LANGLEY — Welcome to our 10th birthday party!
Yes, this idea hatched back in 2009 by B.C.’s community of post-secondary volleyball coaches while I was still on staff at The Province newspaper, has now endured a full decade.
Of course, we’re talking about the Varsity Letters’ Super 15, our annual list celebrating the best Grade 12 talent in B.C.’s girls and boys high school volleyball.
Last year’s list was our first through VarsityLetters.ca, and it was easily one of the most well-read features since this site’s launch on Feb. 1, 2017.
Once again, we can’t thank enough the combined efforts of B.C.’s U Sports and NCAA coaches for their anonymous, behind-the-scenes work and co-operation in making The Super 15 a reality each season.
We’ve got the girls Top 15 list today, as voted on by the coaches of B.C.’s U Sports and NCAA programs, with the boys list to follow tomorrow!
1 Cecilee Max-Brown
School — Earl Marriott (Surrey)
Height — 6-foot-1
Position — Outside
Avg. rank — 1.0
Freshman’s future — Oregon State (NCAA Div. 1)
The coaches say — Dynamic athlete who has the ability to score the ball from a variety of angles, from both the front and back row. Complete six rotation player with a high ceiling to be successful at the next level.
2 Jadyn van Santen
School — Crofton House (Vancouver)
Height — 6-foot-0
Position — Outside
Avg. rank — 2.0
Freshman’s future — St. Mary’s (CA) NCAA Div. 1
The coaches say — Versatile, all-round volleyball player who shines in the front court and back court. She’s got a large attacking range and always makes an impact for her team.
3 Serena Gentile
School — Heritage Woods (Port Moody)
Height — 6-foot-1
Position — Setter
Avg. rank — 3.0
Freshman’s future — Simon Fraser (NCAA Div. 2)
The coaches say — One of the most physical setters in the province, is an offensive threat and a strong shot-blocking presence ever time she’s in the front row.
4 Tamar Bil
School — Maple Ridge
Height — 6-foot-3
Position — Outside
Avg. rank — 4.0
Freshman’s future — Trinity Western (U Sports)
The coaches say — Has proven that she is not just a tall player who can block and hit. She has an aggressive serve, and is a strong passer and defender.
5 Arden Copping
School — Earl Marriott (Surrey)
Height — 5-foot-11
Position — OH/S (beach)
Avg. rank — 5.4
Freshman’s future — Alabama-Birmingham NCAA Div. 1, beach)
The coaches say — One of the more versatile players in the age group, having played multiple positions at a very high level.
6 Kirsten Kampman
School — Unity Christian (Chilliwack)
Height — n/a
Position — Outside
Avg. rank — 6.4
Freshman’s future — Trinity Western (U Sports)
The coaches say — Her physicality is impressive. She is a great jumper and has a heavy arm. She shows great range as an attacker and has solid back row skills.
7 Shea Baker
School — Crofton House (Vancouver)
Height — 5-foot-10
Position — Setter
Avg. rank — 6.8
Freshman’s future — Queen’s (U Sports)
The coaches say — Is one of the more consistent setters in the age group. She runs a great offence and has a great touch on the ball.
8 Abby Willett
School — Reynolds (Victoria)
Height — 6-foot-1
Position — Middle
Avg. rank — 7.6
Freshman’s future — Simon Fraser (NCAA Div. 2)
The coaches say — An athletic middle blocker who can impact a match with both her attacking and blocking game.
9 Jocelyn Sherman
School — Belmont (Victoria)
Height — 5-foot-10
Position — Outside
Avg. rank — 9.2
Freshman’s future — Simon Fraser (NCAA Div. 2)
The coaches say — A key outside hitter for a perennially strong Belmont team. A six-rotation player who makes big contributions in both the front and back row.
10 Fiona Chen
School — Moscrop (Burnaby)
Height — 6-foot-0
Position — Middle
Avg. rank — 10.2
Freshman’s future — undecided
The coaches say — A dynamic middle blocker whose athleticism shows through when she plays.
11 Gracie May
School — Belmont (Victoria)
Height — 6-foot-1
Position — Middle
Avg. rank — 10.8
Freshman’s future — undecided
The coaches say — A strong, physical middle blocker with versatility and ball control to also play as a pin hitter.
12 Kohl Peters
School — Pacific Academy (Surrey)
Height — 6-foot-1
Position — Middle
Avg. rank — 12.8
Freshman’s future — Ryerson (U Sports)
The coaches say — Her size and physicality can’t be ignored. She has a heavy arm and is an all-around middle who can also pass and serve well.
13 Hanna Kolof
School — York House (Vancouver)
Height — 5-foot-10
Position — Outside
Avg. rank — 13.0
Freshman’s future — Simon Fraser (NCAA Div. 2)
The coaches say — A well rounded outside hitter with a great serve and excellent ball control.
14 Grace McGillivray
School — Langley Fundamental
Height — n/a
Position — Outside/Middle
Avg. rank — 14.0
Freshman’s future — Douglas (CCAA)
The coaches say — A dynamic outside hitter who takes a lot of big swings for her team. She has solid ball control and great range as an attacker.
15 Ella Lawrence
School — Duchess Park (Prince George)
Height — 5-foot-9
Position — Outside
Avg. rank — 16.0
Freshman’s future — Mt. Royal (U Sports)
The coaches say — Athletic outside hitter with a good arm who has the ability to score points at the next level.
Others receiving votes — Ella Mickleberry (Oak Bay), Delany Scholtz (Pacific Academy), Maya Griffith (Van Tech), Lauren Boddington (St. Thomas More), Franchesca Sandini (St. Thomas More), Rebecca Tazumi (Carihi), Sienna Mastromonaco (St. Thomas More), Sarah Hall (Kelowna), Taylee Pomponio (Belmont)
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