Commercial Appeal All-Metro girls volleyball team for 2019
First team
All members of The Commercial Appeal All-Metro volleyball first team are nominees for the volleyball player of the year. The winner will be announced May 13 at the fourth annual Commercial Appeal sports awards presented by Farm Bureau Health Plans.
Aziah Buckner
Briarcrest Christian, Sr.
Position: Outside hitter
Why chosen: The San Diego State signee had 366 kills, 231 digs, 56 aces and 114 assists. She led Briarcrest to a second straight DII-AA state title.
Kathleen Bula
St. Agnes, Sr.
Position: Outside Hitter
Why chosen: The Citadel signee posted 371 kills, 64 aces, 20 blocks and 246 digs.
Rachel McCollum
Collierville, So.
Position: Outside hitter
Why chosen: McCollum had 484 assists and 232 digs and led Collierville to the second round of the Class AAA state tournament.
Jordan Jones
Houston, Sr.
Position: Middle blocker
Why chosen: The Jackson State signee was Region MVP, posted 379 kills, 120 blocks and 39 aces and led Houston to an appearance in the Class AAA state title match.
Emma Perkins
Briarcrest Christian, Sr.
Position: Libero
Why chosen: The Chattanooga signee had 395 digs and 56 aces for DII-AA state champ Briarcrest.
Loren Robertson
Briarcrest Christian, Sr.
Position: Setter
Why chosen: The Memphis signee had 1,202 assists and 241 digs for DII-AA state champ Briarcrest.
Kennedy Shaw
Houston, Jr.
Position: Outside hitter
Why chosen: The all-region selection had 294 kills, 280 digs, 20 aces and 43 blocks and helped Houston reach the Class AAA championship match.
Annika Thompson
St. George's, Sr.
Position: Setter
Why chosen: The Charlotte signee tallied 88 aces, 72 blocks and 330 digs and led St. George's to the DII-A state title.
Second team
Middle blocker: Chloe Bryan, Briarcrest Christian, Jr.
Middle blocker: Morgan Price, Houston, Sr.
Middle blocker: Adi Thrasher, St. George's, Sr.
Setter: Kalin Duncan, Arlington, Jr.
Setter: Lexi Pendleton, Houston, Fr.
Outside hitter: Celia Watson, St. Agnes, Jr.
Libero: Abby Hawkins, Arlington, Sr.
Libero: Ashley Stovall, Collierville, Sr.
Coach of the Year
Samantha Gruse
St. George's
Why chosen: Gruse led the Gryphons (30-9) to the DII-A state title for the school's third volleyball championship.