A trio of area players makes up half of the first team South Dakota Volleyball Coaches Association Class B all-state selections. Members on the first team include Warner’s Kyleigh Schopp, Hitchcock-Tulare’s Katelyn Schoeder, and Northwestern’s Ashley Haven.

There are also three area players on the second unit, and four more who gained honorable mention status.

Here is a look at each of the area players who earned all-state recognition, followed by the first and second team, and honorable mention lists of players.

FIRST TEAM

Kylie Schopp, Warner: Schopp played a key role in leading Warner to back-to-back runner-up state finishes. The senior had 477 kills, 82 blocks, 30 aces and 93 digs. “Kyleigh’s powerful attacks and precise placement have made her an offensive threat, challenging opponents to defend her,” said Warner coach Kari Jung. “Additionally, her keen ability to read the setter has allowed her to consistently put up a highly effective block this season.”

Katelyn Schroeder, Hitchcock-Tulare. Schroeder rewrote the record book during her career with the Patriots. The senior had 46 aces, 485 kills, 394 digs, 2 solo blocks and 26 assisted blocks this year. “Katelyn was a six-rotation player for our team this season. We looked at her for her leadership on the floor. She really played at a high level all season long, which is evident by her stats,” said Hitchcock-Tulare coach Jordan Opp. “She can take over a match in a hurry. Katelyn is the smartest player I have coached, as she can see the floor so well and hit a variety of shots. She has cemented herself in the Hitchcock-Tulare volleyball record books.”

Ashley Haven, Northwestern: Just a junior, Haven continues to be a dominant force for the Wildcats. She had 456 kills, 95 blocks, 72 aces and 258 digs this season. Her career totals include 1,331 kills, 1,175 digs, 251 aces and 231. “Ashley worked very hard to come back from ankle surgery last spring. She couldn’t run track, then spent all summer doing physical therapy to get strong,” said Northwestern coach Nora Groft. “She got cleared just before the season started, so she was tentative to start. About a month in, she really felt confident on it and just took off. She is our on-court leader. She can serve, pass, hit, and block. Ashley has a very high volleyball IQ.”

SECOND TEAM

Carley Cotton, Faulkton: Cotton capped her career with 75 aces, 487 kills, 3 solo blocks, and 9 assisted blocks this season. “Carley is an athlete who can do just about everything whether it’s passing, setting, hitting, or blocking. She has a great knowledge for the game and is able to read what is going on to best set her up for success,” said Faulkton coach Mallory Schlechter. “She works very hard, and it wasn’t uncommon for her to have a double-double with kills and digs almost every night. Carley recorded her 1,000th career dig last season and her 1,000th career kill this season. She managed to get all of this playing basically three full seasons, sophomore through senior.”

Emerson Carter, Castlewood. Carter helped to lead the Warriors to back-to-back state tournament appearances. The senior had 458 kills, 44 aces, and 44 blocks this past season. “Emerson has been a huge part of the Castlewood volleyball program and we are all proud of her and her accomplishments,” said Warriors coach Breanna DeKam. “She has been a dedicated athlete and I am happy that she is being recognized for her hard work and talent.”

Kendal Uttecht, Wolsey-Wessington: This junior did a little bit of everything for the Warbirds this season. She finished with 30 aces, 70 kills, 850 set assists, 329 digs and 335 blocks. “Kendal stepped into a 5-1 offense this year after running a 6-2 last year and did an excellent job running our offense. She is quick and can get to every ball while still putting the sets in a spot for our hitters to attack,” said Wolsey-Wessington coach Lindy Uttecht. “Not only was Kendal an asset on offense for us, but was also a defensive threat. She was second in blocks and digs on our team this year, and had many huge plays at the net for us.”

HONORABLE MENTION

Jordyn Jensen, Warner: Jensen was a force for the Monarchs from the service line to the back row. The senior had 74 aces, 75 set assists, and serve received 708 balls with just 37 errors. “Jordyn exhibits exceptional quickness and thrives in her defensive role,” said Warner coach Kari Jung. “Her positive energy and leadership on the court have been truly outstanding this season, making a significant impact on the team’s success.”

Lila Johnson, Hitchcock-Tulare: Only sophomore, Johnson played a key role for the Patiots this season. She had 80 aces, 122 kills, 581 set assists, 225 digs, 2 solo blocks and 21 assisted blocks. “Lila was so versatile all year long. Not only did she do a good job of running our offense and getting the ball to the variety of our hitters, but she also did a great job hitting out of the right-side spot,” said Hitchcock-Tulare coach Jordan Opp. “Lila also has a dynamic serve as she led our team in aces. Overall, she is just a great competitor on the floor. It will be fun to see her improve more the next couple of years.”

Samara Clemente, Wolsey-Wessington: Clemente was a force on both sides of the net this season for the Warbirds. She racked up 365 kills, 90 blocks and 48 digs. “Samara led our team in kills and blocks this season. She has been a huge presence at the net both on offense and defense, becoming our go-to person when we needed a point,” said Wolsey-Wessington coach Lindy Uttecht. “As a senior, she really stepped up and took on a leadership role for us this season, always cheering her teammates on and having a positive attitude on the court.”

Marley Guthmiller, Ipswich: This junior played a major role for the Tigers this season, finishing with 400 kills, six solo blocks, 24 assisted blocks, 55 aces and 330 digs. “As our six-rotation outside hitter and floor captain, Marley played a pivotal role in transforming Ipswich from a 7-21 team last year to a 21-9 contender this season,” said Ipswich coach Trent Osborne. “Known for her quiet demeanor, Marley lets her skill and intensity speak, bringing energy and focus that inspires her teammates. When our team needed a play to shift momentum, Marley delivered with consistent kills, digs, and serves.”

First Team

Lily Van Hal, Chester, Junior, S/RS

Kyleigh Schopp, Warner, Senior, MH

Kailee Frank, Burke, Senior, OH/MH

Katelyn Schroeder, Hitchcock-Tulare, Senior, OH

Ashley Haven, Northwestern, Junior, MH

Jacy Wolf, Chester, Sophomore, OH/S

Taylor Hoxeng, Gayville-Volin,- Junior, Libero

Second Team

Carley Cotton, Faulkton, Senior, OH

Brynlee Landis, Colman-Egan, Junior, OH

TyAnn Mortenson, Faith, Senior, OH/MH

Emerson Carter, Castlewood, Senior, OH

Kendal Uttecht, Wolsey-Wessington, Junior, Setter

Honorable Mention

Paige Bull, Burke, Senior, MH

Jordyn Jensen, Warner, Senior, Libero

Isabella Stubkjaer, Sioux Falls Lutheran, Senior, Libero

Lila Johnson, Hitchcock-Tulare, Sophomore, S/RS

Samara Clemente, Wolsey-Wessington, Senior, MH

Marley Guthmiller, Ipswich, Junior, OH