Meet the region’s best prep volleyball players. Introducing the 2025 All-Observer team

There’s nothing like going out on top.

Natalie Unkrich and Brook Hammers finished their volleyball careers at Marvin Ridge with the Mavericks’ victory over D.H. Conley last month in the Class 7A volleyball state championship.

And they have won top honors in the annual All-Observer volleyball team.

Unkrich, a senior, has been named player of the year. Hammers is coach of the year for the second straight season.

The good news for Marvin Ridge’s opponents: They won’t have to face Unkrich or Hammers again.

Unkrich, a senior, is headed to Lehigh University of the Patriot League after graduation. She came up big in the big moments. Unkrich had 17 kills in a three-set victory over Cox Mill in the Class 7A Western Regional finals. Then she had 16 kills against D.H. Conley in the four-set championship.

Hammers announced before the state finals that this would be her last season at Marvin Ridge. She is moving to Florida after a highly successful career with the Mavericks and as coach of the Carolina Juniors travel team.

Marvin Ridge went 34-4 last season, losing in the state finals to Cardinal Gibbons. They followed that with a 32-2 mark this fall. Hammers also coached the Mavericks to a 3A state championship in 2018.

The future of volleyball looks strong in the Charlotte area.

This year’s All-Observer team includes a number of sophomores and juniors, along with two freshmen — Davidson Day’s Dara Polk, who had 346 assists this season; and Mooresville’s Kelsey Fliss, whose 140 blocks were second most in the state.

Here are the players honored as All-Observer selections.

All-Observer volleyball first team

Jordyn Gray, Cox Mill, Sr.: A Louisville commit, Gray used her height (6-2) to dominate near the net, with 337 kills. She also had 201 digs, earning first-team all-state honors. This is her second year as a first-team all-Observer pick.

Sanaa Mohammed, Charlotte Country Day, Jr.: Mohammed had 369 kills, No. 2 among the NCISAA’s 4A schools. She was an NCISAA first-team all-state pick and is all-Observer for the second straight season.

Natalie Unkrich, Marvin Ridge, Sr.: Unkrich finished with 375 kills and was a leader of the state championship squad.

Lizzie Shields, Community School of Davidson, Jr.: A 5-11 outside hitter, Shields had 350 kills, 44 aces, and earned 3A all-state honors.

Dara Polk, Davidson Day, Fr.: A setter, Polk finished with 346 assists and 226 kills, along with 226 digs. At times, she seemed to be all over the court.

Kendyl Taylor, Gaston Day, Jr.: A 5-8 outside hitter, Taylor served in several roles for the NCISAA’s 2A state champions. She averaged 6.6 kills a set, No. 1 in the state, and totaled 453 digs.

Gia Lowe, Mooresville, Sr.: Lowe is a 6-1 outside hitter who was North Piedmont 6A/7A Offensive Player of the Year. She totaled 457 kills and 54 aces.

Scholar Bates, North Mecklenburg, Sr.: A 5-10 outside hitter and an Alabama A&M commit, she was the Meck Power 6 7A/8A’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Ryan Burrell, Charlotte Latin, So.: Burrell, a 5-11 outside hitter and setter, totaled 518 digs (5.7 per set) and 438 serves returned.

Victoria Simons, Marvin Ridge, Jr.: Simons, a 6-1 blocker, gives the Mavericks something to build around next season. She had 362 kills, including 11 in the state finals victory.

All-Observer volleyball second team

Jilly Young, Marvin Ridge, Sr.

Janet Young, East Mecklenburg, So.

Eliana Whitaker, Hickory Ridge, Sr.

Riley Decker, Highland Tech, Sr.

Laila Johnson, Hopewell, Jr.

Kelsey Fliss, Mooresville, Fr.

Reagan Young, Mooresville, Jr.

Brielle Kinsey, Community School of Davidson, Sr.

Riley Caruso, Lake Norman Charter, Jr.

Kelsey Flowers, North Iredell, Jr.

Kaylee Ward, West Lincoln, Jr.