Volleyball Banquet and Awards
The Franksville High School gymnasium was transformed into a sea of blue Tuesday evening as the varsity girls volleyball team gathered with family, friends, and supporters for the 2025 end-of-season banquet.
Just 24 hours after the Lions fell in a heart-breaking five-set regional final to crosstown rival Riverside, the mood was anything but somber. Instead, players, coaches, and parents celebrated a 22-6 campaign that included a second-place finish in the tough Southeast Conference and the program’s first-ever 20-win season in over a decade.
Head coach Melissa Torres, in her sixth year at the helm, opened the night by praising the team’s resilience. “This group showed up every single day ready to work and ready to compete,” Torres said. “We didn’t end the way we wanted last night, but when I look at what these young women accomplished—on the court, in the classroom, and as leaders in our school—I couldn’t be prouder. This is a special group, and the future of Franksville volleyball is incredibly bright.”
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of individual awards:
Most Valuable Player: Senior outside hitter Kayla Morrison. Morrison, a three-year varsity starter and University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee commit, led the Lions with 412 kills, 289 digs, and 52 aces. She was named First-Team All-Southeast Conference and All-Region.
Rookie of the Year: Freshman setter Ava Chen. The 5’9″ newcomer stepped into the starting role from day one and finished with 812 assists, earning Honorable Mention All-Conference honors.
All-League Recognition (Southeast Conference):
– First Team: Kayla Morrison (Sr., OH), Lauren Brooks (Jr., MH)
– Second Team: Sophia Ramirez (Sr., RS), Mia Gonzalez (So., L/DS)
– Honorable Mention: Ava Chen (Fr., S)
Lion Heart Award (team-voted for leadership and work ethic): Senior captain and libero Emily Wagner
Scholar-Athlete Award: Senior middle hitter Lauren Brooks. Brooks maintained a 4.0 GPA while leading the team with 108 blocks and ranking second on the squad with 278 kills.
Coaches Award: Junior defensive specialist Taylor Jenkins, who recorded a team-high 312 digs and provided infectious energy off the bench all season.
Coach Torres closed the awards ceremony by looking ahead. “We graduate four outstanding seniors, but we return an incredibly talented core,” she said. “Next year we’re not just coming back—we’re coming for that conference title and a deep postseason run. The pride is roaring louder than ever.”
As the night wound down with dessert and a slideshow of season highlights, the Lions left the gym with smiles, hardware, and the unmistakable feeling that the memories of the ’25 season will live on!
