Welcome back to Diamond Diplomas, a weekly rundown of all the players knocking on the door to the major leagues. Whether you compete in the deepest of dynasty leagues, or simply want to win the office redraft title, Prospects Live has you covered. For an overview of the tier system used to prioritize players in this series, take a look at the first article in the series here:
Diamond Diplomas 5/6/25Lucas Morel (@theprospectprof) delivers a rundown of all the players getting their caps and gowns ready for graduation to the major leagues. Class is in session, time to find out who you need to add to your roster or watch list this week.
After a promotion-filled week, let us kick things off with a “Report Card” (all statistics courtesy of BaseballSavant, TJStats, Fangraphs and Milb.com, updated as of the conclusion of play on June 8):
Report Card
Called Up:
Roman Anthony, OF (BOS): After he launched a ball into orbit this weekend, the Red Sox finally decided to bring Anthony up to Beantown. His ten home runs and .914 OPS in Triple-A give fans an idea of what to look forward to with him regularly in the big league lineup. Anthony is our #1 overall prospect and has all the makings of a fantasy superstar. Pick. Him. Up.
Kyle Teel, C (CWS): Teel brought his hot bat from Charlotte to Chicago this week, tallying three hits and walking twice during his debut series against Kansas City. He will be splitting time with Edgar Quero behind the dish in the near term but could certainly play his way into a larger role with continued production.
Johnathan Rodriguez, OF (CLE): With Jhonkensy Noel sent down to Triple-A Columbus, Rodriguez again got the call to the bigs. Making his first start with the Guardians since early April, the outfielder went one-for-three with a single.
Otto Kemp, 3B (PHI): The Phillies called up the current International League home run leader on Saturday, but he went hitless across both weekend games. Bryce Harper’s injury will keep Kemp with the big league club for now, but perhaps not in an everyday capacity.
Tim Elko, 1B (CWS): Elko picked up right where he left off upon rejoining the White Sox this week, showing off premium power and little else. He will need to keep the homers coming to maintain fantasy relevance.
Ryan Ritter, SS (COL): Fresh off his appearance in last week’s article as a Sleeper Pick, Ritter got the call to fill in for the injured Ezequiel Tovar. He has tallied a base hit in each of his first three games with the Rockies, albeit with a 37.5% strikeout rate.
Eury Perez, P (MIA): The Marlins activated Perez from the injured list on Monday, marking the final step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. He has ace upside, looked close to full strength during rehab outings, and could be a fantasy difference maker in both dynasty and redraft formats the rest of the way.
Ian Seymour, P (TB): Seymour joined the Rays on Sunday but has yet to make his major league debut. His first appearance with Tampa will likely come out of the bullpen, but his fantasy value would rise significantly if he worked his way into the rotation mix.
Michael McGreevy, P (STL): Making his second big-league start of the year, McGreevy got knocked around a little by a potent Dodgers lineup. Eight hits and four earned runs were the extent of the damage, though he did not give away any free passes. He was subsequently optioned back to Triple-A but could still be in the Cardinals rotation mix going forward, so keep an eye on their announced starters for the next couple of weeks.
Brandon Walter, P (HOU): My most controversial One to Watch selection yet, Walter returned to the Astros on Sunday, rewarding anyone who streamed him with a quality start, five strikeouts, and no walks issued. The Astros will reportedly keep him as the sixth man in their rotation for the next few weeks, enhancing his short-term value.
Locked In:
Samuel Basallo, C/1B (BAL): What else can we say about this kid? Basallo bombs are becoming a regular occurrence in Norfolk, as the 20-year-old phenom crushed his eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth home runs this week. His season OPS is soaring closer and closer to 1.000.
Dylan Beavers, OF (BAL): Basallo’s teammate in Triple-A, Beavers has not missed a beat since returning from injury on May 31. With twelve hits (two of them homers) this week alone, the former Cal Golden Bear officially regains his Diamond Diploma status.
Brooks Baldwin, UTIL (CWS): The 24-year-old utility man has recently tapped into a power surge with Triple-A Charlotte, hitting three home runs and two doubles in his last six games. He has looked more dangerous at the plate since his mid-May demotion but remains a better real-life ballplayer than a fantasy producer.
Chase Burns, P (CIN): Burns pitched a full seven innings for the first time in his professional career this week, carving up the Knoxville Smokies (Cubs AA affiliate). He struck out six, walked none, and gave up just three hits in this latest gem, and with each passing outing, he makes a 2025 big league debut look more and more likely. His Sunday night promotion to Triple-A came as no surprise.
Chase Petty, P (CIN): The second-most aptly named Reds pitching prospect also put on a show this week, punching out eight batters over six innings of one-run baseball. His first two major league appearances were less than impressive, but the third time might be the charm for the rejuvenated Petty. That third time could also come quite soon, given that Wade Miley currently gets the ball every fifth day for Cincinnati.
Jack Perkins, P (ATH): Perkins made his case for a call-up this week, racking up ten strikeouts in five shutout innings. The 25-year-old has a 3.58 ERA and 1.07 WHIP through seven starts this season and looks poised for a big league promotion this summer. Stay tuned for a closer look at Perkins below.
Dropped Off:
Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF (MIN): Health has been the most significant concern for Rodriguez during his time in the minors, and this most recent injury to his right hip accentuates that red flag. He has exceeded 50 games played in just one of his four previous professional seasons, so he will need to come back healthy and stay healthy for 2025 to feel like a step in the right direction.
Sean Linan, P (LAD): After his shock move to Triple-A, the 20-year-old struggled to miss bats and find the strike zone. The Dodgers sent him back to High-A on May 31, and it looks like that will be his home for the foreseeable future.
Next up, take a look at this week’s Diamond Diplomas hitters:
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Diamond Diplomas (Hitters)
Priority Add: Bryce Eldridge, 1B (SF)
Nick Kurtz and Jac Caglianone have stolen headlines all season for their light tower power from the left side. Still, Bryce Eldridge deserves to be in the conversation with those guys for the most impressive game-power among prospects. At 6’ 7”, 240 lbs., Eldridge could easily be mistaken for an NBA player, but he has a remarkable ease and fluidity in his swing that allows him to generate loft via his long levers. A wrist problem kept him sidelined for the beginning of the 2025 season, but in 39 games played across the AA-AAA levels since being activated on April 22, the former two-way player has hit .246/.346/.839 with eight home runs.
Statistics and graphic courtesy of @TJStats
Though he did end the year in Triple-A last season, Eldridge had to work his way back, beginning at Double-A after recovering from his wrist injury. He was just recently promoted back to Sacramento on June 3. His five games played in AAA are a meager sample, but his underlying data provides some helpful insights. The top concern with a power-hitter of Eldridge’s size will almost always be swing-and-miss issues, as Spencer Jones of the Yankees’ system exemplifies. Not many players of their stature can control the zone and manipulate the barrel well enough to make consistent contact, limiting access to their power potential. What sets Eldridge apart is his solid (and still improving) bat-to-ball ability; his 84.6% Zone-Contact% far exceeds Caglianone’s rate (71.0%) in the twelve games he spent at Triple-A, for instance. He will likely never win a batting title. Still, suppose Eldridge continues to maintain Z-Contact% above 80% as a big leaguer with a tolerable strikeout rate. In that case, we could be looking at a fantasy monster at the first base position, one who should be viewed as just a hair behind Caglianone and Kurtz from a dynasty perspective.
One To Watch: Colson Montgomery, SS (CWS)
Going into the 2025 season, not many people held out hope for a bounce back from Colson Montgomery. The hype around the 23-year-old shortstop had been slowly fading for a while, with his weaker bat-to-ball skills and lack of tangible game power becoming more and more difficult to justify as he moved up the minor league ladder. The early stages of this season only increased the skepticism: Montgomery hit just .160/.227/.247 in April and only hit for extra bases four times in his first 23 games of 2025. The White Sox, recognizing that something needed to change as April came to a close, sent him to their Arizona Complex to recalibrate with the club’s Director of Hitting, Ryan Fuller.
Statistics and graphic courtesy of @TJStats
The professional baseball season is such a day-to-day grind, with players seeing the field five or six days a week, even in the minor leagues, that making substantive changes to a player’s mechanics or approach becomes difficult, if not impossible. Though uncommon, the White Sox’s decision to have Montgomery step away for some drastic, in-season workshopping certainly seems to have been the correct call. Upon returning to Triple-A Charlotte on May 5, Montgomery has proceeded to hit .250/.346/.426 in May, and has also had two multi-homer games to his name since then. Additionally, while the former Indiana prep star’s underlying data still looks rough due to his abysmal start to the season, his exit velocities show signs of life. Lack of game power was many people’s most significant concern in terms of future production, but a Max EV of 115.3 mph and 90th-percentile number of 108.3 mph are both excellent figures that point to some still untapped juice in the bat. Just like his overall stat line, the market for Montgomery’s fantasy value has yet to catch up to his newfound comfort in the batter’s box. This seems like an ideal buy window for a guy whose acquisition cost is the lowest it has ever been while the early signs of a post-hype breakout are just beginning to emerge.
Sleeper Pick: Brennen Davis, OF (NYY)
Like Montgomery, Brennen Davis once lived near the top of dynasty prospect rankings but has seen his stock fall precipitously over the past few seasons. The former Chicago Cubs second-rounder battled through several serious health issues in that time, most notably a back surgery in 2022 and an ankle surgery in 2024, before the Cubs designated him for assignment this past November. The Yankees swooped in shortly thereafter to sign him to a minor league deal. While the start of his 2025 season was also delayed because of said ankle injury, he has torched opposing pitching since his season debut on May 8.
Statistics and graphic courtesy of @TJStats
In 19 games across three levels (Rookie and Double-A for rehab appearances, then recently in Triple-A full-time), Davis has an absurd 2025 slash line of .375/.481/.766. Also, in case you were worried, these numbers are inflated because of how well he performed against Rookie-ball pitching; his Triple-A-only line looks even more impressive: .474/.525/.895 with two homers in five games played. His batted ball data backs up his offensive outburst in this small Triple-A sample, with a 57.1% Hard hit rate and 14.3% barrel rate as the standout metrics. A weaker Z-contact% and a high Whiff% temper my optimism and hint at some looming regression, but Davis looks as dangerous as ever at the plate right now. He is currently rostered in just 7% of Fantrax leagues, and that number should be much, much higher, given his pedigree, his upside, and his hot start.
Hitters done, pitchers next. Here are this week’s Diamond Diplomas arms:
Diamond Diplomas (Pitchers)
Priority Add: Logan Henderson, (MIL)
With Mick Abel and Michael McGreevy back in the majors, the title of “Most Undeserved Demotion” is now squarely in Logan Henderson’s possession. The Brewers gave Henderson four starts with the big league club already this season, and each time he delivered: across all four outings (21 innings pitched), the right-hander boasts an ERA of 1.71, a WHIP of 0.95, and an outstanding 12.43 K/9. He even has a 3-0 record to show for it all! Despite his repeated excellence, Henderson currently finds himself in Triple-A Nashville, where he has demonstrated similar dominance (1.89 ERA and 0.92 WHIP over eight appearances, seven of them starts).
The key to Henderson’s success? The dynamic duo of his fastball and changeup, which he turns to about 88% of the time, and to great effect. His 11.84 K/9 in AAA this year would rank third in the International League (behind Bubba Chandler and Ian Seymour) if he had thrown enough innings at the level this season to qualify. The only downside of his FB/CH combo being so deadly is how dependent the 23-year-old is on these two pitches alone and how the lack of a compelling breaking ball in his arsenal opens him up to some loud contact.
Back in February, our own Greg Hoogkamp highlighted Henderson in his comprehensive “Dynasty Starting Pitcher Preview,” noting that “Henderson is an extreme flyball pitcher, and while this hasn’t hurt him yet, it will once he reaches Milwaukee. Adding a capable third pitch is essential. He has been working hard on a slider, which will only help Henderson succeed.” This has proven to be spot on, as in Henderson’s four big league outings this season, hitters put up a 55.6% flyball rate, and he conceded three homers. If he can hone either his slider or his cutter into a viable third option, look out. Until then, the current iteration of Logan Henderson still deserves a big league rotation spot, and given his track record already in the majors this season, he will likely get that nod before his (equally deserving) Nashville teammate, Jacob Misiorowski.
One To Watch: Cam Schlittler, (NYY)
Ever since pitching wizard Matt Blake took the role of Yankees pitching coach in November of 2019, the New York club has quietly become a powerhouse for pitching development. Clarke Schmidt and Will Warren serve as current examples of this in the big league rotation, but the latest Yankee to dazzle in the lower levels is Cam Schlittler, a seventh-round pick out of Northeastern from 2022. The 24-year-old right-hander brings an imposing presence to the mound at 6’ 6”, 225 lbs., making his 96-98 mph fastball feel even more impossible to catch up with, given his extension. Schlittler began 2025 with Double-A Somerset and made it look easy, finishing his ten appearances with a 2.38 ERA, an 11.17 K/9, and a 64:17 K:BB ratio. He then was promoted to make his first Triple-A start last Saturday and picked up right where he had left off, going five innings and striking out eight, allowing just one earned run from two hits and three walks.
Lately, Yankees prospects have had to bide their time before earning a full-time role in the majors, with the organization waiting well past when fans feel a player deserves the chance (Exhibit A: Jasson Domínguez). Schlittler may find himself in a similar situation even if his superb form continues, given that Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil are both expected to reclaim spots in the Yankee rotation when they return from injury; that said, Cole will probably not be back until mid-2026, and Gil has yet to face live batters in his recovery process. If (and this is a sizable “if”) an opening were to materialize in the majors within the next couple of months, Schlittler is the most talented and advanced arm within proximity. Undoubtedly, the Yankees are telling him to keep doing him, and good things will happen. For fantasy managers, Schlittler is a must-add in dynasty formats with mid-to-deep prospect capacities and an arm to keep tabs on in redraft, just in case.
Sleeper Pick: Jack Perkins, (ATH)
Unlike Schlittler, who may have to thread the needle with some fortunate timing to reach the bigs in 2025, Jack Perkins may get the most important phone call of his life quite soon. The Athletics have the worst team ERA (5.68) in all of Major League Baseball, with multiple starting arms on the IL, so they have little reason not to let some of their more promising prospect arms garner some big league experience. If not Luis Morales, the next call will almost certainly be to Perkins. The former Indiana Hoosier has a 3.58 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, with a fantastic 13.50 K/9 in seven starts for Triple-A Las Vegas this season.
A bit undersized for a starter at 6’ 1”, Perkins has two plus-grade offerings in his fastball and slider, the latter of which he uses as his put-away pitch and supplements these with a cutter, curveball, and changeup. The command was the knock on him coming into 2025 since he finished the last two seasons with walk rates of 10.2% (2023) and 10.9% (2024), respectively. He has improved slightly in this regard, as his 2025 walk rate is 9.7%. In our pre-season Athletics farm rankings, Rhys White wrote that Perkins “could be a fine four starter or a nice weapon to pair with Mason Miller,” and I concur. Although owned in only 11% of leagues (less than half of Luis Morales’ 24% ownership), Perkins could provide an excellent return from a fantasy production standpoint in either a bullpen or rotation role as soon as this summer.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville Athletics has announced the induction of Nick McDevitt and Sarah Gentry into the 2026 UNC Asheville Athletics Hall of Fame. The pair will be honored during a formal induction ceremony on Friday, Feb. 20, as part of the University’s Homecoming celebration.
Nick McDevitt (Men’s Basketball | 1997–2018)
Nick McDevitt devoted more than two decades to the UNC Asheville men’s basketball program, serving the Bulldogs with distinction as a student-athlete, assistant coach, associate head coach, and head coach from 1997 to 2018.
McDevitt was a four-year letterman for the Bulldogs and was a member of Asheville’s 1998 Big South regular-season championship team during his freshman campaign. He emerged as a key contributor during his senior season, helping guide the Bulldogs to a third-place finish in the conference standings.
Following his graduation in 2001, McDevitt immediately joined the coaching staff under legendary head coach Eddie Biedenbach. Over 12 seasons as an assistant coach, including his final two as associate head coach, McDevitt helped lead Asheville to three Big South Tournament championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances. The Bulldogs recorded Opening Round victories in the NCAA Tournament in both 2003 and 2011, captured three Big South regular-season titles, and advanced to the 2008 National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
McDevitt succeeded Biedenbach as head coach in 2013 and continued the program’s tradition of excellence. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs won the 2016 Big South Tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament, where they faced eventual national champion Villanova. Asheville also secured Big South regular-season titles in 2017 and 2018, earning postseason appearances both years.
McDevitt was named Big South Coach of the Year in 2017, and during his final three seasons at the helm, the Bulldogs won at least 21 games each year and advanced to postseason play annually. Asheville compiled a 66–35 record during that stretch. McDevitt departed UNC Asheville in April 2018 to become the head coach at Middle Tennessee State.
“Nick McDevitt represents everything we strive for at UNC Asheville — loyalty, leadership, and a commitment to excellence,” said Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. “His impact on our men’s basketball program spans generations, and his legacy is deeply woven into the success and identity of Bulldog Basketball.”
Sarah Gentry (Track & Field | 2009–2013)
Sarah Gentry enjoyed one of the most accomplished track and field careers in UNC Asheville history. A six-time Big South Conference champion, Gentry excelled in middle-distance events throughout her Bulldog tenure.
She captured Big South titles in the 800 meters twice during the indoor season and twice during the outdoor season. Gentry was also a member of two championship relay teams, winning conference titles as part of the outdoor 1500-meter relay and the indoor distance medley relay (800-meter leg).
Gentry concluded her career with four school records, two of which still stand more than a decade after her graduation — the indoor and outdoor 800-meter records. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she was named the 2013 UNC Asheville Female Athlete of the Year. Sarah excelled in the classroom, graduating Cum Laude with Honors and DIstinction in International Studies.
“Sarah is one of the most decorated and impactful student-athletes our track and field program has ever seen,” said Cone. “Her competitive drive, consistency, and record-setting performances set a standard that continues to inspire our current and future student-athletes. Her success went beyond the podium, as she represented UNC Asheville with class, determination, and excellence, and her lasting records speak to just how special her career truly was.”
Since graduating from UNC Asheville, Sarah earned her M.B.A. degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and presently works for Microsoft as a Process Program Manager.
The 2026 UNC Asheville Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, Feb. 20, during Homecoming weekend in the Blue Ridge Room in the Highsmith Student Union.
Kristian Titriyski isn’t the kind of person to dwell on things in the past.
The 6-foot-8 sophomore outside hitter from Sofia, Bulgaria, burst onto the scene last season with immense talent that was evident from the very first swing he took that seemed to explode out of his hand.
In 23 matches, Titriyski led Hawaii averaging 4.24 kills per set and hit .325 with 34 aces.
The Rainbow Warriors were 22-3 when Titriyski went down with an injury in the second of back-to-back matches at Cal State Northridge.
Hawaii went 5-3 the rest of the season with Titriyski unable to return. He thought he was ready to play in Hawaii’s national semifinal match against UCLA but ultimately couldn’t go. The news then got a lot worse when he returned home.
“When I went back to Bulgaria around June, I found out that I had two fractures in my ankle, so I had to have surgery and missed the whole summer,” Titriyski said. “I’ve just been trying to get back in shape and I’m good now and really I just want to look forward and be happy I am back playing.”
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Upon returning to Hawaii, Titiryski joked his first thought was wanting to go back home. Now that he’s back in the daily grind of playing for the University of Hawaii, all he is thinking about is stepping on the court tonight in the Rainbow Warriors’ season opener against New Jersey Institute of Technology at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
“I’m just excited to play and really, I feel super motivated right now,” Titriyski said. “I just can’t wait for the first game.”
Hawaii coach Charlie Wade said the best position battle has been on the right side between Titriyski and Kainoa Wade, who benefited from a summer playing with the United States’ U21 team.
At full strength, Titriyski is one of the top players in the country and as good a hitter as there is.
“Kristian has been pushed by Kainoa now,” Wade said. “Kainoa is coming in playing at a really high level and you can tell Kristian is like, ‘Hey, I’ve got to get going here because this guy is coming.’ They are really the only two that can play at that level at that position and it’s been fun to watch.”
The injury meant Titriyski could only watch from the side as Hawaii came up short in the NCAA Tournament against UCLA.
He then had to go home and watch his national team compete without him on the floor.
It was an emptiness that Titriyski hopes to fill this year with a national championship.
“We all know how good we are. We don’t only have the six guys who are on the court, but we have 19 guys that are all pretty good and talented and motivated to play,” Titriyski said. “I would say what we lacked last year was consistency against lower level teams where we thought it would be an easy win and sometimes it happened and things would turn around against us. Our plan is to be more consistent with those teams and looking forward, we’ve got to be our very best every single day.”
There isn’t a player on the team more intense on the court than Titriyski, who at times can get heated.
Minutes into Monday’s practice, he was already yelling at a teammate during the first drill.
That competitiveness is what makes Titriyski a unique player. It’s also what makes him an intimidating presence for opposing teams.
“I just love to play the game,” Titriyski said. “And I want to win. I want to win for the fans here. I was watching our national team get second this summer at the world championship and our crowd here is way more into the games. Even if we’re winning or losing, it doesn’t matter. They are always supporting the team. All of that love that you get affects you in a positive way and I know I am, and we all are, so grateful for that.”
KRISTIAN TITRIYSKI
6-foot-8, Soph., Opposite
AVCA All-America second team; All-Big West first team
The AL.com high school volleyball all state team features the top players in each class.
AHSAA state champions were Class 7A McGill-Toolen, Class 6A Spanish Fort, Class 5A Guntersville, Class 4A Cherokee County, Class 3A Mobile Christian, Class 2A Pleasant Valley and Class 1A Addison while Southern Academy and Macon East won AISA titles.
The volleyball all-state team was compiled by the AL.com high school sports staff with input from coaches.
AL.com named Player of the Year, Attacker MVP, Setter MVP, Defensive MVP and Coach of the Year. Award winners are listed separately, but considered first-team selections.
AL.COM ALL-STATE VOLLEYBALL TEAM
McGill-Toolen celebrates the title win against Thompson during the AHSAA Class 7A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Maddy Henderson, Thompson, 6-0, Jr., Setter/Right Side
Maggie Jae Marsh, Austin, 5-8, Jr., Setter
Millie Burgess, Vestavia Hills, 6-1, Sr., Outside Hitter
MK Whitehurst, Bayside Academy, 5-3, Sr., Libero
Mya Lacey, Bob Jones, 5-10, Sr., Right Side/Setter
Payton McClarren, McGill-Toolen, 5-2, Sr., Libero
Sydnie Broom, Hoover, 6-1, Sr., Middle
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
McGill-Toolen’s Alice Wood serves against Thompson during the AHSAA Class 7A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Alice Wood, McGill-Toolen
5-9, Jr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Ella Lomax, Daphne
5-11, Sr., Outside Hitter
DEFENSIVE MVP
Kenzly Foote, Thompson
5-7, Sr., Defensive Specialist
SETTER MVP
Bennett Boulo, St. Paul’s
5-10, Sr., Setter/Right Side
COACH OF THE YEAR
Kate Wood, McGill-Toolen
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Kayleigh Kinser, Auburn, So.; Arden Breedlove, Austin, Sr.; Reese Wolfe, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr.; Caroline Whitehurst, Oak Mountain, Sr.; Amari Woods, Austin, Jr.; Ella Watts, Bob Jones, So.; Brooke Reeves, Grissom, Sr.; Aliyah Pooler, Hoover, Sr.; Marissa Smith, St. Paul’s, Fr.; Julia Celani, James Clemens, So. ; Kyra Willis, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Jr.; Ella Brown, Dothan, Jr.; Claire Ogden, Vestavia Hills, Sr.; Jaedyn Lang, McGill-Toolen, Sr.; Anna Grace Chason, Daphne, Sr.
Defensive Specialist/Libero: Emani Green, James Clemens, Sr. ; Cheyenne Conner, Hoover, Sr.; Lillie Hill, Vestavia Hills, Jr.; Addy Busby, Fairhope, Jr.; Kendall Dougherty, St. Paul’s, Sr.; Reese Colbert, Dothan, Jr.
Spanish Fort celebrates a championship after a win over Hazel Green at the AHSAA Class 6A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
CLASS 6A
Alexis Rudolph, Chelsea, 6-1, Jr., Outside Hitter
Avery Warren, Northridge, 5-9, Jr., Setter/Right Side
Aylah Duvall, Hazel Green, 6-0, Jr., Middle
Bea Wiggins, Spain Park, 5-11, Sr., Outside Hitter
Morgan Springer, Montgomery Academy, 5-9, Jr., Middle
Sullivan Lell, Mountain Brook, 5-4, Jr., Libero
Victoria Holley, Spanish Fort, 5-6, Sr., Libero
Zoẽ Beech, Spanish Fort, 5-11, Sr., Middle
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Spanish Fort’s Cailyn Boykin sets the ball against Hazel Green during the AHSAA Class 6A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Guntersville celebrates the title win during the AHSAA Class 5A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Kaylin Corley, Saint James School, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Laklin Shadix, West Point, 6-0, Jr., Outside Hitter
Layla Hendrix, Arab, 6-0, Jr., Middle
Marion Haskell, John Carroll, 6-1, Sr., Right Side
Noelle Suellentrop, Briarwood, 5-11, So., Setter
Sydney Jarmon, Guntersville, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter
Sydney Johnston, Saint James School, 5-6, Sr., Libero
Virginia Townsend, Providence Christian, 5-7, Sr., Outside Hitter
Zoe Jones, Montevallo, 6-0, Sr., Outside Hitter
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Guntersville’s Mary George Vandergriff sets the ball against Montgomery Catholic during the AHSAA Class 5A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Mary George Vandergriff, Guntersville
5-8, Sr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Julie Roberts, Briarwood
5-10, Jr., Outside Hitter/Right Side
DEFENSIVE MVP
Bri McCulloch, Russellville
5-5, So., Libero
SETTER MVP
Zaria Rudolph, Montgomery Catholic
5-8, So., Middle/Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Melissa-Paul Gardner, Guntersville
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Kailyn Redding, Fairview, Jr.; Kit Quinlivan, Headland, Sr.; Aliyah Hollingsworth, Boaz, Jr.; Makenzie Irmen, Brewer, Sr.; Brooklyn McIlwain, Faith Academy, Sr.; LaraAnne Norwood, Lawrence County, So.; Kierstyn Green, Montgomery Catholic, Jr.; Laila Hill, Russellville, Sr.; Abigail Mullens, St. Clair County, Jr.; Micaiah Shelton, Trinity, Fr.; Skylar Courtney, UMS-Wright, Sr.; Leighton Hendley, Briarwood, So.; Helen Morrison, Briarwood, Fr ; Mady Kirkpatrick, John Carroll, Sr.; Kiley Jenkins, Headland, Sr.; Chandler Thomas, UMS-Wright, Sr.; Lucy Logsdon, Montgomery Catholic, Jr.
Setter: Josie Childress, Priceville, Sr.; Wendy McGehee, Shelby County, Sr.; Adleigh Borgognoni, St. Clair County, Sr.; Patton Fell, West Point, Sr.; Isabella Marino, John Carroll, Sr.; Millie Lackey, Arab, Jr.
Defensive Specialist/Libero: Kayden Gronczniak, Arab, Sr.; Alley Emerson, Brewer, So.; Caroline Canady, Guntersville, Sr.; Abigayle Hilyer, Jemison, Sr.; Reagan Smith, Lawrence County, Jr.; Lauren Bailey, Providence Christian, Sr.; Lilly Smith, Trinity, So.; Charli Aris, West Point, Sr.
Cherokee County celebrates a championship during the AHSAA Class 4A volleyball state championship against Prattville Christian at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
CLASS 4A
Addilyn Gustafson, Madison County, 5-8, Sr., Setter
Cherokee County’s Macy Lea sets the ball against Prattville Christian during the AHSAA Class 4A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Macy Lea, Cherokee County
5-7, Sr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Nevaeh Gaidurgis, Cherokee County
5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter/Middle
DEFENSIVE MVP
Ellisan Givens, Cherokee County
5-7, Sr., Libero
SETTER MVP
Baylee Rogers, Prattville Christian
5-8, Sr., Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Tiffany Rieger, Cherokee County
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Ava Haygood, Cherokee County, Jr.; Lydia Northam, Ashville, Sr.; Emma Guffey, DAR, So.; Isabelle Sutton, Madison Academy, Sr.; Rhyan Holloway, St. John Paul II, Sr.; Sydney Wallace, New Hope, Sr.; Olivia Poarch, Wilson, So.; Emeri Thompson, Central-Florence, Sr.; Jaxson Bruce, Plainview, Jr.
Middle: Kylie Jeffers, Alexandria, Sr.; Jolie Alexander, Cherokee County, So.; Izzy Fearnside, Madison County, Jr.; Adyson Brown, Curry, Sr.; Leah Cate Wilson, Prattville Christian, Sr.; Raygen Muse, West Morgan, Jr.
Setter: Makyala Willingham, Deshler, Sr.; Jada Gray, Plainview, So.; Ryleigh Cochran, Ashville, Jr.; Sarah Bacon, Madison Academy, So.; Ella Bilbo, Orange Beach, Sr.; Jayce Page, Curry, Sr.; Carly Hensley, Danville, Sr.; Caylen Williams, Fayette County, Sr.
Defensive Specialist/Libero: Isabella Grant, St. John Paul II, Jr.; Kendal Scogin, Deshler, Jr.; Charlie Richey, Plainview, Sr.; Mckenna Jackson, Danville, Sr.; Ava Hodo, Orange Beach, Sr.; Morgan Fowler, Prattville Christian, Sr.; Anna Neal, Central-Florence, Sr.; Paige Bradshaw, Madison County, Fr.
Mobile Christian celebrates with the championship trophy during the AHSAA Class 3A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
CLASS 3A
Adeline Dickerson, Lauderdale County, 5-2, Sr., Libero
Alanah Fitch, Ohatchee, 5-4, Sr., Outside Hitter
Alexis Scott, Mobile Christian, 5-6, Sr., Outside Hitter
Amelia Smith, St. Luke’s, 6-0, Sr., Outside Hitter
Ann Davis Sinquefield, Houston Academy, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter
Sunjia King-Davis, Lauderdale County, 5-9, Sr., Middle
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mobile Christian’s Haley Eldridge serves during the AHSAA Class 3A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Haley Eldridge, Mobile Christian
5-6, Sr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Hadley Kelly, Mobile Christian
6-1, Jr., Middle
DEFENSIVE MVP
Melissa Patel, Mobile Christian
5-5, Sr., Libero
SETTER MVP
Baker Garside, St. Luke’s
5-6, Sr., Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Mallory Boyington, Mobile Christian
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Kate Williamon, Donoho, Sr.; Ava Michales, Donoho, Sr.; Karlie Baker, Geraldine, Jr.; Amiyah Thomas, Piedmont, Jr.; Libby King, Westbrook Chrisitan, Jr.; Shannon Alvord, Northside Methodist, Jr.; Emma Underwood, Elkmont, Sr.; Emery Owens, Lauderdale County, Sr.
Middle: Madalynn Moody, Glenwood, Sr.; Avery Dunnam, Lee-Scott, Sr.; Addison Holcomb, Vinemont, Sr.; Millie Wilson, St. Luke’s, Jr.
Pleasant Valley celebrates a championship after a win over Mars Hill Bible during the AHSAA Class 2A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
CLASS 2A
Alayna Tate, Belgreen, 5-5, Sr., Setter
Ella Estave, Covenant Christian, 5-5, Sr., Libero
Ella Parris, Pleasant Valley, 5-8, Sr., MB/DS
Ellie Patterson, Pleasant Valley, 5-11, Jr., Middle
Pleasant Valley’s Elise Wheeler serves against Mars Hill Bible during the AHSAA Class 2A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
Elise Wheeler, Pleasant Valley
5-9, Jr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Lynleigh Cobb, Winston County
5-10, Sr., Outside Hitter
DEFENSIVE MVP
Madison Schwabe, Pleasant Valley
5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
SETTER MVP
Kate James, Mars Hill Bible
5-8, So., Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jennifer Mann, Pleasant Valley
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Ella Williams, Tuscaloosa Academy, Sr.; Kaylie Joseph, G.W. Long, Sr.; Paitlyn Hughes, Sand Rock, Jr.; Carly Cason, Tharptown, So.; Jaylee Calloway, Winston County, Sr.; Alice Morrison, Lindsay Lane, Jr.
Middle: Carson Hovater, Belgreen, Sr.; Haylan Crook, Mars Hill Bible, So.; Caitlyn Lynch, Sand Rock, Sr.; Raina Gunter, Washington County, Sr.
Setter: Rylie Walker, Cedar Bluff, Sr.; Saydee Coan, Covenant Christian, So.; Rose Garner, Decatur Heritage, Jr.; Tippy Ridge, Washington County, So.; Kaylee Norton, Faith Christian, Fr.
Addison celebrates a state championship during the AHSAA Class 1A volleyball state championship against Meek at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
Lola Dixon, University Charter, 5-6, Jr., Right Side/Setter
Marley Kilcrease, Brantley, 5-5, Jr., Setter
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Addison’s Ava Bartlett was selected MVP during the AHSAA Class 1A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Ava Bartlett, Addison
5-11, Jr., Middle
ATTACKER MVP
Annie Ricard, Faith Christian
5-11, Jr., Outside Hitter
DEFENSIVE MVP
Molli Sandlin, Meek
4-11, So., Libero
SETTER MVP
AnnaBeth Powell, Addison
5-9, So., Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Sadie Hall, Addison
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Shakira Holcombe, Millry, Jr.; Chloe Bush, Pleasant Home, So.; Izzi Hunter, Pleasant Home, So.; Alana Jones, Billingsley, Sr.; Savannah Thrower, Fayetteville, Sr.; Vera Aderholt, Athens Bible, Fr.
Middle: Allyx Williamson, Kinston, Jr.; Kylee Smith, Marion County, 8.
Setter: Carmyn Daugherty, Meek, Sr.; Kendall Wyatt, Addison, Sr.; Bekah Junkin, Marion County, So.
Defensive Specialist/Libero: Anna Belle Collins, Meek, Sr.; Madelyn Egbert, University Charter, Jr.; Shelby Boice, Billingsley, Jr.
It was only two years ago that Louis Sakanoko rushed to Hawaii from his home country of France just days before the start of the 2024 season.
It was quite a culture shock for the 6-foot-5 outside hitter, who struggled to speak English.
One thing he brought with him that has never gone away is his smile. His outgoing personality, and his love for life and volleyball, are evident every time he steps on the floor. It is why in just a short amount of time, in a place far away from home, Sakanoko has quickly become a fan favorite.
“I love it here so much,” Sakanoko said. “I stayed here all summer, and so I discovered a little more of all of the islands and it’s just an amazing place. And I’m so much more comfortable here than I was last year, so everything is all great.”
On a team loaded with talent at the pins, Sakanoko has managed to hold onto his spot as a starter. He started 21 matches last season and hit .259 while averaging 2.39 kills per set.
The practice gym has changed a lot since Sakanoko first got here.
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He’s one of only five players who have been with the team for more than two years.
“It is weird that it’s my third year now, but honestly it feels good,” Sakanoko said. “We have almost the same team as last year, and so it’s nice to have the same energy and the same team spirit and have this work ethic that I think everyone has now.”
Sakanoko is a big part of that team spirit. He was one of the first players in the gym for afternoon practice on Monday, and with that same smile, walked up and shook hands with all of the reporters gathered for a media session.
When asked how he manages to stay so happy, Sakanoko kept it simple.
“How can you not be (happy) in Hawaii?” he responded. “The people here are special, for sure, and the atmosphere is just so different. Like, it’s Christmas, and people are walking around in T-shirts. You can still surf. It’s the best place.”
The Rainbow Warriors are ranked No. 2 in the country to start the season and have a real shot at returning to play in the NCAA Tournament.
Sakanoko gutted his way through the end of the season last year despite getting hurt right before the UCLA match.
The way that season ended has made preparation for this year feel a little different.
“We always want to win a championship,” Sakanoko said. “I got injured before the semi and Kristian got hurt earlier and so we felt like we had it taken away from us a little. We gained some experience from that, but we all want to win a championship this year. I definitely feel like this could be our year.”
Sakanoko famously tied a UH record with nine aces in just his second match as a Rainbow Warrior.
He is one of five returning players who had at least 20 aces a season ago.
As Hawaii prepares to start the season tonight hosting New Jersey Institute of Technology at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, Sakanoko isn’t worried about the quick turnaround from the holiday break.
Practices with such a deep and talented team can at times seem a lot tougher than the actual matches.
“It’s funny, because when you come back from Christmas, you maybe haven’t played for a week or two and so maybe you think you’re a little slow, but you can’t be in these practices,” Sakanoko said. “Every single day in here is like a fight. You have to fight your way if you want to be on the court the next weekend. I think that’s why we’re so good. We have so many players that can push you, and that’s been that way ever since I got here.”
Sakanoko doesn’t think he’s changed much in his time at UH, but his attitude on the practice floor has been noticed by teammates.
Setter Tread Rosenthal, the only other third-year starter, singled out Sakanoko’s growth as a leader as one of the things to be excited about for this season.
“I think Louis has gotten much more mature and literally, this year, has taken a big step off the court of being more mature and more focused on what we need to do to be the best at the end of the year,” Rosenthal said.
Isabelle Hoppe, like most everybody else in the volleyball world, had heard the rumors. But it wasn’t until the end that she thought how it might impact her life.
Photos: Wisconsin volleyball 2025 season in photos
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) serves against UW Milwaukee on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew (17) is greeted by fans after taking the floor prior to a match against Southern California at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin defenders jump to block a spike by Kansas outside hitter Jovana Zelenovic (9) on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
The Wisconsin student section reacts after Wisconsin wins the third set against Kansas on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) sets the ball for a spike against Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) sets the ball against Eastern Illinois on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wiss.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan, left, and middle blocker Carter Booth, right, go up for a block against UC-Davis Sept. 4.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL ARCHIVES
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) and Wisconsin middle blocker Carter Booth (52) yell after a block to win the first set against Purdue on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) elevates to contest a ball at the net against Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) is introduced prior to the match against Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) high-fives kids lined up before playing UC-Davis on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) hits the floor after saving the ball from touching the ground against Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) helps setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) off the floor after losing a point to Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield huddles with his senior players following the teamÕs win over UNC during a second round NCAA Tournament match between the teams at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) watches as the ball flies in the air before a serve against Notre Dame on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) goes up for a spike against UC-Davis on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin players react after a Minnesota touch goes out of bounds on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
The Wisconsin bench celebrates after a point against UW Milwaukee on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) attempts to spike over three Iowa defenders on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Nebraska middle blocker Rebekah Allick (5) yells after a block on Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
A young fan smiles after getting a high-five from a Wisconsin player during introductions against Minnesota on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Una Vajagic (1) dives for a ball flying out of bounds against Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) is introduced prior to the teamÕs non-conference match against Florida at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) blocks a spike against Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Madison Quest (10) emerges from the locker room before playing Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin right side hitter Addy Horner (2) and Wisconsin middle blocker Natalie Wardlow (12) collide trying to set the ball against Nebraska on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) extends to hit a ball going out of bounds against Minnesota on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew (17) and right side hitter Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) put up a block against Indiana outside hitter Jaidyn Jager (24) in the first set of a match at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
AMBER ARNOLD STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) lines up a bump after a return by Iowa on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin middle blocker Carter Booth (52) reacts after a point against Kansas on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin players, including Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew, left, and libero/defensive specialist Kristen Simon (7) celebrate the teamÕs win over UNC during a second round NCAA Tournament match between the teams at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
