By James Yodice / Journal Staff Writer
Class 4A
Both Hope Christian and Albuquerque Academy should have strong teams, even as both transition with new head coaches.
Michael Smith has taken over the Chargers, who return senior hitter Emma Eden. She is committed to play at Pepperdine — in beach volleyball.
“We talked about our goals the other day. We want to be playing volleyball on Nov. 18 (the season’s final day),” Smith said.
Metro players to watch
- Marian Hatch, sr., S, Cleveland: Twice a district player of the year, Hatch is possibly New Mexico’s premier setter.
- Karyna Werley, jr., S, La Cueva: Another of the state’s elite distributors who directs a powerful offense.
- Emma Eden, sr., OH, Albuquerque Academy: Interesting note: she’s going to play at Pepperdine, but on the beach. Transitioning from setter.
- Makayla Martinez, sr., L, Cibola: Fantastic defensive player, and first-team all-state in 5A last season.
- Kelsey Heffner, jr., MB, Cleveland: At 6-2, Heffner provides a daunting, athletic wall in the middle for the Storm.
- Reese Russell, sr., OH, Eldorado: Russell is a player everyone must account for when they face the Eagles.
- Tea Kalajdzic, sr., OH, La Cueva: On a team with plenty of size, perhaps the most fearsome hitter on the rostere.
- Maya Perea, soph., L, St. Pius: After Martinez, quite possibly the metro’s best defender. Very important to the Sartans.
- Sophie Diouf, jr., MB, La Cueva: Was a first-team all-state choice at this position as a sophomore.
- Ella Parker, sr., MB/OH, Cibola: She can do it all at net, and probably will be asked to for the Cougars.
