The Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) has officially unveiled its All-State teams for the 2024 TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association) volleyball season. These teams recognize the exceptional skill, determination, and dedication displayed by the state’s finest players across various classifications. From powerful outside hitters to game-changing liberos, this year’s honorees highlight the rising stars and seasoned veterans who have helped elevate Tennessee volleyball to new heights.
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This year’s selections showcase incredible talent from a diverse group of schools, ranging from Class AAA powerhouses to up-and-coming teams in Class A and Division II. Whether the athletes were leading their teams to state championships or earning individual honors through stellar play, these athletes have undoubtedly left their mark on the 2024 season.
Class AAA: Dominance at the Top
The Class AAA All-State team is a tribute to Tennessee’s elite volleyball players. In this highly competitive division, outside hitters shine, including the standout Kaira Knox of Nolensville, a senior who has been instrumental in her team’s success. Knox, a versatile player with the ability to dominate both offensively and defensively, helped Nolensville secure another state championship this year. Her dynamic performance during the 2024 Class AAA Girls’ Volleyball State Championship, where she celebrated points against powerhouse Brentwood, exemplifies her unmatched skill and leadership on the court.
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Other notable players in this class include Eliza McKnight of Brentwood, an outside hitter who displayed remarkable consistency throughout the season, and Mia Poag from Nolensville, who, alongside Knox, was a pivotal player in her team’s championship victory. The outside hitters’ lineup also includes Georgia Dobson of East Hamilton, a senior whose agility and athleticism were key to her team’s success.
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The middle hitter category also features some formidable players, such as Chennille McClellan from Maryville, whose blocking and attacking abilities set her apart. Daisy Oatsvall from Brentwood, another junior, also earned a spot in this prestigious group with her impressive performances throughout the season.
Class AA: Rising Stars
In Class AA, several athletes showcased their potential, and this year’s selections feature a combination of seasoned players and rising stars. The outside hitter position is packed with talent, such as Anarela Mejias-Ayala from Valor Prep, a sophomore who impressed with her skill set and maturity on the court. Other honorees in this position include Ella Brannan of Gibbs and Alyssa Meier from Anderson County, both of whom helped their teams perform at the highest level.
Middle hitters in Class AA also stood out, particularly Kerrington Corbin from Valor Prep, another sophomore who showed immense promise. Rylee Key of Dyer County and Becca Rogers from Signal Mountain also made the list, showcasing their impressive blocking and attacking techniques.
In the serving category, Elle Ramsey from Signal Mountain and Addison Winton of Gibbs made an impact with their consistent serves that set the tone for their respective teams. Meanwhile, Adyson Bennett from Stone Memorial and Fehnly Sneed from Soddy-Daisy earned well-deserved recognition as two of the top liberos in the state.
Class A: Excellence in the Lower Classifications
Class A may not always receive the same level of attention as Class AAA, but the athletes in this division demonstrated that talent can emerge from all levels. The outside hitters in this class are just as impressive as their counterparts in higher divisions. Enslee Norwood from Sale Creek and Katie Pennington of East Robertson both earned spots on the team, with Norwood’s leadership and Pennington’s powerful attacking play helping their teams reach new heights.
Middle hitters like Millie Emmerson from Summertown and Savanna Moore from CSAS brought fierce competitiveness and skill to the court, leading their teams through tough matchups and playing a significant role in their success this season.
In the serving category, Becca Heineman from Loretto and Izzy Smith of East Robertson earned recognition for their powerful serves that kept opposing teams on their toes. Meanwhile, Loretto’s Aubrey Ezell and East Robertson’s Allye Pennington were two of the top liberos in the state, making crucial defensive plays throughout the season.
Division II-AA: Private School Powerhouses
The Division II-AA classification brought together some of the finest athletes from private schools across Tennessee. The outside hitter list is led by Breya Dawson from Briarcrest Christian, a sophomore with explosive energy, and Gailey Laster of Briarcrest Christian, a senior who proved to be one of the most consistent and reliable players in the state. Mia Kinney and Alex Mendillo from Knox Catholic were also standout performers, showcasing both offensive and defensive prowess for their respective teams.
The middle hitter category in Division II-AA featured players like Addilyn Kegerreis from Baylor School and Cadence Nichols from Girls Preparatory School, who both impressed with their blocking and attacking abilities.
In the serving category, Bella Burk from Father Ryan and Sarah O’Connor from Briarcrest Christian earned praise for their precision and consistency, while liberos Heidi Green from Father Ryan and Mary Catherine Hall from Lipscomb Academy solidified their spots with exceptional defensive performances.
Division II-A: A New Wave of Talent
Finally, Division II-A presented another exciting group of athletes, many of whom are underclassmen with bright futures ahead. Darby Felts from Lakeway Christian, Gwen Forsha from Goodpasture Christian, and Sadie Kroeger from Providence Christian are all players to watch as they continue to develop their skills. Felts, a junior, brought leadership to Lakeway Christian’s attack, while Forsha and Kroeger stood out for their impressive work ethic and consistent performances throughout the season.
Middle hitters like Kendall Stansbury from Grace Christian Academy-Knoxville and Avery Towe from Goodpasture Christian showed their dominance in the net, while servers Addison Adair from Lakeway Christian and Mallory Dobbs from Battle Ground Academy impressed with their serving consistency.
Libero Addison Burks from Middle Tennessee Christian and Maddy James from Goodpasture Christian made critical defensive plays throughout the season, solidifying their places as two of the top liberos in Division II-A.
A Future Full of Promise
The 2024 TSSAA volleyball season in Tennessee has been an exciting journey, with rising stars and seasoned veterans shining on the court. As the All-State teams reflect, Tennessee is home to some of the most skilled and dedicated volleyball players in the country. These athletes have not only excelled individually but have also contributed to the overall growth and success of the sport in the state.
With many of these players still in high school, the future of Tennessee volleyball looks incredibly promising. From the Class AAA heavyweights like Nolensville to the rising talents in Class A and Division II, there is no doubt that Tennessee’s volleyball scene will continue to thrive in the coming years.
These athletes’ hard work, passion, and skill are an inspiration to aspiring volleyball players everywhere, and the 2024 All-State selections are just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for Tennessee volleyball.
