Peoria Journal Star opens voting for 2026 Volleyball Player of the Year

Peoria Journal Star is inviting the community to vote for its 2026 Preseason High School Volleyball Player of the Year, with the poll live on Yahoo Sports until Friday, July 20. The award will honor a standout athlete from the Peoria area before the state season begins. The winner will receive a trophy and a feature in the paper’s fall issue, and the decision will be announced at a ceremony in early September.

The preseason award is more than a trophy. It spotlights the best talent in Illinois high‑school volleyball and gives coaches and college recruiters early insight into the players who could shape the next generation of the sport. In a region where volleyball has grown from a niche activity to a competitive sport, the Journal Star’s recognition helps raise the profile of athletes who might otherwise go unnoticed.

Voting is open to anyone who can access the Yahoo Sports page linked by the Journal Star. Eligible players are seniors, juniors, and seniors who have played at least one full season in a Peoria‑area high school. Each voter can cast one vote per player, and the poll automatically tallies results. The Journal Star will publish a short profile of each finalist on its website, and the poll will close on July 20, after which the paper will count the votes and confirm the winner.

Once the winner is announced, the player will be invited to a celebratory event at the Peoria Civic Center, where they will receive the trophy and a signed copy of the newspaper. The award will also be highlighted in the Journal Star’s preview of the upcoming volleyball season, giving the player a platform to attract college scouts. The recognition may influence scholarship offers and set the tone for the athlete’s senior year, underscoring why the community’s vote matters.