Player of the year
Nydia Bryan-Green, Elizabeth Seton, Sr.
The talented, athletic senior led Elizabeth Seton in several categories and helped the Roadrunners earn a first-round bye and a quarterfinal-round victory against Bishop O'Connell (Va.) in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference playoffs. She accumulated 152 kills while committing only 51 attack errors, had 108 digs, 27 solo blocks and 20 service aces from 67 winners. She was named to the All-WCAC second team.
Coach of the year
Anastasia Woodruff, Forestville, fifth season
In her fifth season, Woodruff guided Forestville to a perfect 12-0 league record, including a five-game victory over perennial power Gwynn Park and a berth in the county championship match. Forestville also earned the top seed in the 1A South Region tournament, though the Knights dropped a three-game match against visiting Glenelg in the quarterfinals. With a youthful squad this year, Forestville should be a force in the County 3A/2A/1A League again next season.
First team
Funmi Akinyode, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sr.
The powerful senior outside hitter led the Raiders to a third consecutive undefeated league season and second straight trip to the state 4A semifinals. She collected 152 kills and 67 service aces among 129 service winners while playing all the way around.
Mercedes Maynard, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sr.
One of the most versatile players in the county, the senior covered the floor superbly with her passing, setting, serving and hitting. She led the Raiders with 78 service aces from 156 winners and added 108 assists and 48 kills and was a key component in the team's two straight region titles.
Heather Garnto, Bowie, Sr.
]The junior delivered 249 assists to her outside hitters and middle hitters and added 52 aces. Garnto helped the Bulldogs to a 16-2 mark and an appearance in the 4A South Region final. She'll return next season along with middle hitter Siri Ngundum to form perhaps the most dangerous tandem in the county 4A League.
Siri Ngundum, Bowie, Sr.
The junior led the Bulldogs in virtually every major offensive category including kills (142) and blocks (31) and added 45 aces. She was a force in the middle on offense and defense.
Rachel Hammer, Elizabeth Seton, Sr.
The senior played a vital role in the Roadrunners' 13-9 season, as they earned the No. 4 seed in the tough Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. She led the team with a stellar 489 assists and added 85 digs, 12 service aces from 45 winners, 16 kills and four blocks. She was selected as an All-WCAC honorable mention.
Nadeige Chop, Charles H. Flowers, Sr.
One of the best all-around players in the county, the senior earned her second straight appearance on the Gazette-Star first team thanks to her numerous skills. She was one of the strongest servers on the team, could pass from the back row and was difficult to stop on attack when she rotated to the front row, leading the Jaguars to an 11-4 mark.
Brittney Tyler, Riverdale Baptist, Sr.
Making her second straight appearance on the first team, the senior was the central focus of the offense for the Crusaders, who went 20-5. She led the team with 221 kills, added 125 digs, 110 blocks and 79 aces from 159 service winners. Tyler was named to the Maryland Independent Schools' Athletic League First Team for the second straight season.
Tamara Weems, Bishop McNamara, Sr.
The senior was a genuine bright spot for the 4-16 Mustangs. Weems led the team with 126 kills, added 50 digs, 39 service aces and 23 solo blocks while playing in 16 of the team's 20 matches. She is quick in the middle and can hit outside as well while rarely leaving the floor during a match. She was selected to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Second Team.
Second Team
Lydia Felter, Eleanor Roosevelt
Julie Houchens, Eleanor Roosevelt
Bridget Botchway-Bradley, Eleanor Roosevelt
Amanda Clark, Bowie
Tessa Tolson, Bowie
Taylor Allen, Elizabeth Seton
Natalie Clagett, Elizabeth Seton
Courtney Cooper, Elizabeth Seton
Heidi Hernandez, Northwestern
Trina Alexander, Oxon Hill
Evann Slaughter, Oxon Hill
Simone Jordan, Gwynn Park
Whitney Irvin, Gwynn Park
Tamara Leslie, Flowers
La Pria Saunders, Parkdale
Channea Manning, Parkdale
Melissa Ruis, Duval
Karen Elias, Laurel
Elsi Sanchez, Laurel
Jackie Buckley, Pallotti
Courtney Dreisch, Pallotti
Dachell Robinson, High Point
Kristina Murphy, High Point
Jordan Blue, High Point
Mychelle Allen, Forestville
Dericka Tucker, Forestville
Anna Duranske, Grace Brethren
Brooke Proffitt, Grace Brethren
Nicole Scott, Grace Brethren
The Gazette-Star All-County Teams are selected by our staff based on our observations, player statistics and nominations from coaches. The writeups on this page were compiled by Staff Writer Ted Black