2025 HockomockSports Volleyball Awards

 
Franklin senior outside hitter Makayla Kuykendall has been selected as the 2025 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year. Kuykendall capped a dominant four-year career by leading the Panthers to their first-ever state championship, serving as the centerpiece of the most successful season in program history.

A two-time HockomockSports.com First Team selection who also earned Second Team honors in 2023, Kuykendall has been the focal point of Franklin’s attack for the past couple of seasons and a consistent presence in all six rotations. Her ability to contribute at a high level in every phase of the game made her one of the most reliable players in the league and a driving force behind the Panthers’ title run.

“Mak is a humble leader who makes everyone around her better while always holding herself to an extremely high standard,” said Franklin head coach Chris Ridolfi. “She was our go-to player this year, and even though every opponent tried to shut her down, she still found a way to make a huge impact for us in our biggest moments.”

During the regular season, Kuykendall led the Hockomock League in kills, eventually finishing the season with 354. She also finished in the top 10 in both blocks and digs. She added 36 aces with a 90-percent serve percentage, along with 32 blocks and 274 digs, showcasing her impact beyond the attack. She closed her career with 966 kills and 1,058 digs, establishing herself as one of the most complete players to come through the program and the Hock.

“Makayla is one of the best all-around volleyball players that I’ve covered,” said HockomockSports Editor Ryan Lanigan. “She can impact the game in so many ways, and not only is she one of the most skilled players, she’s the emotional leader on the team and has been for the past couple of years. It’s only fitting that she capped her storied career with a state championship.”

Kuykendall is the third Franklin player to earn HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year honors, joining Cailyn Mackintosh (2021) and Lauren McGrath (2018).

Honorable Mentions: Erin Bigham (Canton), Olivia Leonardo (Attleboro), Taylor Donohue (Oliver Ames)

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Editor’s Note: The HockomockSports.com Awards are selected strictly by our staff and have no affiliation to the official Hockomock League all stars. Please note players are listed alphabetically by position.

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HockomockSports.com First Team

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Erin Bigham – Canton – Setter
Canton senior setter Erin Bigham closed out her career as one of the most accomplished setters in league history. A two-year captain, Bigham finished the 2025 season with 483 assists and 2,257 for her career. Her ball placement allowed her hitters to attack efficiently in every rotation. She also totaled 77 kills, 54 aces, 185 digs, and 19 blocks this year, finishing her career with 218 kills, 162 aces, 731 digs, and 90 blocks. “Erin wrapped up her amazing career at Canton High School with another great season,” said Canton head coach Pat Cawley. “Erin, who never played volleyball prior to her freshman year, toppled every record for a setter at CHS in her four years, rarely coming off the court. We will miss her skills, but more than that, we will miss her calm demeanor, patience, work ethic, and leadership!”

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Lyla McDonough – Oliver Ames – Setter
Oliver Ames junior setter Lyla McDonough continued to be a steady presence as the engine of the Tigers’ offense during a perfect season and Division 2 state championship run. McDonough dished out 619 assists this year, surpassing 1,000 career assists with 1,026, while keeping defenses off balance by spreading the ball to all attacking options. She also contributed 86 aces, 137 digs, and 43 kills, showing her willingness to attack when opportunities were there and remain a threat in all phases. “Lyla’s tenacity on the court speaks for itself,” said OA head coach Chelsea Cunningham. “Her athletic performance is incredible to watch at any level of competition, and her dedication to the program does not go unnoticed.”
 

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Taylor Donohue – Oliver Ames – Outside Hitter
Oliver Ames junior outside hitter Taylor Donohue made an impact across the court for the unbeaten state champions, giving the Tigers a second elite scoring option and forming one of the league’s top hitting duos alongside Chelsea Wagner. A lefty who caused problems from both pins, Donohue finished with 295 kills this season and 428 for her career, while adding 59 aces, 28 blocks, and 217 digs. Her shot selection, placement, and defensive reliability made her a consistent matchup problem throughout OA’s title run. “She is an incredible all-around player that had a strong presence on the court in every rotation,” said OA head coach Chelsea Cunningham. “Statistically, she was in the top five or top 10 in every category all season and her leadership was integral in leading our team to the state championship for the second year in a row.”
 

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Cece Kilroy – King Philip – Outside Hitter
King Philip senior outside hitter Cece Kilroy made contributions from all six positions on the floor and emerged as one of the top hitters in the Hockomock League this season. Kilroy finished with a team-high 303 kills (third in the Hock during the regular season) while hitting at a .189 clip and added 53 aces and 271 digs as a true six-rotation player and consistent offensive threat. King Philip head coach Kristen Geuss said, “Cece was a six position player and was a major part of the team’s success. Her athleticism and competitive nature made her a threat from any position on the court.”

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Makayla Kuykendall – Franklin – Outside Hitter
Franklin senior outside hitter Makayla Kuykendall put together a dominant, all-around season while leading the Panthers to their first-ever state championship. Kuykendall led the Hockomock League in kills during the regular season with 354 and finished in the top 10 in both blocks and digs, earning HockomockSports.com Player of the Year honors. “Mak is a humble leader who makes everyone around her better while always holding herself to an extremely high standard,” said Franklin head coach Chris Ridolfi. “She was our go-to player this year, and even though every opponent tried to shut her down, she still found a way to make a huge impact for us in our biggest moments.”

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Olivia Leonardo – Attleboro – Outside Hitter
Attleboro junior outside hitter Olivia Leonardo was one of the most well-rounded and dynamic players in the Hockomock League this season. Leonardo finished fifth in the league in kills with 250 and third in aces with 62, adding a 36.7 kill percentage and 186 digs as a true six-rotation player. Attleboro head coach Mary Katherine Blakney said, “Olivia continues to develop into a dynamic player offensively and brings consistency to our defense. She brings a spark to the court each day whether that is an aggressive serve in a close game or enthusiasm for challenging drills at practice. I am continually impressed by the effort she puts into her skills to be the best she can be for her team.”

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Olivia Alberti – Franklin – Middle
Franklin senior middle Olivia Alberti played a vital role in helping the Panthers clinch a share of the Kelley-Rex division title and win the program’s first-ever Division 1 state championship. Alberti led the Hockomock League during the regular season in blocks with 74 while adding 120 kills and 32 aces, making her presence at the net a game-changer for Franklin. She finished her career with 389 kills and 107 blocks. “Livi was the backbone of our net defense with her blocking, and she was a major offensive threat for us all season,” said Franklin head coach Chris Ridolfi. “She’s an awesome teammate who lifts everyone up with her constant positive energy.”

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Claire Kenny – Oliver Ames – Middle
Oliver Ames junior middle Claire Kenny stepped into a larger role this season and played a key part in the Tigers’ unbeaten run to the Davenport division title and Division 2 state championship. Kenny provided a strong first line of defense at the net, leading the team with 31 blocks, and developed into a reliable offensive option with 89 kills. She also emerged as one of the league’s top serving middles, adding 43 aces while serving at a 92 percent clip and giving OA another weapon throughout its historic season. “She’s consistent and aggressive in her position; present on the block, makes herself available for attacking, aggressive at the service line, and has become a crucial player in the starting lineup with her commitment to coverage and defense,” said OA head coach Chelsea Cunningham. “On and off the court, she is very resilient, works hard, and gives her all to the team and the game.”
 

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Soley Rodriguez Martinez – Canton – Defensive Specialist
Canton junior libero Soley Rodriguez Martinez continued to be one of the most reliable and impactful defensive players in the Hock and the state. A junior captain, Rodriguez Martinez finished the season with 339 digs and 79 aces while adding 82 assists and 51 kills, bringing her career totals to 966 digs, 251 aces, 198 assists, and 100 kills. A defensive wizard, she continually made difficult plays look routine in the back row. “Soley is one of the most reliable and impactful liberos ever to play at CHS,” said Canton head coach Pat Cawley. “She has the rare combination of playing at the highest skill level while being a supportive, hardworking, coachable, and inclusive teammate. Soley’s play elevates the play of those around her and keeps us in every match!”

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HockomockSports.com Second Team

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Haley Carter – Attleboro – Setter
Attleboro senior setter Haley Carter helped the Bombardiers earn a share of the Kelley-Rex division title and finish with an 18-3 record. She led the Hockomock League with 604 assists, reached 1,000 career assists during the season, and finished fourth in the league with 61 aces while serving at 87.4 percent. Carter also added 135 digs and 41 kills. Attleboro head coach Mary Katherine Blakney said, “Haley has taken her role as a playmaker to the next level – she has developed a work ethic that is hard to find in high school athletes. Since her sophomore year, I have watched Haley work tirelessly to better her game and collaborate with her hitters to ensure our success offensively. Haley has always had high expectations of herself and pushes those around her to become better players.”

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Phoebe O’Connor – Franklin – Setter
Franklin freshman setter Phoebe O’Connor stepped right into the lineup and played at a high level, becoming a key piece in helping the Panthers win the Division 1 state championship. O’Connor finished second in the Hock during the regular season in assists, and finished the year with 571 total along with 52 aces, 17 blocks, and 149 digs while helping run one of the most versatile offenses in the state. Franklin head coach Chris Ridolfi said, “As a freshman, Phoebe helped our team become one of the most versatile offenses in the state. She worked hard every single day to improve — and it really showed in our biggest moments of the season.”

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Emerson Delleo – Franklin – Outside Hitter
Franklin sophomore outside hitter Emerson Delleo followed up a strong debut season with another impressive year, emerging as a consistent threat at the net for the state champions Panthers. Delleo finished the season with 223 kills, bringing her career total to 403, and added 55 aces with an 87.8 serve percentage, 18 blocks, and 196 digs as a key contributor throughout the lineup. Franklin head coach Chris Ridolfi said, “Emerson is a dynamic and versatile player, and she grew into one of our top offensive threats this season. She works incredibly hard, and her willingness to do whatever the team needed made her a huge part of our success.”

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Shayne Dugan – King Philip – Outside Hitter
King Philip senior outside hitter Shayne Dugan provided a reliable presence on the outside and delivered key kills in important moments throughout the season for the Warriors. Dugan finished the season with 210 kills while hitting at a .200 clip and added 103 digs as a steady option in the lineup. “Shayne stepped up as an outside hitter and was the heart of the team,” said King Philip head coach Kristen Geuss. “Shayne was competitive, never gave up, and was an excellent role model for the younger players.”
 

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Sophia Jaeger – Attleboro – Outside Hitter
Attleboro sophomore outside hitter Sophia Jaeger stepped up and emerged as one of the most dangerous players in the Hockomock this season, earning HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year honors (below). Jaeger finished second in the league in kills with 322 while posting a 42.6 kill percentage, and added 40 aces, 16 blocks, and 164 digs. “Sophia stepped into an integral role both offensively and defensively this season,” said Attleboro head coach Mary Katherine Blakney. “Her presence at the net elevates the energy in the game and she consistently works on her ball placement and court awareness to ensure that she is attacking effectively and efficiently. Sophia is always taking time to help her teammates strengthen their skills and grow more confident on the court.”

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Chelsea Wagner – Oliver Ames – Outside Hitter
Oliver Ames junior outside hitter Chelsea Wagner was a major force for the Tigers, helping OA finish a perfect 25-0 season, win the Davenport division, and capture the Division 2 state championship, the first in program history. Wagner emerged as one of the league’s most powerful attackers, finishing with 355 kills (fifth-most in the state) including the postseason and pushing her career total to 525. She added 16 blocks and 82 digs, using her ability to attack all areas of the court to consistently challenge opposing defenses and anchor one of the state’s most dominant lineups. “She dominates in the front row and had a career-high 0.478 hitting percentage (best in Massachusetts),” said OA head coach Chelsea Cunningham. “Everyone knows when she’s in the front row. Her dominant performance all season long was outstanding, especially in her epic match point kill in the state championship — no one wanted that kill more than her.”
 

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Taylor Broderick – Foxboro – Middle
Foxboro junior middle Taylor Broderick was a strong presence at the net for the Warriors this season. Broderick anchored the defense with a consistent block and emerged as one of Foxboro’s go-to offensive options, finishing with 104 kills. “She was one of our team leaders and statistically our strongest and most consistent player,” said Foxboro head coach Dave Griffin. “Taylor is a dedicated player who is easy to coach. She has a bright future ahead of her and I am looking forward to next season.”
 

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Molly Sweeney – King Philip – Middle
King Philip sophomore middle Molly Sweeney took another step forward after a strong debut season and became a reliable presence at the net for the Warriors. Sweeney finished the year with 142 kills (.347 hitting percentage) and added 34 total blocks, consistently finding holes in the defense and swinging around the block. “As a sophomore, Molly is a two-year varsity starter,” said King Philip head coach Kristen Geuss. “She was a force at the net and could be counted on to find the holes in the defense. Her ability to block helped win many big points.”
 

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Gabrielle Moore – Mansfield – Defensive Specialist
Mansfield senior libero Gabrielle Moore has been one of the most talented and reliable defensive players in the league over the past two seasons. She routinely handled tough swings and put the ball in a good spot to extend points. Committed to play at Merrimack College, she finished the season with 266 digs while adding 46 aces, 56 assists, and 10 kills as a steady presence in the back row. Mansfield head coach Tara DeGirolamo said, “Gabby is a leader on the court making exceptional defensive plays. She leads by example and motivates others to follow her work ethic. We are going to miss her energy and attitude next season.”

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Attleboro sophomore outside hitter Sophia Jaeger has been selected as the 2025 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Underclassman of the Year. Jaeger made a major leap this season, emerging as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league while helping the Bombardiers remain among the top teams in the Hockomock.

Jaeger finished second in the league in kills with 322, posting a 42.6 kill percentage over 68 sets, while hitting .294 on the season. She added 40 aces, 16 blocks, and 164 digs, giving Attleboro a consistent, high-impact presence on the outside. She recorded six matches with 20 or more kills and set a career high with 26 kills in a playoff match against Brookline.

“Sophia stepped into an integral role both offensively and defensively this season,” said Attleboro head coach Mary Katherine Blakney. “Her presence at the net elevates the energy in the game and she consistently works on her ball placement and court awareness to ensure that she is attacking effectively and efficiently. Sophia is always taking time to help her teammates strengthen their skills and grow more confident on the court.”

After serving primarily as a setter last season, Jaeger made a full transition to the outside and quickly became Attleboro’s go-to offensive option. She finished the year with 356 career kills and previously totaled 211 assists as a freshman, highlighting her versatility and understanding of the game as she adapted to a new role.

“Sophia took a huge step this year and emerged as one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the Hock,” said HockomockSports Editor Ryan Lanigan. “The Bombardiers lost a lot of firepower to graduation, but Sophia quickly filled that void, punishing opposing defenses with her powerful swings.”

Jaeger is the second Attleboro player to be selected for this award, joining Julia Leonardo (2021). Previous winners include Canton’s Soley Rodriguez Martinez (2024, 2023) and Elizabeth Hamilton (2013), King Philip’s Mary Campbell (2014) and Nicole Coughlin (2018), Mansfield’s Meg Hill (2015), Franklin’s Lauren McGrath (2016) and Cailyn Mackintosh (2019), and Oliver Ames’ Allie Kemp (2017).

Honorable Mention: Phoebe O’Connor (Franklin), Emerson Delleo (Franklin), Molly Sweeney (King Philip), Brooke Connor (Canton)

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Oliver Ames head coach Chelsea Cunningham has been selected as the 2025 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Coach of the Year. Cunningham guided Oliver Ames to a perfect 25-0 season and the program’s first-ever Division 2 state championship after falling in the title match a year ago.

The Tigers were dominant from start to finish, winning the Davenport division title and recording 20 sweeps during the season. With a roster built largely around juniors, Oliver Ames consistently met the expectations that came with being a championship contender while navigating a full season with a target on its back.

“OA entered the season with high expectations but they also had a target on their back,” said HockomockSports Editor Ryan Lanigan. “Not only did the Tigers win the state championship, they had a dominant run throughout the entire season. And when they were pushed to the brink in the finals, Coach Cunningham helped them rally back to win it all.”

In the state final, the Tigers were pushed to the brink after falling behind two sets to none, but rallied to complete a historic comeback and secure the championship. The ability to keep the team composed and confident in that moment was emblematic of the season as a whole and Cunningham’s steady leadership throughout the year.

This is the first time Cunningham has earned the honor and second time for an OA coach, joining Andy Mather in 2014.

Honorable Mention: Pat Cawley (Canton), Kristen Geuss (King Philip), Mary Katherine Blakney (Attleboro), Chris Ridolfi (Franklin)