LOVB’s Athletes of the Month return for the 2025-26 season to spotlight the athletes who set the standard on and off the court. November’s athletes were chosen based on the Whole Athlete Training theme: Grittier than the Rest.
Grit isn’t just about pushing through tough moments; it’s about showing up with purpose, staying committed when the work gets hard, and finding strength in the pursuit of growth. These athletes do exactly that day after day.
Here’s what the clubs had to say about these juniors:
Andi Gardner - KC Power
Nominated by Grace Mize - KC Power Coach and Marketing Champion
"Andi is a unanimous choice in our club for the Grit award. She pushes herself to the max no matter the circumstance: simple practice drills, running sprints, getting extra reps on her own, or playing her heart out in tough tournaments against great competition. She doesn’t shy away from challenges, she welcomes them with a smile. Andi understands that in order to be the best, you have to compete against the best and that motivates her. When things don’t go her way, she gets back to work and learns from each obstacle. She is looked up to and admired by other athletes in the club for her tenacity, competitiveness, and sheer “want to”.
Aspen Brown - Houston Skyline
Nominated by Amy Burk - Executive Director
"Aspen tore her ACL back in February and has been working extremely hard to get back. She has continued to pour into her team, be patient in the process, and is slowly and surely making her way back! You can tell she is so excited to get physically involved again, but she has been mentally connected and motivated this entire time. So proud of her and how she has handled this adversity over the past year. "
Candelaria Herrea - LOVB Nebraska
Nominated by LOVB Pros and Coaches
"She set the bar high even though she came back after the injury! Fighter :)"
"Coming back from an injury, she's been working so hard to get back into shape, doing an awesome job."
"She's just so much fun to be around"
"Cande works so hard. She came back from a big injury, and she is doing everything she can to keep herself fit. Everyone can see that she likes to work, always pushing herself and her teammates and most importantly, doing all of it with a big smile and great energy. Go, Candeee!!"
Ellie Walker - A5 Chattanooga
Nominated by Cobi Christiansen - A5 Chattanooga Coach
"Ellie is new to our club and did not have the best first day at tryouts. The second day of tryouts she really worked hard and made the 14 national team. Since we have started practicing, she has been one of the hardest workers in the gym, she has been very receptive to feedback, and has gone from someone who just made the team to being a stand out player in the first month of the season. I am unsure what she will play because she is an overall volleyball player who has been improving in every skill that we have gone over at practice. She has done all of this while keeping a very low profile, never complaining, early to every practice, working to get to know her teammates, and being respectful to all of the coaches who have worked with her. It's been great seeing her thrive in this environment. By coming into a new club, not making any excuses or complaints, working hard, and making the most out of her practices, she has shown a lot of grit and there has already been a lot of improvement in her game because of it."
Jillian Harvey - Premier Nebraska
Nominated by Liz Walsh - Events & Social Media Coordinator
"Jill first started out at Premier summer camps, and right away it was clear she had the drive and determination to be part of the Premier Nebraska culture. Even after not making a team during her 12s and 13s years, she never gave up...continuing to show up, work hard, and chase her goal until she earned her spot. Jill has now made a team for the past two seasons, which is a true reflection of her grittiness. Jill has shown grit and an incredible work ethic—proving that perseverance and believing in yourself pays off."
Kinley Hinze - Premier Nebraska
Nominated by Liz Walsh - Events & Social Media Coordinator
"Kinley has been a part of Premier since she was 11. She’s always shown incredible strength and grit, overcoming every obstacle that’s come her way. Right before tryouts this season, Kinley was unexpectedly rushed to the hospital and learned that her appendix had burst. Despite missing pre-tryout clinics and tryouts themselves, she’s worked hard through recovery—coming back stronger than ever and giving her all on her 14s team this season. Kinley’s grit shows not only in her skill on the court but also in her unwavering mindset and determination to keep pushing forward."
Maddux Teresi - VC United
Nominated by Ainsley Heise - Director of Marketing and Programming
"Maddux exemplifies what it means to have grit every single day by showing up to the gym and giving 100% effort, 100% of the time. As an undersized hitter, he has to work harder than some of our taller guys, but that never stops him from balling out at every opportunity. He’s constantly working to master his craft — learning to use the block in front of him, finding open shots, and raising his volleyball IQ every time he steps in the gym.
We’re proud to have him as one of our “smaller ballers,” and also one of the smartest players in our boys program. One more thing about Maddux — if someone ever tells him he can’t, he’s ready to prove them wrong and show just how ready, capable, and relentless he truly is."
Jacy Andrew - Oregon High School / 608 Juniors (Madison, WI)
Nominated by Kelsey Stilson - Oregon HS Volleyball Head Coach
"Jacy has spent three years on varsity and in that time has played for three different head coaches, each with very different systems, expectations, and philosophies. Many athletes would struggle to stay grounded through that much change, but Jacy never lost sight of her long-term goal to play in college.
As a sophomore she earned the starting setter role in a 5-1. As a junior her role shifted, and it would have been easy to let that setback change her direction. Instead, she doubled down. She spent the off season studying film, improving her leadership, and working to run a smarter, more intentional offense.
Her senior year reflects that grit. She earned her starting spot back, committed to UW-Platteville, and reached her thousandth career assist. But the real achievement is her resilience. No matter the coach, the system, or the role, Jacy chooses growth. She never quits on the goals that matter to her, and she sets the tone for everyone around her."
Taylor Hopkins - AJV Sand
Nominated by Paige Panter Mierl
"Taylor Hopkins is a stellar beach volleyball athlete. She is dedicated to her craft and her team. She is what we call a "culture kid" and leads our team so well. As a senior, she sets the example of what it means to fight for success through challenges on and off the court. She works hard to lead by example and show her teammates that challenges make us stronger. On the court, she's a fighter. She always stays positive in the face of competition and gives 110%. I call her our team energizer bunny because she only has one speed - full speed. She gives everything she has in every rally and is an encouraging teammate! She helps her teammates learn to trust the process in training and dig deep for the tough moments! She's come back from several injuries that would discourage others all with a smile on her face. I believe Taylor truly embodies what it means to be an athlete that is Grittier than the Rest!"
