First- and second-team selections for The News Tribune’s 2024 All-Area volleyball team.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

OH Avery Cukjati, Curtis, sr. — Resilient and scrappy outside hitter guided Curtis to an undefeated, state-championship season with 323 kills (4.3/set), 33 aces, 13 blocks, and 169 digs. WSVCA 4A All-State Player of the Year and 4A SPSL Offensive Player of the Year. Santa Clara beach commit.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Taylor Bautista, Curtis — Guided the Vikings to SPSL title, district title, and undefeated 4A state title. Curtis won all 27 matches and dropped only seven total sets.

FIRST TEAM

OUTSIDE HITTERS

Addy Conner, North Thurston, jr. — 3A PSL Nisqually division MVP was the most dangerous player on the floor for the 3A state tournament runner-up Rams, racking up 488 kills (5.4/set), 37 aces, 29 blocks and 258 digs. Also named the WSVCA 3A state player of the year.

Layne Dent, Cascade Christian, sr. — One of the state’s most feared outside hitters, regardless of classification, the 1A Nisqually MVP tallied 495 kills (six per set) with 57 aces, 59 blocks and 247 digs. Saint Mary’s commit.

Grace Holstrom, Olympia, sr. — 4A SPSL first-team selection was the go-to hitter and confident leader for the Bears, leading Olympia to the 4A state tournament quarterfinals. Averaged 3.4 kills per set. Also a 4A WSVCA all-state honorable mention pick.

Kinley Smith, Timberline, soph. — The 3A PSL Nisqually co-defensive player of the year racked up 435 kills, which put her in the top 10 in the state, per MaxPreps. 3A WSVCA all-state first-team.

Alani Taliloa, Mount Rainier, sr. — 4A NPSL first-team selection tallied 228 kills (3.4/set), 224 digs, 42 aces, 28 blocks, 273 service receptions (95.1 percent) for Mount Rainier this season.

MIDDLE BLOCKERS

Marley Alefaio, Lakes, jr. — 3A PSL Nisqually division co-MVP was a one-person wrecking crew for the Lancers, recording 295 kills, a .441 hit percentage, 106 blocks, 242 digs and 34 aces. WSVCA 3A all-state first-team selection.

Sienna Hanson, Puyallup, jr. — This 6-foot-3 junior was a presence at the net for the Vikings, uplifting the team with her constant positive attitude. Had 319 kills, a .394 hitting average and 95 blocks for Puyallup, which reached the 4A state tournament quarterfinals. WSVCA all-state honorable mention.

Nevaeh Thomas, Emerald Ridge, soph. — 4A SPSL first-team selection was go-to hitter for Jaguars and kept Emerald Ridge alive in close matches, posting 212 kills and 38 solo blocks.

LIBEROS

Elaina Duong, Curtis, jr. — A key contributor for Curtis’ undefeated state championship team, Duong was named the 4A SPSL defensive MVP this fall, tallying 290 digs (3.8/set), 93 assists and received 331 serves (4.3/set). Also added 36 aces. 4A WSVCA all-state first-team libero.

Emery Stevenson, White River, soph. — Hustle play that wowed crowds, kills that knocked opponents over — the 3A NPSL MVP did a bit of everything for the Hornets. Had 331 digs, 234 kills and 56 aces.

SETTERS

Peyton Ensign, Curtis, sr. — 4A SPSL first-team selection set up Curtis’ hitters all season during the team’s undefeated state championship run, racking up 481 assists (6.1/set) for the Vikings. Also had 174 digs, 28 blocks, 33 aces and 56 kills. 4A WSVCA all-state second team. Seattle Pacific commit.

Maya Quitiquit, Kennedy Catholic, jr. — 4A NPSL MVP was an integral part of Lancers’ run to 4A District 3/4 and 4A state championship games and master of the assist. Had 801 assists, 84 kills, a .310 hitting percentage, 67 aces, 211 digs and 29 blocks. Led the team to an overall .255 hitting percentage. 4A WSVCA all-state first-team selection.

Reese Sheppard, Puyallup, sr. — Had an illustrious career wearing the purple and gold with over 4,000 career assists. 4A SPSL first-team selection was “the heart of the team,” per coach Duane Abad. Averaged 8.6 assists and 2.3 digs per set this season, had a .374 hitting percentage and 39 aces. WSVCA 4A all-state honorable mention. Cal Poly Humboldt commit.

Maddie Taitano, Bellarmine Prep, sr. — 3A PSL Narrows offensive player of the year averaged 7.6 assists and two digs per set for the Lions. 3A WSVCA all-state first-team.

SECOND TEAM

OH — Louden Leia, Washington, jr.; Jordan Lingenbrink, Central Kitsap, sr.; Abby Losey, North Thurston, soph.; Destiny Mars, Timberline, jr.; Ariana Medchill, Curtis, sr.; Selana Morales, Curtis, jr.; Ziah Sneva, Peninsula, sr.

MB — Grace Morgan, Bellarmine Prep, soph.; Kianna Rohner, White River, sr.; Grace Williams, Capital, sr.; Vivian Yount, Kennedy Catholic, sr.

S — Samantha Caron, Silas, sr.; Katelyn Cleland, North Thurston, sr.; Sammi Humphrey, North Thurston, jr.; Haley Osborne, Enumclaw, sr.; Olivia Puttler, Emerald Ridge, soph.; Annika Wright, Tahoma, sr.

L — L Mania Alefaio-Foifua, Mount Rainier; Lalie Betschart, Tumwater, jr.; Kennedi Hall, Orting, sr.; Layah Hicks, Yelm, sr.; Jovie Lind, Timberline, soph.

This story was originally published December 15, 2024 at 6:15 AM with the headline "High school volleyball: The News Tribune’s 2024 All-Area team."

Jon Manley

The News Tribune

253-358-4151

Jon Manley covers high school sports for The News Tribune. A McClatchy President’s Award winner and Gonzaga University graduate, Manley has covered the South Sound sports scene since 2013. He was voted the Washington state sportswriter of the year in 2024 by the National Sports Media Association. Born and raised in Tacoma. Support my work with a digital subscription

Tyler Wicke

The News Tribune

Tyler Wicke joined The News Tribune in 2019 as a sports clerk. A graduate of the University of Washington Tacoma in 2021, Wicke covers the Mariners, preps, and maintains clerical duties. Was once a near-scratch golfer, but now, he’s just happy to break 80.  Support my work with a digital subscription