Photo: Westbrook Christian’s Raegan Harrell (at far right) is pictured competing in the 2023 Class 3A Elite Eight state volleyball tournament in Birmingham. (Taylor Spradley/Messenger)
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor
For the second straight year, Westbrook Christian’s Raegan Harrell played a big in leading the Westbrook Christian volleyball team to new heights.
In 2022, Harrell helped the Lady Warriors qualify for the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history.
This past season, she was instrumental in Westbrook’s first-ever trip to the Elite Eight state tournament with 391 kills, 199 digs, 37 aces and 18 blocks.
That stellar production led to Harrell being named All-Messenger Volleyball MVP for the second year in a row.
“Raegan was the go-to hitter for our setter,” said Westbrook volleyball coach Denise Mattison. “Anything out of system, Raegan was called on to make the play. She leads by example and has put so much into our success.
“Raegan also has a strong faith and is such a kind soul. She always included everyone in every aspect of the things they did as a team. I will miss her and our other senior, Henley Beddingfield, so much in more ways than just on the court.”
Mattison and Glencoe’s Jamie Barkley share Coach of the Year honors. Along with making it to the Class 3A state tournament, Mattison guided Westbrook to a 33-14 record, a second straight area tournament title and a 3-1 record at the North Super Regional Tournament. Barkley helped the Lady Yellow Jackets win 18 games, finish fourth at regionals and qualify for the Elite Eight for the first time in five years.
Player of the Year: Raegan Harrell, senior, Westbrook Christian
Coach of the Year: Denise Mattison, Westbrook Christian; Jamie Barkley, Glencoe
First team
Raegan Harrell, Westbrook, senior outside hitter: 391 kills, 199 digs, 37 aces, 18 blocks
Abi Bunt, Glencoe, senior setter: 531 assists, 321 digs, 43 kills, 54 aces
Raylee Neal, Westbrook, sophomore setter: 785 assists, 157 digs, 60 aces, 46 kills
Emma Croy, Glencoe, senior, outside hitter: 402 digs, 257 kills, 31 aces
Lydia Northam, Ashville, sophomore outside hitter: 478 kills, 325 digs, 96 aces
Kathryn Webb, Southside, senior setter: 583 assists, 175 digs, 56 aces, 23 blocks
Kaelyn Hollis, Glencoe, junior libero: 642 digs, 68 assists, 34 kills, 32 aces
Landri Lipscomb, Westbrook sophomore middle hitter: 267 kills, 209 digs, 72 aces, 68 blocks
Vada Willmore, Sardis, sophomore outside hitter: 286 kills, 213 digs, 48 aces, 23 blocks
Lexie Graham, senior, Southside, DS/outside hitter: 309 digs, 156 kills, 36 aces
Second team
Alli Jo Amos, Glencoe, junior middle blocker: 229 kills, 49 blocks
Marley Cox, Westbrook, junior middle hitter: 289 digs, 176 kills, 63 aces, 25 blocks
Baylor Gilmer, Sardis, senior outside hitter: 158 digs, 84 kills, 55 aces
Jovi Marble, Southside, senior libero: 507 digs, 50 aces
Ansley Wilborn, Gadsden City, senior libero: 293 digs
Jillian Delp, Coosa Christian, junior setter: 166 digs, 123 assists, 26 aces
Sarakate Yancey, Southside, senior middle hitter: 232 digs, 49 blocks, 19 aces
Charlee Skaggs, Gaston, sophomore setter: 393 assists, 74 digs, 70 kills, 37 aces
Kylee Wyatt, Westbrook, junior libero: 327 digs, 32 assists, 24 aces
Shelby Abernathy, Sardis, sophomore setter: 488 assists, 162 digs, 39 kills, 32 aces
Third team
Lauren Farmer, Etowah, senior outside hitter
Ellison Stewart, Westbrook, sophomore outside hitter: 222 kills, 120 digs, 37 assists, 35 aces
Zahkiyla Cook, Ashville, senior outside hitter: 340 digs, 275 kills
Coley Webb, Gadsden City, freshman outside hitter: 74 kills, 32 blocks
Jordyn Knight, Sardis, junior outside hitter: 249 digs, 157 kills, 30 aces
Reagan Smith, West End, senior outside hitter: 181 digs, 142 kills, 60 aces
Mia Fowler, Sardis, senior libero: 255 digs, 15 assists
Lexi Ponce, Gaston, junior setter: 350 assists, 73 kills, 63 digs, 37 aces
Kate England, Coosa Christian, junior, middle hitter: 63 kills, 54 blocks
Addison Simmons, Hokes Bluff, 8th grade outside hitter: 83 kills