All-Region Volleyball: Zoe McBride

If the Prairie volleyball team made a kill, Zoe McBride’s hammer of a hand probably hit it.

If Prairie made a dig, it was probably McBride who sprawled on the court to keep the ball in play.

And if you’re looking for the main reason Prairie repeated as 3A Greater St. Helens League champion and placed fifth in state, it was definitely McBride.

Expectations were high for McBride’s senior season. As a junior, she was the Columbian All-Region player of the year, GSHL MVP and helped Prairie place seventh at state, it’s first trophy since 2012.

McBride more than rose to the occasion. For the second time, she is The Columbian’s All-Region player of the year.

McBride had a team-high 565 kills, 57 more than last year. She had 63 blocks, 23 more than last year. Add in 314 digs and 95 aces, and it’s clear there was no facet of the game she didn’t affect.

But according first-year coach Jen Palmer, McBride’s biggest impact wasn’t measured in stats.

“What stood out to me was her composure in all aspects,” Palmer said. “When she struggled, which wasn’t very often, she kept complete composure. … If she made a mistake, she would say ‘set me again.'”

When Prairie had a setback in the quarterfinals of the state tournament, McBride spread that “set me again” attitude to her teammates.

“I asked ‘what’s the best we can do?’ McBride said. “Jen said we could take fifth. I said OK, we’re taking fifth. There were no doubts about it.”

McBride had a combined 27 kills and 29 digs in two straight-set victories on the final day of the state tournament. Fifth place was secured.

“Obviously, everyone wants to take first,” McBride said. “But doing better than last year was a big accomplishment. I really couldn’t wish for anything more.”

At 6-foot-1, McBride has the physical stature to be a dominant hitter in high school.

But with college in mind, she knows the value of versatility. She has worked on all aspects of her game including passing, a former weakness.

“I want to be able to say ‘I can be a (defensive specialist) and I know how to pass,'” she said. “It’s so important to be able to do anything and fit anywhere.”

McBride said she has received interest from Division-I programs, but is also considering Division-II schools. She wants to experience living in a different part of the country. Studies that could lead to a career in the medical field interest her.