The Yucca Valley High School Trojan Volleyball teams held their team banquet Thursday night to recognize the athletes’ effort over the season.
Varsity coach Tammy Rhodes recognized the varsity players and thanked them for their effort throughout the season. Senior Annie Hilderbrand was the Desert Valley League 1st Team All-League selection and earned the Most Valuable Player award, Coach’s award and Scholar Athlete award.
Senior Ella Villamero earned DVL Honorable Mention, Defensive Player of the Year and Scholar Athlete Award.
Senior Evalynn Large was award Most Inspirational Award and Scholar Athlete Award.
Junior Loryn Brimhall was the DVL 2nd Team Selection and earned the Ace/Serving Award, Sportsmanship Award and Scholar Athlete Award.
Junior Haley Griswold earned the Most Improved Player Award, Blocking Award, and Scholar Athlete Award.
Junior Katie Alexander earned the Trojan Heart Award.
Freshman Stacie Alexander earned the Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and Scholar Athlete Award.
Also recognized and earning their varsity letter were seniors Katelyn Tran and Jullia Alonzo, and juniors Deja Valeur and Lacy Lenninger.
Junior Varsity Coach Celeste Hilderbrand emphasized that the team’s 11-3 season was due to the teamwork of all players and the athletes’ determination to meet team goals over the course of the season. Two players earned co-MVP awards: sophomore Paige Van Hulten and junior captain Brianna Etter. Van Hulten was a consistent setter and hitter all season while also evolving into one of the team’s top ace servers. Etter also was a reliable setter for the team while consistently serving up aces, playing strong defense and hitting from the right side of the court.
Offensive Player of the Year was earned by junior captain Amanda Cruz for her consistent serving and outside hitting, while sophomore Peyton Cressy earned Defensive Player of the Year for her blocking, digging, and passing abilities.
The Trojan Pride Award was awarded to sophomore Loralei Hadley for her positive attitude, effort and continuous support of her team throughout the season.
The Hustle Award was earned by freshman Carly Brimhall, who was a valuable offensive and defensive player due to her effort in keeping the ball in play.
Scholar Athlete Awards were given to students who maintained a 3.5 or higher GPA throughout the season.
These athletes were Brianna Etter, Briana Adams, Peyton Cressy, Paige Van Hulten, Madison Lazarovitz, Carly Brimhall, Mary Lovejoy, and Desiree Loya.
Also recognized for their effort throughout the season were juniors Briana Adams and Kailee Sullivan, sophomore captain Anna Jennings, and freshmen Leilonie Liechti, Madison Lazarovitz, Mary Lovejoy, and Desiree Loya.
