Rising Star: How Adriana Dorn Became a Volleyball Force to Be Reckoned With

Early Beginnings: A Family Legacy of Volleyball

Adriana Dorn has always been destined for the volleyball court. From the moment she was born into a family where volleyball was more than just a game but a way of life, it seemed only natural that she would pick up the sport. Her parents, both passionate about volleyball, met while playing the game, and as Dorn recalls, she was peppering with them long before she even set foot on a formal court. By the age of 11, she was playing club volleyball and immediately fell in love with the sport. The rest, as they say, is history.

A Stellar Junior Season: Dominating the Court

Fast forward to her junior season, and Dorn has already made an indelible mark on the volleyball world. A two-time section champion, one of the most efficient hitters in the section, and a Division I prospect, Dorn has proven time and time again that she has what it takes to compete at the highest level. But what truly sets her apart is her relentless work ethic and her deep love for the game.

“I’ve just had so much fun playing and competing at a high level,” she says, reflecting on her journey so far.

Dorn’s junior year was nothing short of spectacular. As the Trans-Valley League (TVL) MVP, she led her team to both the TVL and Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV championships, finishing among the top five in the section in multiple offensive categories. Her numbers were impressive: 456 kills, 105 aces, and an outstanding hitting percentage of 0.385 in just 96 sets played. She finished the season fifth in the section in kills, second in hitting percentage, and third in aces—no other player in the section finished in the top five in all three categories. Her performances were so remarkable that she earned a spot in the top 21 in each category across California.

Ripon’s Dominance: A Team Effort

However, Dorn’s individual success did not overshadow her team’s achievements. Ripon finished the season with an impressive 30-3 record, securing the program’s second consecutive 30-win season. This type of dominance was reminiscent of Ripon’s glory years between 2006 and 2010, when the team consistently racked up over 30 wins each season. Dorn’s team went a perfect 12-0 in TVL play, winning their second consecutive undefeated league title. The team dropped only one set during league play and swept their way through the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV playoffs, including 22 sweeps across 33 games. This level of dominance placed Ripon as the No. 4 team in the section.

Reflecting on her team’s success, Dorn said, “At the beginning of the season, we had three goals: to win TVL, return to the section playoffs, and win this time. I’m just so proud of what we’ve accomplished. We’ve worked so hard together.”

The Road to Redemption: Ripon’s Title Victory

The 2024 season was especially meaningful for Dorn and her teammates. After winning the 2022 section championship, the team suffered a tough defeat in last season’s Division IV title game, where they were swept by Ripon Christian. Entering 2024 with a chip on their shoulder, the team was determined not to feel that sting again. They swept Woodland in the first round, Union Mine in the quarterfinals, and Bear River in the semifinals, setting up a championship match against Liberty Ranch.

In the championship game, Dorn put on a stellar performance, recording a game-high 14 kills and hitting 0.435 in a 3-0 sweep of Liberty Ranch, securing Ripon’s second section title in just three varsity seasons. For Dorn, this victory was especially sweet. “A lot of the season was about the seniors,” she explains. “We had seven seniors on the team, and putting them first and helping them have a great season was our main goal.”

Versatility on the Court: Outside Hitter and Setter

This victory was Dorn’s third straight title game appearance and her second section championship. As a freshman, she was part of the team that won the 2022 Division IV title, proving that her success is no fluke.

While Dorn’s prowess as an outside hitter is undeniable, she is also an exceptional setter—perhaps even better in that role. Though she has played sparingly as a setter for Ripon, it is her primary position during club season, where she runs the offense for Rage Volleyball Club. This versatility is a key part of her success, and it’s no surprise that she has attracted Division I interest as both a setter and an outside hitter.

“It’s been a bit of a challenge at times switching positions, but I love being able to play both roles,” Dorn says of her transition from setter to outside hitter for the high school season. “It gives me a new perspective on the game and helps me grow as a player.”

Looking to the Future: Senior Season and Beyond

Looking ahead to her senior year, Dorn is already focused on the future. She hopes to guide Ripon to another deep playoff run, including a third Sac-Joaquin Section championship and a potential state championship. Whether she plays as an outside hitter or returns to setting remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Dorn’s impact on the court will continue to be felt.

As for her post-high school plans, Dorn is determined to keep her options open. With her talent and dedication, it’s only a matter of time before she takes the next step in her volleyball career, potentially at the Division I level. Wherever she plays, however, it’s clear that Adriana Dorn’s legacy will be one of excellence, leadership, and relentless pursuit of greatness.