Regardless of the challenges and obstacles they faced, the 2025 Deseret News Volleyball Players of the Year played pivotal roles in their teams’ success this season.
The 2025 Utah High School Volleyball Players of the Year showcases the athletes who stood out and delivered high-level performances throughout the course of the season. This group represents some of the top volleyball that was played in the state from this past year.
6A Player of the Year
Kylie Buttars, Skyridge, OH, Sr.
A key leader for Skyridge on its way to a trip to the 6A championship match was Kylie Buttars. Buttars was relied on heavily throughout the course of the season and was a big weapon for the No. 1 team in the state.
“Kylie was such a huge presence on the court. She has so many strengths — her ability to score for us, her blocking, and her serving and passing as well. She’s a threat offensively and was an integral part of our success this year,” said Skyridge coach Tayler Tausinga.
In order for Skyridge to have any success this season, Buttars had to deliver, and deliver she did.
For the season, the BYU signee tallied an astounding 398 kills to go along with 55 aces and 226 digs.
Tausinga has high praise for Buttars, not only on the court but the type of person she is off it. While her play speaks for itself, Buttars is also known to be a great teammate and always encourages those she’s around.
“She’s a great person and teammate. She is always uplifting those around her and is consistently giving thanks to coaches and teammates. Although she has accomplished so much over her high school career, she still continues to try to get better each day.”
5A Player of the Year
Isa Taylor, Skyline, OH, Sr.
Skyline senior Isa Taylor had a senior season to remember, cementing herself as one of the most impactful athletes in Skyline’s program.
Throughout the year, Taylor consistently filled up the stat sheet, finishing the season with a .303 hitting average, 248 digs and an impressive 313 kills. Throughout her high school career, Taylor was one of the most consistent and productive players, tallying 1,096 career kills.
A starter on the 2024 5A state championship team, Taylor displayed a winner’s mindset every time she stepped on the floor, a mentality that often spread to the teammates around her.
Skyline coach Mondo Begay praised Taylor’s ability to elevate everyone in the gym.
“Isa has a strong ability to balance personal relationships, volleyball IQ, and has the skills to win,” said Begay.
Continuing her playing career at Montana, Taylor has always been known to be a calming, reliable and steady presence on her team. If things started to go sideways, Taylor was always there to help steady the ship to calmer waters.
“In the end … kindness and love of the game will always be her backbone. Isa wants to make people around her better, and she leads with kindness through her work ethic,” Begay added.
4A Player of the Year
Annie Gilmore, Desert Hills, OH, Sr.
Senior Annie Gilmore has risen to the occasion time and again this season, being able to be relied upon match after match for Desert Hills.
Helping Desert Hills win the 4A championships with a strong win over Orem in the championship match, Gilmore averaged a .210 hitting percentage to go along with 55 aces and 405 kills, which was third in 4A.
“Annie has been a dynamic force for our team. She is an outstanding volleyball player and an even better person. Her determination and dedication have set a standard that pushes the entire team to be its best,” said Desert Hills coach Craig Allred.
Allred went on to praise Gilmore’s ability to not only work on her own game, but to help her teammates improve as well.
“Annie combines skill, athleticism, power and relentless drive, constantly working not only to elevate her own game but also to help her teammates succeed,” said Allred.
Signed to Cal State Northridge, Gilmore was able to adapt fairly quickly after only being in Utah for one season. Allred knows that Gilmore enjoys the big stage and can’t wait to watch her as she continues her volleyball career.
“She has proven throughout the season that she thrives under pressure and excels in big moments. We’re excited to watch her take the next step at Cal State Northridge, where her talent, coachability, and competitive spirit are sure to make a significant impact.”
3A Player of the Year
Rylee Stewart, North Sanpete, OH, Jr.
North Sanpete standout junior Rylee Stewart did it all for her team this year. Stewart led North Sanpete with 566 kills and 53 service aces.
Stewart, who was a junior this last year, played outside hitter for her side and proved to be an exceptional six-rotation player for the squad.
Much of Stewart’s success this past season is a result of her strong work ethic and desire to help her teammates succeed. She was seen consistently pushing herself and helping others to improve every day. She dealt with every challenge head on and with positivity.
“Rylee is a fierce competitor who will do whatever it takes to be successful. I’m incredibly proud of her work ethic on and off the court and her ability to make everyone around her better,” said North Sanpete coach Rickie Stewart.
An all-around dominant player, Stewart was a vital piece for North Sanpete, not only behind the service line but on defense as well.
“Rylee was a critical piece to our consistent serve receive, a solid defender and could score in various ways. Rylee is quietly confident, an excellent teammate and was surrounded by good friends who played fearlessly all season,” added Stewart.
2A Player of the Year
Ellie Stephens, North Summit, MH, Jr.
North Summit’s Ellie Stephens found herself among the leaders in a number of stats categories this last season. Stephens was No. 1 in the state in blocks, with 77 to go along with 498 kills, 256 digs and 35 aces on the year.
Stephens finished her junior year with 1,139 career kills, a number that is sure to soar throughout her senior season.
Stephens’ fire and passion for the game helped push her squad to a three-sets-to-one victory over Enterprise in the 2A state championship game.
“Ellie is a fierce competitor and has always had a love for volleyball. She has been key in North Summit’s success this year,” said North Summit coach Samantha Stephens. “Ellie is a powerful hitter and has dominated matches both offensively and defensively at the net.”
While some may buckle under pressure, Stephens welcomed the opportunity to come through for her team when they needed it most.
“She wants the ball when the game is on the line,” Stephens said. “Ellie is very versatile and can hit from anywhere along the net and can hit all tempo sets. It has been amazing getting to coach and watch Ellie grow and develop into an outstanding player and athlete.”
1A Player of the Year
Tayt Miller, Panguitch, OH, Sr.
Panguitch outside hitter Tayt Miller was a crucial player for her team throughout the past season.
Chosen as one of the team captains, Miller proved to be an exceptional all-around player and brought consistency, leadership and intensity to every match, helping set the tone for her teammates.
Over the course of the year, Miller posted a .219 hitting percentage and recorded an impressive 287 kills, showcasing her ability to score in big moments and carry a heavy offensive load.
“Tayt excelled in all of the fundamental skills in volleyball, and through her career pretty much played every position. It was so fun to watch Tayt play with confidence in all aspects of the game,” said Panguitch coach Troy Norris.
During her senior year, Miller led all of 1A during the season in hitting percentage. During the most crucial moments in the season, Norris rested easy knowing he could rely on the poise and skill of Miller to help lead her team to success.
“We could always count on her coming through with a kill at those critical times in a match,” said Norris. “Tayt was one of our captains and a great teammate, whose positive attitude and supportive presence were vital to the chemistry and morale of the team.”