September 17, 2026 (Lexington, KY) – The AVCA is proud to announce its 2026 Girls High School Player of the Year Watch List, presented by Nike Volleyball. This year’s list is comprised of 34 players from 16 states. Region 3 (AL, FL, GA, NC, SC) and Region 9 (CA, AZ, NV) lead the way with 8 representatives apiece. The Watch List includes 22 members of the senior class, followed by 8 juniors in addition to 4 sophomores.

The AVCA will announce four Player of the Year finalists on November 18, in conjunction with the 2026 AVCA Girls High School All-America team reveal. The 2026 AVCA Girls High School Player of the Year will be announced on Friday, December 18, during the AVCA All-America Banquet in San Antonio, TX. The four Player of the Year finalists will be invited to attend and be celebrated at the banquet, as well as participate in additional activities onsite. All hotel and travel expenses for these finalists will be covered by the AVCA.

The 2026 AVCA High School All-America Teams and AVCA Best and Brightest nomination period will run from October 9-19, 2026. Athletes must be nominated by their AVCA member high school head coach in order to be eligible for these awards in addition to being named AVCA Player of the Year, Region Player of the Year, AVCA Best and Brightest, or to the AVCA All-Region teams. Athletes are not required to be named to the AVCA Player of the Year Watch List to be named a finalist or Player of the Year, but they do need a complete nomination submitted during the October 9-19 time period to be eligible for postseason awards.

Is your athlete on the Watch List? Download your customizable social media graphic here, and tag @avcaphenom so we can celebrate your success!

The 2026 AVCA Girls High School Player of the Year Award is presented by Nike Volleyball.