The excitement of high school volleyball is not just about winning titles—it’s about the dedication, teamwork, and personal growth of players who spend countless hours perfecting their skills. The 2024 volleyball season in Centralia, Washington, has been a prime example of these qualities, highlighted by remarkable athletes who have made their mark on the court. Among them, Karsyn Freeman stands out as one of the most celebrated players of the year, guiding the Adna Pirates to the pinnacle of success. However, Freeman is just one of many stars in this year’s All-Area Volleyball Team, which represents the best and brightest in the region. Let’s take a closer look at the players who made this season unforgettable.
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Karsyn Freeman: A Legacy in the Making
Two years ago, Karsyn Freeman was playing for Raymond High School, where she earned first-team All-P2BL honors and led the Seagulls to a successful 17-6 season. But when she transferred to Adna, the trajectory of her career—and the Pirates’ fortunes—would change forever. Freeman was eager to join the Pirates, knowing that her skills could help take the team to new heights. “I was very excited,” she said with a smile. “I knew I could make a difference.”
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And she did. Freeman played a pivotal role in Adna’s near-perfect seasons, leading the team to an undefeated regular season and district championship in 2024. The Pirates would eventually reach the state title game, though they fell short against Manson, which claimed its second consecutive state title. Despite the loss, Freeman’s individual performance was nothing short of spectacular. She finished the season with 565 kills, 347 digs, 107 aces, and 15 blocks. Her outstanding achievements earned her the C2BL MVP award, marking Adna’s second consecutive MVP title after Kendall Humphrey’s win in 2023.
But Freeman’s success is about more than just numbers. Under the guidance of head coach Wendie Dotson, Freeman and her teammates formed a senior class that was described as “the best group” Dotson had ever coached in her four decades of leadership. “We’ve put in so much work,” Freeman said. “We told each other that we’re going to come back and do everything we can.” Their efforts paid off, making the team a consistent contender for state championships.
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Freeman’s volleyball success is not just limited to the court. She’s also an exceptional athlete in track and basketball, earning league MVP honors in basketball and becoming a back-to-back discus champion in track. Though Freeman’s path after high school is still undecided, she’s sure of one thing: she will look back on her volleyball career with pride. “I’m going to miss it,” she said.
The Supporting Cast: Adna’s Senior Class
Freeman’s success would not have been possible without the efforts of her teammates, particularly the other members of Adna’s senior class. Kendall Humphrey, who had already earned MVP honors in 2023, followed up with another stellar performance in 2024. Humphrey finished the season with 364 kills, 285 digs, 65 blocks, and 48 aces, which earned her a spot on the WSVCA All-State Second Team. Her versatility and consistency made her one of the most valuable players on the team.
Danika Hallom, another senior standout, was a true jack-of-all-trades for Adna. With 328 digs, 320 kills, 54 aces, and 24 blocks, Hallom earned a WSVCA Honorable Mention. Her all-around contributions were vital in keeping the Pirates on track throughout the season. Together with Freeman and Humphrey, Hallom helped solidify Adna’s position as one of the most formidable teams in the state.
The Rising Stars
While Adna’s seniors dominated the spotlight, several other players across the area also made their mark. Emalie Jacoby of Onalaska followed up a stellar freshman season with an equally impressive sophomore campaign. Jacoby tallied 469 digs, 409 kills, and 65 aces, showcasing her all-around abilities. Her strong serve, with a 93% accuracy rate, helped lead the Loggers to the brink of a state tournament appearance.
Karli Phelps of Pe Ell also made a significant impact. Phelps helped lead the Trojans to the 1B State Tournament for the first time since 2012, recording 130 digs, 107 kills, 59 aces, and 42 assists. Her dynamic play and leadership were key to Pe Ell’s success this season.
Allyson Ooms of Rainier was another standout player, helping the Mountaineers secure a second-straight top-five finish at state. Ooms posted 282 digs, 231 kills, 28 aces, and 19 blocks, demonstrating her all-around prowess and resilience.
The Playmakers: Setters Who Made a Difference
Setters are the quarterbacks of volleyball—players who control the pace of the game and facilitate offensive plays. Adna’s Gaby Guard was one of the top setters of the season, recording an impressive 1,095 assists to go along with 277 digs, 48 aces, and 30 blocks. Guard’s playmaking ability earned her a spot on the All-State First Team and solidified her place as one of the top players in the area.
Erin Cournyer of Mossyrock also made her mark as a setter, earning first-team All-C2BL honors and a WSVCA Honorable Mention. Cournyer tallied 708 assists, 215 digs, 130 kills, and 42 aces, serving with a 96% accuracy rate. Her steady leadership and consistent play were crucial to Mossyrock’s success this season.
McKenna Smith of Centralia proved to be a key contributor for the Tigers, finishing with 285 assists, 228 digs, 123 kills, 54 aces, and 33 blocks. Smith’s ability to control the game and distribute the ball made her a vital part of Centralia’s offensive game plan.
The Defenders: Libero Excellence
The libero is often considered the backbone of the defense, and this year’s crop of liberos didn’t disappoint. Taylor Schwartz of Mossyrock was a standout defender, earning a WSVCA All-State Honorable Mention after posting 536 digs to help the Vikings reach the 2B State Tournament.
Emily Kang of Napavine also had an exceptional season, recording over 1,000 total digs and serving at an impressive 96.9% clip. Kang’s ability to read the game and keep the ball in play made her one of the top liberos in the region.
Lalie Betschart of Tumwater also impressed with over 700 total digs, including 387 serve-receive digs. Her stellar defensive work helped Tumwater return to the state tournament, where she earned a spot on the WSVCA All-State Second Team.
A Season to Remember
The 2024 volleyball season was one of triumphs, challenges, and unforgettable moments. From Karsyn Freeman’s standout performances to the all-around efforts of players like Kendall Humphrey, Emalie Jacoby, and Karli Phelps, this season was a testament to the skill and dedication of the area’s top athletes. Whether it was setting, hitting, defending, or leading their teams to victory, each player on the All-Area Volleyball Team played a vital role in making this season one to remember. As the dust settles on the 2024 season, the memories and achievements of these athletes will continue to inspire future generations of volleyball players in Centralia and beyond.
