Volleyball MVPs: Prep standouts lead team off and on court

A great athlete can accomplish even more with the support of his or her teammates. But not all physically gifted players are blessed with the ability to lead emotionally.

This year's Deseret Morning News volleyball MVPs had the combined talent of athleticism and leadership skills. They were able to elevate the abilities of those who played with them, which led to success on the court for their respective squads.

They are not just five of the state's best athletes, but they're some of best young leaders in Utah prep sports.

5A MVP, KRISTA KELLEY, Brighton

The Brighton Bengals have been deep and talented for several years, but it wasn't until this season that the team's talented team realized its potential as the Bengals earned the school's first-ever volleyball title.

The difference?

"Cassandra (Ricketts) and Krista (Kelley) were the captains," said coach Jeremiah Larsen. "They made their teammates better."

Kelley was selected as the 5A MVP as she not only provided emotional leadership but led the team statistically as well. She earned 379 kills and hit a .333 percentage for the Bengals as they won the title without losing a single match to a Utah team. The Bengals stormed through the state tournament without dropping a game, and in the finals, they held Lone Peak to single digits in the first game.

"Everyone can see she was absolutely huge for us," Larsen said. "She's actually pretty quiet, but she's very competitive."

Kelley is a fun teammate but helped Larsen keep the players focused when she needed to do so.

"She's a cheeseball," Larsen said with a laugh. "You can tell she absolutely loves what she does. She loves playing volleyball."

Kelley is headed to Santa Clara University and maintains a 3.8 GPA.

4A MVP, KAILI AIONO, Cottonwood

Watching this junior middle hitter would make anyone want to play volleyball. With a 1000-watt smile, she puts up a massive moving block and energizes her teammates with her spirit.

"She didn't want to lose — period," said head coach Bob Berrett. "She'll do everything she needs to do — whether it's her own contribution or supporting someone else. She's just a winner."