Lady Cats Volleyball Team Racks Up District Awards
The 2023 season was a great one for the Sulphur Springs Lady Cats, as they finished third in district and once again found themselves in postseason action. With a young roster that featured only two seniors, the Lady Cats have plenty to feel good about heading into next season, but first, we look at the players who were recognized for their strong play this year.
Setter of the Year
Junior Trinity Jefferson was named Setter of the Year, finishing just shy of 400 assists on the year. Jefferson’s 399 assists are made even more impressive by the fact that she also finished second on the team in kills with 231.
In her junior campaign Jefferson proved she could do it all, leading the team in assists, while finishing second on the team in kills and third on the team in aces. With a huge majority of the team returning next year, Jefferson will look to help lead a strong Lady Cats team who will be looking to make a deep playoff run, while also making a run herself for District MVP.
Newcomer of the Year
Freshman Harper Hodges was named the Newcomer of the Year, after having an incredible debut season. Hodges finished behind only Jefferson in assists, racking up 363 in her freshman year. Hodges also finished just one ace behind Jefferson with 46, while also playing great defense, finishing with 152 digs.
Despite being the youngest player and only freshman on the team, Hodges played a huge role for the Lady Cats in 2023. She will look to expand her role and continue to help the Lady Cats over the next three seasons.
First Team All-District
Rainey Johnson– Aside from Hodges, Rainey Johnson comes in as one of the youngest players on the team, making First Team All-District as a sophomore. Johnson was a key contributor for the Lady Cats, leading the team in both kills (261) and blocks (57). Johnson also showed her range, finishing with the second-most aces (52) and third most digs (289).
Tessa Allen– Junior Tessa Allen had a breakout season for the Lady Cats in 2023, being a key factor on both sides of the ball. The junior led the team in aces with 66, averaging over .5 aces per set. She was also huge on the defensive side, leading the team in digs, finishing just under 400 and averaging 3.5 per set. Allen’s key contributions on both sides will be huge for the Lady Cats in 2024.
Second Team All-District
Kate Monk– Kate Monk had a great season for the Lady Cats, as one of only two seniors on the team. Monk finished just shy of two big milestones, coming in just under 100 kills and just under 50 blocks. She also provided veteran leadership to a team who only had two seniors.
Mary Taylor– Mary Taylor was the other senior for Sulphur Springs and also played a huge role this fall. Taylor had 117 kills and the second-most blocks on the team with 52. Taylor and Monk’s contributions also went far beyond the stat sheets, as their veteran presence helped the Lady Cats in yet another playoff season.
Kyra Carter– Junior Kyra Carter joined Monk and Taylor on the Second Team All-District list, also making huge contributions for the Lady Cats. Carter reached the 200-kill mark, racking up two kills per set. The junior also ranked in the top-five of aces, blocks and digs for the team, setting herself up for a great senior season in 2024.
Honorable Mention
Kaylee Carter– Junior Kaylee Carter joined sister Kyra Carter in All-District honors. Kaylee finished with similar numbers and helped the Lady Cats both offensively and defensively. Joining a group of strong returning players, Carter will look to play an even bigger role next season.
Lauren Dittrich– Junior Lauren Dittrich had a great defensive season for the Lady Cats, finishing over the 100-dig mark on the year. Dittrich also had the third-most serves returned on the year, putting her team in a good position to make something happen on the offensive end.
Aaliyah Cheatum– Junior Aaliyah Cheatum had a big year for the Lady Cats, doing a good job patrolling at the net. Cheatum had the fifth-most blocks on the team, while also picking up kills in critical moments. With a great season behind her, Cheatum will look to take that momentum into her senior season next year.
Madison Jeter– Sophomore Madison Jeter also had a breakout season for the Lady Cats. Even as one of the youngest players on the team, Jeter surpassed 100 digs on the year and also had some timely aces in district play. Jeter will join a young core of Johnson and Hodges, as well as a strong group of seniors next year for a good Sulphur Springs team.
The awards didn’t stop just at on-court performance however, as a number of Lady Cats received academic honors as well. Seniors Kate Monk and Marty Taylor were named Academic All-State, while Aaliyah Cheatum, Trinity Jefferson, Lauren Dittrich, Rainey Johnson and Madison Jeter were each named Academic All-District as well.
