The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has announced the recipients of its all-state girls volleyball awards, highlighting exceptional talent across various schools. University sophomore outside/opposite-side hitter Delaney Lauer has been named the Class 4A Player of the Year, while Jared Rudiger of University earned Coach of the Year honors. This recognition comes after University concluded its impressive 24-5 season with a state championship victory, marking the second title in the program’s history on November 15, 2023, at the Denver Coliseum.
Lauer had a standout season, leading the Bulldogs with 402 kills, ranking second on the team with 272 digs, and contributing 34 aces. The all-state teams are collaborative efforts between CHSAANow.com and MaxPreps, with players nominated by their leagues and subsequently voted on by coaches statewide. Only those who received first-team all-conference honors are eligible for selection.
University’s head volleyball coach, Jared Rudiger, celebrated the achievements of his team following a hard-fought semifinal win against Eaton in five matches during the 3A state playoffs on November 11.
Lauer’s senior teammate, outside/opposite-side hitter Jordan Halley, also earned a spot on the 4A first team. Windsor, the 4A runner-up, secured two first-team selections: senior outside hitter/middle blocker/right-side hitter Madelyn Bahnsen and junior libero Avery Smiley. Additionally, University junior libero/outside hitter Livianna Aguilar received honorable mention, alongside several other talented players from Fort Lupton and Windsor.
In the 3A category, Madi Smith of Eaton was recognized as the Player of the Year. Smith led her team to an impressive 25-4 record and contributed significantly to Eaton’s 11th state championship. She recorded 399 kills, ranked third on her team in digs with 200, and made notable contributions in blocks with 24.
Smith’s teammate, senior outside hitter Chloe Crider, joined her on the 3A first team, along with Kaylynn Pardue, a senior middle hitter from Resurrection Christian. The 3A second team included Resurrection Christian sophomore setter/defensive specialist Kylee Mayes and Eaton senior setter Trinity Salberg. Honorable mentions in the 3A category were awarded to several players, including Resurrection Christian senior defensive/libero Blake Coors and Eaton senior middle/outside hitter Railey Maske.
Recognition was also given in the 2A and 1A categories, with Dayspring Christian senior outside hitter/opposite-side hitter/setter Bella Flores earning an honorable mention in 2A, while Prairie senior middle/outside hitter Tanna Bailey received a similar acknowledgment in 1A. These awards reflect the depth of talent and competitive spirit present in Colorado’s high school volleyball landscape.
