TAPPS 6A State Champions two of the last three years, St. Agnes Academy will be rebuilding in the coach’s office after Cydryce McMillian left for Episcopal in February.
Nicole Blakeman has been brought in to replace her and enters 2022 with 723 career wins. The Tigers will also be reloading on the court after a senior-laden team departed.
Though St. Agnes graduated some premier talent in all-stater Sophie Agee and all-district standouts Grace Webber and Alexis Visintine, the Tigers return first-team, all- state pick Piper Stephenson (319 kills, 46 blocks). Stephenson is committed to the University of Washington to play sand volleyball.
Also keep an eye on senior setter Ariel Francis (502 assists, 202 digs, 32 aces), senior outside hitter NiMya Maruska (207 kills, 53 blocks), who was honorable mention all-state, to make an impact in the attack. In the middle, Rowan Haecker (47 blocks) and Grace Morton (58 blocks) will be the defensive stoppers.
St. Agnes Academy has enough talent in the cupboard to make a run to the State Tournament for a fourth straight season.
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