Russell — Russell’s Lauren Gill has been selected as The Independent’s All-Area volleyball player of the year, capping a host of honors she received for her junior season of play in 2007.

“It’s very exciting just to get all those accomplishments and awards and just to know that all the hard work has paid off,” Gill said.

Earlier this year, Gill was tabbed 60th District and 16th Region player of the year, which is selected by participating coaches. The Independent’s All-Area Team is voted on by coaches throughout northeastern Kentucky.

“I know there’s a lot of other people that could have gotten it and I’m just blessed that I got it,” Gill said. “It’s a lot of pressure, being only a junior. We’re losing six or seven seniors so we’re definitely going to have to step it up next year.”

Gill’s coach, Darrell Adkins, was named one of the co-coaches of the year.

“She loves to play,” Adkins said of Gill. “Awards don’t seem to matter a whole lot to her, so I don’t think they add any pressure. I think the pressure she’s going to feel next year is being a senior and a leader because the seniors are always the ones who have to respond and step up.”

Gill emerged a couple of years ago and has been part of the driving force that has helped Russell capture four consecutive regional titles.

“I think she’s as good as anybody we’ve ever had in this region and after her senior year, she may be the best we’ve ever had,” Adkins said. “She’s got a lot of work to do and she can get a lot better. She’s got a chance to be one of the elite players around here.”

Russell’s Deirdre Alleshouse, Audrey Rabalais and Kacie Christian were also named to the All-Area Team. All three are seniors.

Ashland’s Scott Shirley was also tabbed a co-coach of the year. The Kittens captured the 61st District championship before falling to Rowan County in the regional semifinals.

“Obviously, it takes players to make the team,” Shirley said. “I had a great group of girls this year and we were very competitive throughout the season. It’s just an honor to be recognized by fellow coaches.”

Ashland’s Sierra Crum and Heather Williams were named to the All-Area Team.

“They were very pivotal to the success of our program” Shirley said. “Sierra was a hitter and setter so she touched the ball quite a bit on every rotation. Heather was such a big presence up front by blocking.

“I’ve been a part of the Ashland program for six years and during that time it’s really developed and we’ve had some really good players come through our program. Hopefully the tradition of playing competitive volleyball will continue.”

Regional runner-up Rowan County landed Tanya Hall and Jennifer Brockman on the All-Area Team along with East Carter’s Leeanna Stewart and Kenna Parson.

From Raceland, Kala Blevins and Chelsey Loperfido made the team.

Rose Hill’s Rebecca Mays, Lawrence County’s Brittany Skaggs, Morgan County’s Ashtyn Goforth and Boyd County’s Micah Damron rounded out the team.

Honorable mentions were awarded to: Julia Conley and Madison Hilgendorf (Ashland), Alison Kouns and Liz Serhal (East Carter), Rainey Mosley (Lawrence County), Brittany Burke (Russell), Jesse Clark and Paige Vanhoose (Raceland), Michaela Fultz and Sam Combess (Rowan County), Kristen Vanover and Hannah Daniels (Fairview), Claire Virgin, Marie Friley and Aamiarah Belcher (Rose Hill) and Amber Chaffin and Samantha Clevenger (Boyd County).

MELINDA ROBINSON can be reached at mrobinson@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2646.