This story is part of The Washington Sun’s All-DMV coverage. All-DMV is a new collaboration between The Sun, Fox 5 DC, NBC4 Washington and WTOP News, aimed at covering the D.C. area’s best high school athletes. You can find past players of the week and more information about All-DMV here.
Between a freshman setter from D.C. to a senior captain outside hitter from Prince George’s County, this week’s crop of All-DMV volleyball Players of the Week showcase the depth of talent in the area — regardless of age or position. Here’s who stood out the most in Week 5:
Marley DeGeneste, Freshman, Setter, Coolidge
Coolidge picked up two commanding wins last week, and their freshman setter was a big reason why. DeGeneste dominated from behind the service line for the Colts — she logged double-digit service aces in 2-0 victories over Anacostia and Phelps. DeGeneste scored 13 service aces in the latter matchup, the team’s eighth victory of the season.
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Despite just picking up volleyball recently, DeGeneste has quickly found her footing with the sport and excelled at the setter position, Coolidge coach Clarke Jamison said.
“She’s really attached to the setter position so effortlessly and flawlessly,” Jamison said. “She’s amazing at getting her feet to the ball, really setting her hips to set that ball wherever she’s looking to set it.”
Iris Jin, Junior, Setter, Thomas Jefferson
Midway through Thomas Jefferson’s matchup against Edison last week, coach Tim Kao scribbled a message on his clipboard to quietly alert his bench of an incoming milestone. “She’s down to one,” Kao remembers whispering to his players. “The kids were ready with signs and balloons and posters.”
Moments later, with a perfectly placed pass to set up a Colonials kill, Jin recorded her 1,000th career assist for the Alexandria program. She finished with 18 assists on the evening in the eventual 3-0 sweep and also logged 30 assists in a win over Mount Vernon two days earlier.
Serayah Williams, Senior, Outside Hitter, Eleanor Roosevelt
With several key players out due to injury, the Raiders leaned on Williams heavily to preserve their unbeaten streak. The senior outside hitter responded by totalling 16 kills and six service aces in a four-set win over county rival Flowers on the road last Wednesday. With Williams, a second-year captain, leading the charge, coach Michelle Blacks’ team has dropped just one set so far this season.
“Serayah has shown incredible leadership this year,” Blacks said. “It’s her last season, she wants to go out with a bang. … She’s a powerhouse right now.”
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