Lakeland's Ryan named Gatorade Idaho high school volleyball player of the year

CHICAGO — Lakeland High senior right-side hitter Katy Ryan was named 2020-21 Gatorade Idaho Volleyball Player of the Year.

Ryan, who has signed to play at Washington State, is the first volleyball player from Lakeland so honored.

The award recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field.

The 6-foot-5 Ryan led the Hawks to a 13-6 record and the class 4A state championship this past season — the first state title in program history.

Ryan recorded 234 kills, 101 digs, 32 blocks and 24 service aces, while posting a stellar hitting percentage of .463.

A devoted member of her church’s youth group, Ryan has volunteered locally on behalf of a summer camp, a youth basketball team and a recreation program for special needs students.

“Katy Ryan is just amazing,” Middleton High volleyball coach Tacy Morris said. “I’ve played and coached against girls who have gone Division 1, but she is one of best high school volleyball players I’ve ever seen.”

Ryan has maintained a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.

Ryan joins recent Gatorade Idaho Volleyball Players of the Year Makayla Sorensen (2019-20, Bonneville High in Idaho Falls), Zoe Thiros (2018-19, Century High in Pocatello), and Dani Nay (2017-18 & 2016-17, Skyview High in Nampa).