Strategic partnership could reshape how Americans consume sports content
The streaming battlefield just gained a powerful new alliance. Disney’s ESPN and Fox Corp. have unveiled plans for a groundbreaking partnership that bundles their forthcoming direct-to-consumer platforms, marking a seismic shift in how media giants approach the increasingly crowded streaming market.
This strategic collaboration represents more than just another streaming option—it signals a fundamental change in industry dynamics as traditional broadcasters race to capture cord-cutting audiences hungry for sports content.
Launch Timeline Creates Perfect Storm
The timing couldn’t be more calculated. Both services will debut Aug. 21, strategically positioned to capitalize on the surge of interest surrounding college football season kickoff and NFL preseason excitement. This launch window positions the platforms to capture maximum subscriber momentum during peak sports viewing periods.
The bundled offering becomes available Oct. 2 at $39.99 monthly, creating an intriguing value proposition for sports enthusiasts. Individual subscriptions will run $29.99 for ESPN and $19.99 for Fox One, making the bundle an attractive proposition for consumers seeking comprehensive sports coverage.
ESPN Betting Big on Comprehensive Content
Disney‘s ESPN streaming venture represents a complete reimagining of sports consumption. The platform transcends traditional broadcasting by integrating live events from ESPN’s extensive network family, including ESPN2 and SEC Network, alongside programming from Disney-owned ABC.
Beyond conventional sports coverage, ESPN’s digital platform incorporates fantasy sports integration, betting functionality, studio programming, and documentary content. This multifaceted approach transforms ESPN from a simple streaming service into a comprehensive sports entertainment ecosystem.
Recent strategic acquisitions underscore ESPN’s commitment to dominance. The platform secured exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for major WWE events, including WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam, beginning in 2026. Additionally, ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network assets strengthens its professional football coverage significantly.
Fox Takes Different Approach
Fox One represents a markedly different streaming philosophy. Rather than developing original content, Fox’s platform aggregates existing programming from its broadcast and cable networks, including news and entertainment offerings.
This strategy reflects Fox’s cautious entry into direct-to-consumer streaming after watching competitors struggle with massive content investments. By leveraging existing programming assets, Fox minimizes financial risk while testing streaming waters.
Disney Bundle Strategy Expands Options
ESPN’s integration with Disney‘s broader streaming ecosystem creates additional consumer flexibility. A three-service bundle combining ESPN, Disney+ and Hulu costs $35.99 monthly, with first-year subscribers receiving promotional pricing at $29.99—matching ESPN’s standalone cost.
This bundling strategy demonstrates Disney’s commitment to cross-platform synergies, encouraging consumers to embrace multiple Disney streaming properties while maintaining competitive pricing structures.
Industry Implications Run Deep
This partnership emerges from the ashes of Venu, a failed joint venture between Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery. That project’s collapse highlighted the complexities of multi-company streaming collaborations, making this Disney-Fox alliance particularly noteworthy.
Both Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch and Disney CEO Bob Iger have publicly discussed exploring additional bundling partnerships, suggesting this collaboration might herald broader industry consolidation trends.
The streaming landscape’s evolution reflects changing consumer preferences and traditional media companies’ urgent need to adapt. As cord-cutting accelerates, established broadcasters face pressure to develop sustainable direct-to-consumer models while maintaining traditional revenue streams.
Sports content serves as the ultimate streaming differentiator, offering live programming that resists time-shifting and maintains appointment viewing characteristics. This reality makes sports-focused streaming partnerships particularly valuable for attracting and retaining subscribers.
The Disney-Fox collaboration represents a calculated response to streaming market saturation, where individual services struggle to justify subscription costs amid economic uncertainty. By combining complementary content offerings, both companies can deliver enhanced value while sharing marketing and operational expenses.
Tully girls volleyball will face undefeated Mount Markham next Wednesday. (Anthony Caimano | Contributing photographer)(Anthony Caimano | Contributing photographer)
Syracuse, N.Y. — Over the holiday break, many girls volleyball teams enjoyed a short break, but the action returns as the new year begins.
Two of the biggest matchups coming up over the next week are between undefeated Mount Markham and one-loss Sauquoit Valley and one-loss Tully.
The Mustangs face the Red Hawks on Tuesday and the rematch of last year’s Class C sectional semifinal against the Black Knights is set for Wednesday.
All three teams are ranked, and the results of these two games will definitely have an impact on the middle of the pack of syracuse.com’s weekly rankings.
Syracuse.com’s girls winter volleyball rankings will run every Thursday through the end of sectionals.
Here’s how the teams land this week.
I’m the managing producer for high school sports coverage at syracuse.com. I’ve been covering Section III athletics for nearly a decade. I graduated from Utica University in 2017 and bring a unique perspective…
OXFORD, Ohio— The Miami University indoor track and field team will get its 2026 schedule underway later this month with back-to-back trips to Indianapolis, beginning with the Hoosier Horsepower Classic Jan. 16-17. After the Crossroads of America Invite the next weekend (Jan. 23-24, also at the Indiana State Fairgrounds), the RedHawks finish January by competing at Louisville’s Lenny Lyles Invite (Jan. 30-31).
Miami’s February slate includes Marshall’s Jewel City Invite (Feb. 6-7 in Huntington, W.Va.), the Fairgrounds Invite (back in Indianapolis Feb. 13-14) and traditional visits to Findlay (Flag City Invite on Feb. 20) and Notre Dame (Alex Wilson Invite on Feb. 21). That leads into the MAC Indoor Championships, which will take place Feb. 27-28 on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
The complete Miami indoor track and field schedule is available here.
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.
