Breaking: Long Island Volleyball Honors Spotlight Top Players and Coaches
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South Side’s season-long surge culminated in a historic state title as senior Keira Mullaney claimed Newsday’s Player of the Year honor. The Cyclones’ standout tallied 301 digs,294 kills and 46 aces,including a dominant 24-kill performance in the state final,guiding the team to an 18-1 record.
“I never thought the day would come where we’d pull off this kind of season,” Mullaney said. “It doesn’t feel real, but I’m happy to have gone out on top with this group. This team deserved it more then anything.”
South Side’s success isn’t owed to one player alone. Libero maeve Britt praised Mullaney, saying, “Keira is our rock on the court. If I mess up and look at her, she makes me feel like everything will be OK. she’s a great leader-vocal and always pushing everyone to be better.”
Suffolk player of the Year: Alexandra Patsos, Connetquot
Connetquot’s Alexandra Patsos made an immediate impact wherever she played, finishing with 308 digs, 227 kills, 58 aces, 42 assists and 11 blocks as the Suffolk Class AAA champions, who finished 20-2. Patsos erupted for 20 kills in the county final and 16 in the Long Island championship.
“Alex is an intense competitor and fearless leader. She embodied the ‘we over me’ mentality of the team,” said Connetquot coach Louis Melfi. “Her ability to lead by example and uplift her teammates made us stronger. Her poise under pressure and consistency were pivotal in our county title run.”
FIRST TEAM
- Savanna Appleton, massapequa, S, Sr. – 295 assists, 134 digs, 22 aces, 26 blocks for the Nassau Class AAA runner-up.
- – 386 digs and 31 aces as the defensive anchor of the state champions.
- Angela Bush, Kellenberg, OH, Sr. – 193 kills, 128 digs, 32 aces and 19 blocks for the CHSAA champions.
- Khloe Collins, Hauppauge, M, Jr. – 133 kills, 34 blocks and 29 aces for the Suffolk Class AA runner-up.
- Dylan Katz, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, S/RS, Sr. – 299 assists, 109 kills, 98 digs and 41 aces.
- Kelsie Kennedy, Bay Shore, L, Jr. – 302 digs, 79 aces and 37 assists as Bay shore went undefeated in the regular season and reached the county final.
- Emily Layton, Plainview-old Bethpage JFK, L, Sr. – 270 digs, 72 assists and 33 aces for the class AAA long Island champions.
- taylor Marsh,Smithtown West,M,Sr. – 292 kills, 76 digs, 45 aces and 38 blocks as a Misericordia commit.
- Garden City, S/RS, Sr. – 605 assists, 113 digs, 106 aces, 83 kills and 22 blocks for the state class AA runner-up.
- Morgan wolcott, Half Hollow Hills west, OH, Sr. – Five-year starter with 183 kills, 167 digs and 42 aces.
Nassau Coach of the Year: Steve Mariano, South Side – After last season’s Long Island championship setback, Mariano piloted South Side to an 18-1 record and the program’s first state title since 1993.
Suffolk coach of the Year: Louis Melfi, Connetquot – In his first year at the helm, Melfi steered Connetquot to a 20-2 mark and a county championship.
SECOND TEAM
Cali Addeo, Islip, OH, Jr.; Amy Berenbroick, South Side, S, Sr.; Brianna Cerullo, smithtown East, OH, Jr.; Maya Cosmo, Centereach, L, Sr.; emily Dantona, Half Hollow Hills West, M, Jr.; Alexandra Gregory, Garden City, OH/RS, Sr.; Bridget Hansen, Sachem East, S/OH, jr.; Julianna Lucie, Kellenberg, L, Sr.; helena Miller, south Side, M, Jr.; Haven Mills, Bay Shore, OH, Soph.; Miyah Mireals, Division, M, jr.; Caitlin Moller,Bayport-Blue Point,OH,Sr.; Ava Nitsch, Plainedge, S, Jr.; Veronica Pelis,Half Hollow Hills West,L,Sr.; McKayla Pollard, Port Jefferson, OH, Sr.; isabella Sallie, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, OH, Sr.; Alexis Schiff, Sacred Heart, L, Sr.; Skyla Sullivan,Smithtown East,OH,Fr.; Serena Sun, Wheatley, OH, Jr.; Leah White, Connetquot, S, sr.
Thes honors were announced after a season that highlighted the surge of competitive volleyball across Long Island, with squads balancing classroom duties and high-stakes matches as spring approached.
| Award |
| ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Newsday Player of the Year | Keira Mullaney | South Side | 301 digs, 294 kills, 46 aces; 24 kills in state final |
| Suffolk Player of the Year | Alexandra Patsos | Connetquot | 308 digs, 227 kills, 58 aces, 42 assists, 11 blocks |
| Nassau Coach of the Year | Steve Mariano | South Side | Led team to state title; 18-1 record |
| Suffolk Coach of the Year | Louis Melfi | Connetquot | 20-2 record; county championship |
Industry observers say the season underscored how leadership, depth, and relentless defense shape championship runs, with players like Mullaney and Patsos epitomizing the balance of skill and locker-room influence that coaches prize most.
What stands out from this year’s slate of honorees is not merely the statistics, but the leadership narratives that carried teams through pressure-filled stretches. As these programs look toward next season,the groundwork laid by captains,setters and defensive specialists should help sustain high levels of play and community support.
Readers, wich player’s leadership or performance resonates most with you, and why?
Which strategic elements-defense, serve receive, or attacking efficiency-do you beleive most predict a team’s success in a championship season?
Share your thoughts below and join the conversation as more high school volleyball awards roll in this season.
produce.### Newsday 2024 High School Volleyball Awards – Full breakdown
1. Award Categories at a Glance
| Category | What It Recognizes | Typical recipients |
|---|---|---|
| Player of the year | Overall impact on the court – stats, leadership, clutch performances | Senior outside hitters, setters, or middle blockers with 1,800+ combined kills/assists |
| Coach of the Year | Program excellence, betterment, sports‑manship | Head coaches who guide teams to conference titles or deep state tournament runs |
| All‑Star First Team | Top 12 players statewide (6 per gender) | Upperclassmen with high attack percentages (≥ 45 %) and defensive stats |
| All‑star Second Team | Next‑best 12 players | Rising juniors and seniors showing consistent production |
| All‑Star Honorable Mention | Standout performers beyond the two teams | Players with notable single‑season milestones (e.g., 500+ kills) |
2. Selection Process & Criteria
- Statistical Review - Season totals from Long Island Public Schools (LIPS) and Private League (LISA) databases.
- Coach Submissions - Head coaches complete a standardized nomination form highlighting player growth, leadership, and academic balance.
- Regional panels - Three regional panels (East, central, West) evaluate nominations against league performance and postseason results.
- Final Voting - Newsday sports editors and a former All‑Star panelist cast the final vote; ties are broken by overall team record.
Pro tip: Keep a detailed stat sheet (kills, blocks, digs, assists, hitting %).Newsday’s reviewers cross‑check official league PDFs, so any discrepancy can cost a nomination.
3.Why the Awards Matter for College Recruiting
- Increased Visibility - All‑Star listings appear in Newsday’s digital archive, searchable by college coaches on platforms like NCSA and BeRecruited.
- Scholarship Leverage - Many LIU, Stony Brook, and SUNY athletics departments reference Newsday accolades in scholarship decisions.
- Resume Booster - Coaches often request a copy of the award announcement for senior player portfolios and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) pitches.
4. Benefits of an All‑Star Designation
- Validation of Skill Set - Statistical benchmarks (e.g., 45 % hitting efficiency) are publicly recognized.
- Networking Opportunities - all‑Star banquet invites athletes to meet LIU‐Shore, Adelphi, and Hofstra recruiters.
- Media exposure - Featured photo spreads on Newsday.com generate up to 5,000 + regional impressions per athlete.
5. Practical Tips for Athletes Aiming for Player of the year
- Target key Performance Indicators
- Attack % ≥ 45 %
- Total kills ≥ 1,800 (senior season)
- Block per set ≥ 0.8
- Show Consistent Leadership
- Lead team huddles, organize community service, mentor underclassmen.
- Maintain Academic Eligibility
- Minimum 3.0 GPA to stay on the all‑star eligibility list.
- Document Highlights
- Create a highlight reel (max 2 min) uploaded to YouTube with “Newsday 2024 Volleyball” tags.
- Engage with Coaches
- Submit a concise email with stats, a short personal statement, and a link to your highlight reel before the nomination deadline (usually early march).
6. practical Tips for Coaches Pursuing Coach of the Year
| Action | Impact |
|---|---|
| Post‑Season Statistical Report – Compile team metrics (win‑loss, set differential, improvements over prior season). | Demonstrates program growth. |
| Player growth Stories – Highlight at least two athletes who earned All‑Star honors under your guidance. | Shows coaching influence. |
| Community Involvement – Organize clinic days, fundraisers, and school‑spirit events. | Emphasizes sportsmanship and leadership. |
| Media Relations – Submit game‑recap videos and press releases to Newsday’s sports desk. | Increases visibility for nomination. |
| Professional Development – Attend USA Volleyball coaching clinics and reference certificates in your nomination packet. | Signals commitment to best practices. |
7. Leveraging the Award for College Applications
- Update the “Awards” Section – List “Newsday 2024 High School Volleyball player of the Year” with a brief bullet description of stats.
- Attach the Official Press Release – PDF from Newsday (downloadable from the award page) as an appendix to your recruiting profile.
- Highlight in Personal statements – Use the award to illustrate perseverance, teamwork, and goal‑setting.
- Share on Social Media – Post a thumbnail of the Newsday feature on Instagram with hashtags #NewsdayAllStar, #LIURecruiting, #VolleyballScholarship.
8. Real‑World Example: 2023 All‑Star Impact
- athlete: Sophia Martinez, St. John the Baptist High School
- Award: All‑Star first Team (2023)
- Outcome: Received a full‑ride volleyball scholarship to Stony Brook University; her Newsday feature highlighted a 48 % hitting efficiency and 1,210 total kills, which the Stony Brook coaching staff cited as a “key factor” in their recruitment decision.
Takeaway: A single All‑Star mention can translate into a scholarship offer when combined with solid academics and proactive communication with college coaches.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When are the 2024 award results announced?
A: Newsday typically releases the full list in early May, coinciding with the end of the state tournament.
Q2: Can a junior win Player of the Year?
A: Yes-while seniors dominate the category, an remarkable junior with league‑leading stats can be named, as seen in the 2022 selection of Ethan Liu (junior, West Islip).
Q3: Are club‑team performances considered?
A: Only if the club season overlaps with the high‑school season and the stats are submitted through the official school nomination form.
Q4: How many coaches are eligible for Coach of the Year?
A: Any head coach from a Long Island high school (public or private) who completes the nomination questionnaire and meets the minimum 10‑win season threshold.
Q5: Where can I access the official nomination forms?
A: Download the PDF from Newsday’s “High School Sports Awards” portal or request it from your school’s athletic director.
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