor of high school volleyball, where she quickly garnered attention with college offers before even stepping onto the high school floor. Throughout her three seasons at Hubbard, Powell showcased her prowess, tallying an impressive 1172 kills and 211 blocks. Her dominance on the court earned her recognition as the OHSVCA Player of the Year during her junior season, solidifying her status as a rising star.

With her sights set on Ohio State University, Powell made her verbal commitment during her junior year, eager to embark on her collegiate journey as a Buckeye. Opting to graduate early, Powell seized the opportunity to join Ohio State ahead of schedule, kicking off her collegiate career with a bang. In her freshman season, she notched over 100 kills, laying the groundwork for a stellar collegiate tenure.

Throughout her time at Ohio State, Powell not only excelled on the court but also in the classroom, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors from 2019 to 2022. Her dedication and drive propelled her through each season, culminating in a standout senior year where she played a pivotal role in leading the Buckeyes to the Elite Eight. Setting career highs in blocks, points, and kills, Powell left an indelible mark on the program, cementing her legacy as one of Ohio State’s finest.

After completing her collegiate career, Powell embarked on a new chapter as a grad-transfer at Clemson University, seeking to further hone her skills and pursue her dream of playing professionally. Under the guidance of head coach Jackie Simpson-Kirr, Powell flourished at Clemson, preparing herself for the rigors of the professional volleyball circuit.

The opportunity to play professionally in Germany beckoned, and Powell seized it without hesitation. Joining VFB Suhl LOTTO in Suhl, Germany, Powell embraced the challenge of adapting to a new culture and style of play. With determination and resilience reminiscent of her days as an Eagle in Hubbard, Powell continues to thrive on the court, poised to make her mark on the international stage.

As she navigates the intricacies of professional volleyball in Europe, Powell remains steadfast in her commitment to growth and excellence. Her journey from Hubbard to Ohio State to the professional leagues stands as a testament to her unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of success. With each serve, spike, and block, Adria Powell proves that she is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the court.

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SETTING THE STANDARD: CRESTVIEW VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM EXCELS ON ALL FRONTS

COLUMBIANA, OH- The Crestview High School volleyball program stands as a shining example of excellence, achieving remarkable success both on and off the court. As the curtain falls on another stellar season, Crestview proudly announces the outstanding achievements that have solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in Ohio high school volleyball.

All Ohio Accolades Speak Volumes

The recognition of three Crestview players on the prestigious All-Ohio Volleyball Team is a testament to the exceptional talent within the program. Senior Grace Auer, and junior Abbey Emch, earned coveted spots on the All Ohio 1st Team, showcasing their skill, dedication, and impact on the court. Adding to this honor, Alaina Auer, a sophomore, received a well-deserved All Ohio Honorable Mention, underlining the depth of talent within the Crestview volleyball ranks.

The trio’s success at the state level not only reflects their individual prowess but also underscores the comprehensive strength of the Crestview program in nurturing and developing top-tier athletes across all grade levels.

Alisha Auer: A Coach of Distinction

Behind the scenes, the driving force of Crestview’s volleyball triumphs is Head Coach Alisha Auer. Her outstanding coaching acumen and leadership have been recognized by the State Coaches Association, which bestowed upon her the prestigious State Coaches Achievement Award. A testament to her dedication and impact on the sport, this award solidifies Auer’s status as a coaching luminary in Ohio high school volleyball.

Alisha Auer’s influence extends beyond accolades; it permeates the culture of Crestview volleyball. As a coach, she not only imparts technical skills but also instills a winning mentality, teamwork, and sportsmanship in her players. Her commitment to excellence has not only produced stellar athletes but has shaped individuals who embody the values of Crestview both on and off the court.

League Dominance: A Tradition at Crestview

Crestview’s volleyball program is synonymous with league championships, and Alisha Auer and her coaching staff has been the guiding force behind this sustained success. The program boasts an impressive list of league championships, reflecting the consistency and dominance that Crestview brings to the volleyball scene.

From TCL in 2004 and 2005 to MVAC in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, Crestview has left an indelible mark on every league it has been a part of. Notably, the team secured league championships in two different leagues in 2018, a feat that highlights the adaptability and resilience ingrained in Crestview’s volleyball culture.

All-Star Recognition: Crestview Shines Bright in Wooster

Adding a crowning jewel to Crestview’s illustrious season, Alisha Auer had the honor of coaching the All-Star match in Wooster, where Grace Auer also showcased her skills as a player on Alisha’s team. This recognition on the All-Star stage further cements Crestview’s status as a breeding ground for top-tier volleyball talent.

In the wake of these achievements, Crestview’s volleyball program stands tall, a beacon of excellence in Ohio high school volleyball. The dedication of players like Grace Auer, Abbey Emch, and Alaina Auer, combined with the coaching prowess of Alisha Auer, has positioned Crestview as a force to be reckoned with, both now and in the seasons to come. The legacy of success, league championships, and individual accolades speaks volumes about Crestview’s commitment to shaping not just great athletes, but outstanding individuals who carry the spirit of Crestview with pride.

AUER REIGNS AS 2023 YSN MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

COLUMBIANA OH- Anyone who watches volleyball in the tri county area understands how talented Crestview is. The roster is loaded with high level volleyball players. But even with all the talent in the world, you still need a leader. For the Rebels that has been senior Grace Auer. Grace is arguably the most well rounded volleyball player that’s ever come through the area.  Have there been better hitters? Maybe. Have there been better setters? Perhaps. Could you find better passers in the long past of area volleyball? Probably.  However good luck finding someone who is elite at all three skills.  Grace in her career at Crestview has amassed 1,000 kills, 1,000 assists, and 1,000 digs.  Our research suggests that she’s the only volleyball player to come through our area to do that.

Grace has meant the world to her team because of her versatility.  Whether it’s putting balls away, setting up the other good hitters, or getting the Rebels in system there is so much that Rebels would not be able to do without Auer’s help.

On the season Grace has finished with 370 kills, and averaged 4.5 per set.  On the setting side she gathered 473 assists.  When it comes to defense, Grace dug up 281 digs. She only made 2 digging errors all season. She is also Crestview’s Ace Queen owning every record you could own in the serving category. This year she finished with 87 assists.

Congratulations to the 2023 YSN Most Valuable Player, Crestview’s Grace Auer!

LATELL SWINGS FOR 2023 YSN OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

GIRARD OH- The 2023 volleyball season brought high expectations for Girard senior Bree Latell, who knew she would be at the forefront of her team’s offensive efforts. The Indians were counting on her to elevate her game, and she did precisely that, exceeding all expectations and earning the well-deserved title of 2023 YSN Offensive Player of the Year.

Latell’s exceptional performance throughout the season was nothing short of remarkable, as she showcased her offensive prowess with unparalleled consistency. The numbers tell the story of her dominance, as she tallied an impressive 444 kills, averaging an astounding 5.4 kills per set. What truly set her apart was her remarkable hitting efficiency, boasting a .321 hitting percentage. These statistics are not only a testament to her skill but also a testament to her dedication and hard work.

Comparing her 2023 season to the previous year, the growth in her game is truly impressive. Bree Latell increased her kill total by a staggering 115 compared to 2022, underlining her relentless drive to improve. Additionally, she boosted her hitting percentage from the previous year by nearly 30 points, demonstrating her commitment to honing her skills. She also witnessed a significant uptick in opportunities as she was set 251 more times than in the previous season.

The recognition as the 2023 YSN Offensive Player of the Year is a testament to Latell’s dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to her team’s success. Her outstanding season has left an indelible mark on the volleyball landscape, and it’s a fitting accolade for a player who has truly dominated the offensive side of the game.

Congratulations to Bree Latell for this well-deserved honor, and her remarkable achievements in 2023. Her journey on the volleyball court has been a joy to witness, and her legacy at Girard High School is one that will be celebrated for years to come.

REBELS NOT DENIED A SPOT IN REGIONAL FINALS

BARBERTON OH- In a remarkable and long-awaited turn of events, Crestview’s girls’ volleyball team has punched their ticket to the Regional Final for the first time since 2004, sweeping aside Smithville with scores of 25-15, 25-14, and a nail-biting 26-24. The Rebels’ stellar performance left fans in awe and marked a historic achievement for the program.

The Crestview squad delivered standout statistics that underscored their dominance on the court. Leading the charge was Grace Auer, who secured a triple-double with an astonishing 21 kills, 17 assists, and 19 digs. Her remarkable all-around performance set the tone for the entire match.

Abbey Emch was another pivotal contributor, amassing 11 kills, 17 digs, and 5 blocks, earning herself a well-deserved double-double. The combination of offensive prowess and defensive resilience was a driving force behind Crestview’s success.

Lainy Auer, displaying her versatility, contributed 21 assists, 5 kills, and 11 digs, achieving her double-double status. With her adept setting and strong presence on the court, she ensured the team’s dynamic offense remained in top form.

The defensive side of the game was anchored by Emily Downey, who showcased her prowess with 13 digs and delivered the match-clinching point with 3 aces. Julia Blasko and Natalie Blakeman contributed with 16 and 9 digs, respectively, ensuring that Crestview remained solid on the defensive end.

With this sensational victory, Crestview now advances to the Regional Final, where they are set to face off against Mentor Lake Catholic. The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 at Barberton.

GRAFTON DIGS UP 2023 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

EAST LIVERPOOL OH- Everyone that knows volleyball knows how important defense is.  You can have a big hitter, or an awesome setter, but if you don’t pass well out of the back row you’ll never succeed consistently.  The libero position is used by teams as a defensive leader of the team. They are 9 times out of 10 the best passer on the team.  East Liverpool was known this year for their ability to play defense.  They were a hard team to put the ball down against. Faith Grafton is a big reason why their defense is so daunted.

Faith was named 1st Team All District in 2023, which shows you how respected she was in her area. You don’t see a ton of 1st Team liberos.  When you look at her numbers Grafton averages 17.9 digs per match, and 5.6 per set.   She has 355 serve receives and only 28 errors.

Faith is a big part of the Potter defense, and that was clear to anyone who watched them this season.  YSN is proud to announce Faith as the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.

LIFE IN THE FAST LAIN

COLUMBIANA OH- With a surname steeped in the rich tradition of Crestview’s volleyball legacy, sophomore Lainy Auer has continued to uphold her family’s reputation. As the youngest of three sisters, with two elder siblings who’ve left an indelible mark on the Crestview program, and a mother who serves as the head coach, it might be easy to assume that Lainy was handed her position. However, she’s quick to prove that she’s earned every moment on the court through her sheer determination and undeniable talent.

Inheriting the versatility of her older sister Grace, Lainy excels as both a setter and a hitter. Her ability to seamlessly transition between these roles during rotations makes her a dynamic offensive force, providing the team with a constant threat that can put up a triple-double on any given night. Her skills extend to the back row as well, where she adds an extra layer of defensive prowess to her already impressive repertoire.

Lainy’s leadership on the floor is a testament to her maturity and adaptability, even as one of the younger players on the team. Her past experiences in club volleyball have accustomed her to setting and leading older teammates, effectively bridging the age gap without hesitation.

Looking at her impressive 2023 season stats, it’s clear that Lainy is a force to be reckoned with. She has amassed 182 kills at an impressive 2.3 per set, with a remarkable .334 hitting percentage. Her contributions aren’t limited to offense, as she’s also accumulated 205 digs, 16 blocks, and an impressive 56 aces.

As Lainy and the Rebels prepare to face Smithville in the upcoming regional semifinals, it’s abundantly clear that she’s a central pillar of their success. Her individual achievements, coupled with her family’s legacy, paint a promising picture for the future of Crestview volleyball. The Regional Semifinals will be  on Thursday in Barberton at 6:00.

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ITS NATURAL FOR NATALIE

COLUMBIANA OH- Earning a spot on the court  alongside the talented Crestview roster is no small feat. With a team packed with exceptional players, the challenge to secure a role can be daunting. However, junior defensive specialist Natalie Blakeman took that challenge head-on and ran with it. Today, she stands as an integral part of the team, contributing her skills in a straightforward yet crucial role – playing solid defense.

Blakeman’s prowess in the back row is nothing short of tremendous and has been a driving force behind Crestview’s smooth offensive execution. In a sport where the first touch can set the tone for the entire play, Natalie consistently delivers, ensuring that Crestview remains in system and ready to attack.

Statistically, Blakeman’s impact is evident, with an impressive 141 digs this season and a mere 7 digging errors. Furthermore, she has showcased her versatility by tallying 87 serve receives, proving her reliability in multiple aspects of the game.

It’s often said that role players like Natalie Blakeman are the glue that separates good teams from great teams. Her consistent defensive performance ensures that the Crestview offense can operate with precision, turning defense into a powerful offensive weapon.

As Crestview prepares for the Regional Semifinal, scheduled for Thursday at 6:00 at Barberton High School against Smithville, Natalie’s contribution becomes all the more vital. She exemplifies the dedication and teamwork that make Crestview a formidable force in the region.

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MAILACH MAILED IN AS 2023 YSN SETTER OF THE YEAR

CORTLAND OH- Anyone who knows volleyball knows how important the position of setter is to a team’s success.  In the YSN family, great setters aren’t hard to find. Ranging from young players who will be here for a while, to senior leaders having an awesome send off, the setters in the area have been putting on a show. That is why making the decision of setter of the year was so hard.  In the end it was Lakeview’s Mallory Mailach that stood out the most.

Mailach absolutely put up the numbers to compete with setters in the area, she finished the season with 854 assists, averaging over 11 a set.  In 1856 total sets, Mailach only made 13 ball handling errors all year.  The numbers obviously speak for themselves. However, there were other setters with just as impressive numbers.  The thing that tipped the scales in Mailach’s favor was the fact that this was her first season running a 5-1 offense for the Bulldogs. She set last season in a 6-2 splitting time with Maggie Pavlansky, who graduated.  This year it was Mailach’s show.  A lot of the offense from last season also graduated with Pavlansky, so not only did Mailach have to step up big time, she also had to do it with a majority of the hitters being in much bigger roles on the varsity level. She upped her assist total from a year ago by nearly 400.  Simply put Mailach was not set up for easy success.  She had to absolutely flex her leadership muscles, and she got the best out of the hitters on the floor.

Because of her incredible season and stepping up in a big way for her team when they needed her most, Mailach is named the 2023 YSN Setter of the Year. We want to congratulate her and the Bulldogs on an incredible season. You can check out Mallory, and all your favorite YSN volleyball players one more time this year in the YSN All Star Game on November 5th at 4:00 at Westminster College!

TOY EARNS 2023 NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

CANFIELD OH- It is a daunting task to step on the floor with no varsity experience and make an immediate impact. For South Range freshman Anna Toy, the opportunity was never out of reach. From the first game she played, it was evident the Raiders had someone special in the program.

Toy was the statistical leader for South Range all season long, she gathered 260 kills on the year, averaging almost 3 kills per set. The Raider setter found her the most by far, which tells you how much South Range leaned on her offense. Toy finished the season with 932 attacks. The next highest total on the roster is 580.  Anna also led South Range collecting 355 digs as a full rotation player.  The next highest dog total on the team was 198.  These numbers tell you just how much Toy meant to South Range and their success.  The weight she carried to the team success was a big selling point in giving her this award, but what also tipped the scales was the caliber of teams that popped up on the Raiders schedule that she had to get those numbers against. South Range featured 7 of the top 10 teams in the YSN Power Rankings. The fact that she was able to produce that much against such a grueling schedule puts her over the top.

South Range has Anna Toy for 3 more seasons, and I think everyone that plays them knows exactly what they’re in store for in the coming seasons. Congratulations to Anna Toy the 2023 YSN Volleyball Newcomer of the Year.