Each month, junior volleyball teams nationwide nominate players for the LOVB Athlete of the Month where one LOVB Pro is also nominated and selected by fellow pros and staff. These athletes are chosen based on our monthly Whole Athlete Training theme.
December’s theme “Bigger Than You,” was about staying connected to what matters most, knowing your values, and showing up not just for yourself but also for your team.
Here’s what the clubs had to say about these athletes:
Kyleigh Shores - Atlanta Extreme Volleyball Club
Nominated by Jackie Eversley - AEVC Coach
Kyleigh Shores embodies what it truly means to live “Bigger Than You.” As an athlete on our 17U Elite National team, Kyleigh consistently demonstrates maturity, leadership, and a team-first mindset well beyond her years. She shows up fully—physically, mentally, and emotionally—even on days when she’s unable to practice. Her positive attitude lifts the gym, and her teammates rely on her as a steady, encouraging presence who makes everyone around her better.
Kyleigh leads from anywhere on or off the court. She celebrates others’ successes louder than her own, offers support during tough moments, and steps into any role the team needs without hesitation. She models responsibility, resilience, and a deep commitment to the culture we strive to build at AEVC.
Her impact doesn’t stop with her own team. This season, Kyleigh also serves as the assistant coach for our 11U team, where she brings the same heart, patience, and enthusiasm the younger athletes instantly connect with. From helping athletes learn fundamentals to offering encouraging words, tying shoes, shagging balls, and creating a joyful environment, she continuously chooses actions that build others up.
At just 17, Kyleigh exemplifies “Bigger Than You” through her kindness, selflessness, and willingness to do the unseen work that strengthens a community. She is not only an athlete—she is a role model, a culture-setter, and a shining example of what it means to put the team, the program, and the people around you first.
Piper Russell - Platform Elite
Nominated by Abbie Kludt - Platform Elite 16 Navy Coach
Piper is the best team leader I had seen. She comes in everyday and brings everything she has. She is encouraging to other teammates while holding them accountable. She makes sure everyone is communicating on the court, doing their job and making sure we get 1% better everyday. She knows this game might end for every player so she ensures everyone gets to know each other during stretching or drills and learns how to communicate with each other. She embodies every aspect of LOVB volleyball and is the true definition of a great teammate and person.
Reagan Woodsmall - G3 Volleyball Academy
Nominated by Christina Boirie - G3 Coach
Reagan is the kind of player that makes a difference on the court whether she’s in or on the sidelines. She is everyone’s biggest fan and a constant motivator for all in the gym! She doesn’t care if they’re her team or not, she will always be the first to encourage someone and pick them up when they’re down. Her mentality of every touch matters is something she preaches not only verbally but through her actions as well. She’s the first to be on the court excited to start, the first to say “you got this” or “go again” when a teammate fumbles, and the most vocal when it comes to “one more ball”! Her teammates absolutely adore her and her coaches couldn’t be more grateful to have a teammate like her leading such an outstanding group of girls!
Ryleigh Repass - Jacksonville Juniors Volleyball Association
Nominated by Jamie Reed - JJVA Club Admin and Travel Coach
Ryleigh is a very humble athlete, she works hard and is always encouraging her teammates to be better and push harder, she is super encouraging and supportive. She takes lots of lessons and always brings teammates so they can get touches as well, she is always willing to volunteer and help out at JJVA.
Samantha Ratka - FC Elite
Nominated by Amy Daley - FC Elite Director and Coach
Samantha is new to volleyball and blows me away daily with her optimism, support for her teammates, and joy when playing volleyball. Samantha is learning to serve overhand; and has not quite got it down yet. Instead of being discouraged, she infuses life and energy into those around her that are struggling with the same thing. She is very vocal on the court and has such a zest for the game. It's amazing at such a young age that a kid can just "get it" like Samantha does. She gets the bigger picture, trusts the process, and exemplifies team > me.
Sophia Zirkelbach - Evansville United Volleyball Club
Nominated by Michelle Nogueras - Evansville United Director
Sophia consistently shows up to support and push her teammates as well as help coaches when needed while injured and unable to play volleyball. Sophia suffered a tear in her ligament near her Achilles and went through surgery in October and currently is rehabilitating and wearing a boot. She has not missed any of her age group practices, and has helped out the coaching staff when needed. Yesterday, Sophia helped her Head Coach run one of the drills and she loved it! She comes in and encourages her teammates every practice and shows her support. By doing so and being herself, she greatly demonstrates what it's like to be a part of something bigger than herself.
Taylor Santore - RockCity
Nominated by Alex Lanigan - RockCity Coach
I am nominating Taylor for Junior Athlete of the Month because she truly embodies our December focus, “Bigger Than You.” She is constantly hyping up her teammates and is the most vocal presence on the court, bringing 100% energy, 100% of the time. Taylor wants everyone around her to succeed, and she celebrates her teammates’ accomplishments just as enthusiastically as her own. Her positivity and selfless leadership make her an invaluable part of our team.
Yinelis Vargas Rivera - Maverick Volleyball Club
Nominated by Keith Jenkins - Maverick Master Coach
Yiyi shows up everyday with a beaming smile for all and contagious enthusiasm you can feel across the gym. She is constantly lifting others up by continuously encouraging her teammates with positive affirmations and intentional communication. Her team benefits from the energy she brings with every handclap, "high ten" and celebration of effort throughout entire practices. Yiyi works to earn the trust of her teammates by showing them she will always support their play regardless of outcome. Anyone can see Yinelis always practices at full 100% go and really puts the hard work in to improve for the betterment of her team. She has an easiness and court presence that really glues the team together. The way she gets excited for others and remains humble when her own efforts are complimented really speaks to her character and leadership. A great teammate and a giving person who brings out the best in everyone around her, Yinelis is the embodiment of the "Bigger Than You" idea.
Jacy Andrew - Oregon High School / 608 Juniors (Madison, WI)
Nominated by Kelsey Stilson - Oregon HS Volleyball Head Coach
Jacy has spent three years on varsity and in that time has played for three different head coaches, each with very different systems, expectations, and philosophies. Many athletes would struggle to stay grounded through that much change, but Jacy never lost sight of her long-term goal to play in college.
As a sophomore she earned the starting setter role in a 5-1. As a junior her role shifted, and it would have been easy to let that setback change her direction. Instead, she doubled down. She spent the off season studying film, improving her leadership, and working to run a smarter, more intentional offense.
Her senior year reflects that grit. She earned her starting spot back, committed to UW-Platteville, and reached her thousandth career assist. But the real achievement is her resilience. No matter the coach, the system, or the role, Jacy chooses growth. She never quits on the goals that matter to her, and she sets the tone for everyone around her.
Indre Sorokaite - LOVB Madison
Nominated by LOVB Pros and Coaches
Indre does an incredible job engaging with youth communities not only back at home but here in Madison as well. Her dedication to youth players and their development is extremely admirable and something she takes a lot of pride in. Her hope is to not only help improve youth volleyball players, but inspired them to be the best versions of themselves both on and off the court
She is always the first to volunteer for working with the club athletes! She runs her own club in Lithuania and cares so much about young athletes.
