Each month, junior volleyball teams nationwide nominate players for the LOVB Athlete of the Month where one LOVB Pro is also nominated and selected by fellow teammates and staff. These athletes are chosen based on our monthly Whole Athlete Training theme.
January’s theme, “We Out Here Competing,” was about more than just the scoreboard. It focused on showing up with effort, focus, and respect, challenging yourself and your teammates to get better every day, and using every experience as an opportunity to grow stronger, smarter, and more confident.
Here’s what the clubs had to say about these juniors:
Alicia Johansen - Premier Nebraska
Nominated by Liz Walsh - Premier Coach and Youth Programs & Events Coordinator
Alicia embodies every part of this month’s theme of competition: effort, focus, respect, and the drive to improve. She is not only a multi-sport athlete, but also showcases her talents in show choir. Alicia is a role model for our Premier athletes, including her little sister. We’re so excited to see what Alicia does in her next steps at Bryant University next year.
Avery Harding - Iowa Impact
Nominated by Jenna Britt - Iowa Impact Coach
Avery Harding truly embodies what it means to be a competitor. She chose to be part of a team surrounded by athletes who would challenge her, push her, and help her grow—embracing the mindset that competition makes everyone better. Avery brings her full effort to every practice and training session, staying focused, working with purpose, and approaching each opportunity with enthusiasm and determination.
What sets Avery apart is not only her strong work ethic, but the way she competes with respect and positivity. She consistently lifts up her teammates, celebrates their wins and progress, and brings contagious energy that elevates the entire gym. Whether it’s encouraging her own teammates or recognizing the growth and success of the other teams we practice alongside on our flight, Avery shows genuine support and appreciation for everyone’s journey.
Avery uses every chance she gets to improve—both her game and her mindset—while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment around her. Her passion, positivity, and competitive spirit make her a true example of what January’s Athlete of the Month represents.
Denariah Bosier - Austin Juniors
Nominated by Colby Arrington - Austin Juniors Associate Director of Recruiting
Denariah is always the first person in the gym before each practice, mentally preparing herself and is someone who even goes as far as helping our facilities staff set up the nets. She asks all of our club coaches insightful questions related to how she can improve and is consistently engaged throughout her recruiting process. We appreciate the work that she puts in, both on and off the court, as a student-athlete and member of the AJV community.
Kaylee Williams - Elite VBTC
Nominated by TJ Swanson - Elite VBTC Head Coach
Kaylee is the athlete who will run through a brick wall for her teammates. She has been an exceptional presence while on the court. Kaylee's combination of executing the offense and being relentless defensively has made an impact early in our season.
Mila McKeever - 513 Volleyball Club
Nominated by Haley Davidson - 513 15-1 Coach and Associate Director
Mila competes in everything she does, not only on the court, but in our club community. She really loves the game. Our first interaction was after our first open gym as a club last year. She shook my hand and asked what she can do to get better. While she doesn't shake my hand anymore, she still asks me after every practice what she can do to help our team be successful for the upcoming season. Off the court, she is deeply involved in the LOVB athlete council, and is committed to making a council within our club. She gets on every call and gives me a summary after every meeting about what she learned. She truly embodies what "out here competing" signifies.
Vinessa Rafael - JJVA
Nominated by Allen Liu - JJVA Staff Coach and 17 Teal Head Coach
Vinessa (Nessa) has the heart of a competitor. On and off the court she is loud and puts in 110% effort for every ball as a libero or ds. Her high competitive energy and spirit keeps the team going and pushes them to win every point. She puts in a lot of work with lessons, and at practices where she will jump onto the court immediately. If it is conditioning or volleyball she is the first one on. She is fearless in her actions from diving to swinging at balls since we try not to give any free balls. She has a sister who is constantly competing with Vinessa and no matter who you put on the other side against Vinessa she will give it her all to beat them mentally, physically, and emotionally. She is also fearless of making mistakes. Battling mental toughness, she knows she is not the best and not perfect but she will continue to seek out the best and out compete them.
Yvie Hensley - ARVC
Nominated by Michael Smith - ARVC Club Marketing Champion
She not only competes on the court but competes for what she wants in life, always with her family and loved ones driving her and supporting her. She’s an incredibly confident young woman who recognizes that her value and contributions on and off the court are special and not something she has to pick apart with comparisons. Her mindset is the foundation for her competitive nature. Above all, she’s kind, funny, caring and one of the first athletes to offer help. She’s truly a magnificent human.
Avery White - Premier Nebraska
Nominated by Liz Walsh - Premier Coach and Youth Programs & Events Coordinator
Avery has been part of Premier since she was 11 and has been competing at a high level ever since. No matter the position — she has literally played them all — she exemplifies effort, attitude, and respect, not only on the court but in the classroom. She models what it means to be a true competitor for our younger players. We’re so excited to see what Avery does next at Wofford College next year.
Kaisa Alanko - LOVB Houston
Nominated by LOVB Pros and Coaches
Kaisa has been thrust into a difficult role this season and is absolutely crushing it. Her determination to give the team what it needs each day and continuing to give her all when it’s not easy does not go unnoticed. She rises to the challenge and fights to make everyone better each day. I’m proud to call her my teammate!
