By Christine Jinbo
 
This week ESPN RISE Volleyball recognizes senior Rachel Williams of No. 1 Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) as the player spotlight of the week for her outstanding performance at the Durango Classic (Las Vegas, Nev.) where she received the MVP award.

Awards for outstanding performances are nothing new for the Stanford bound athlete, who received honors from Archbishop Mitty, various tournaments, the West Catholic League, CIF Central Coast Section, CIF State and USA Volleyball Junior Olympics. She takes it all in stride and puts the team first.
 
"It was rewarding, for the hard work we do,” Williams said of winning the 2009 Durango Classic.

	Leonard Xu/ESPN RISE
	Williams is a force at the net for Archbishop Mitty

Williams learned the sport at age seven from her parents who played intramural volleyball and by nine began playing club volleyball.

"My mom thought I was tall for my age and I should start [playing].”

Goal-oriented and hardworking, Williams knew she wanted to play volleyball in college and she decided on a PAC-10 school.  The schools that made the top her list were University of Washington and UCLA, though Stanford interested her also. She strove to maintain a high grade point average to meet Stanford's rigorous academic requirements.

"I worked hard to keep my grades up so I could apply to Stanford."  She added, "When I got into Stanford, I revisited UW and Stanford and decided that Stanford was the best place for me."

For the girl who has achieved so much and could be satisfied with a full ride to Stanford University, her advice to young athletes who want play at the next level, 

"Never stay satisfied."

The consummate hard worker, she went on, "Continue working to improve every aspect of your game. Plan your dreams." 

Read more about Rachel Williams from ESPN RISE Magazine writer, Mike Grimala.

Get to know Rachel Williams
Player Profile/Interview

Rachel Williams (Los Gatos, Calif.)
Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.)
GPA: 3.95
Year: Senior
Position: OH
Height: 5'11"  
Club Team: Vision 18 Gold
Committed: Stanford

 
Williams Top Threes:

Songs:
1. Run this town, JayZ, et al
2. Empire State of Mind, JayZ & Alicia Keys
3. Lollipop,  Lil' Wayne

TV shows:
1. Grey's anatomy
2. 24
3. So you think you can dance

Movies:
1. Transformers
2. Ironman
3. Remember the titans

Websites:
1. Facebook
2. Webgrade (it's our online gradebook at school)
3. Google mail

ESPN RISE started the sentences, Williams completed them.  

I play best when... I'm focused and it's a big game.
If I were coaching Rachel Williams...  I would remind her about little details.
The best thing about volleyball is... running perfect serve receive plays.
Something most people don't know about me... is I hate feet.
The topical issue that most interests me in the world... is poverty.
If I could have one superhuman power... it would be flight.
One day I will... play in the Olympics.

 
We make Williams choose:    
Hitting or Digging - Hitting
American Idol or Survivor - So you think you can dance
Snow or Sun - Sun
Fast Food or Carrots and Celery - In n' Out
Surfing or Snowboarding - Surfing
Texting or Talking - Talking
Movies or Video Games – Both         
Facebook or MySpace – Facebook

 

 

By Christine Jinbo

ESPN RISE Volleyball recognized senior Brianne Riley of Benet Academy (Lisle, Ill.), as the player spotlight of the week for her outstanding performance at the Wheaton Classic volleyball tournament, where she led the team in digs and in serve receive rating.

Benet Academy Head Coach Brad Baker said, "Brianne played outstanding volleyball and was a major key to our success through the tournament and in the championship match."

	Courtesy Benet Athletic Progam
	Brianne Riley

The Redwings glided into the ESPN RISE FAB 50 when they avenged their one loss to No. 36 Hinsdale Central (Hinsdale, Ill.) and secured the Wheaton Classic championship.

The University of Kansas commit talked about the tournament victory and what it meant to the team.

"Our team has been working really hard and we all wanted it."  She continued, "We played together and the best feeling is playing as a team."

Riley commits herself to volleyball, to the student government and is part of an athletic family.  Her family and her brothers are where she draws inspiration.

Riley's father played baseball and football at Benedictine University and coached at the University of Louisville.  Her sister played softball and volleyball. Riley's brother, currently plays football at Purdue and her younger brother is a three sport athlete.

"My older brother Jimmy inspires me. He works hard and commits to whatever he is doing."

Riley added, "When he has a goal he puts his all into it and doesn't stop until he has accomplished it."

Her inspiration also comes from younger brother, Danny, who had three open-heart surgeries and is now playing football, baseball, and basketball.

"He is a stud and nothing could stop him from doing what he loves to do," said Riley proudly.   

Benet Academy is a family tradition with the Riley clan, both of Riley's parents attended Benet and her father made a big impact as a football and baseball player there.  Riley feels blessed at the opportunity to play for the school her parents attended and to play for coach Brad Baker.

"His [Baker's] first focus is for his players to be good people, good teammates, and work hard. I have been fortunate enough to be coached by him and he has made me into the player I am today," said Riley.

She added, "This is the kind of environment you will receive when you are at Benet, a Catholic school. Faith and prayer play a very big role in my life and my family's."(Read full post)

Samantha Hirschmann: Girls State Athlete of Week

September 18, 2009

By Harold Abend, Special to CalHiSports.com 

	Leonard Xu/ESPN RISE
	Samantha Hirschmann

Not only is our first girls winner for the 2009-10 school year the complete package, but she helped lead her team to a major upset over a nationally-ranked ESPN RISE FAB 50 team in its very first match this season. 

Note: For our 2009-2010 athlete of the week feature, we are looking for those student-athletes who had a standout performance in their sport from the previous week, but we also are looking for a balance between athletic achievement, academic work in the classroom, community service or overcoming adversity. 

Click here for story on Samantha Hirschmann.

Get to know Sam Hirschman

Samantha Hirschmann (Manhattan Beach, Calif.)
Marymount High School (Los Angeles, Calif.)
GPA: 3.9
Grad Yr: 2010
Position: OH/Right Side
Height:5'11"
Club Team: Sunshine 17-1
Committed: University of Southern California

How old were you when you started playing volleyball and how did you get started?
I was in third grade. Funny story ... I happened to be at my friend's house when her mom was taking her to a try out and she brought me along because she was watching me while my parents were out of town. I ended up making the team and when my parents came home I had discovered a new interest.

Who inspires you? Why?
Michael Jordan is my largest inspiration. His quest for excellence is unsurpassed. And one of my favorite quotes of all time is from him. It is, "never say never because, limits like fears, are often just an illusion."

Do you play other sports? Which ones?
I used to play basketball, softball, and ran track in middle school; however when I got to high school I focused exclusively on volleyball. For fun now I play tennis and surf.

Do you have siblings who play sports? and/or Did your parents play a sport?
My brother went to Loyola High School where he played football for 2 years, basketball for 4 years (3 years on varsity and all league his junior and senior year), and he played varsity volleyball for 4 years (all League three years and all CIF his senior year). He was a Fab 50 selection for volleyball during his senior year. Later he went off to USC to be apart of the men's volleyball team. He played his freshman year and redshirted his sophomore year.

My dad played football all throughout high school and college. He attended Widner University where he was the captain of the 1981 NCAA Division III national championship team. As for my mom, she plays club tennis.
 
Hirschman's Top Threes:
Songs:
1. Man on the Moon- Kid Cudi
2. September- Earth, Wind, and Fire
3. Lay, Lady Lay  - Bob Dylan

TV shows:
1. Entourage
2. Mad Men
3. The OC

Movies:
1. Dazed and Confused
2. The Sweetest Thing
3. Wedding Crashers

Websites:
1. Facebook (unfortunately)
2. Prepvolleyball
3. Google

ESPN RISE Volleyball started the sentence and Sam Hirschman completed the sentences:

I play best when... the game is on the line.
If I were coaching Samantha Hirschman... I'm looking for her to be the most fired up player on the court!

The best thing about volleyball is... I can go out on the court and compete while always having fun.
Something most people don't know about me is... that I am a strong believer in the book The Secret, which is that one can achieve anything through positive thinking and visualization. Energy goes where attention flows!

The topical issue that most interests me in the world is... the environment. Recycle, recycle, recycle!
If I could have one superhuman power it would be... to be able to predict natural disasters before they happen.

One day I will... be a sportscaster.

We make Hirschman choose:   
Hitting or Digging - Hitting
American Idol or Survivor - Bachelor/Bachelorette
Snow or Sun - Sun        
Fast Food or Carrots and Celery - Carrots and Celery (and peanut butter)
Texting or Talking - Talking
Movies or Video Games - Movies         
Facebook or MySpace -  Facebook

By Christine Jinbo

Taylor Unroe from Burris High of Muncie, Ind. received athlete of the week by ESPN RISE.  Her performance launched Muncie Burris to the championship of the Burris Invitational. In the title match, against then ranked No. 2 Assumption (Louisville, Ky.), Unroe came through with 12 kills, two aces and nine digs. During the day, in which the Owls played four times, Unroe posted 34 kills and 32 digs.

	Courtesy Shelby Cloyd
	The Munice, Ind. Star Press says, "When Unroe gets a kill she stomps her feet and lets out a scream that sends Pit Bulls running for cover."

Despite being considered "small" for elite volleyball at 5-foot-7, she received a scholarship to play volleyball at the University of Florida.  College recruiters noticed what Unroe's prep coaches and teammates have known for a long time.  She is the ultimate team player and the ultimate competitor.   

Unroe reflected on her team's accomplishment.

"Beating Louisville Assumption was one of the highlights of my high school career and the whole team came together to help do that," she said.

Unroe can almost compare championship rings with Michael Jordan, as she owns four and could match his six by year's end.  She has three 2A Indiana State Tournament championships and last spring took home the Junior Volleyball Directors Association (JVDA) 18 Open Championship with her club team Munciana Samurai.  Tournament organizers recognized her talent and Unroe received all state honors each of the three years and was named the MVP of JVDA tournament.

Burris Head Coach Steve Shondell has seen first hand Unroe's work ethic and success.  "Through her work ethic, dedication and commitment, Taylor has evolved into one of the premier high school volleyball players in America," he said.

Unroe attributes her success to her mother who she says, "Inspires me … and rarely misses me play."

"She is always there and always encourages me to be the best I can be and doesn't hesitate to tell me when I'm not," added Unroe.

She began to play volleyball at four years old when she watched her stepsisters, who played for Delta Juniors Volleyball Club located at Delta (Muncie, Ind.) High School.  She was hooked, so her dad took her along to play on Saturdays.(Read full post)

 
The first ESPN RISE National Athletes of the Week for the 2009-10 have been chosen for the fall season.  The weekly national athlete of the week honors will be given to those who participate in fall sports other than football.

	Courtesy Pearce Athletics
	Elyse Burkert, profiled on ESPN RISE Volleyball received regional AOW honors.

The sports include boys cross country, girls cross country, boys soccer, girls soccer, girls volleyball, softball in the Southwest and Southeast and any other non-football school sanctioned sport. Football will have its own separate player of the week recognition program.

A panel of contributors from around the nation helps to select the honorees each week.  Of those athletes chosen for the ESPN RISE Athlete of the Week, one boy and one girl athlete are selected as the National Athlete of the Week.

Two volleyball athletes were chosen by ESPN RISE for the first honor of Athlete of the Week for the 2009-2010 school year. 

Elyse Burkert, profiled by ESPN RISE Volleyball, was chosen as a regional athlete of the week and Taylor Unroe of Burris (Muncie, Ind.) received the honor of National Athlete of the Week. Come back soon for more about Taylor Unroe as ESPN RISE Volleyball profiles the Burris star.

The ESPN RISE Athlete of the Week panel consists of Steve Underwood (cross country), Sheldon Shealer (soccer), Christine Jinbo (volleyball), Garland Cooper (softball), Doug Huff (multi-sports) and Mark Tennis (multi-sports).

By Christine Jinbo

With some states in preseason and others in full swing, the volleyball standout athlete of the week comes to us from the state of Texas, where the season officially opened August 3.  Elyse Burkert (Richardson, Texas) earned the honor of the ESPN RISE Volleyball Athlete of the Week with her extraordinary performance at the Pearland Classic Volleyball Tournament.

	Courtesy Pearce Athletic Dept.
	Elyse Burkert named MVP of the Pearland Classic.

The senior 5-foot-10 outside hitter led J.J. Pearce (Richardson, Texas) to the championship of the Pearland Classic and made tournament history as the first 4A team to win the 76-team tournament. Burkert received MVP honors in the effort as the Mustangs defeated the No. 1 ranked team in Texas, San Antonio Reagan (San Antonio, Texas).

A two-sport athlete, Burkert began swimming at age six and began to play volleyball at age nine.  She earned four varsity letters with the swim team and her favorite memory, despite competing in the 200-meter relay in two state competitions, is being on the same team with her sister.

"I loved it that I had the chance to swim with my sister when she was a senior and I was a freshman," said Burkert.

In fourth grade, she played volleyball in the Plano Sports Authority (PSA) Leagues.  By fifth grade she became a self-proclaimed "ball-hog."

"My mom and dad moved me into club because … the coach kept telling me I had to let other people get the ball.  My parents felt I was ready to move on to club," Burkert said.

The Pearland MVP was unsure about her collegiate prospects until last year when she traveled to the USA Junior Olympic Volleyball Championships with her club team, Dallas Premier 17 Mizuno.(Read full post)

By Kirstin Olsen, Special to ESPN RISE

A year ago today, marked a special event in volleyball history. The U.S. Men's National Team struck gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, USA Volleyball's first indoor gold medal in 20 years. ESPN RISE caught up with outside hitter Reid Priddy and peppered him with questions about his journey to the gold medal match and his life today.

Reid Priddy and his friends from the National Team celebrate the anniversary of their gold medal victory.  Catch it live tonight, on a Radio/Web Stream Podcast with video at The Volleyball Network from 5pm-7pm (PT).

Q & A with Reid Priddy

ESPN RISE: When did you get involved in volleyball?
Priddy: I was 15 years old and I was first introduced to Volleyball in PE class.  The coach saw something and encouraged me to tryout for the team at school.  I did, and fell in love with it.
 
Did you play other sports growing up?
Yes, soccer for like 11 years...baseball, basketball...

Where did you go to high school?
Freshman year I went to Lake Mary High School in Florida and then we moved to Phoenix, and I finished at Mountain Pointe High School (they just won their seventh state title this season!).(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Brett Anderson of the Riptides O.C. 17 Orange team spoke to ESPN RISE Volleyball after his team earned first place at the Boys Classic, hosted by Southern California Volleyball Association (SCVA).  Riptides O.C. defeated the tournament favorite, Orange Coast Volleyball Club (OCVC) 17-1 in the final. 

The junior setter looks forward to the J.O.'s hosted by USA Volleyball.  His team finished as the runner up in the Boys Invitational that hosted over 300 teams from around the nation.  This recent first place finish, he hopes, will help his team in the Junior Olympic Championship in Atlanta, Ga.

Video Link

By Christine Jinbo

	Courtesy Underwood Family
	Matt Underwood, kiss of death on the outside for Rancho Bernardo.

As the season comes to a close, ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 47 Rancho Bernardo (San Diego, Calif.) High School standout Matt Underwood and his team have one more chance at glory.  After Rancho Bernardo fell to La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) in the CIF San Diego Secion Div. I final, the Broncos now face No. 2 Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.) in the first round of the CIF State Regional Tournament tonight.

Teams across the country ended their seasons and as coaches write their banquet speeches, the player spotlight feature on ESPN RISE Volleyball stretches to the limit to bring programs, teams and players recognition.
&nb...

(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Nominations for the Player Spotlight of the Week on ESPN RISE Volleyball must compete with other national candidates and with staff recommendations.  Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton, Ill.) Head Coach Bill Schreier nominated two players, both worthy of national recognition.  With a plate full of candidates, two from No. 4 Wheaton Warrenville South made the cut. (Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Neill Nystrom of Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton, Ill.) High School, a 6-foot-10 senior outside hitter is this week's ESPN RISE Volleyball player spotlight of the week and a diamond in the rough.  Named to the all tournament team at the Richards Invitational where the Tigers bested ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 7 Marist (Chicago) and No. 10 Glenbard East (Lombard), Wheaton Warrenville South took home the tournament crown.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Matt Mirick of ESPN RISE FAB 50 No. 2 Loyola (Los Angeles, Calif.) is one of two honorees this week

	Leonard Xu
	Mirick, from Loyola High School to Loyola University, Cub to Rambler

for the ESPN RISE Volleyball Spotlight Player of the Week.  The 6-foot-1 senior setter from the volleyball mecca of Manhattan Beach (Calif.) leads the Mission League with an average of 47 assists per match.   

Mirick learned the sport at age 12 when he played on the beach with his dad, Larry. Both of Mirick's parents, Larry and Christine, are big influences in their son's life and founded, MB Surf, a volleyball club based on teaching the fundamentals of the sport.

When asked who inspires him, Mirick answers simply, "My dad.  My high school and club coaches,” as those who inspire him.

As a setter and three-year starter on the varsity squad, Mirick's leadership is integral to the team's success. Loyola Head Coach, Mike Boehle commented on Mirick's role on the team.

"Matt has been our leader day in and day out running our offense and keeping the team focused throughout the year."

Boehle continued, "Being a three-year starter, his experience and leadership are two great qualities to have in a guy who constantly has the ball in his hands.&qu...

(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Taylor Fauntleroy, chosen as one of two players for the ESPN RISE Volleyball Spotlight Player of the Week, attends Santa Barbara (Calif.) High School.  The Dons are currently ranked No. 5 on the ESPN RISE FAB 50.

The NYU commit recorded 242 kills, 59 digs, and 38 blocks in the past two years as a varsity starter.  Over the last five years the Dons achieved a perfect 39-0 record in the Channel League.  His overall outstanding play, his leadership and ability to make everyone around him better helped the Dons en route to their perfect mark and made Fauntleroy a perfect fit for this honor.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Gregory Herceg of St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio) High School is one of two honorees for the ESPN RISE Volleyball player spotlight of the week.  The 6-foot-4, senior opposite hitter broke the all time school record for kills with 18, in a three set match and earned all tournament honors for his performance at the Wolf Classic (Worthington, Ohio).

	Courtesy St. Ignatius Athletic Dept.
	Herceg has twice broken the school record for kills this season.

Herceg, like our other ESPN RISE Volleyball honoree exhibits excellence in his athletic and academic performances and volunteers in the community.  The Ohio Northern commit, like many athletes who dedicate themselves to excellence, is a team player, a dual sport athlete, a honor roll student and dedicates time to service in the community.

As team captain, Herceg sets the standard for leadership and support for his teammates.

"When Greg gets a kill, he celebrates loudly." remarked head coach Casey Marcelo on Herceg's team mentality.

Marcelo continued, "But what's more impressive is that he celebrates louder when a teammate does something equally well."

"Greg respects his teammates and provides positive leadership and support in practice and in games," admired Marcelo.

A dual sport athlete, Herceg was the goalkeeper for the Wildcats' soccer team and ended his soccer career with an Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Div. I state championship.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Eric Mochalski of Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) High School is one of two honorees this week for the ESPN RISE Volleyball player spotlight of the week.  The 6-foot-5, junior recently switched positions from the outside to the middle.  Although this change seems drastic for any athlete, Mochalski took it in stride and earned MVP honors at the Karch Kiraly Tournament of Champions (Santa Barbara, Calif.) in the new spot.  

	Leonard Xu for ESPN RISE
	Mochalski skys above the net for the Mustangs.

Mira Costa Co-Head Coach Mike Ninnis commented about the transition the coaches asked of Mochalski.

"When asked to switch positions midway through the season, Eric didn't hesitate, knowing that his sacrifice would strengthen the team.”  

Ninnis continued about Mochalski's unselfish play, "He does not need reminding that his success is dependent upon every member of this team."

"He is unselfishly dedicated to making his team better," he added.

Although the switch to the middle blocker position came midyear, it was not an unfamiliar position to the gifted athlete.  Last year as a sophomore, Mochalski started at middle for the Mustangs on their CIF Southern Section Div. I championship team and earned the Rookie of the Year award.  During the club season, he made the switch to outside.

The middle position, often deemed the hardest working position, requires athletes who fill the role to have the right mindset. 

"Eric is not only athletically gifted, but is constantly driven to improve upon all aspects of his game," commented Ninnis.   (Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Anthony Randolph of Bishop Watterson (Columbus, Ohio) High School received this week's honor as the player spotlight of the week for ESPN RISE Volleyball.  So far this season, the 6-foot-5 senior's all around play contributed to an impressive stat list. In his first five matches, Randolph collected: 76 kills, 15.2 kills per match average, .406 kill percentage, 14 aces, 26 blocks, 55 digs and 97 percent passing accuracy.

	Stephen C. Hood
	IPFW bound Anthony Randolph goes for the angle kill.

Bishop Watterson Head Coach Larry Worth stresses the importance of leadership with Randolph.

"We talk a lot about leaving your legacy through those you lead, rather than the stats you produce.  He has really latched onto this belief."

Worth continued, "Through becoming more passionate about this leadership, his overall performance on the court has really gone to the next level."

Last year as a junior, Randolph received first team all-state honors and East Region Central Ohio Player of the Year as well as being selected the team MVP.

Randolph began playing volleyball in sixth grade.  

"My older brothers played and got me into it," said Randolph.

The 6-foot-5 outside hitter committed to play at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) and follow in his brother Mike's footsteps.

The IPFW bound senior reflected on his goals and influences and continued, "I want to be the best player possible.  My brothers and high school coach inspire me to work hard to accomplish my goals."

When Randolph looked into schools for college he kept it all in the family.

"My brother (Mike) played at IPFW a few years ago.  I was looking into many different schools to play, when Mike talked to the coaches at IPFW. I visited campus and I loved it!  I made my decision that weekend."

Worth commented on Randolph's impact as a player.

"It has been a pleasure to witness Anthony mature into the player and person he is today.  What impresses me the most about Anthony, this season, is his transformation into the leader his team needs him to be." (Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Brett Strawhun, chosen as the player spotlight of the week for ESPN RISE Volleyball, attends De Smet Jesuit (Creve Coeur, Mo.) High School.  The Spartan volleyball team, ranked No. 7 in the ESPN RISE FAB 50, recently knocked off two No. 3 teams, Wheaton Warrenville South (Wheaton Ill.) and St. Louis University (St. Louis, Mo.) High School.

	Leonard Xu
	Strawhun jousts on the opposite side of the net.

The 6-foot-2 senior outside hitter started for the Spartans since his freshman year.  This season, the senior earned MVP honors at the Wheaton Warrenville South Tiger Classic in a field of 24 schools from three states.  The De Smet team made the 250-mile trek to its neighboring state and defeated the host school for the tournament championship. 

Strawhun commits himself to volleyball, his school community and draws inspiration from his family. He plays club volleyball for St. Louis High Performance where he earned all-tournament honors at the USA Volleyball Junior Olympic Championships. He also received All-Metro honors as a starting wide receiver on the Spartan football team. 

As a student, he strives to overcome a learning disorder in reading and lends his time as an active member of the Big Brothers program, a mentoring program where seniors help freshman adjust to high school life.

According to Mrs. Susan Murray, moderator of the Big Brother program, Strawhun was selected from his application at the end of his junior year to be one of the 35 De Smet Big Brothers from over 100 applicants.  Seniors who are selected, attend training and learn how to lead small group discussions with freshmen during retreats and throughout the year during freshmen advisory sessions. 

Murray commented on the program's impact, "They generally help the next generation of Spartans to become 'Men for Others'".  She continued, "Brett has been an excellent role model for the freshmen students and has done an exceptional job as a De Smet Big Brother."

...

(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Videos, pictures and conversation, can be found on the ESPNRISEVolleyball group page.  Join the group and join the conversation.

Follow the links below to navigate to the group site:

1) Register here it's FREE… so you can join the group and see all the latest on the group page!

2) Check out the group by clicking the tabs within the group or click the links below:

a) Videos   
b) Photos   
c) Leave comments on all the latest volleyball.  
d) Create your own sting of comments on the Comment Wall 

By Christine Jinbo

	Christine Jinbo/ESPN RISE
	Taylor Sander's beach ball control helps on the hard wood.

Boys volleyball season is here and ESPN RISE Volleyball is putting the finishing touches on the Pre-Season FAB 50. Before the release of the anticipated rankings, we will feature a few high school standouts, who proved themselves in other league or off season play.

We caught up with Taylor Sander of Norco High School who had a tremendous off-season.  Sander took home an armful of hardware this summer as he competed with his club team, on the beach and with the USAV Junior National Team at the NORCECA Youth World Championships in Mexico.

First, Sander's club team, Orange Coast Volleyball Club (OCVC), earned bronze at the USA Volleyball Junior Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.  After club season, Sander attended the AAU Beach Junior National Championships in Hermosa Beach where he received the Player of the Year Award, which honors a female athlete and a male athlete who performed well on the 2007 beach tour and showed good sportsmanship.  

As if a medal and a plaque were not enough, he made the final cut for the USA Volleyball Junior National Team.  After making it through the USAV High Performance tryout process and earning a spot on the team, Sander competed with the Junior National Team in Mexico for a bid to the NORCECA World Championships in Italy in the summer of 2009 and won gold.(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

	Courtesy Christine Mirick
	Sean Cotter and Evan Licht.

ESPN RISE Volleyball shines the light on junior Olympic boys' volleyball with a profile of Manhattan Beach Surf Volleyball Club based in Manhattan Beach, California.   This newly founded club in 2004, achieved national success and formed two additional teams this year as it expands on its firm foundation.  The second installment, features a recruiting profile on each member of the MB Surf 18-1 team with comments by Coach John Beckwith.

...

(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

	Courtesy Christine Mirick
	Chad Smith takes a rip for MB Surf.

ESPN RISE Volleyball shines the light on junior Olympic boys' volleyball with a profile of Manhattan Beach Surf Volleyball Club based in Manhattan Beach, California.   This newly founded club in 2004, achieved national success and formed two additional teams this year as it expands on its firm foundation.

...

(Read full post)

By ESPN RISE Staff

UCLA freshman Kyle Caldwell made the jump from high school to college and did not miss a beat as the starting opposite hitter for the Bruins. This Newport Harbor alumnus led his high school and junior national teams to great finishes last year.  As a setter, Caldwell helped Newport Harbor to a CIF Div. I Southern Section Finals, then joined the USA Volleyball Junior National Team and captured the bronze medal in El Salvador,

	Courtesy Caldwell Family
	Kyle Caldwell

Mexico.  The 6-foot-8 lefty is no longer a big fish in a small pond, but a bear on campus.  Caldwell took some time out to answer our questions of what life is like as a Bruin.

ESPN RISE Volleyball (VB): How is college practice different than HS practice?
Kyle Caldwell (KC): College practice, you play more instead of doing a lot of drills.

...

(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

Torrie Campbell, who led her Amarillo High girls volleyball team to its third straight state title in Texas, has been chosen as the latest ESPN RISE National Athlete of the Week for 2008-09 school year.

The ESPN RISE high school athletes of the week program will honor five football players and 10 non-football players each week for the rest of the fall season and will be selected by a panel of contributors.

...

(Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

The ESPN RISE high school athletes of the week program honors five football players and ten non-football players each week for the fall season.  A panel of contributors from around the nation selects the honorees each week.

	Courtesy of Cherry Creek High School
	Baird waits to block at the net.

Our girls honoree for this week comes from the undefeated No. 20 Cherry Creek High School volleyball team (31-0) in Greenwood Village, Colo.  Carrie Baird, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter, was named MVP of the Colorado state tournament after recording a match-high 15 kills as the nationally-ranked Bruins remained undefeated and defeated Centennial League rival Grandview, 28-26, 25-11, 25-11.(Read full post)

For this week's girls honoree, we take our second trip to Orange County where we honor a cheerful, humble young woman who talked mostly "team rather than "me. Of

	ESPN RISE
	Kylie Hargreaves.

two things she has in common with several previous award winners is she can spike volleyballs!  

By Harold Abend, Special to ESPN RISE Volleyball.

Note: Remember, we are looking for those student-athletes who had a standout performance in their sport from the previous week, but we also are looking for a balance between athletic achievement, academic work in the classroom, community service or overcoming adversity. Send nominations to mark@studentsports.com.

Kylie Hargreaves has two things in common with previous Girls State Athlete of the Week volleyball winners Kristina Graven of ESPNRISE High School Volleyball FAB 50 No. 1 Archbishop Mitty (San Jose), Lauren Corp of Orange Lutheran (Orange), Krista Vansant of Redlands East Valley and Kendall Polan of the La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad) team Kylie and her Eagles teammates knocked out of the FAB 50 top spot with a 2-1 (25-21, 15-25, 25-21) victory Nov. 1 in the finals of the Redondo Power Classic.

All four are dominant players and team leaders.
(Read full post)

 By Christine Jinbo

The ESPN RISE high school athletes of the week program honors five football players and ten non-football players each week for the fall season. A panel of contributors from around the nation helps  select the honorees each week.

Kelly Kolich, a senior girls volleyball player from St. James Academy (Lenexa, Kan.), was chosen as the latest ESPN RISE Volleyball Athlete of the Week for the 2008-09 school year.  The senior 5-foot-10 outside hitter has been outstanding all season and last week she had 23 kills as ESPN RISE No. 9 ranked St. James won its sub-state tournament. (Read full post)

By Christine Jinbo

	Courtesy of Mother McAuley
	Kelly Griffin

The ESPN RISE high school athletes of the week program honors five football players and ten non-football players each week for the fall season. A panel of contributors from around the nation helps to select the honorees each week.  Of those athletes chosen for the ESPN RISE Athlete of the Week, one boy and one girl athlete are selected as the National Athlete of the Week.

Kelly Griffin, a girls volleyball player from Mother McAuley High of Chicago, was chosen as the latest ESPN RISE National Girls Athletes of the Week for the 2008-09 school year.(Read full post)

Ryan Finley, a boys soccer player from Rancocas Valley High of Lumberton, N.J., and Ashley Brasovan, a girls cross country runner from Wellington High of Wellington, Fla., have been selected as the fifth ESPN RISE National Boys and Girls Athletes of the Week for the 2008-09 school year.(Read full post)

Posted by Scott Lieber.

Typically, the A5 Mizuno Volleyball in Atlanta club forbids prospective athletes from arriving late to tryouts. But when Erica Miller saw Atlanta's crown jewel walk on the hardwood, she just had to make an exception.

	Jason Braverman
	Monique Mead was rated among the Top 50 players in the Class of 2009 by PrepVolleyball.com.

"She walked in the second night of tryouts, and I thought it was a gift from God," says Miller, the club's U16 team coach. "She's that type of athlete."...

(Read full post)

Posted by Scott Lieber.

Tiffany Jacobson thought she had slept funny, because when she woke up one morning last winter the entire left side of her body felt tingly and numb. Strange, she thought. But she carried on as normally as possible that chilly February morning. Then, when she got in the car to drive herself to school, her left hand couldn't feel the cold of the steering wheel.

	ESPN RISE
	Tiffany Jacobson led Reservoir to a class 3A Maryland Volleyball title.

The numbness persisted, and a few days later Jacobson lost hearing in her left ear. Not long after that, she woke up and couldn't walk straight.

...

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