CHILLICOTHE — The volleyball landscape in the Chillicothe area is thriving, characterized by intense rivalries, emerging talents, and remarkable postseason narratives. As the new season approaches, the anticipation builds for both players and fans alike.
This year, seven standout athletes are poised to make their mark in the history books of their respective programs. Each player has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, setting the stage for a memorable season.
Kortney Sowers from Adena has consistently proven her commitment to the game. As a senior setter, she has played a pivotal role in leading her Warriors to an impressive 49-6 record over the past two seasons, including two Scioto Valley Conference (SVC) titles. With 908 career assists to her name, Sowers is on the brink of achieving the notable milestone of 1,000 assists.
Kylee Dunn of Southeastern has established herself as a formidable force on the court. Last season, she recorded 313 kills, the highest on her team, bringing her total to 609 career kills. Dunn's ability to dominate opposing defenses makes her a key player for the Panthers, and she is well within reach of the 1,000-kill milestone.
Kinzli Batson from Unioto had a breakout season last fall, finishing with 761 assists, which brought her career total to 902. As she enters her junior year, Batson is expected to surpass the 1,000 assists mark early in the season, further solidifying her role as a leader on the court.
Kerrigan Hill of Zane Trace has shown remarkable consistency in her first two seasons. After accumulating 396 digs as a freshman, she added another 333 digs last season, totaling 729. With the 1,000-dig milestone within her sights, Hill is set to be a crucial contributor to a team that aims for conference glory.
Kimmy Dalton, also from Adena, is a two-time SVC Defensive Player of the Year, known for her relentless style of play. With 1,051 digs already in her career, Dalton is on the path to leading her team to another regional appearance, with the target of reaching 1,500 digs this season.
Evelyn Hamman from Chillicothe has emerged as a star player, showcasing her powerful swing and strategic play at the net. After a standout junior season in which she recorded 436 kills, Hamman enters her senior year with a total of 1,039 career kills, aiming to reach the impressive milestone of 1,500 kills.
Taryn Gillott of Waverly has been instrumental in the Tigers' success, contributing to an 18-win season last fall, the team's best since 2019. With 470 assists last season, Gillott's career total now stands at 911. She is just 89 assists away from reaching the coveted 1,000 assists mark, and her performance will be key for Waverly as they strive for further progress.
BONUS: Adena's coach, Laura Smith, is no stranger to milestones herself. Last season, she achieved her 864th career victory, tying her with East Liverpool’s Dan McKinstry for the most wins in Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) history. As she enters this fall with a remarkable coaching record of 864-199, Smith continues to inspire her players and the community.
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