The inaugural All-Piney Woods Volleyball Awards celebrated a historic season for the sport in the region. In 2025, the launch of a new volleyball program at Harleton and significant achievements by student-athletes highlighted a remarkable year. A total of 49 players were nominated for the awards, with selections made by head coaches from schools including Elysian Fields, Hallsville, Harleton, Jefferson, Marshall, and Waskom.
Outstanding Players Recognized
The Most Valuable Player award was presented to Kaycin Farrell of Hallsville. The junior athlete played a pivotal role in leading the Hallsville Lady Cats to a strong overall record of 31-10 and an undefeated 16-0 in District 10-5A. Farrell’s exceptional performance included 402 kills, 302 digs, and 68 aces during the season. She recorded a hitting percentage of .371 and achieved the milestone of 1000 kills early in the season at Volleypalooza in Austin.
The Offensive Player of the Year award went to Madison Owens from Elysian Fields. As a senior, Owens was instrumental in guiding her team to a 14-29 overall record and a 3-7 finish in District 20-2A. She tallied 407 kills and secured a position on the 1st team all-district roster. Owens surpassed 1000 kills during a match against Waskom on October 4.
Defensive excellence was exemplified by Danika Cantu of Marshall, who earned the title of Defensive Player of the Year. The junior libero achieved 591 digs, 25 aces, and a remarkable 1.98 serve receive rating in 107 sets. Cantu’s contributions were vital in leading the Lady Mavericks to a 24-16 overall season, their best since 2021.
Newcomer of the Year honors were awarded to Kylee Fernandez of Hallsville. In her first varsity season, the sophomore showcased her talent with 231 kills and was recognized as the Co-Blocker of the Year in District 10-5A.
The Coach of the Year title was given to Tara Wager of Hallsville. Under her leadership, the Lady Cats achieved an impressive undefeated district championship and advanced to the bi-district round of the Class 5A Division II playoffs. Wager’s strategy involved facing some of the toughest competition in East Texas, which prepared her team for a successful season.
All-Piney Woods Volleyball Teams Announced
The All-Piney Woods volleyball teams were also revealed, showcasing the depth of talent in the region.
First Team selections included:
– Middle Blockers: Madi Farrell (Hallsville), Kylee Fernandez (Hallsville), Kinlee Smith (Marshall)
– Outside Hitters: Madison Owens (Elysian Fields), Kaycin Farrell (Hallsville), Michelle Hernandez (Waskom)
– Setter: Lilly Fry (Hallsville)
– Libero/Defensive Specialist: Holly Roberts (Harleton), Danika Cantu (Marshall)
– Utility: Payton Myers (Waskom)
The Second Team featured:
– Middle Blockers: Reagan McCarty (Harleton), Nia Newhouse (Marshall), Alyson Quintena (Waskom)
– Outside Hitters: Elizabeth Hale (Hallsville), Ella Kate Runnels (Marshall), Kyleigh Miner (Waskom)
– Setter: Kaleigh Presley (Elysian Fields)
– Libero/Defensive Specialist: Taylor Youngblood (Elysian Fields), Jada Spencer (Waskom)
– Utility: AnnaBelle Bunger (Harleton)
The Third Team included:
– Middle Blockers: Cloey Davis (Elysian Fields), Stormi McNeil (Jefferson), Alex Stevens (Marshall)
– Outside Hitters: Layla Adkins (Elysian Fields), Kaleigh Merritt (Elysian Fields), D’Aubrena Stoker (Marshall)
– Setter: Addi Watkins (Marshall)
– Libero/Defensive Specialist: Lyla Evans (Hallsville), Brooklyn Clark (Jefferson)
– Utility: Maggie Pringle (Marshall)
Additionally, several players received honorable mentions, reflecting the extensive talent pool across the Piney Woods volleyball landscape.
The 2025 volleyball season not only marked the introduction of a new program but also highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of young athletes, setting a high bar for future competitions in the Piney Woods region.
