Eds. note: The Player of the Year and All-Area teams were chosen by The Herald sports staff based on coach recommendations, season statistics and first-hand observations.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Devon Martinka, sr., OH, Stanwood
The hard-hitting Martinka averaged 5.4 kills, 3.9 digs, 0.4 blocks and 0.6 aces per set while leading the Spartans to the 3A state tournament. She twice broke her own school record for most kills in a match — including a 31-kill performance at state — and shattered the school’s career kills mark.
COACH OF THE YEAR
April Munoz, Monroe
In her 14th and final season coaching the Bearcats, Munoz guided Monroe to the program’s first-ever state semifinal appearance. The Bearcats rattled off nine straight wins and claimed the 4A Wes-King bi-district crown en route to a program-best fourth-place finish in the 4A state tournament.
FIRST TEAM
Devon Martinka, sr., OH, Stanwood
Samaya Morin, soph., OH, Lake Stevens
Morin posted 3.6 kills, 3.3 digs, 0.4 blocks and 0.6 aces per set, along with a .344 hitting percentage. She helped the Vikings claim the Wesco 4A title and a seventh-place trophy in the 4A state tournament.
Riley Monan, sr., OH, Lynnwood
Monan averaged 4.9 kills, 4.8 digs and 0.7 aces per set while helping the Royals come within one win of the 3A state tournament.
Sydney Petersen, sr., MB, Glacier Peak
Petersen, a University of Nevada signee, tallied 1.0 blocks, 2.4 kills, 0.5 digs and 0.5 aces per set. She helped the Grizzlies come within one win of the 4A state tournament.
Leah Quidachay, sr., S, Oak Harbor
Quidachay, a transfer from Texas, averaged 8.7 assists, 2.3 digs and 0.3 aces per set. She helped the Wildcats advance to the 3A state tournament.
Kiana Pel, sr., L, Lynnwood
Pel, a Saint Martin’s University signee, provided 8.3 digs, 1.1 kills and 0.7 aces per set while helping the Royals come within one win of the 3A state tournament.
SECOND TEAM
Natalie Stern, sr., OH, Snohomish
Stern posted 3.1 kills, 6.4 digs and 1.4 aces per set. She helped the Panthers claim the Wesco 3A title and a fifth-place trophy in the 3A state tournament.
Claire Doud, sr., OH, Archbishop Murphy
Doud averaged 4.5 kills, 3.2 digs, 0.5 blocks and 1.5 aces per set. She helped the Wildcats come within one win of the 2A state tournament.
Samantha Zimmerman, sr., OH/MB, Monroe
Zimmerman showcased her versatility by moving from outside hitter to middle blocker midway through the season to fill in for an injured teammate. She posted 2.1 kills, 2.3 digs, 0.9 blocks and 0.4 aces per set while helping the Bearcats to a program-best fourth-place finish in the 4A state tournament.
MacKenzie Whyte, soph., MB, Snohomish
Whyte averaged 1.1 blocks, 3.1 kills and 1.0 aces per set. She helped the Panthers claim the Wesco 3A title and a fifth-place trophy in the 3A state tournament.
Tatum McGovern, sr., S, Monroe
McGovern provided 5.3 assists, 1.3 kills, 2.2 digs and 0.7 aces per set. She helped the Bearcats to a program-best fourth-place finish in the 4A state tournament.
Veaya Carter, sr., L, Stanwood
Carter averaged 5.2 digs and 0.4 aces per set while helping the Spartans reach the 3A state tournament
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