By Michael Adams
madamsl@onthesidelinessports.com

On the Sidelines Sports-Austin’s Executive Director Michael Adams names his individual award winners for the All-Austin Metro Volleyball Team. Miss Austin Volleyball (Player of the Year), All-Austin Metro Volleyball teams, all-district teams and final stats can be found at the bottom of this post. 

Rising Star Award (top newcomer)

Jennevee Jensen, Vista Ridge, sophomore

The 5-10 outside hitter had a team-high 328 kills, averaging 2.5 kills per set to lead Vista Ridge to a 29-17 overall record and a trip to the postseason. The first-team All-District 25-6A pick really stepped up for the Rangers towards the end of the season, recording double-digit kills in the Rangers’ last nine matches of the season, including a season-high 22 against McNeil on Oct. 24. Her breakout game came in Vista Ridge’s 2-1 tournament win over Dallas-power Rockwall on Aug. 24.

Hitter of the Year

Taylor Gaines, Liberty Hill, junior

The 6-0 outside hitter had her breakout season in 2023, helping Liberty Hill reach the Class 5A championship game and leading the Panthers in hitting with 460 kills and a .272 hitting percentage. She ranked 6th in the Austin-metro area among Class 1A to 5A players in kills. The first team All-District 25-5A selection had a season-high 19 kills in Liberty Hill’s win over Leander on Sept. 19. Gaines had 16 total kills in the state tournament and recorded double-digit kills in 20 matches this season. 

Setter of the Year

Savannah Skopal, Rouse, senior

The 6-0 setter was a 1st-team American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) High School All-American selection. The District 25-5A Most Valuable Player had 1,586 assists, which was the most in the Austin-metro area and the state of Texas, and the second most in the nation. The Rice signee became one of only four players in Texas high school volleyball history to reach 5,000 assists this season. Skopal was instrumental in Rouse’s high-powered offense that reached the regional quarterfinals and a 40-14 record. 

Blocker of the Year

Ava Kostroun, Liberty Hill, junior 

The 6-2 middle blocker led all Austin-metro area players with 169 blocks, which ranked her 11th in the state of Texas. The District 25-5A Blocker of the Year was part of a stingy net defense that shutdown Rouse’s big hitters in the Class 5A-Region IV championship match. The two-year letterman averaged 1.2 blocks per set and had her breakout game of the season in the Class 5A semifinal win over Colleyville Heritage with a season-high 12 blocks. 

Libero of the Year

Reese Emerick, Westlake, senior

The future Texas Longhorn was a second team AVCA High School All-American selection and the District 26-6A Most Valuable Defensive Player. The 5-8 libero is Westlake’s all-time leading digger with 2,118 career digs. Emerick helped the Chaparrals reach the 6A-Region IV quarterfinals and a 36-12 record. She was also an effective server and had 53 total service aces. Emerick had her best game on Sept. 12 in a 3-2 loss to Dripping Springs where she recorded a season-high 34 digs.  

Coach of the Year

Marie Bruce, Liberty Hill 

In her second year as head coach at Liberty Hill, Bruce led her team to the Class 5A state championship game and a 46-9 overall record. The Panthers made the state championship game for the first time in school history and their fifth all-time appearance. Liberty Hill finished the season ranked No. 19 in the state of Texas by MaxPreps. In her two years as head coach of Liberty Hill, Bruce has amassed an impressive 88-20 record and led the Panthers to back-to-back appearances at the state tournament. She will return four starters next year, including Gaines and Kostroun. 

More All-Austin Metro Volleyball Content

• Miss Austin Volleyball: Westlake’s Lily Davis
• Class 6A, 5A, 4A & below All-Austin Metro volleyball teams
• 2023 Austin-metro area all-district volleyball teams
• Final Austin-metro volleyball statistical leaders