Rogue330’s Excellence Award Winners for the 2025 JO Season…

This Spring, Rogue330 recognized SIX players for their excellent efforts on and off the court. Some of the awards fit nicely into Rogue’s 3-H’s of Humble, Hungry, and Hustle! The other awards reflected a player’s improvement, leadership, and the abillity to bounce back from tough circumstances. Each one of these players and awards made a statement about the kind of players, teams, and volleyball club that Rogue330 is all about…

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER — AVERY ALLMAN (JUNIOR, NORTH CANTON HOOVER). As one of the youngest player’s on the 18Flame team that finished in the top 25 teams in the OVR, Avery worked hard and improved every time she took the court. Coach Stacie Kucalaba recognized Avery as a “virtual senior” throughout the season, relying on Avery in key moments as a DS, Server-extraordinaire, Setter, and Libero. Every single time, Avery’s willing attitude, contagious spirit, hard work, and on-court speed made her a fantastic player and a tremendous asset to the 18Flame and the 17Fire as they finished strong in Columbus.

“3H HUSTLE AWARD – KAITLYN SHIPBAUGH (SENIOR, WOODRIDGE) After a stellar 1st-Team All-Conference season as a Hitter and All-Around for Woodridge, Kaitlyn Shipbaugh wasn’t done. It seems like Kaitlyn Shipbaugh is NEVER done. Her all-around performance for the 18 Flame saw her battle through injuries during the last month of the season, but nothing would slow her down. Kaitlyn’s a powerful hitter, a leader in the huddle, a joyful teammate, and a dangerous server. In Columbus for the OVR championships, Shipbaugh put together a string of epic performances and non-stop aggressive hustle for her team and for the win.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD – KAYLA KANTOROWSKI (SENIOR, COVENTRY) – Quick, experienced, fearless, and ready – Kayla Kantorowski set a terrific example for the defense and chemistry of our 18Flame team. At times, Kayla was like a coach on the floor for the 18Flame, without being pushy or overbearing. She was frequently found encouraging her teammates, pointing out opportunities and things on the court, and looking to improve her own game in the process. Younger players followed her leadership and encouragement and example throughout the season, and Kayla thrived in that role during a terrific season at Rogue.

“3H HUMBLE LEADERSHIP AWARD” – ALLY ALTMAYER (SENIOR, NORTH CANTON HOOVER – For the second year in a row, Hoover’s Ally Altmayer was not only a fantastic defensive presence on our 18R Flame team, she was the glue. Wherever she was needed, Ally stepped in. No matter what was happening on or off the court, Ally supported and smiled and encouraged her teammates. No matter how tough the opponent, Ally brought fearless serve-receive, passing, communication, hits, blocks – whatever! It’s no wonder she’s been a Captain on so many of her teams – Ally is hard-working and experienced and athletic on the court, but perhaps more importantly, she loves her teammates and will do anything to help the team win.

“3H HUNGRY LEADERSHIP AWARD” – TAEKO THOMPSON (SOPHOMORE, CANTON MCKINLEY) – Setters are often natural leaders and players, but Taeko Thompson was downright relentless for the 17Heat this season. Her teammates fed off of her hustle, smile, directions, and attitude all throughout the year. A fierce and fast competitor, Taeko was willing to be somewhat of an all-purpose player, playing front row, back row, playing up, playing down, passing, diving, setting, listening, talking. She also brought out the best in her teammates and continued to push herself and the Heat to improve, stick together, and bring home some wins in Columbus.

COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR – ABBY AUMAN (SENIOR, NORTH CANTON HOOVER) – Another 2-year player at Rogue330, Abby has battled back from injuries, rehab, physical therapy, and repeated setbacks to become what she’s always been. A fantastic setter. A relentless volleyball player. A tremendous athlete. A true on-court leader. During the team’s final month, Abby’s connection with all of her hitters unleashed a devastating attack in Dover and Columbus. She led the 18Flame to Gold Bracket finishes in nearly every tournament and some fantastic performances in Columbus on the way to a Top 21 finish in the OVR.