Photo Credit: Gabriel Mackley, GameFrame Photography
CLASS 6A
RETURNING ALL-STATE PERFORMERS
Reese Meier, Owyhee (Senior Opposite Hitter, 1st Team All-State)
Lizzy Bower, Skyview (Senior Libero, 1st Team All-State)
Rachel Bower, Skyview (Sophomore Outside Hitter, 1st Team All-State)
Jonnie Folsom, Madison (Senior Setter, 2nd Team All-State)
Jill Deatherage, Skyview (Senior Middle Blocker, 2nd Team All-State)
McKenna Satterfield, Timberline (Senior Setter, 2nd Team All-State)
Breleigh Youngstrom, Rigby (Senior Libero, Hon. Mention All-State)
CLASSIFICATION OUTLOOK
After a one-year hiatus, Skyview’s volleyball program regained its place atop the 6A volleyball landscape. The Hawks defeated Madison in five sets to win the school’s seventh volleyball title overall and the fifth in the past six seasons.
Veteran coach Kevin Murphy welcomes back three All-State performers in senior libero Lizzy Bower, senior middle blocker Jill Deatherage, and sophomore outside hitter Rachel Bower. Lizzy Bower has committed to Division I Louisville, while Deatherage is also playing Division I ball at Grand Canyon University.
Skyview’s top competition within District 3’s Southern Idaho Conference could be Timberline. The Wolves finished third overall at state a year ago and return senior setter McKenna Satterfield and senior outside hitter Lily Mesevier.
“We are deep at every position and we have great team chemistry,” said 12th year Timberline coach Carol Klein.
It could also be Rocky Mountain. The Grizzlies finished fourth at state a year ago and welcome back a trio of All-Conference performers: middle blocker Bella Haener, setter Katelynn Morrison and outside hitter Claire Ranstrom. All three are seniors.
Eagle and Boise also represented the SIC at state last season, but both went two-and-out. Eagle coach Ashley Graham resigned in the offseason, and the Mustangs scooped up Centennial coach Shae Amdor as her replacement.
Amdor will have to figure out how to replace middle blocker Madison Jones and libero Ellie McManigal, as both were lost to graduation. Junior Emme Higley will slide into McManigal’s spot at libero, and senior setter Brynlee Gneiting is another key leader for Amdor’s team. The most exciting player at Eagle this year, though, might be sophomore outside hitter LilyAnne Baldwin.
“LilyAnne Baldwin is going to have a breakout year after seeing limited time as a freshman,” Amdor said. “She has a heavy arm and is fun to watch.”
Boise’s volleyball team went on a Cinderella run last October. The Brave finished 6-6 in SIC play and 20-17 overall, good enough for the seventh seed at districts. But in a do-or-die match to determine the fifth and final spot at state from District 3, the Brave upset third-seeded Owyhee in five sets. Coach Kate Newbery will rely on junior setter Kamryn Newbery to help Boise continue to progress after last year’s magic.
Speaking of Owyhee, the Storm shockingly missed out on state despite their 17-12 overall record and 9-3 mark in the SIC. Owyhee brings back All-State opposite hitter Reese Meier, a senior, along with junior libero Bella Hordemann.
Beyond Owyhee, what other SIC programs that failed to advance to state last year could reverse the trend this year? Coach Amdor said, “Meridian has pieces that continue to mature and grow together, Mountain View has some talent and the culture could turn around with a new coach.”
Both of those teams are led by junior outside hitters: Kate Perry at Meridian and Sophie Crawford at Mountain View.
Another team to keep an eye on is Middleton. The Vikings are back at the 6A level after two years of playing 5A volleyball. Middleton finished fourth at last year’s 5A state tournament and will be led by senior setter Kinsey Cable and junior middle blocker Berkley Rogers.
Over in east Idaho, Madison nearly pulled off back-to-back 6A titles, but fell just short against Skyview in the final match. The Bobcats lost a talented group of seniors to graduation, although they do welcome back senior outside hitter Jonnie Folsom, an All-State and All-Conference selection. Folsom has signed with Division I Weber State.
Rigby also qualified for state last year from District 5-6’s High Country Conference. Senior libero Breleigh Youngstrom and senior opposite hitter Giada Bergagnolli (a Division I commit at Air Force) have Trojans fans thinking of staying a little longer at state this year. Rigby went 1-2 a year ago, falling just short of playing on Saturday morning.
Canyon Ridge, Highland and Thunder Ridge each return All-Conference talent as well and cannot be dismissed in the District 5-6 discussion. Canyon Ridge will lean on junior outside hitter Preslee Bulkley and senior setter N’Kai Ibarra, the Rams are paced by junior outside hitter Brinley Homer and senior setter Britt Reno, and the Titans will feature senior outside hitter Guilia Johns (a 2nd Team All-State selection) and sophomore setter Avery Kunz.
Coeur d’Alene claimed North Idaho’s District 1-2 championship last season, finishing 7-1 in Inland Empire League play and 24-6 overall. The Vikings won their state tournament opener over Rigby, but then dropped back-to-back matches to Skyview and Rocky Mountain to finish 1-2.
The dynamic hitting duo of Kaylee Paulson (Division I University of Montana) and Gianna Callari (Division II Point Loma Nazarene University) have taken their games to the college level, but Coeur d’Alene returns both middle hitters from last year (senior Jovie Le and junior Maren Larsen) along with senior setter Hannah Schafer and junior libero Embree McKeown.
Coach Carly Curtis will be looking to junior Eva Callari, Gianna’s younger sister, to occupy the outside hitter spot vacated by Paulson. Callari’s opposite hitter position will be filled by junior Marly Sutich.
“We’re excited about our returning players taking on bigger roles, the development of our younger athletes and the strong team chemistry we’ve built,” said Curtis. “Our x-factor will be communication and trust. When we communicate on every ball, stay connected after mistakes and believe in one another, we will play with confidence and energy.”
Lake City (senior outside hitter Camryn Woodman) and Post Falls (senior outside hitter Teresa Smith) each return one All-IEL player from a year ago. The Trojans in particular have caught Curtis’ eye.
“Post Falls has a lot of senior talent this year,” she noted.
CLASS 5A
RETURNING ALL-STATE PERFORMERS
Leah Thomas, Idaho Falls (Senior Outside Hitter, 1st Team All-State)
Kindell Day, Lakeland (Senior Setter, 2nd Team All-State)
Addison Gregory, Pocatello (Senior Libero, 2nd Team All-State)
Tycee Gines, Hillcrest (Senior Middle Blocker, Hon. Mention All-State)
Jaeli Hoffman, Lakeland (Sophomore Setter, Hon. Mention All-State)
Avery Balmer, Lewiston (Senior Outside Hitter, Hon. Mention All-State)
Daja Jensen, Shelley (Senior Outside Hitter, Hon. Mention All-State)
CLASSIFICATION OUTLOOK
East Idaho flexed its muscles last year at the Class 5A level, as District 6 rivals Hillcrest and Shelley met for the state championship. The Knights dispatched the Russets in four sets to win the first volleyball title in school history.
Both programs were hit hard by graduation, though the cupboard isn’t totally bare. The Knights welcome back senior middle blocker Tycee Gines, an All-State selection in 2025. Shelley, meanwhile, will lean on a pair of senior outside hitters (Daja Jensen and Macie Winder).
Idaho Falls finished second in last year’s High Country Conference standings, finishing an impressive 26-11 overall. But the Tigers were stunned by fifth-seeded Bonneville in a loser out game at districts, ending their season prematurely.
The Tigers return four All-Conference performers from a year ago: senior Leah Thomas (outside hitter), senior Paisley Sobieski (setter), junior Brittni Livingston (outside hitter) and sophomore Eva Hillam (middle blocker). Thomas was also a 1st Team All-State selection and has committed to Division I Utah State.
Despite an uneven 19-18 season, Bonneville coach Chantal McMurtrey led her team to a third-place finish at the District 6 tournament with that upset win over Idaho Falls. The Bees have historically been a strong program, but with no All-Conference players returning, can the whole be greater than the sum of its parts?
Skyline and Blackfoot are also looking to push into the upper echelon of the High Country Conference this year. Each returns a middle blocker that earned All-Conference honors as freshmen in 2025: Sofia Dennert at Skyline and Keslyn Reed at Blackfoot.
District 5 schools Century and Pocatello are joining the District 6 schools this year, creating an eight-team conference that will be rough and rugged.
The Thunder won the District 5 title last year, but because they came from a two-team district, Pocatello was forced to play Moscow in a state play-in match. The Bears dropped the Thunder in five sets, denying Pocatello a chance to compete at state. The Thunder will rely on a trio of All-Conference players from a year ago: senior libero Addison Gregory, senior outside hitter Lainey Rogers and junior middle blocker Taylee Silcock.
Century also returns three All-Conference performers: senior outside hitter Paige Allen, senior libero Sky Coleman and junior middle blocker Elektra Fleischmann.
Lakeland won North Idaho’s Inland Empire League title in 2025 and advanced to the undefeated semifinal at state. The Hawks were swept by Hillcrest in that matchup, and then Lakeland fell to Shelley in the third place match, also by sweep.
Senior setter Kindell Day was an All-State selection, and senior outside hitter Jolie Warren was the IEL MVP. Jaeli Hoffman turned heads as well, picking up All-State honors as a freshman. Senior Raygen Dutton and junior Anabel Bowie will play the middle.
“Our team’s greatest strength is our chemistry and willingness to compete for one another,” said Lakeland coach Kelsie Badger. “We have a good mix of experienced players and younger athletes who are eager to contribute creating a competitive environment in practice every day.”
Badger added, “Our success will depend on our consistency, work ethic and willingness to embrace every role on the team. If we continue to improve each day and play with confidence and energy, we believe we have the opportunity to have a successful season.”
Moscow also represented District 1-2 at state after defeating Pocatello in that state play-in match. The Bears finished 1-2 at state overall and said goodbye to a lot of talent at graduation. In fact, the only non-Lakeland player that returns after earning postseason honors in the IEL this year is Lewiston senior outside hitter Avery Balmer.
Middleton and Vallivue qualified for state a year ago from District 3’s Southern Idaho Conference. The Vikings finished fourth overall, while the Falcons went two-and-out. Middleton has moved back up to 6A, so which team will step up to fill the void?
Despite finishing 10-26 last year, Vallivue caught lightning in a bottle at the right time, finishing second at districts to advance to state. This year, the program welcomes back senior middle blocker Brennan Fluckiger and junior setter Avery Daniel.
Bishop Kelly was in prime position to advance to state a year ago, but the Knights fell to Vallivue in five sets at districts and stayed home during the state tournament. Four senior All-Conference players are back for BK in 2026: outside hitter Stella McKim, opposite hitter Madi Hudspeth, middle blocker Marley Maxwell and setter Kaitlyn Neil.
Columbia is another team with potential to surprise in the SIC this year. The Wildcats also return four All-Conference performers, though only one is a senior (outside hitter Cami Salinas). Juniors Alera Gibson (middle blocker), Gracee Yarbrough (opposite hitter) and Allison Pruett (setter) are also back.
Nampa, Caldwell and SIC newcomer Mountain Home (previously in District 4) will try to climb into the top half of the standings this year as well. The Cougars, despite finishing 1-16 a year ago, welcome back two All-Conference players (senior middle blocker June Hokom and senior libero Bristol Runnels).
Finally, District 4’s Great Basin Conference has been dominated by Twin Falls and Wood River lately, with Minico, Jerome and Burley also fielding competitive squads. Wood River finished 1-2 at state a year ago while Twin Falls went 0-2.
The Bruins were more impacted by graduation losses, as senior middle blocker Addi Riebesell is the only returning All-Conference performer. Wood River, meanwhile, has four senior All-Conference players returning: outside hitters Daisy Scales and Avery Seaward, middle blocker Anna Kremenchuk and libero Ashley Carhuamaca.
Minico finished third in District 4 a year ago and will be led by senior libero Brooke Seamons and junior opposite hitter Kenlei Wageman.
CLASS 4A
RETURNING ALL-STATE PERFORMERS
Avery Hunter, Bear Lake (Junior Middle Blocker, 1st Team All-State)
Halle Wells, Bear Lake (Senior Outside Hitter, 1st Team All-State)
Neva Kuhns, Cole Valley Christian (Junior Setter, 1st Team All-State)
Eva Wall, Fruitland (Senior Outside Hitter, 1st Team All-State)
Emily Hedegaard, Cole Valley Christian (Junior Outside Hitter, 2nd Team All-State)
Mel Branstiter, Fruitland (Senior Middle Blocker, 2nd Team All-State)
Emily Capps, Fruitland (Senior Opposite Hitter, 2nd Team All-State)
Taya Plew, Kimberly (Senior Outside Hitter, 2nd Team All-State)
Brekk Bowman, Filer (Senior Middle Blocker, Hon. Mention All-State)
Kennedy Fitch, Fruitland (Junior Setter, Hon. Mention All-State)
Avery Beard, Kimberly (Junior Setter, Hon. Mention All-State)
Addie Archer, Timberlake (Junior Outside Hitter, Hon. Mention All-State)
CLASSIFICATION OUTLOOK
One year after Bear Lake dispatched Fruitland to win the 2024 state championship, the Grizzlies turned the tables on the Bears in 2025. Bear Lake rallied back from the consolation bracket at state and defeated Fruitland in the first championship match, but the Grizzlies held off the Bears in the second if-necessary championship match.
Fruitland now has four state volleyball titles in school history, and all have come under the coaching of Rena Sitz. Now entering her 17th season at Fruitland, there is no denying that Sitz has built one of the best programs in the state.
“All three of our Fruitland teams played in the district championship match last season,” Sitz said. “Our frosh went undefeated (14-0) and our varsity team also won districts. We have young potential and an incoming frosh class that is loaded with talent.”
Fruitland’s returning upperclassmen aren’t shabby, either. It’s true though that the Grizzlies lost Brooke Hardy, a four-year starter and four-time state Player of the Year. Fruitland went to the championship every year of Hardy’s career, winning twice. She has now moved on to Division I BYU.
But five sturdy seniors (Eva Wall, Mel Branstiter, Emily Capps, Maya Skeen and Lainey Stice) are back. Wall, Branstiter and Capps were All-State selections, as was junior setter Kennedy Fitch.
Competition within District 3’s Snake River Valley Conference will be fierce, though. “I think many teams in the SRV will surprise people this year,” said Sitz. “Some have experienced seniors, some have a fierce setter and a couple have new head coaches with a plan to win.”
Fruitland’s toughest competition will come from Cole Valley Christian. The Chargers took third at last year’s 4A state tournament, and their JV squad defeated Fruitland in the district championship game. Cole Valley Christian will be led by a pair of talented juniors: setter Neva Kuhns and outside hitter Emily Hedegaard.
Homedale and Weiser are hoping to make a move in the standings behind steady senior setters (Lilly Relk for the Trojans and Presley Williams for the Wolverines). And McCall-Donnelly and Emmett have new head coaches.
Bear Lake went 38-5 a year ago, finishing second at state. The Bears return the South East Idaho Conference Player of the Year (senior outside hitter Halle Wells) along with junior middle blocker Avery Hunter (1st Team All-State) and senior opposite hitter Londyn Lukfin (1st Team All-Conference).
The competition within District 5 will be fierce, though. Preston also qualified for state last season, and the Indians return senior outside hitter Mackley White and senior setter Averie Madsen. Snake River is locked and loaded as well with junior middle blocker Samantha Goodwin and senior libero Emma Cook. The Panthers were upset by Preston at last year’s district tournament.
Kimberly remains the favorite in District 4’s Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference, and for good reason. The Bulldogs took fourth at state a year ago and will bring back the SCIC Player of the Year (senior outside hitter Taya Plew). Also back are junior setter Avery Beard and junior libero Brooklyn VerWey along with sophomore Kynlee Klinger. All three were All-Conference selections a year ago.
Filer also qualified for state from District 4 in 2025. The Wildcats will be led by senior middle blocker Brekk Bowman, senior opposite hitter Peyton Hollifield and sophomore outside hitter Keyana Montreal.
Sugar-Salem swept South Fremont in last year’s District 6 championship and returns a trio of seniors who picked up All-Conference honors: middle blocker Kelsey Palmer, setter Sarah Miller and opposite hitter Olivia Butikofer. They’re also working with a new head coach in Jocelyn Hobbs.
“I am so excited to watch our athletes speed up our offense and mesh well together,” said Hobbs. “We are really excited to quicken up our pace and beat our opponents to the ball.”
South Fremont just missed out on state, losing to Timberlake in a state tournament play-in match. Coach Britta Rhodehouse welcomes back senior middle blocker Brooklyn Bair, but Teton is also lurking in the three-team Mountain Rivers Conference. The Timberwolves return four seniors that earned All-Conference honors a year ago: outside hitter Adeline Hansen, middle blocker Jaycee Douglass, setter Kiera Warburton and defensive specialist Megan Strong.
Up north, Timberlake took out Bonners Ferry for the District 1 title. The Tigers and Badgers are the only two teams in the Intermountain League and are used to trading blows with each other. Junior outside hitter Addie Archer was an All-State selection for Timberlake, and she is joined by senior setter Willow Matson, sophomore setter Jordyn Parke and junior middle hitters Shae Jones and Layla Webb. Jones missed all of last season with an injury.
“We have a lot of grit and we don’t give up,” said Timberlake coach Lisa Gardom. “That is something they have carried over from last year and is a great thing to see in the preseason. We will work to keep that going throughout the season.”
Bonners Ferry also returns three All-League players: senior middle blocker Eva Willis, junior opposite hitter Sammi Cummings and sophomore setter Jaycee Bateman. Senior Taren Bateman enters her senior year as a multi-year starter at outside hitter.
CLASS 3A
RETURNING ALL-STATE PERFORMERS
Anna Campbell, Ambrose (Senior Setter/Outside Hitter, 3A Player of the Year)
Kate Clausen, Ambrose (Junior Outside Hitter, 1st Team All-State)
Paityn Ward, Malad (Senior Libero, 1st Team All-State)
Avery Reece, Nampa Christian (Senior Outside Hitter, 1st Team All-State)
Lucianna Curran, Ambrose (Sophomore Setter/Outside Hitter, 2nd Team All-State)
Shelbie Perry, Firth (Senior Outside Hitter, 2nd Team All-State)
Gretah Angle, Kellogg (Sophomore Setter/Middle Blocker/Opposite Hitter, 2nd Team All-State)
Paige Yrjana, Kellogg (Senior Outside Hitter, 2nd Team All-State)
Hadley Compton, Nampa Christian (Sophomore Outside Hitter, 2nd Team All-State)
Abi Gregory, Nampa Christian (Junior Setter, 2nd Team All-State)
Scarlett Fernandez, Ambrose (Senior Libero, Hon. Mention All-State)
Eva Pinney, Ambrose (Senior Middle Blocker, Hon. Mention All-State)
Baylie Mecham, Firth (Senior Libero, Hon. Mention All-State)
Shelby Dean, Melba (Senior Middle Blocker, Hon. Mention All-State)
CLASSIFICATION OUTLOOK
The job that Ambrose coach Jeff Campbell has done in three short years has been remarkable, as the Archers won their first volleyball championship last year with a 35-4 overall record and state title win over Malad.
Senior Anna Campbell is the reigning 3A Player of the Year and handles both setter and outside hitter duties for the Archers. Sophomore Lucianna Curran occupies a similar role and was an All-State selection. In fact, senior libero Scarlett Fernandez, senior middle blocker Eva Pinney and junior outside hitter Kate Clausen were All-State honorees as well.
The Archers were one of three representatives of District 3’s Western Idaho Conference at state a year ago. Melba finished third overall and welcomes back senior middle blocker Shelby Dean.
Nampa Christian defeated Ririe in a state play-in match to earn their way in and ended up taking fourth overall. The Trojans saw four players (senior outside hitter Avery Reece, junior setter Abi Gregory, sophomore outside hitter Hadley Compton and sophomore libero Charli Tinsley) pick up All-Conference honors.
New Plymouth and Marsing are also teams to keep an eye on this year in the WIC. The Huskies feature junior middle blocker Mikayla Fee and sophomore safety Bel Wood, while New Plymouth is led by senior outside hitter Cayley Robinson and sophomore outside hitter Aleah Young.
Malad finished second at state a year ago, but the Dragons were hit hard by graduation losses. It will be up to senior libero Paityn Ward, senior middle blocker Mady VanBebber and junior outside hitter Jette Nelson to lead a younger group of players this season.
West Side also represented District 5 at state a year ago and is led by senior outside hitter Ana Mariscal. The Pirates will be challenged by Soda Springs and Marsh Valley, though. The Cardinals return two All-Conference seniors: outside hitter Ana Davis and setter Jocee Tingey. Marsh Valley is competing at the 3A level for the first time after moving down from 4A.
Kellogg and Priest River represented North Idaho from the Central Idaho League at state, and each turned in a fine season in 2025.
The Wildcats won the District 1-2 tournament after suffering an upset on their home floor in 2024 (and losing out on the chance to go to state). Kellogg finished 25-3-2 a year ago, and new head coach Hollie Yrjana welcomes back four members of the All-CIL 1st Team: senior outside hitter Paige Yrjana, senior libero Jordyn Stutzke, junior setter Ella Yrjana and sophomore Gretah Angle (who plays setter, middle blocker and opposite hitter).
Priest River, meanwhile, finished 17-5 last year and will rely on senior libero Callie Stanger, senior outside hitter Raygn Turner and junior middle blocker Kenadie Kingery.
Orofino has potential to surprise in the CIL this year. The Maniacs feature senior outside hitter Sierra Tondevold and junior middle blocker Paige Deyo. St. Maries junior outside hitter Dimercia Spooner is another athlete to keep an eye on up north.
Firth won District 6’s Nuclear Conference a year ago and became the only team to represent the district at state after Ririe lost a state play-in match. The Cougars return a staggering eight All-Conference players from last season: outside hitters Shelbie Perry (senior) and Daisha Sorensen (sophomore), middle blockers Megan Jacobsen (senior) and Dixee O’Haver (senior), setter Reese Clayson (senior), defensive specialists Meg Leslie (senior) and Lexi Gentillon (junior), and libero Baylie Mecham (senior). Perry was the Nuke Player of the Year.
As for Ririe, the Bulldogs are attempting to rectify last year’s state tournament absence as the program welcomes in a new coach. Jasmine Lindstrom has coached club volleyball in Utah previously and slides one chair over after guiding Ririe’s JV team last season.
Lindstrom’s first task: replacing graduated middle hitter McKall Marsh. “Talk about a growth year,” Lindstrom marveled. “Come into your senior year and keep improving and exploding by districts. Her calming presence and steady strength will be missed.”
Senior Presley Bybee returns to play the middle this season for the Bulldogs, and both outside hitters, seniors Jadyn Nelson and LuLu Lundquist, are back as well. Senior libero Tristynn Gallup also returns.
The key will be how quickly sophomore setter Brynne Sutton develops. “Brynne will be stepping into a big role,” said Lindstrom.
North Fremont and West Jefferson each tied for third in last year’s Nuclear Conference. Senior setter Catie Pickard will lead the Huskies, while West J. features a trio of reigning All-Nuke talents (senior middle blocker Sierra Eddins, junior opposite hitter Aubree Rigby and junior defensive specialist Pressli Falter).
Salmon also has potential to move up in the Nuke standings this year, as they return senior All-Conference selections Sophie Fealko and Tegan Cole at middle blocker and outside hitter, respectively. And Alturas Prep joins the conference after moving up from 2A. The Pumas are led by outside hitters Mikayla Berrett (junior) and Maycie Miller (sophomore).
After competing with the District 5 schools for the past two seasons, Declo and Wendell are returning to join 3A dropdown Buhl in District 4’s Canyon Conference. Declo senior middle blocker Neisa May and Buhl senior outside hitter Addy Vulgamore are the only returning All-Conference players.
CLASS 2A
RETURNING ALL-STATE PERFORMERS
Cambree Lyon, Butte County (Senior Middle Blocker, 2A Player of the Year)
Madi Gamett, Butte County (Senior Setter, 1st Team All-State)
Addison Pancheri, Butte County (Senior Opposite Hitter, 1st Team All-State)
Tessa Stoner, Troy (Senior Outside Hitter, 1st Team All-State)
Madison Blazzard, Troy (Sophomore Outside Hitter, 1st Team All-State)
Sophie Crumrine, Valley (Senior Outside Hitter, 1st Team All-State)
Ava Chizum, Hagerman (Junior Outside Hitter, 2nd Team All-State)
Bristyl Perkins, Murtaugh (Senior Middle Blocker, 2nd Team All-State)
Emma Wells, Troy (Junior Setter, 2nd Team All-State)
Addi Chizum, Hagerman (Junior Libero, Hon. Mention All-State)
Aveyah Flores, Liberty Charter (Senior Outside Hitter, Hon. Mention All-State)
Jaida Andres, Potlatch (Junior Outside Hitter, Hon. Mention All-State)
Clara Chamberlin, Troy (Senior Libero, Hon. Mention All-State)
CLASSIFICATION OUTLOOK
Butte County posted Idaho’s highest win total a year ago as the Pirates swashbuckled their way to a 40-2 season and their sixth title in school history (and second in a row). Now the Pirates aim to three-peat with a new head coach, Lindsey Hymas.
Hymas has a couple of strong building blocks in place, though. For starters, there’s reigning 2A Player of the Year Cambree Lyon, a senior middle blocker. There’s also Division I signee Addison Pancheri. The 6-foot senior opposite hitter has signed with Southern Utah. There’s also twin sisters Madi Gamett (setter) and Autumn Gamett (outside hitter). It’s still an embarrassment of riches in Arco.
For many years, Grace has been worthy of inclusion at state. But competing with Butte County in a three- or sometimes two-team conference left the Grizzlies with no choice but to defeat the Pirates to advance to state. Now that the amount of state tournament play-in matches has been expanded, Grace has a better opportunity to join Butte County at state. Four seniors are back for the Grizzlies: setter Lakelynn Zulu, outside hitter Brooklyn Porter, middle blocker Bella Eddins and libero Brook Wakefield. All four were All-Conference selections last year.
After two seasons of competing in 1A, Challis is back in District 5-6’s High Desert Conference, making this year’s league a three-team affair. Senior outside hitter Danka Wolfenbarger will lead the Vikings.
Before Butte County burst onto the 2A title scene, Troy was the dominant force in volleyball. The Trojans have claimed 15 championships in school history. The Trojans three-peated in 2021, 2022 and 2023, but have been shut out since, finishing third in 2024 and second last year.
Veteran coach Deb Blazzard will turn to five athletes that picked up All-League honors in 2025: senior outside hitter Tessa Stoner, sophomore outside hitter Madison Blazzard, junior middle blocker Jennie Webb, junior setter Emma Wells and senior libero Clara Chamberlin.
Despite Troy’s success at state last year, it was actually third-seeded Kamiah that won the Whitepine League tournament last fall. The Kubs knocked off Troy in the district title match, and now enter 2026 with one big question: how do they replace Emma Krogh, who is now playing at the College of Idaho.
“We have a taller team this year,” said Kamiah coach Jackie Landmark. “I think we will be strong defensively, but we may lack the loud leader.”
Senior setter Miah Sams, junior outside hitter Lily Campbell, junior middle blocker Audrey Puckett and sophomore libero Rainbow Moses are returning starters. Puckett and Moses were named All-WPL. “Gwen Campbell is an incoming freshman setter,” said Landmark. “She is Lily Campbell’s younger sister and has also played club (volleyball).”
Potlatch is itching to get back to state after falling to Troy in the third place game at districts last season. The Loggers finished second in the regular season District 2 standings and went 18-8 overall. Junior outside hitter Jaida Andres was an All-State selection, and her fellow junior outside hitter, Maddie Smith, was All-WPL. Senior opposite hitter Aubree Lisher and senior libero Olivia Smith each earned All-League honors.
Prairie and Logos are also lurking as potential contenders in the Whitepine League. The Pirates are led by junior outside hitter Bekah Shumacher and the Knights rely on senior outside hitter Elizabeth Evans.
District 4’s top four teams a year ago were all strong squads. For example, Hagerman, the regular season champion and owner of a 22-5 overall mark, finished fourth at the district tournament. Second-seeded Valley won the district title, while fourth-seeded Oakley also joined the Vikings at state. Oakley parlayed that state berth into a run all the way to the third place match, where they fell short against Troy.
Graduation losses hit Oakley hard, as six seniors departed. Junior middle hitter Katie Mabey will lead a new swarm of Hornets into battle in 2026.
Valley, by comparison, finished lower than Oakley at state but brings back more firepower; specifically, senior outside hitter Sophie Crumrine (the reigning Snake River Conference Player of the Year). Senior outside hitter Hailey Malone and junior middle blocker Emily Huettig are also back.
As for Hagerman, the sting of last year’s early exit at districts has motivated coach Katie Knight’s team throughout the offseason. “We want to improve our maturity on the court and close out matches we should win,” said Knight. “We will do this by limiting our errors and having more variety in our attack.”
Hagerman has played a large number of underclassmen over the past two seasons, but those growing pains should be long gone. “I am so excited for this core group of girls to be upperclassmen,” said Knight. “We have incredible hitters and amazing defenders in the back row who never let anything drop.”
Hagerman’s attack starts with junior outside hitters Ava Chizum and Kennedy Lemmon. Senior Krickit Wise and junior Ellie Coit will play at opposite hitter, and sophomore Tia Miller mans the middle. Ava’s twin sister, junior Addi Chizum, is the libero. If Hagerman can find a setter to replace graduated starter Alexis Beutler, the Pirates could be in store for a bounce-back season.
“Our whole program has put in a ton of work this summer and they are ready to take over our conference,” Knight concluded. “I am putting some players into new roles and can’t wait to see how fun this season will be.”
Murtaugh is another program with serious district title aspirations in this year’s Snake River Conference. The Red Devils are led by senior middle blocker Bristyl Perkins and sophomores Presley Hepworth and Isabelle Roseborough.
Wallace surged to the Scenic Idaho Conference tournament title a year ago. Despite finishing second to Lakeside in the regular season, the Miners saved their best for the District 1 tournament, where they knocked off the Knights to advance to state. Wallace will be working with a new head coach this year in Kirsten Voorhees.
Wilder and Liberty Charter represented District 3’s Western Idaho Conference at state in 2025, but both teams went two-and-out. The Patriots return senior outside hitter Aveyah Flores, the reigning WIC Player of the Year. Also back are senior setter Addison McCain, junior setter Maci Nicley and junior middle blocker Alexia Molina.
With four returning All-Conference performers, Liberty Charter is the favorite in this year’s District 3 race. The question becomes: who joins them? Almost every other team returns at least one standout, but whichever team can blend in a cohesive starting unit will have a great chance.
Some names to watch from other schools in District 3 include: Centennial Baptist junior Leilani Malepeai, Gem State senior Ava Miller, Idaho City senior Taylor Vigeant, Notus junior Kendal Woodland, Rimrock senior Ruby Lisle and Riverstone senior Kailani Kurth.
Another factor to consider in the WIC this year: Garden Valley and Tri-Valley are both moving up from the 1A ranks. Both have experienced success at Idaho’s smallest level and could be immediate contenders in 2A. Tri-Valley is led by senior outside hitter Ava Arent and senior middle blocker Lola Warren. Garden Valley features senior outside hitter Quinn Good and junior setter Holly Hove.
CLASS 1A
RETURNING ALL-STATE PERFORMERS
Brooklyn Hess, Horseshoe Bend (Sophomore Outside Hitter, 1A Player of the Year)
Andie Simpson, Carey (Senior Setter, 1st Team All-State)
Malia Goff, Horseshoe Bend (Junior Setter, 1st Team All-State)
Kimber Jones, Horseshoe Bend (Senior Outside Hitter, 1st Team All-State)
Mahana Hatch, Rockland (Sophomore Middle Blocker, 1st Team All-State)
Poppy Harper, Salmon River (Sophomore Libero, 1st Team All-State)
Trinity Catherman, Horseshoe Bend (Sophomore Libero, 2nd Team All-State)
Celeste Wilson, Horseshoe Bend (Senior Opposite Hitter, 2nd Team All-State)
Gracie Freeman, Rockland (Junior Outside Hitter, 2nd Team All-State)
Emma Mitton, Castleford (Senior Outside Hitter, Hon. Mention All-State)
Haylee Bird, Leadore (Senior Middle Blocker, Hon. Mention All-State)
Kennedy Wilson, Salmon River (Junior Middle Blocker, Hon. Mention All-State)
CLASSIFICATION OUTLOOK
Horseshoe Bend claimed its fourth championship in school history last fall by featuring a small but mighty roster of just seven players. All seven are ready to run it back in 2026 as the Mustangs attempt to win their third title in four years.
Sophomore outside hitter Brooklyn Hess not only won Long Pin Conference Player of the Year as a freshman in 2025, but she was named the 1A State Player of the Year as well. She’s joined on the outside by senior Kimber Jones, another All-State selection. Senior opposite hitter Celeste Wilson, junior setter Malia Goff and sophomore libero Trinity Catherman also made the 1A All-State team, and sophomore middle blocker Vilate Wilson was an All-Conference selection.
“We had three freshmen playing some key roles last year since we only had seven players,” said Horseshoe Bend coach Sharsti Moore. “They did a great job, but I’m excited that they will be a year older, more experienced and more mature.”
Salmon River also represented District 3 at last year’s state tournament, taking third place overall. The Savages are well-positioned to do so again, as outside/middle hitter Rylee Walters was the only loss to graduation.
Seniors Taylor Ewing, Steevie Herzig and Audrey Tucker, juniors Cheyanne Case and Kennedy Wilson, and sophomore Poppy Harper form the nucleus of this year’s squad. Harper (setter), Wilson (middle blocker) and Ewing (setter) were All-Conference performers.
“Our third place finish in the state tournament was commendable, but the end felt like unfinished business,” said Salmon River coach Ashley Mayes. “My hope is that their success last year validates their efforts and abilities and carries them forward into the season.”
She added, “If there is one area of improvement, it is to smooth out our game and play with a calm sense of urgency. It seems contradictory to play with both calmness and urgency, but in volleyball it’s a race to 25 (points). Our players need to recognize momentum surges and they need to have the mental, emotional and physical skills to maintain a sense of control when that momentum changes.”
Council finished third in last year’s Long Pin standings, and as long as veteran coach Paula Tucker is roaming the sidelines, the Lumberjacks can never be counted out. Lilly Veslka and Tylynn Tucker will lead the way for Council in 2026.
One big change in the Long Pin is the departure of Garden Valley and Tri-Valley, as both have moved up a level to 2A. Not only does that eliminate two teams that would be contenders in the conference race, but it opens up four dates on the schedule for each coach.
Horseshoe Bend coach Sharsti Moore said, “I scheduled this season tougher than I ever have in hopes that it will keep that it will keep our girls pushed, motivated and more hungry than ever before. We had four open spots in our schedule and I tried to capitalize on that.”
Outside of District 3, Rockland advanced all the way to the state championship before falling to Horseshoe Bend. The Bulldogs were joined at state by Mackay and Leadore as representatives of the combined District 5-6 Rocky Mountain Conference. That conference is splitting up this year, though, which only adds to the intrigue surrounding these conference races.
Rockland, Grace Lutheran, North Gem and Sho-Ban will comprise the new South East Idaho Conference. The Bulldogs are the early favorite thanks to the return of middle blockers Belle Schmidt (junior) and Mahana Hatch (sophomore) along with outside hitters Gracie Freeman (junior) and Brilee Steidley (junior). Senior Kinsey McHargue is back as an opposite hitter as well.
The big issue for Rockland coach Suzanne Wilson is replacing setter Trin Wiese. “She was an experienced, four-year varsity player whose athleticism allowed her to often keep rallies alive,” said Wilson.
There is a wave of players coming from the JV team to compete for playing time at setter and along the back row. “Our strengths on the court will depend upon how all components of the team develop and work together,” said Wilson. “As with any competitive team, unity and willingness to subordinate individual pursuits to collective success will be a must. Unity will be our x-factor. A wise man (Jesus Christ) taught the great principle to ‘Love One Another’.”
She added, “We finished last season as a good volleyball team. It is our hope that that experience can help us become a very good team this year.”
Meanwhile, in District 6, Mackay will be favored early on the strength of returning All-Conference seniors Jaida Rodriguez (opposite hitter) and Trista Hawley (setter). Leadore returns senior middle blocker Haylee Bird, an All-State selection in 2025. Watersprings, Clark County, Taylor’s Crossing and American Heritage will comprise the rest of the Rocky Mountain Conference.
Genesee won District 2’s Whitepine League last season and rode that wave all the way to a fourth-place finish at state. The Bulldogs were hit hard by graduation, although senior opposite hitter Miley Grieser is back after an All-League 1st Team selection.
Deary just missed out on advancing to state, as the Mustangs fell to Salmon River in a state play-in match. Seniors Emily Bovard and Allie Vincent will lead an athletic Deary team into battle in 2026.
Every other team in the Whitepine League returns at least one All-League performer. Players to watch in District 2 include: Highland senior Laramie Finnell, Nezperce juniors Avery Lux and Aubrey Schaff, St. John Bosco senior Catherine Seubert and Timberline junior Jazlyn Amarillas.
Carey won District 4’s Sawtooth Conference last season, while Castleford just missed out on the state tournament with a loss to Leadore in a play-in match. The Panthers will be favored again in 2026 thanks to senior setter Andie Simpson, an All-State selection and the Sawtooth Defensive Player of the Year winner. Junior outside hitter Bentley Saxton and sophomore middle blocker Emily Dahlstrom were also All-Conference selections.
Castleford senior Emma Mitton was an All-State selection last year and was also the overall Player of the Year in the Sawtooth. Junior middle blocker Olivia Derrick returns for the Wolves as well.
One sleeper team to monitor in District 4 this year is Lighthouse Christian. The Lions are back at the 1A level after moving down from 2A. Theyfeature junior setter Reese Franklin and junior outside hitter Holland Haringsma.
Finally, the North Star League in District 1 will feature Clark Fork, Coeur du Christ, Kootenai and Mullan this season. Coeur du Christ is the reigning district champ and will have a new head coach this year in Mason Trevena. Senior outside hitter Angelica Ross is the top returning player for the Saints.
After two years at the 2A level, Clark Fork drops back down to 1A volleyball. Before Coeur du Christ opened three years ago, the Wampus Cats reigned supreme in the North Star. They could so again this year, as talented sophomore Kiylah Anderson is back after earning 1st Team All-Conference honors at setter last season.