SV’s Hoover, North’s Gunther named 1st Team All-State in volleyball
Grant Hoover proved to be a very effective middle hitter through his junior season for Seneca Valley’s boys volleyball team.
But his best role, and a spectacular season, was still to come.
Hoover was moved to outside hitter this past season and responded with 417 kills, 265 digs, 36 blocks and 36 service aces. He was recently named to the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association’s First Team.
“He probably would have been named All-State multiple times had he played at outside hitter his whole career,” said SV coach Brett Poirier, “but we needed him so badly at middle hitter.
“Before his senior year, he was on squads that were loaded with leaders. This year, I asked him to be the leader and he stepped up. He was our workhorse.”
Also garnering First Team recognition was North Catholic junior outside hitter Lucas Gunther in Class 2A.
Hoover found himself as captain of a very young team this spring.
“I was the only player with varsity experience, but received a lot of support from my teammates,” he said. “It was great to see them step up.
“I knew at the end of my junior season that I would be moving to the outside. I was excited about being more involved in the offense.”
Hoover was no stranger to thunderous kills before he stepped onto the court as a senior, but they became much more numerous at his new position. Kills to win tight matches and those that turned the tide in others became commonplace from the swing of his right arm. He dropped 21 of them in a victory in May over Shaler, the top-ranked team in the state.
“Being able to put a ball down in a big game, it’s unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced,” said Hoover. “It’s the reason I’m in love with the game.
“I played volleyball and soccer until the ninth grade. That’s when I decided to focus just on volleyball. I realized it was my sport and I was better at it.”
Hoover will continue his playing career at the University of Health, Sciences and Pharmacy, an NAIA school in St. Louis. He was one of just 11 players to be named a first-teamer.
“Coaches from all over the state vote for the All-State team,” he said. “There had to be a lot of coaches who voted for me over a player from their own team and I appreciate that.”
Gunther faced his own adversity this season, particularly playing without fellow outside hitter Andrew Ubinger, a standout player who graduated in 2022. But the former did not shy away from the challenge.
“I knew someone needed to step into his shoes and I took it upon myself to be that guy,” Gunther said. “I’m honored to be picked All-State. It’s a shocker for me, but I am grateful for my coaches and teammates who helped me get there.”
Due in large part to Gunther’s 19.1 kills per game, North won the WPIAL Class 2A championship. He added 29 aces and 16 blocks.
“He was more of a defensive player for us as a sophomore and did a lot more hitting for us this season,” said Trojans coach Stacie Ball. “He can now alter his shots, can cut the ball, meaning he wasn’t just hitting the ball straight down.”
Gunther’s time with A-10 Volleyball Club in Monroeville has aided his progress immensely.
“There’s a number of different coaches I’ve worked with there and they each bring a different perspective,” he said. “That’s bolstered my ability on the court and how I’m able to see the floor.
“I don’t plan on playing following high school, so my ultimate goal is to win a state championship next year.”
Butler’s Coleton Welter earned honorable mention status in Class 3A as a junior outside hitter.
