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.”

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

CLASS 7A

Abby Tingle, Hoover, 6-1, Jr., Outside Hitter

Cami Huff, McGill-Toolen, 6-2, Sr., Middle

Catherine McClain, McGill-Toolen, 5-9, Sr., Outside Hitter

Charlie Barnes, Austin, 5-11, Sr., Outside Hitter

Christiana Callens, Hewitt-Trussville, 5-6, So., Libero

Grier Broughton, Bayside Academy, 5-9, Sr., Outside Hitter

Hayley Robinson, Bayside Academy, 6-3, Sr., Right Side

Johnna Cox, Hewitt-Trussville, 6-0, So., Outside

Kayleigh Nguyen, Hewitt-Trussville, 5-10, Jr., Setter

Kendall Buckley, Bob Jones, 6-0, Sr., Outside Hitter

Kenly Nelson, Fairhope, 5-11, Jr., Outside Hitter

Kennedy Moss, Huntsville, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter

Lindsey Faison, Auburn, 5-10, Jr, Outside Hitter/Middle

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

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.

Middle: Monika Howard, Enterprise, Jr.; Brielle Merriweather, Thompson, Jr.; Marley Cowan, Vestavia Hills, Sr.; Reece Wilmott, Bayside Academy, Jr.; Gabi Berlage, Fairhope, Sr.

Setter: Sophie Hester, Bayside Academy, Jr.; Grace Thigpen, Daphne, Sr.; Libby Rogers, Fairhope, Sr.; Jayla Green, Thompson, So.; Ivey Marston, St. Paul’s, 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.

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

Brenna McReath, Hartselle, 5-9, Jr., Right Side

Bristol Hannah, Pelham, 5-5, So., Setter

Caroline Coulter, Decatur, 5-10, Sr., Outside Hitter

Charli Pearce, Saraland, 6-0, Sr., Outside Hitter/Setter

Emma Rigsby, Jasper, 5-11, Jr., Setter

Kaci Armistead, Montgomery Academy, 5-7, Jr., Libero

Ka’miah Walker, Athens, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter

Kamryn Coleman, Homewood, 5-8, Jr., Setter/Right Side

Kryslin Martin, Rehobeth, 5-8, Sr., Middle/Outside Hitter

Lydie Varnadore, Fort Payne, 5-7, Jr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist

Maddy Johnson, Hartselle, 5-7, Sr., Setter

Makenzie Sears, Muscle Shoals, 5-8, Sr., Middle

McKenna Phillips, Buckhorn, 5-8, Jr., 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

Cailyn Boykin, Spanish Fort

5-8, Jr., Setter

ATTACKER MVP

Caroline Downey, Spanish Fort

5-10, Sr., Outside Hitter

DEFENSIVE MVP

Camryn Collier, Hazel Green

5-7, Sr., Libero

SETTER MVP

Cailyn Kyes, Spain Park

5-7, Sr., Setter

COACH OF THE YEAR

Gretchen Boykin, Spanish Fort

HONORABLE MENTION

Outside Hitter/Right Side: Myah Skanes, Saraland, Jr.; JerrieSue Godbee, Cullman, Sr.; Emma- Glenn Roby, Decatur, Jr.; Lyndie Springer, Hartselle, Sr.; Abigail Preuitt, Hartselle, Sr.; Sarah Johnson, Homewood, Sr.; DeCaleigh Calvin, Jasper, Sr.; Bennett Britt, Montgomery Academy, Jr.; Lucy Comer, Mountain Brook, So.; Sage Jackson, Northridge, Sr.; Ava Thomas, Oxford, Jr.; Aubrie Smith, Pelham, Sr.; Isadora Wright, Pike Road, Sr.; Peyton Harrington, Spain Park, So.; London Tucker, Spanish Fort, So.; Olivia Saint, Hazel Green, Sr.; Mae Noerager, Homewood, Sr.; Allie Rigsby, Jasper, Jr.; Adele Moffatt, Mountain Brook, Jr.; Cayden Dorger, Spanish Fort, So.

Middle: Lily Willingham, Saraland, Sr.; Ja’Niyah Mosley, Spain Park, Sr.; Natalie Maxwell, Spanish Fort, So.; Layne Moller, Chelsea, So.

Setter: Rehmat Sidhu, Montgomery Academy, Jr.; Payton Brooks, Oxford, Sr.; Emily Arnold, Rehobeth, Jr.; Taniyah Smith, Saraland, Jr.; Anna Burnett, Chelsea, Fr.; Darby Rhodes, Mountain Brook, So.; Lily Nelson, Hazel Green, So.; Brooklynn Gonzalez, Buckhorn, Jr.; Macey Moore, Gulf Shores, Sr.

Defensive Specialist/Libero: Aubree Lagunas, Athens, Jr.; Carlie Cash, Fort Payne, Sr.; Charli Vincent, Muscle Shoals, So.; Lola Gorman, Pike Road, Jr.; Camdyn Kyes, Spain Park, Fr.; Sophia Bagley, Chelsea, Sr.

CLASS 5A

Abby Langlois, Priceville, 6-1, Sr., Outside Hitter

Ava Templeton, Lawrence County, 5-5, Sr., Setter/Right Side

Blakely Faulkner, Brewer, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter

Breanna Gentry, Boaz, 5-8, Jr., Middle

Brooke Putnam, Jemison, 5-10, Sr., Outside Hitter

Chloe Duggan, Faith Academy, 5-6, Jr., Setter

Clara Crawford, Briarwood, 5-9, Sr., Middle

Ella Clarie Sullivan, UMS-Wright, 5-7, Sr., Libero

Ellie Causey, Trinity, 5-7, Sr., Setter

Italey May, Guntersville, 5-8, So., Outside Hitter

Joi McGuire, Montgomery Catholic, 5-6, Sr., Outside Hitter

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

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.

Middle: Mikadyn Cauley, Faith Academy, Jr.; Lilly Roberts, Guntersville, Sr.; Shiloh Stanley, Guntersville, So.

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.

CLASS 4A

Addilyn Gustafson, Madison County, 5-8, Sr., Setter

Adily Alberti, Danville, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist

Alexis Fielder, Central-Florence, 5-7, Sr., Outside Hitter

Aliya Stevenson, Fayette County, 5-5, Jr., Outside Hitter

Anna Simone, Wilson, 6-0, Sr., Middle

Bekah Mouser, Madison Academy, 5-6, Jr., Outside Hitter

Bella Rumley, Orange Beach, 5-8, So., Outside Hitter

Bugg Watkins, Wilson, 5-5, So., Setter

Carleigh Lanford, Madison County, 5-10, Sr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist

Charlee Parris, Alexandria, 5-5, Sr., Outside Hitter

Elizabeth Rohling, St. John Paul II, 5-10, Jr., Setter

Faith Odom, Plainview, 5-10, Sr., Outside Hitter

Gillian Head, DAR, 5-7, Jr., Setter

Haniyah Standridge, West Morgan, 5-7, So., Outside Hitter

Hayden Howell, Geneva, 5-7, Sr., Outside Hitter

Maren Diefenderfer, Prattville Christian, 6-0, Jr., Middle

Mylie Stephens, Munford, 5-10, Jr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist

Olivia Adams, Deshler, 5-5, Jr., Outside Hitter

Olivia Rossi, Prattville Christian, 6-1, So., Outside Hitter

Rylee Jo Harbin, New Hope, 5-4, Jr., Libero

Shayna Russell, DAR, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter

Sophie Martin, Alexandria, 5-9, Sr., Setter

Ta’Maya Coman, Central-Florence, 5-11, Jr., Outside Hitter

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

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.

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

Bentlee Pahman, Donoho, 5-6, Jr., Libero

Blakely Baggett, Holly Pond, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter

Callee Taylor, Donoho, 5-8, Sr., Setter

Chelsey McReary, T.R. Miller, 5-7, Jr., Middle/Setter

Ellison Stewart, Westbrook Chrisitan, 5-7, Sr., Outside Hitter

Emma Kate Frazier, St. Luke’s, 5-5, Fr., Libero

Lana Rowell, Geraldine, 5-7, Sr., Outside Hitter

Leighton Scott, Lee-Scott, 5-6, Sr., Outside Hitter

McKenzie Doner, Elkmont, 5-6, Jr., Outside Hitter/Middle

Mia Talbot, Glencoe, 5-8, So., Outside Hitter

Millie Gay, Houston Academy, 6-1, Jr., Middle

Raylee Neal, Westbrook Chrisitan, 5-4, Sr., Setter

Reagan Robinson, Vinemont, 5-7, Sr., Right Side

Rorie Dunbar, Glenwood, 5-10, Jr., Setter

Sunjia King-Davis, Lauderdale County, 5-9, Sr., Middle

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

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.

Setter: Kinlee Montgomery, Glencoe, Jr.; Jessie Richey, Geraldine, 8.

Defensive Specialist/Libero: Emersyn White, Glenwood, Sr.; Caroline Miller, Vinemont, Sr.

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

Heidi Warren, Samson, 5-7, So., Setter

Holly Warren, Samson, 5-10, Sr., Outside Hitter

Isleigh Hicks, Southeastern, 5-10, Sr., Middle

Kalyn Jones, Lindsay Lane, 5-10, Jr., Outside Hitter

Kaylie Foster, G.W. Long, 5-11, Jr., Outside Hitter

Kindal Grace, Cedar Bluff, 6-0, Sr., Outside Hitter

Layla Hanvy, Decatur Heritage, 6-0, Jr., Middle

Maddie Clanton, Sand Rock, 5-8, Jr., Setter

Maddie McKinley, Washington County, 5-10, Sr., Middle

Marli Stewart, Winston County, 5-6, Sr., Setter

Mollie Sak, Mars Hill Bible, 5-5, Jr., Outside Hitter

Molly Wright, Mars Hill Bible, 5-5, Jr., Outside Hitter

Riley Green, Lindsay Lane, 5-4, Jr., Setter

Sally Poole, Tuscaloosa Academy, 5-7, Sr., Setter

Sawyer Hughes, G.W. Long, 5-9, Jr., Setter

Zoe Griffin, Covenant Christian, 5-11, Sr., Outside Hitter

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

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.

Defensive Specialist/Libero: Bryn Scott, Belgreen, Sr.; Amelia Hamiter, Tuscaloosa Academy, So.

CLASS 1A

Addie Cate Henderson, Meek, 5-6, So., Outside Hitter

Alex Grimes, Brantley, 5-8, Jr., Middle

Alli Dutton, Lynn, 5-7, Jr., Outside Hitter

AllieRuth Powell, Addison, 5-9, 7, Outside Hitter

Anna Daniel, Faith Christian, 5-7, Jr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist

Aubrey Kelley, Spring Garden, 5-10, So., Outside Hitter

Avery Brunson, Brantley, 5-8, Sr., Middle/Outside Hitter

Breanna Stokley, Millry, 5-10, Sr., Right Side

Cooper Reese Williams, Marion County, 5-8, 8, Outside Hitter

Destiny Burns, Athens Bible, 5-4, Sr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist

Emma Kate Marler, Kinston, 5-9, Fr., Outside Hitter

Emory Pezent, University Charter, 5-8, Sr., Right Side/Setter

Gracie Rhoades, Kinston, 5-8, Jr., Outside Hitter

Isabella Kelley, Fayetteville, 5-3, Jr., Setter

Kenleigh McArthur, Fayetteville, 5-7, Jr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist

Kohl Tittle, Lynn, 5-6, Jr., Outside Hitter

Kylie Murrell, Athens Bible, 5-6, Fr., Setter/Right Side

LillyAnne Doggette, Millry, 6-0, Sr., Outside Hitter/Middle

Lola Dixon, University Charter, 5-6, Jr., Right Side/Setter

Marley Kilcrease, Brantley, 5-5, Jr., Setter

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

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.

AISA

Abby Lovell, Lowndes Academy, Jr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist

Amari George, Abbeville, Jr., Middle

Baylie Barrett, Edgewood, Jr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist

Bentley Graham, Macon East, So., OH/RS

Bradford Harrell, Jackson, Sr., Defensive Specialist

Brooke Massey, Clarke Prep, Sr., Outside Hitter

Camryn Hess, Lowndes Academy, Sr., Middle

Caroline Christmas, Southern Academy, So., Outside Hitter

Catie Wallace Self, Lowndes Academy, Jr., Setter

Dixie Perry, South Choctaw, Sr., Middle

Harlie Barrett, Edgewood, Sr., Setter

Henlee Garvin, Hooper Academy, Sr., Outside Hitter

Jenna Conway, Hooper Academy, So., Middle

Kelsey Smith, Macon East, Jr., Setter

Kylie Calame, Morgan Academy, Sr., Outside Hitter

Mallory Newton, Southern Academy, Jr., Setter

Mary Clara Floyd, South Choctaw, Sr., Outside Hitter

Megan Hardy, Macon East, Jr., Libero

Mollie Ross, Macon East, Sr., Outside Hitter

Olivia Garris, Jackson Academy, Sr., Outside Hitter

Sarah Moore, Morgan Academy, Sr., Outside Hitter

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Jamya Powell, Macon East

Sr., Middle/Outside Hitter

ATTACKER MVP

Abby Sluder, Southern Academy

Jr., Middle

DEFENSIVE MVP

Maggie Taylor, Clarke Prep

Sr., Setter/Defensive Specialist

SETTER MVP

Libby Bressler, Hooper Academy

Sr., Setter

COACH OF THE YEAR

Codi Berry. Macon East

HONORABLE MENTION

Outside Hitter/Right Side: Katelyn Keef, Cornerstone Christian, Sr.; Sarah Murchison, Lowndes Academy, Jr.

Middle: Ellie Pugh, Hooper Academy, Sr.; Emma Phillips, Lowndes Academy, Jr.; Brooke Waters, Morgan Academy, Sr.

Setter: Mallory Newton, Southern Academy, Jr.

Defensive Specialist/Libero: Kinlee Dismukes, Lowndes Academy, Jr.

State

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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.

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.

LOUIS SAKANOKO

6-foot-5, Jr., Outside hitter

All-Big West freshman team

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• The Herald-Tribune has announced its 2025 Fall All-Area team selections for Manatee and Sarasota counties.
• Venice’s Tien Murray was named the Player of the Year from the First-Team selections.
• Voting for the fan-selected Player of the Year will close on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 9 a.m.

The Herald-Tribune started rolling out its 2025 Fall All-Area team selections.

We honored the top players from Manatee and Sarasota counties by naming First Team, Second Team, and Honorable Mentions lists.

We also named a Player of the Year from among the 14 First-Teamers in Venice’s Tien Murray.

Now we will let you have your say. Do you agree with Murray being our pick for Player of the Year, or do you prefer a different First-Team selection?

Voting will remain open until Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 9 a.m.

Click HERE to vote or in the poll below.