By K. Conner On Friday afternoon Coach Julie Thomas and the Lady Bulldogs volleyball team along with their parents met for the end of the season celebration in the student union along with Principal Sal Hernandez, Assistant Principal Steven Jacott and Athletic Director Kortney Hendricks. The following awards were handed out: MaxPrep Players of the Game are Jaci Gonnie, named for four games; Wahela Nelson, Shaelene Singer, each named for three; Kristin Wagner, Jayleigh Meyers, with two a piece; and Andrea Guzman with one. MaxPrep Player of the Year went to Jaci Gonnie. AIA 3A East All-Region Players are Kristin Wagner second team, with honorable mentions going to Jaci Gonnie and Shaelene Singer. Varsity team awards included Kristin Wagner, for Most Digs; Wahela Nelson, most assists; Brynlee Barris, most blocks; and Shaelene Singer, most aces. The Twix Award (for playing more than one position) went to Jeralyne Meyers, Kristara Tso, Kylie Begay, Jocilyn Ashley and Kristin Wagner. Special recognitions went to Alexis Smith, as most improved player; Janessa Meyers, most consistent player; Kristara Tso, sportsmanship and leadership; Liz McLaws received the award for excellence; and Kristin Wagner, dedication and character. The graduating seniors Kristin Wagner, Jocilyn Ashley and Starrlynn James were each presented with a blanket made by Coach Thomas. Coach Thomas also presented her new assistant coach, Darrin Mitchell with a blanket. Athletic Director Kortney Hendricks addressed the team congratulating them on making it to the state playoffs for the first time in 20 years and being a young team with only three seniors. She then announced that Coach Julie Thomas was chosen by her peers to be the Region Coach of the Year. This is Coach Thomas’ second year back coaching after a six-year break before which she had coached for 10 years.
