Preps Plus

Albemarle’s Kara Elder and Laura Gomez added another accolade to their outstanding high school volleyball achievements, as they both earned first team All Group AAA honors. Albemarle’s Mark Ragland was selected as the state’s top coach.

The seniors helped the Patriots earn their first state title, setting new school records along the way.

Elder, who was chosen as the All Central Virginia player of the year, set a new Albemarle record for kills in a single season with 382. The outside hitter led the team in passing and serve receive as well as attack percentage.

Gomez led the team in stuff blocks (61), service percentage (93.6) and aces (56). Both players earned first team All Commonwealth District and All Northwest Region honors.

Ragland, who has been coaching at Albemarle for 21 years, guided the Patriots to a 27-3 record. The team knocked off Westfield for the title.

Earlier in the season he became the VHSL’s all-time wins leader among active coaches. Ragland has 430 career wins and has compiled a 404-89 record at Albemarle.

Hanover’s Kristen Carpenter was chosen as the state’s top player.

All Group AAA volleyball

First Team
Laura Gomez, Albemarle Sr.
Kara Elder, Albemarle Sr.
Kristen Carpenter, Hanover Sr.
Sammy Spees, Westfield Sr.
Morgan Clark, Loudon Valley Jr.
Hannah Hugeback, Landstown Sr.
Samantha Reeves, Chantilly Jr.

Second Team
Sarah Frohnapfel, Colonial Forge Sr.
Kellie Goss, Forest Park Jr.
Lily Vera, Stone Bridge Sr.
Allison Williams, Chantilly Jr.
Meghann Forshey, Deep Run Sr.
Elizabeth Drewry, Mills Godwin Sr.
Suzanne Lasseigne, Princess Anne, Sr.

Player of the Year
Kristen Carpenter, Hanover

Coach of the Year
Mark Ragland, Albemarle