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FOR THE 2023 SEASON

Here is a list of New Mexico volleyball athletes to watch this coming season. New Mexico is teeming with talent across the state, that being said, here are a few that stand out.

Volleyball

• Karyna Werley (La Cueva)
  Karyna is the best player in all of New Mexico, no ifs, ands, or buts. Her abilities are second to none. She is an integral piece for La Cueva and will only be better this year. Karyna is a top notch player that elevates the team just by being on the court.
• Makayla Martinez (Cibola)
  Makayla is arguably the top libero in the entire state. She hit the century mark for career digs during the NMAA state tournament last year. Makayla’s hustle on the court is a treat to watch.
• Angelina Passalacqua (Los Alamos)
  Angelina is a do it all type of player that will help keep her team in position to win any match. Catch one of her games and you will see what we are talking about. She is a phenomenal athlete to watch play.
• Reese Russell (Eldorado)
  Reese attacks and attacks some more. Last year, she finished second in kills. Returning this year as the top kill leader, she shows no fear when swinging. Reese is one of the top volleyball players that you need to see this season.
• Jayden Hughes (Cloudcroft)
  Jayden returns as a top kill leader. She will definitely be a bigger threat this year. Jayden paired with fellow kill machine, Kyla Aguilar will be fun to watch this season.
• Graci Odom (Melrose)
  Graci is a fierce competitor. She plays tough and leaves very little on the court at the end of the match. Paired with the state leader in assists from last season, Kye Ward, Graci should have quite a senior campaign. Be sure to watch her and the rest of Melrose play this season.
• Skylar Schwartz (Volcano Vista)
  Skylar was a great player as a sophomore last season and will be returning with an even more improved skillset. She has the ability to make big time hits in big time moments. Catch Skylar going skyward this season and enjoy the show.
• Ella Pockman (Bosque)
  Ella will be returning for her senior campaign. She is instrumental for the Bobcats as an outside hitter. Ella will provide a lot of kills and be a huge presence on the court.
• Tiona Drumm (Sandia)
  Tiona is one of those players that can play anywhere on the court. Last year, she started the season off with an injury. When she returned she quickly reestablished herself as a threat. Expect for her to continue her impressive career this season with some huge spikes and all around play.
• Victoria Marthaler (La Cueva)
  Victoria is just one of several big arms for La Cueva. Listed at 6’0″, she is a menace at the net. Victoria had an awesome junior year and we can foresee her senior year being spectacular.
• Molly Walton (Centennial)
  Molly will be stepping into a huge role this season. With 2022 Gatorade Player of the Year, Tess Fuqua, gone, Molly will no doubt have more volume of hitting coming her way. She played wonderfully for the Hawks last season and this year should be no different.
• Lauren Snippen (Cleveland)
  Lauren will be a key returner for a Cleveland team that went all the way to the semifinals last season. She is a very consistent player who provides stability at her position. Look out for Lauren and the Storm this season as they will be great to watch.

These twelve are good but there are a lot more throughout the state that can easily be put on this list. One of particular note who was on this list originally is Ceci Vance. She verbally committed to Arizona State this summer.

Get out there this season and watch these athletes do their thing on the court. You won’t be disappointed. On any night of the week you will be able to find a good volleyball match to attend. Be sure to support the players and their programs.

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