December 11, 2008
Player of the Year
Becky Paynter, River Hill

Perhaps the best setter in the area, Paynter rose above health problems (she is sensitive to loud noises as the result of an auto accident before her sophomore year) to lead the Hawks to an unexpected berth in the state semifinals. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Hawks, but Paynter's play helped River Hill take state runner-up Rising Sun to five games in the state semifinals. The Hawks lost only three matches this season, one each to top-ranked Centennial, Wilde Lake and Rising Sun. Paynter, a senior, had 18 assists, 137digs, 58 aces, 123 kills and 24 blocks.

Coach of the Year
Caitlin Geoghan, Wilde Lake

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In her first year at Wilde Lake, Geoghan led the Wildecats to a 13-4 record, with the only losses coming to top-ranked and Class 3A state champion Centennial (three times) and second-ranked Mount de Sales. Under her leadership, Wilde Lake advanced to its first county championship game, where it lost to Centennial. A former player at River Hill, Geoghan picked up one of her biggest wins of the year when the Wildecats defeated her former school, three games to two.

First team
NameSchoolYearPosition
Ashley FanCentennialSeniorS
Jackie HawkinsCentennialSeniorS
Becky PaynterRiver HillSeniorS
Julie PostenReservoirJuniorS
NameSchoolYearPosition
Samantha BrostromCentennialSophomoreH
Camille FreemanWilde LakeSeniorH
Sarah HallCentennialJuniorH
Casey SchmidtGlenelgJuniorH
Note: Team selected by Mike Frainie after consultation with The Baltimore Sun staff and area coaches.