Anna Cesari
Sr. | King’s
A fourth-year varsity player, Cesari has received a number of awards for her strong volleyball skills. She was named MVP of the Cascade Conference last year after leading the league with more than 400 assists and an average of three aces per game. She also received the honor of being the 1A state player of the year and was named to a second-team All-American by the National Christian High School Athletic Association. Over the past four years, Cesari has helped the Knights to a 62-3 record, three conference and three district championships, and a state championship in 2008. “She is positive and encouraging with her teammates and her leadership was truly the difference maker for us in winning the state championship,” said King’s coach Steve Bain.
Jessika Barlow
Sr. | Lynnwood
As a two-year varsity captain, Barlow has demonstrated solid skills on both the back and front lines. The senior was named the 2008 MVP for the Royals and received a spot on the 2008 Wesco South first team. Last year, Barlow averaged 12 kills per match and recorded a high of 22 kills in one game. “Her competitiveness, quickness and hitting stand out in this league,” said Lynnwood coach Jean Kellogg. “(She’s the) most competitive athlete I have ever worked with.”
Hailey Wales
Jr. | Darrington
At almost 6 feet tall and with “long, rangy arms,” Wales is a natural on the volleyball court, said Darrington coach Greg Powell. She’s been a starting middle hitter since her freshman year. Last season, she was named to the Northwest 1A/2B all-league first team and led the Loggers in kills and blocks. She’s been a vital member on two state tournament teams, including a fifth-place squad in 2007. “Hailey is the kind of athlete who likely would be starting for any high school in our region, no matter the level,” said Powell. “She’s a very strong hitter, has incredible timing and skill in blocking and excels at all basic skills of the sport.”
Emily Liger
Jr. | Everett
After receiving the honor of being the only non-senior on the 2008 all-Wesco North first team, Liger has earned her spot as a player to watch this season. As a sophomore last year, Liger recorded 26 aces for an average of 2.28 per game for Everett. She also easily led the team in kills with 153, 65 more than the next-best teammate. “She is an all-around athlete who shines in the way she controls the ball and she can also put the ball away with her serving and hitting ability,” said Everett coach Heather McLeod. “Between her freshman and sophomore years on varsity, she improved her passing and digging, which allowed me to increase her on-court time to be a threat from the front and back row.”
Bryce Larson
So. | Kamiak
Volleyball talent runs in Kamiak sophomore Bryce Larson’s family. Not only are her parents coaches at the Washington Volleyball Academy, but her older sister, Devin, also played for the Knights and was named to the All-Wesco first-team in 2008. Bryce is following suit and received the honor of being the only freshman on last year’s All-Wesco first team. As an outside hitter, she averaged 12 kills per game last season. “Bryce is a consistent and well-rounded player, who at key times during the match can uplift the entire team with something as simple as a great pass or her distinguishable voice,” said Kamiak assistant coach Gail Cornelius.
Abby Walker, Herald Writer
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