Prepvolleyball.com annually recognizes the top senior setter in the nation with the Andi Collins Award. Andi Collins wanted to be the best setter in the nation. Cancer ended that dream September 4, 2003, a month shy of her 17th birthday.
Eighty seniors were nominated for this year’s Andi Collins Award, including the following from Illinois. The winner will be announced in the next few weeks.
Erin Juley, 5-10, Lyons Township (LaGrange, Illinois) – A key cog in Lyons’ run to the Illinois 4A title, Juley delivered 19 assists and 10 digs in the state final win over Cary-Grove, capping a year in which her 650 assists led the team. “Her ability to block, play defense and run the offense made her a significant contributor on our team,” said Joann Pyritz. “Even after a knee injury during her junior club season, Erin’s drive to return and play as a senior was outstanding. She pushes herself to achieve and works to bring this effort out in her teammates as well.”
Madison Kamp, 6-1, Chicago Christian (Palos Heights, Illinois) – Named First Team All State by the News-Gazette, Kamp handed out 825 assists for a 30-11 team that won the Illinois 2A title in 2010. She also contributed 177 digs, 117 kills and 55 aces.
Hillary Keltner, 5-11, Althoff Catholic (Belleville, Illinois) – Smooth setter averaged 10.28 assists per game for the Crusaders in 2010. Committed to Air Force, Keltner was a Third Team All Metro pick and Second Team All Area selection.
Kayla Price, 5-9, Fremd (Palatine, Illinois) – A complete setter who can run every tempo and deliver pinpoint sets, Price got on our radar when she was named “Best Setter” at the PrepVolleyball.com Classic her freshman year. Since then, the Wisconsin-Milwaukee signee has matured into a true floor general. A severe ankle injury robbed Price of half her 2010 season, but she still managed to earn All Conference, All Area and Honorable Mention All State accolades after delivering 477 assists in the 20 matches she played in. She will graduate as Fremd’s career assist leader.
Colleen Smith, 6-0, Cary-Grove (Cary, Illinois) – Smart, heady and athletic, Smith set the Trojans to a perfect season and the top of the national rankings until Lyons Township knocked them off in the finals of the 4A division. First Team All State, the Indiana-bound Smith finished the year with 740 assists for a 41-1 team that played only 8 7 games. She added almost 100 kills and 200 digs and was a First Team All State and First Team All Area selection.