2020 All-Lowco Volleyball Team presented by NexMove

It was far from a typical high school volleyball season last fall, with teams playing limited schedules and mostly avoiding big weekend tournaments amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but one thing remained the same — the Lowco stars shined on the court.

Headlined by an incredible state championship run by Hilton Head High, several Lowco teams had successful campaigns on the strength of outstanding individual performances, and we honor those stars with the All-Lowco Volleyball Team presented by NexMove.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

COACH OF THE YEAR

Garret Talarczyk, HHIHS

Talarczyk has long been one of the area’s best coaches, and he has the record to prove it with two state titles and two runner-up finishes in the past decade, but this might have been his best coaching job yet. Not only did he have the Seahawks playing at a high level all season — they compiled an 18-2 record and rolled through the Class 4A playoffs without being pushed to a fifth set — but he also navigated the COVID-19 pandemic expertly, complete with the Seahawks masking up on the court throughout the regular season and contact tracing to ensure everyone stayed healthy for the playoff run.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Ady O’Grady, HHIHS

Where O’Grady goes, success follows. After helping to lead Hilton Head Christian Academy to a state title as a freshman and leading the Eagles back to the SCISA 2A championship match as a sophomore, the dominant middle moved over to Hilton Head High for her junior season and powered the Seahawks to a SCHSL Class 4A crown while earning Class 4A Player of the Year honors. That was enough to make her our Lowco Player of the Year for the second straight year — but her eye-popping stats didn’t hurt.

ALL-LOWCO FIRST TEAM

Hannah Merchant, BHS | Sr., MH/OH

It was a rough season for the Eagles, but Merchant was a monster with 194 kills, 185 digs, 17 blocks, and 17 aces, earning All-Region 7-4A honors.

Ady O’Grady, HHIHS | Jr., MH

Class 4A All-State pick piled up 246 kills — averaging double-digits per match — to go with 124 digs, 33 blocks, and a .405 hitting percentage. And she saved her best performance for last, racking up 28 kills and hitting .440 to lead the Seahawks in the state championship match.

Kenzie Ryan, HHIHS | Jr., OH

Another Class 4A All-State pick, Ryan ended the season with 199 kills, 136 digs, and 20 blocks to go with a solid .255 hitting percentage, and she will be back for another season.

Addison Black, MRHS | Sr., OH

All-Region 7-4A selection led the Sharks in kills (156) and serve-receive rating (2.035) and ranked second on the team in digs (143).

MaKenna Mason, HHIHS | Soph., S

Already a two-time first-team All-Lowco pick, the Seahawk sophomore dished out 622 assists — more than 30 per match — and added 112 digs and 58 kills while serving at a 94 percent clip.

Lily Edri, HHIHS | Sr., DS/L

Anchored the Seahawks’ outstanding defense with a 2.09 serve-receive rating and a 154 digs and served at a 90 percent clip with 29 aces.

Chase Vaigneur, BA | Sr., OH/S

The SCISA Region 4 Player of the Year racked up 184 kills, 141 assists, 91 digs, and 51 aces in just 12 games and will take her talents to NCAA Division II Young Harris College next season.

ALL-LOWCO SECOND TEAM

Madison Denny, HHP | Sr., MH

A monster in the middle for the Dolphins, Denny racked up 191 kills and added 63 digs, 33 blocks, and 29 aces.

Abby Jacobs, HHIHS | Jr., MH

Overshadowed by the Lowco Player of the Year, Jacobs would have been a star middle on virtually any other team — she finished the season with 79 kills and 27 blocks while hitting .400.

Ava Edri, HHIHS | Jr., OH

Yet another standout who will return to help the Seahawks defend their state title, the younger Edri sister compiled 134 kills, 107 digs, and 13 blocks.

Laiani McCullough, BCHS | Sr., OH/S

The leader of a solid Battery Creek squad, McCullough led the Dolphins with 101 kills, 56 blocks, 74 aces, 79 assists, and 61 digs in a well-rounded effort.

Gabby Boegel, MRHS | Jr., S

Transfer from Minnesota dished out 221 assists to go with 117 digs and a team-high 51 aces while serving at a 94 percent clip.

Haylee Hopman, HHP | Jr., DS/L

The anchor of the Dolphins’ defense racked up a ridiculous 315 digs to earn All-Lowco honors for the second straight year.

Lillian Long, MRHS | Jr., OH

Versatile player collected 104 kills, 78 digs, and 26 aces for region runner-up Sharks.

HONORABLE MENTION

Jordan Bigham, MRHS | Sr., MH

Kate Booth, HHCA | Jr., OH

Keleigh Bowers, THA | Jr., OH

Olivia Giammona, BHS | Sr., OH

Trinity Heyward, WB | Sr., DS/L