Local Volleyball Stars Shine in League Honors

The Southern Peaks League recently recognized some outstanding volleyball players from the San Luis Valley. In the Class 2A division, Sanford High School took the spotlight with five athletes making the cut. Bella Peterson and Avery Koenig earned first-team spots, while Claire Crowther and Brinlyn Smith were second-team picks. Rose Schwartz received an honorable mention, adding to the school's success. Monte Vista High School also had a strong showing with three players honored. Evie Hinds made the first team, Hannah Henderhan was second team, and Madison Henderhan got an honorable mention. Del Norte High School matched this with three selections: Addie Roepke on the first team, Julia Trujillo on the second team, and Autumn Gallegos with an honorable mention. Center High School had three players recognized as well. Emiliana Valdez was on the second team, while Dulce Palma and Kendra Gomez Gonzalez received honorable mentions. Additionally, Center's Misty Lambert was named Coach of the Year, and Crested Butte's Mia O'Neil was awarded Player of the Year. Moving to Class 1A, the league champion Sargent High School led with five players honored. Kandace Pargin was named Player of the Year, while Reese Anderson, Catie Deacon, and Kimmy Pargin made the first team. Denver Holman was on the second team. Creede High School had four selections: Ava Anderson, Jayden Eubank, and Paisley Anderson on the second team, and Shauna Pollard with an honorable mention. Sierra Grande High School had three players recognized: Eneria Quintana on the first team, Audrianna Gerardo on the second team, and Ashly Rodriguez with an honorable mention. Sangre de Cristo High School had two selections: Belle Beiriger on the first team and Desarey Ojeda with an honorable mention. Centennial High School also had two players honored: Amya Garcia on the first team and Rena Aguilera with an honorable mention. Mountain Valley High School and Antonito High School each had one player recognized. Kendra Pollard from Mountain Valley made the second team, and Alyssa Abeyta from Antonito received an honorable mention.