Court Conquerors and Masterminds: Unpacking the NWOC's 2025 Volleyball Triumphs

Ah, the culmination of another hard-fought season on the volleyball court. It’s a moment of both reflection and celebration, isn't it? Because, truly, there’s nothing quite like seeing dedication and raw talent recognized. And here we are, at the very moment the Northwest Oregon Conference (NWOC) unveils its much-anticipated 2025 All-League teams, along with those standout individual honors: the Player of the Year and the Coach of the Year. It’s always fascinating to see who rises above the fray, who leaves that indelible mark.

This year, one school, in particular, seems to have absolutely dominated the conversation, sweeping up the most coveted accolades with remarkable prowess. You could say, Hillsboro High School didn't just compete; they truly excelled. Their very own Addison Lee, an athlete whose presence on the court was simply undeniable, has been rightfully crowned the NWOC Player of the Year. Honestly, when you watched her play, you knew you were seeing something special—a blend of power, precision, and an almost intuitive understanding of the game. But what’s a star player without a guiding hand? And perhaps not surprisingly, given the team’s overall success, Hillsboro's Lori Zielinski has been recognized as the Coach of the Year. A well-deserved nod, certainly, to the strategist who undoubtedly molded her team into the formidable force they became.

But of course, a league is made up of many exceptional talents, not just one or two. The First Team All-League roster, a collection of athletes who consistently delivered peak performances, really showcases the depth across the NWOC. Alongside Hillsboro’s stellar Addison Lee, we find Grace Katon from Canby, a player whose contributions were pivotal. Then there’s Kaylie MacNair of Forest Grove, who always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, and Hillsboro’s Kate Hansen, another vital cog in their championship machine. Not forgetting Sydney Lim from Liberty, and Wilsonville’s Kate Powell—each of these athletes, in their own unique way, brought a certain fire to the court, pushing their teams to new heights.

And let's not overlook the Second Team, because to be named here, well, that’s no small feat either. These players, just a hair’s breadth from the very top, demonstrated incredible skill and commitment throughout the season. Hillsboro continued to show its strength with Hailey Lehnertz making the cut, while Canby saw Addie Smith earn a well-deserved spot. Forest Grove’s Olivia Dean impressed voters, and Liberty had not one, but two incredible talents recognized in Emily Antal and Emma Antal. Rounding out this impressive group is Wilsonville’s Sydney Newkirk. Their contributions, though perhaps not always grabbing the loudest headlines, were absolutely crucial to their teams' respective journeys.

Then, of course, there’s the Honorable Mention list—a wonderfully long roster, if we’re being honest, of players who consistently made significant impacts. It's a reminder that volleyball, like so many team sports, thrives on collective effort, and sometimes, those unsung heroes are just as vital. From Canby, we see Ella Levis and Kennedy Webb. Forest Grove proudly features Alaina Bibeau, Grace Nelson, and Lauren Stover. Hillsboro added to its robust presence with Mia Davies and Makenzie Kellar. Liberty's lineup includes Kennedy Abild, Addie Nelson, and Keira Rappe. Finally, representing Wilsonville, we have Stella Cook, Paige Knight, and Riley Weaver. Each of these athletes contributed significantly, demonstrating the breadth of talent that makes NWOC volleyball such a compelling spectacle. It was, without a doubt, a season to remember, full of thrilling rallies and unforgettable moments.