Player of the Year
Lauren Tracey, Francis Scott Key
The 5-foot-6 senior developed her game well beyond the realm of a pure setter this season, adding the ability to finish plays to her repertoire. She averaged 6.9 assists, 2.4 digs and 1.5 kills per game for the Eagles, who finished 12-3 and claimed Carroll County and Monocacy Valley Athletic League Blue Ridge Conference titles.
Tracey, also a standout in basketball and softball, was a first-team All-County setter a year ago, but developed her penchant for spiking the ball during a mission trip to Costa Rica over the summer, when she offered to step in to fill a void at outside hitter.
Tracey is shooting for a career in journalism.
Coach of the Year
Marcia Kunkel, South Carroll
Kunkel's squad overcame its lack of height and senior experience to finish 13-6 and claim the first state title in school history, defeating Boonsboro in four games to win the Class 1A final.
Following last year's .500 season, the Cavaliers began to hit their stride with a five-game win over perennial-power Liberty in late October. They were then practically unstoppable in the playoffs, beating Brunswick, Catoctin, Western Tech, Havre de Grace and Boonsboro by a combined 15-3 in games.
And with the core of its lineup returning, including top hitters Lindsay Will and Mary Harshman and setter Tianna Quiambao-Panas, South Carroll should be in a strong position to defend its championship.
Note:
Players and Coach of the Year were selected by Rich Scherr after consultation with
The Sun
staff and area coaches.