All-Region Volleyball: Zoe McBride

Ever since elementary school, Zoe McBride has stood much taller than her classmates.

But she has never felt out of place on the volleyball court.

And that goes for any position on the court.

The 6-foot outside hitter led Prairie with 508 kills this season.

She was also second on the team in blocks (40) and third in digs (313). Serving and passing? She excelled at those too.

This season, McBride grew into what coach Andrea Doerfler described as a complete player. The junior was the driving force behind a Prairie team that did lot lose a set in the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League season and finished seventh in the state.

For her accomplishments, McBride is The Columbian’s All-Region volleyball player of the year.

McBride said she was 10 when, after a growth spurt, she found herself among the tallest girls in her school. By the end of middle school, she was almost 5-foot-11.

“You go to school and you’re just towering over all your friends,” McBride said. “I go to volleyball tournaments and I feel like I fit in. I don’t feel like I’m a giant around everyone else.”

As McBride’s height increased, so did her prowess around the net. Her freshman and sophomore years, she mostly played as a middle blocker.

But during the winter club season, she gave the outside hitter position a shot. She loved playing it and excelled.

But why stop there? She also worked on playing on the back row, focusing on passing and digging.

“I just approached it with an open mind and was ready for anything,” McBride said. “If I play in college and they need me at another position, if I know how to play it and I can play it well, then I feel like I have more opportunities looking forward.”

What gives McBride the biggest thrill on the court? It’s not a thunderous kill or stuffing a shot at the net.

Rather, she loves getting digs. It speaks to her blue-collar approach that sees her embrace the tough, unglamorous tasks that make a team successful.

“It’s great just seeing everyone else around you being able to play off of that great dig,” she said. “Seeing the girl up front get a kill and you’re like, I started that. That came from me. That’s such a great feeling.”

Coaches around the 3A Greater St. Helens League took notice of McBride, voting her the league’s MVP.

That determination lifted Prairie to a trophy. It mirrors the determination that drove McBride to become a complete player.

“You shouldn’t dig yourself a hole and put yourself in one position,” she said. “‘Oh I’m really tall, I can’t pass. I can’t dive because I’m so tall.’ Just work on it and you can do it. Nothing is stopping you.”

The rest of the all-region team

First team

Sarena Bartley, Ridgefield

The senior outside hitter was a force at the net for the Spudders, which placed sixth in 2A state tournament.

Madi Harter, Ridgefield

The 2A GSHL MVP in 2015, the senior outside hitter was solid again. Led team to a 22-4 record and league title.

Keelie LeBlanc, Camas

The outside hitter was the only junior to earn 4A Greater St. Helens League first-team all-league honors.

Abby Wilmington, Columbia River

Senior outside hitter was 2A GSHL MVP. Had 256 kills, averaging nearly four per set, and converting 41 percent of kills.

Hana Wyles, Battle Ground

The senior libero (defensive specialist) was so good at collecting digs that she was named MVP of the 4A GSHL.

Second team

Maddy Campbell, Ridgefield

Senior libero was a swift, subtle presence for the Spudders.

Tessa Doerfler, Prairie

Senior libero earned first-team all-league honors for second straight year.

Kayla Fredricks, Woodland

Outside hitter was driving force behind second-place run at 2A state tournament.

Elle Nesbitt, Woodland

Senior setter earned first-team all-league honors for second straight year.

Sawyer Schroeder, Union

Senior was among the top outside hitters in the 4A GSHL.

Aubrey Stanton, Camas

Junior setter was engine behind attack that led Camas to 4A GSHL title