COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 19, 2017) – Outside hitter Thayer Hall (Moore, South Carolina), who was named the most valuable player of the Women’s U20 Pan American Cup on May 13 after leading the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team to gold and bid to the 2017 FIVB Women’s U20 World Championship, added yet another major honor to her resume this week.
Hall, who also competes for Dorman High School (South Carolina) and Upward Stars Volleyball Club, was named the first female athlete of the year in the inaugural MaxPreps High School Athlete of the Year Award, presented by the United States Marine Corps. Hall was the youngest player on the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team as it won the Women’s U20 Pan Am Cup. She is the only player on that 12-player WJNT roster who will still be in high school this coming fall.
“MaxPreps congratulates Thayer Hall on being named the High School Female Athlete of the Year,” said Andy Beal, founder and president of MaxPreps. “High school sports are designed to build character and foster teamwork and a competitive spirit in our nation’s young people. The MaxPreps High School Athlete of the Year Award represents those outstanding qualities that make not just great athletes, but more importantly fine citizens. MaxPreps is proud to honor this fine student-athlete in collaboration with the United States Marine Corps.”
Outside of USA Volleyball High Performance pipeline, Hall has garnered much success playing volleyball in her high school career. She was named South Carolina’s Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year two years in a row, High School Sports Report – Miss Volleyball three times in a row, and a USA Today All-American to name a few. Hall, who will play her final season of prep volleyball this fall, has verbally committed to play for the University of Florida.
Hall’s off the court performance is just as impressive. She takes the time to attend practices of youth volleyball club teams in order to instruct and to inspire young volleyball players to go after their dreams and to boost their confidence. In addition to donating her time with youth volleyball, she volunteers locally on behalf of a soup kitchen, the Special Olympics, the Carolina Miracle League and her church. In the classroom, she maintains a 4.96 grade point average, is a member of the Beta Club and the National Honor Society, and volunteers her time to read to children at local elementary schools in her school district.
“Thayer is one of the most fierce competitors you will ever find on the volleyball court. Her desire to win and play at the highest level is an inspiration to those who play and practice with her. She is truly the epitome of the well-rounded athlete: extraordinary talent and skill overshadowed only by her exemplary character and integrity,” said Dorman High School Head Volleyball Coach Paula Kirkland. “The Athlete of the Year award sums up how we all feel here at Dorman High School about Thayer. She is that athlete that not only represents our school at the highest-level skill wise, but also is a great teammate and classmate. She handles the attention and success with humility and grace, always giving credit to her Lord first and her teammates second. We are honored and blessed here at Dorman to have her represent our school.”