CLEVELAND, Ohio — A wealth of talent returns to the courts of Northeast Ohio this week, with various playmakers looking to move their team closer to the ultimate goal of a state title.
Here’s a look at the individual players who are expected to make the biggest contributions to their team while also making the team around them better.
These are the 2024 Cleveland.com Preseason All-Stars for girls volleyball:
Professionals
Annabelle Groomes, St. Joseph Academy, Sr – It was a big step for Groomes to be named to the All-Ohio League’s Division I first team last season.
She had over 200 kills for the second straight season, including 269 last season, and 387 assists. The offense runs through Groomes and will be crucial for the Jaguars as they rely on her leadership for another big season.
Ella Jackson, Gilmour Academy, Sr – Since entering high school, Jackson has racked up more than 2,200 assists for the Lancers, and that work did not go unnoticed in 2023, earning her a Division II All-Ohio second-team selection.
Jackson posted 563 assists and 154 digs last season, showing off her ability on the field despite a shortened season for her. The multi-sport athlete, who also plays softball, is as competitive as can be when it comes to the game.
Julia Oster, Lake Catholic, Sr – Oster was an honorable mention All-State selection in Division III last year. She totaled 307 digs, had a 93% serve rate and 72 aces on a team that produced two Division III first-team All-Ohio honorees.
Oster’s coaching staff is expected to make her a leader on the field.
Kailey Snow, Magnificat, Jr – When he was named to the All-Ohio third team in Division I as a sophomore last year, Snow made a name for himself across the state.
Snow accounted for 277 digs last season, with a 97.2% serve rate and 30 aces, with room for improvement in her junior year.
As the Blue Streaks look to return to form, the team and coaching staff are relying on Snow to be a role model on the field.
London Stone, Avon, Jr. – Stone was one of Ohio’s best killers last season with 340 kills. Her 235 digs were a major factor for Avon as an extremely versatile player who was named to the All-Ohio second team in Division I.
Until proven otherwise, the highly competitive Southwestern Conference will run through Stone and Avon.
Amber Watson, Archbishop Hoban, Sr. – The Knights lost only once in 2023 thanks to Watson’s play at the net. She led the team in numerous categories, including aces (47), kills (367), kills per set (4.3) and hitting percentage (31.4).
Watson made an impression wherever she stepped on the court with 228 digs and 32 blocks, as well as her impressive ability to finish at the net.
Honorable Mention
Avari Amstutz, Kenston, Jr
Sydney Borowy, Magnificat, Jr
Jayla Cruz, Amherst Steele, Sr
Marlie Davis, Gilmour Academy, Sr
Kendal Dobbins, Amherst Steele, Jr
Chloe Eghobamien, Hathaway Brown, Sr
Melody Garrett, Mentor, Jr
Brie Habeeb, Gilmour Academy, Sr
Hayden Hess, Olmsted Falls, Sr
Danica McArthur, Avon Lake, Sr
Rachel McArthur, Avon Lake, Sr
Emily Odon, Olmsted Falls, Jr
D’aria Whitner, Gilmour Academy, Jr
Haley Wilson, Independence, Jr
