Vote for the Preseason Girls Volleyball Player of the Year, presented by Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists

As the 2026 high school boys soccer season approaches in Seacoast, New Hampshire and southern Maine, fans and supporters eagerly anticipate the start of the new season. To honor the outstanding talent on the girls volleyball teams across the region, coaches from each Seacoast high school girls volleyball team have been invited to nominate a player for the 2026 Preseason Player of the Year award.

Voting for the coveted award opens soon and will close on Thursday, August 27 at midnight. Those interested in casting their vote can do so through the ballot provided. The winner will be announced in a story published on Friday, August 28 on both seacoastonline.com/sports and fosters.com/sports.

Here are the nominees for the 2026 Preseason Player of the Year:

Addie Bower from Oyster River, a senior middle hitter who led her team to a Division II state championship win in 2025 with 95 kills and 28 blocks.

Paige Demers from Somersworth, a senior middle hitter who was a Division IV all-state second team selection in 2025.

Kendall Holt from Portsmouth, a senior middle hitter who will be a key player for the Clippers in 2026 as the lone returning starter.

Grace Kelly from Dover, a senior outside hitter known for being a versatile player, able to contribute from multiple positions.

Evie Martin from York, a junior outside hitter who recorded 163 kills, 32 service aces, 16 blocks, and 156 digs in 2025, earning first-team all-conference honors.

Bea Monahan from Portsmouth Christian Academy, a junior outside hitter who recorded 131 kills, 57 aces, and 171 digs, and was named a Division IV all-state second team selection.

Emily Pitfick from Winnacunnet, a senior setter who recorded three aces, 21 kills, five blocks, 385 assists, and 104 digs in 2025.

Julianne Stowell from St. Thomas Aquinas, a senior setter who recorded 37 kills, 324 assists, and 96 digs last season.

Payton Strandberg from Exeter, a senior middle hitter who contributed with 106 kills, 22 blocks, and 24 aces in 2025.

Hannah Tuttle from Marshwood, a senior libero who will step up to the starting libero role for the Hawks in 2026, contributing in multiple ways to the team's success.