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Top Volleyball Players in Oklahoma for the '25 Season | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 18:44 GMT by Sporting News
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Oklahoma’s 25‑Best High‑School Volleyball Players of the 2024 Season

In a comprehensive end‑of‑season roundup, The Sporting News has released the definitive list of Oklahoma’s top 25 high‑school volleyball athletes for the 2024 campaign. Compiled through a combination of coaches’ ballots, player statistics, and team achievements, the list highlights the stars who are shaping the state’s competitive landscape and attracting attention from college recruiters across the country.

How the List Was Built

The editors drew on data from the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) and interviews with the state’s senior‑year coaches. Players were evaluated on a range of metrics: total kills, hitting percentage, blocking averages, digs, and serve‑receive efficiency. In addition, qualitative factors—such as leadership, consistency, and performance in championship matches—played a significant role.

“College scouts are always looking for players who can perform under pressure,” said one senior assistant coach who requested anonymity. “We wanted to showcase those who not only had impressive numbers but also showed the grit and poise that defines a winner.”

The Top 10

While the list contains 25 athletes, the top 10 names are worth a closer look:

Emily Torres leads the pack with a staggering 48% hitting percentage, earning her the distinction of “most efficient outside hitter” in the state. Maddie Park’s command of the setter position, highlighted by her high assist accuracy, keeps her on the radar of several Division I programs. Meanwhile, Jasmine Lee’s defensive dominance as a libero underscores the importance of a solid back‑court anchor.

Notable Trends

• Emerging Talent in Central Oklahoma: The top three slots (Torres, Park, Lee) all hail from the Central Oklahoma region, underscoring the area’s growing reputation as a volleyball hotbed. The coaching community attributes this surge to investment in better training facilities and the arrival of experienced national‑level coaches.

• Balanced Playbooks: While the traditional outside‑hitter role remains king for most top performers, the list also shows a rising influence of middle blockers, especially with players like Carson Reed and Liam Carter pushing the pace on the net.

• Libero as a Game‑Changer: Jasmine Lee’s ranking at #3 is a reminder that defense can be as game‑defining as offense. Her ability to read opponents’ attacks and convert them into digs has often swung momentum in tight matches.

Impact on College Recruiting

The publication of this list has already begun to influence recruiting conversations. Several college programs have confirmed interest in the top five athletes:

• Texas A&M reached out to Emily Torres, citing her “elite hitting” as a perfect fit for their offensive scheme.
• University of Nebraska is reportedly eyeing Maddie Park for her “vision on the court” and “ability to orchestrate fast sets.”
• Baylor University has shown particular interest in Jasmine Lee, noting her “ball‑handling skills” and “intuitive positioning.”

Coaches from smaller schools, such as the University of Central Oklahoma, also acknowledged the potential to attract players who may have been overlooked by bigger programs.

Beyond the Numbers

While statistics dominate the conversation, the article stresses that character, work ethic, and leadership are equally important. In an interview, coach Kelsey McKinney of Muskogee High said, “These players have shown that they can rise to the occasion during the state tournament, but they also work hard on the sidelines, leading their teammates and setting a culture of excellence.”

She added that college scouts will also be watching for athletes who maintain strong academic performance. Several players on the list have been recognized as Academic All‑State athletes, a testament to the emphasis on balancing sport and study.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 season’s top performers have already begun to prepare for their next phase—whether that means competing at the state finals, recruiting at colleges, or even turning to professional volleyball leagues overseas. Coaches across Oklahoma are using this ranking as a benchmark for evaluating their own programs and recruiting strategies.

In a state where volleyball has grown dramatically over the past decade, The Sporting News’ list provides a snapshot of the next generation of talent. As the athletes gear up for college trials and national championships, their names will likely reappear in the headlines, cementing their legacies as Oklahoma’s elite high‑school volleyball stars.