Photos by Ray Hamill/.HumboldtSports.com – McKenna Curtis of Del Norte has been named Big 5 MVP in volleyball for 2022.

By Ray Hamill — After leading her team to an undefeated league championship this fall, Del Norte junior McKenna Curtis has been named Big 5 MVP in volleyball.

Curtis presented a huge challenge for the rest of the Big 5 and earned the respect of opposing coaches as much as that of Warriors fans.

“She was one of our leaders onto court and an unstoppable force in the league this year,” Del Norte head coach Meagan Curtis said.

The junior standout was joined on the Big 5 All-League Team by Del Norte teammates Lili Nunez, Reece White and Bliss Blackburn, each of whom play all six rotations for the league champions.

According to the head coach, McKenna has worked hard to get where she is.

“McKenna is a player that puts in the work while she’s playing a sport and during the offseason,” Meagan Curtis said. “She was a primary passer on the team this year, a consistent server, and was the league kill leader.”

McKenna is also one of the top pitchers in Big 5 softball.

Six other players also were named to the all-league volleyball team.

Last year’s league MVP, Sydney Hasselquist, was included from Arcata, along with teammate Nora Talty.

Eureka’s Mariah Napoleon and Maeghan Hampton were each also honored, as was Fortuna’s Kyle Fennell and McKinleyville’s Chloe Alves.

The all-league selections and MVPs are voted on by the league coaches.

Honorable Mentions

Del Norte — Lauren Stutes, Khloe Smith, Breann Winningham, Lily Wilson, Sheena Xiong

Arcata — Lily Rust-Kelley, Caroline Dieker, Olivia Railsback, Lila Wolf

Eureka — Anisha Mae Rechelluul, Bridgette Dunn, Sierra Mendoza, Pule Fonoti

Fortuna — Courtney Wilson, Grace Scillacci

McKinleyville — Rebecca Barnett, Trinity Preston, Camryn Pinard