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 teammates and staff. These athletes are chosen based on our monthly Whole Athlete Training theme.
February’s theme, “Drop In,” focused on helping athletes understand their Ideal Competitive Mindset and how to access or “drop into” it at any moment. Throughout the month, athletes explored how their thoughts and emotions influence performance and practiced ways to stay grounded in the mindset that allows them to play their best. By learning how to work with their feelings and stay present in the moment, they strengthened their ability to take the driver’s seat in how they compete.
Chloe Carter - Rhythm Volleyball Academy
Nominated by Jeff Wismer, Rhythm Volleyball Academy Director
Chloe is a quiet leader in our gym for various reasons not only just her on and off the court balance (and excellence) - 4.4 GPA, early acceptance in U. of Tennessee nursing, Honor Society membership, holding down 2 part time jobs while taking dual enrollment college classes - but her selflessness pouring into her 18s team and our entire community. Chloe will enroll at UT ending her varsity volleyball career but loves to compete!
She has come back to "finish the job" with the team she has led for 2 years earning back to back bids to USAV nationals. Although she won't be playing collegiate volleyball, she is as focused and driven as we have ever seen her. Recently Chloe has extended her competitive reach to positively engage other Rhythm teams within her training group in a more verbal manner which is out of character.
Chloe was a key contributor to the Spread the LOVB outreach as her team ran an on the court clinic for homeless children in our community. Her fierce competitive spirit is hidden by her stoic, calm demeanor and fun loving spirit which uplifts her teammates regardless of our playing scenario.
Chloe Carter empowers others to trust their training and their abilities even when doubts arise. As our captain, she has her team locked in on and off the court.
Izzy Otto - One Wisconsin
Nominated by Lisa Kain - One Wisconsin Coach
Izzy runs a balanced, competitive offense with confidence, consistently making smart decisions when the pressure is highest. She elevates everyone around her by staying composed in tough moments and choosing the right play for the team. On top of that, her defensive effort stands out (especially for a setter) showing her willingness to battle for every point and impact the game in every phase.
Jade Smith - Aspire
Nominated by Ryan Tolman - Aspire Club Director
Jade is new to Aspire. She came to us from another club this season after a tough tryout period and some difficult decisions about her future in the sports. She’s also extremely competitive in the sand but indoor is her first love. She was discouraged and beaten down a bit but excited for a new challenge and a whole new set of teammates. It took a ton of courage for her to take the leap of faith to come to Aspire and join their team.
Last year, the 15 Alpha at Aspire were extremely competitive but this year as 16s there were only 3 remaining players. It is an entirely new team. Jade has been able to share her razor sharp competitive edge with the rest of the team in an inclusive and unifying way. She undoubtedly demonstrates incredible competitiveness each time she plays and this entirely new team follows and competes at that same level. Jade takes her training seriously in practice and certainly competes at a high level in practices.
She has almost single handedly changed the competitive culture of this group. Competing is at the very core of who Jade is as an athlete on and off the court.
Kenzie Smith - East Coast Volleyball Club
Nominated by Tonya Boser, ECVC Coach
I am writing to enthusiastically nominate McKenzie “Kenzie” Smith for LOVB Player of the Month.
Kenzie’s volleyball journey is a powerful example of resilience, discipline, and relentless work ethic. As a senior in high school, volleyball is still relatively new to her compared to many athletes at this level. She attended a very small, modest high school and made the difficult decision to step away from club volleyball during her junior year to focus on academics. Kenzie recognized the importance of her education and took full responsibility for raising her grades to where they needed to be—without excuses and without shortcuts.
That time away understandably set her back in development and recruiting. However, instead of dwelling on lost time, Kenzie returned for her senior year with a renewed purpose and unmatched drive. She led her high school team to a runner-up finish in the state championship and earned Player of the Year honors. This season with ECVC as an 18s middle blocker, she has absolutely dominated the front row—emerging as a highly recruited, late-season standout who touches 10'2 and consistently impacts matches at the highest level.
Kenzie is now the recipient of multiple collegiate offers and is on the verge of committing to a full-ride Division I program. What makes her especially deserving of this recognition is not just her performance, but how she achieved it. She shows up every day, puts in double the work in the gym and on the court, and holds herself to an uncompromising standard. She never feels sorry for herself and never makes excuses—she simply works harder, knowing she has ground to make up and embracing that challenge head-on.
Kenzie Smith embodies everything the LOVB Player of the Month award represents: growth, perseverance, leadership, and elite performance. Her story is still being written, but her impact right now is undeniable.
Lily Lowery - Lexington United
Nominated by Jenni Morgan- Lexington United Co-Director
Lily has moved beyond simply practicing her physical skills to mastering the mental side of the game. Lily has shown a consistent ability to flip a mental switch, centering herself and elevating her play. By intentionally finding this focus rather than waiting for it to happen, she has become a leader of her team and locking into her team.
Lydie Varnadore - A5 Chattanooga
Nominated by Peyton McDaniel - A5 Chattanooga Coach
Lydie is a player who knows how to drop in and compete when it matters most. No moment is too big—she stays locked in, confident, and fully present, even under pressure.
When adversity hits, Lydie resets fast and brings immediate intensity and focus back to the court. Her ability to tap into her Ideal Competitive Mindset elevates her play and fuels her teammates, creating momentum when it’s needed most.
Lydie competes with purpose, resilience, and edge, making her a standout example of this month’s Whole Athlete Training theme and a powerful Athlete of the Month nominee.
Paige de Leon - M1 Volleyball
Nominated by Rosey Cashman - M1 15 White Coach
I have many competitive players on my team who work hard and want to win. However, one player consistently embodies the theme of "dropping in" and embracing a true competitive mindset - and that is Paige de Leon. If I had to describe Paige in one word, it would be READY.
Paige is a setter and a natural leader, both on and off the court. She is locked in at every practice - fully engaged during WAT sessions, receptive to feedback, and quick to implement adjustments in real time. She doesn't just hear coaching - she applies it immediately. She is present, thoughtful, and intentional in everything she does.
As a coach, she is exactly the type of athlete you want in your gym. From the moment she walks in, she is locked in. And while she is kind and composed, make no mistake - Paige wants to win. She has a relentless, can-do attitude and brings mental toughness to every match. She competes with urgency and communicates through her actions that she never wants to leave the court.
If I'm building a team to win, Paige is at the top of my list. She's a gamer - resourceful, driven, and fully committed to success.
Sofia Almaguer - East Coast Volleyball Club
Nominated by Lía Rivera - ECVC Coach
Sofia is my nomination for Athlete of the Month because she has truly been on fire these past few practices and tournaments. Her performance on the court has been outstanding, and she continues to raise the bar every single time she plays.
Beyond her skill, what really sets Sofia apart is her positive attitude. No matter the situation, she stays encouraging and focused. She always makes sure everyone on the court feels confident and understands what’s going on, constantly communicating and supporting her teammates.
As the captain of the team, her leadership has been phenomenal. This weekend alone, she led her team through an incredible 20-point rally from her serves, a moment that showed not only her talent, but also her composure and determination under pressure.
At just 12 years old, Sofia already shows the drive, ambition, and character of someone destined to go far in life. I truly believe her mindset will continue to take her to amazing places. I cannot wait to see how much more she will grow, shine, and become the best version of herself.
Gillian Grimes - LOVB Madison
Nominated by LOVB Pros and Coaches
I’m voting for her as Player of the Month not only because of the commitment she shows every single day. She is constantly looking for ways to improve herself, pushing her limits in practice and staying focused on the details that make a difference.
What really stands out to me is the way she reacts to feedback. She listens carefully, accepts it with a positive mindset, and most importantly, she applies it immediately in her game. That ability to turn feedback into action is what helps a player grow — and she is doing exactly that.
Her attitude and willingness to improve are having a real impact on the team. For me, she truly deserves this recognition.
