Leland's Fiona Moord leads 2023 Volleyball Dream Team as Player of the Year

Dec. 17—LELAND — Volleyball greats have walked the halls of Leland High School for decades. Fiona Moord can certainly count herself as one of the best of the best.

The senior outside hitter credited her ability to produce every night on the volleyball court to her coaches — veteran head coach Laurie Glass and Travis Baker — and parents.

"I've coached a lot of great players, and I would put Fiona among them," Glass said. "She's an embodiment of a Leland volleyball player, like thousands of others who work hard and care."

Moord didn't sit on the bench in any of their 60 games played because the Comets' roster had just seven players in a sport that requires six just to put a team on the court.

Her ability to be a difference maker on the court while also being a role model on and off the court earned her Record-Eagle Volleyball Player of the Year honors.

"I'm super grateful to receive this award. It means a lot," Moord said. "I owe so much to my coaches for teaching me all that I know and my parents for supporting me through it all, along with my teammates."

Leland's "Magnificent Seven" achieved what many schools hope to do. The five seniors and two juniors racked up a 41-17-2 overall record and breezed through districts and regionals. They defeated 2022 Division 4 champion Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart in three sets in the state quarterfinals to earn a spot at Battle Creek.

The Comets went five sets against Crystal Falls Forest Park to advance to the Division 4 state championship game against Clarkston Everest Collegiate but ended with a loss in five sets.

"The state run will be memorable for all of us," Mood said. "Being able to play Sacred Heart in the quarterfinals was special. They're a great team, and losing to them last year was an important game for us. This whole season was pretty memorable."

Moord's hard work and determination were noticed by her peers and mentors. Glass saw that determination from Moord, but her volleyball attributes weren't what made her great.

"I mean it when I say she is the finest example of a human being you'll find," Glass said. "She's kind, generous, honest, loyal, and all the things that you want if you are describing a good human you want to have as a role model."

Moord's ability to play every set started over the summer, along with learning how to become an outside hitter. Glass made it known to the team that this season was going to be different. Glass brought the idea to the team about learning a new position.

"We started in the summer. When we planned it, we said, 'We have small numbers, and I don't know how it's all going to pan out, but we want to try you out on the outside a bit this summer.' She said, 'Sure, I'll give it a shot,'" Glass said. "I wasn't sure how it was going to go, so I said to her, 'No commitment, we just want to take a look at it.'"

With Moord learning her new position, she stayed on the floor for all six rotations.

"When I said to her, 'With you playing on the outside, you get to play all the way around, and you don't have to go off the court,' and her eyes lit up sparkly because she liked that idea," Glass said.

In her first season as an outside hitter, she earned Division 4 first-team all-state honors after racking up 567 kills and 130 aces with an 88.9 serve percentage.

Moord's love for volleyball started young.

Moord's mom has a strong volleyball background, which helped Moord learn the ins and outs of the sport.

"My mom had played volleyball, so I looked up to her, and that's what got me interested," Moord said. "But they were open to any of my interests and would've supported me in whatever I did. Once I got into the gym in middle school, I enjoyed it and wanted to get better at it."

Moord moved to northern Michigan from Grand Rapids in third grade, heading to Leland in fifth grade. Moord said her family didn't know anyone in the area, so the small-town lifestyle was different.

"It was an adjustment, but the small-town community comes with so much support, and I'm thankful to have grown up in a place with that community because there are so many opportunities offered while still getting to know everyone," Mood said. "I feel supported in that way."

Once Moord started junior high, her love for the sport flourished. Being in the gym with varsity volleyball players who had made their fair share of trips to Battle Creek only heightened her commitment to the sport.

"Going to Leland, volleyball is such a big deal," Moord said. "Getting to be in the gym in middle school and looking up to varsity players making it to state, I knew I wanted to get there."

Moord idolized and aspired to be like some of those great players who've come before her.

"Seeing them out in the hallway and out on the court that night was a big deal, knowing that people from your school can be that successful on the court and make a run to state," Moord said. "They all were gracious and hardworking. Watching them on the court was fun, and when you look up to them that much, you hope to make it to varsity one day."

When Moord made the varsity team, she learned from afar how leaders led. She was alongside players who already had a resume, but she said since sophomore year, she made sure to show her teammates the recognition they deserved.

"Going into this year, I have been working on court presence for a while and having the confidence to go out on the court knowing that it might not be your best game, you can still hold yourself to a high standard," Moord said. "Having that this year, I wanted to not get into my head. It was a big goal and being able to move past mistakes."

When Moord isn't playing volleyball, she is spending time with her family. Moord cherishes her time with her parents and younger siblings — Percy and Clementine.

"We have Friday family movie nights. That is a favorite family tradition. We'll get pizza, and we all get to take turns picking the movie everyone is watching," Moord said. "Spending time with them is something that has kept me grounded, and I am so grateful to have them."

The trips to volleyball tournaments have brought many memorable car rides with her dad. Moord treasures those rides because it's where she learned about Blink-182, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and many bands and musical artists that have entered her Spotify playlists.

"I played two seasons of club volleyball, and so we are in the car a ton traveling to different cities with tournaments all over the state," Moord said with a laugh. "So being able to be in the car with him, I have been introduced to many 1990s alternative bands and all sorts of music."

With Moord graduating, she is leaving behind big shoes to fill but a legacy many players can follow.

"Fiona has demonstrated the ability to compete at the highest level and be a spectacular teammate and show great sportsmanship all in the same person," Glass said. "You don't have to be egotistical to be great, and that's a great lesson to leave for the younger kids."

DREAM TEAM

Fiona Moord — Leland, Sr. (Player of the Year)

The dynamic senior outside hitter helped her team reach the Division 4 state championship game. Moord finished the season with 567 kills, 130 aces with an 88.9 serve percentage. The D4 first-team all-stater had 272 digs, 47 blocks and 40 assists. Moord also earned first-team all-Northwest, individual academic all-state, and PrepDig MHSAA D4 all-tournament Dream Team.

Abby Hicks — Leland, Jr. (Offensive Player of the Year)

Hicks accumulated 1,293 assists, 18 kills, 100 aces, and 18 kills in a historic junior season that'll be remembered in the MHSAA history books as she surpassed 11 others with more than 1,000 kills in a season. During the Comets' playoff run, Hicks recorded 32 assists in the regional championship game, 36 assists in the state quarterfinals, 43 assists in the state semifinals, and 45 assists in the Division 4 state championship game. Her contributions in the state championship game landed her in the MHSAA history books, tying four with 45 assists in a championship match. Her ability to spread the wealth earned her a Division 4 first-team all-state, first-team all-Northwest and all-region.

Carissa Musta — Cadillac, Sr. (Defensive Player of the Year)

The 2022 R-E Volleyball Player of the Year made her presence known in front of the net this season. With Cadillac switching from Division 2 to Division 1 this season, Musta's defensive presence stayed the same. The third-team all-stater and team co-captain finished the season by leading the state in blocks with 162 (1.5 blocks per set). Her efforts earned her a spot in the MHSAA history books, tying Kristen Judson's (Frankenmuth) 2000-01 season mark with 162 blocks in a season. Musta on the offensive side, finished with 544 kills (4.9 kills per set), 32 aces with a 97.5% serve rate, 52 assists and 195 digs. Musta earned AVCA third-team All-American.

Kathleen Nance, Traverse City St. Francis (Coach of the Year)

The fifth-year head coach for the Gladiators was faced with the task of building for the future with a team that featured a plethora of sophomores and only two upperclassmen — Garnett Mullet and Avery Nance. The young and scrappy Gladiators reached the Division 3 state championship game for the first time since 2012. The fifth-ranked Gladiators finished the season with a state runner-up trophy, the final Lake Michigan Conference volleyball title and a 38-10-1 overall record.

Kelsey Allen — Leland, Sr.

Allen was one of three Comets to get a Division 4 first-team all-state nod. Allen put up staggering numbers. She finished with 352 kills, 66 aces with an 85.9% serve rate, 60 assists, 18 blocks, 74 digs and three assists. Allen capped off her final season with first-team Northwest Conference and all-region honors.

Ava Belcher — Benzie Central, Sr.

Belcher was unanimously voted for first-team all-Northwest for her efforts on the court. The Kalamazoo College-commit racked up 352 kills, 68 aces and 74 blocks. Belcher was awarded MIVCA all-region first-team and MIVCA academic all-state.

Alison Bisballe — Lake City, Sr.

The senior middle hitter/setter landed on the D3 all-state second-team after recording 437 kills, 387 assists, 267 digs, 98 blocks and 36 aces with a 92% serve percentage. Bisballe landed on the all-state individual academic and team academic lists along with first-team Highland Conference.

Mackenzie Bisballe — Lake City, Sr.

Bisballe is leaving a legacy at Lake City for others to follow. The senior middle hitter helped Lake City finish the season with a Highland Conference title and a 40-7-3 overall record. Her efforts landed on the Division 3 first-team all-state after finishing the season with 445 kills and 480 assists, surpassing 1,000 kills and assists in her career.

Addison Boop — Charlevoix, Jr.

The senior co-captain left it all on the court for the Rayders in her final year by helping Charlevoix reach the regional rounds. Boop finished with 353 kills — 75 kills in the postseason. The all-conference and all-region selection finished with 250 digs and 45 aces with a 94% serving accuracy.

Rebekah Burch — Traverse City Christian, Sr.

Burch finished her senior season earning Division 4 all-region honors after racking up 395 digs, 73 aces, 50 kills and 75 assists. The senior libero helped the Sabres to a 20-20-3 overall record before losing to D4 runner-up Leland in the district championship game.

Leah Fleis — Lake Leelanau St. Mary, Sr.

The North Central Michigan College-commit put on a show for her school as a senior. Fleis led the team with 406 kills (4.8 kills per set) to round out to 1,239 career kills. The senior outside hitter earned Division 4 third-team all-state, D4 all-region team and individual academic all-state honors.

Elyse Heffner — Traverse City Central, Jr.

The South Alabama-commit helped the Trojans to the school's first outright Big North Conference title since 2005. Heffner was one of a few players considered for Player of the Year honors as the Trojans captured their second consecutive district title. The junior outside hitter earned Division 1 all-state honorable mention after finishing the season with 525 kills, surpassing 1,000 kills. Heffner also surpassed 500 career digs after racking up 283 digs while having 45 blocks and 11 assists. Heffner landed on the first-team all-Big North and first-team all-region.

Audrey LaFaive — Traverse City West, Sr.

LaFaive played outside hitter for the Titans this season and racked up 251 kills, 217 digs, 23 aces, and 29 blocks. For her efforts, she landed on first-team Big North and all-region team.

Grace Lewis — Kingsley, Sr.

Lewis capped off her senior year with a bang by racking up 412 kills. Lewis, during her three years on varsity, was a six-rotation player who helped the Stags to a 36-12 record in 2023 and a 112-34 record in those three years. The senior outside hitter landed on first-team all-Northwest Conference and Division 2 all-region after recording 64 aces with a 94% serve rate, 580 digs (1,416 career digs).

Jayden Marlatt — Johannesburg-Lewiston, Sr.

The senior outside hitter will be stamped in the Cardinals' history books as one of the most prolific players to come out of Johannesburg. The Ski Valley Player of the Year landed in the MHSAA history books for 34 kills in a single match — finishing with 422 kills this season (1,612 career kills). Marlatt wrapped up her senior season with 89 aces with a 92% serve rate and 432 digs. The four-time team MVP earned Division 3 third-team all-state, first-team all-region, first-team all-Ski Valley.

Avery Nance — Traverse City St. Francis, Jr.

The Gladiators' team captain was a leader on and off the floor during the postseason run to Kellogg Arena. Nance was also a Player of the Year candidate as she finished the season with a Division 3 first-team all-state nod after racking up 105 aces with a 93% serving percentage, along with 619 digs (surpassing 1,000 career digs this year), and 130 assists (surpassing 1,000 career assists).

Marley Richmond — Traverse City Central, Jr.

The junior setter shared the wealth with her teammates by racking up 987 assists, which helped her surpass 2,000 career assists. Richmond earned Division 1 first-team all-region after having 37 aces, 36 kills, 249 digs and 17 blocks.

Olive Ryder — Leland, Sr.

The senior outside hitter/libero racked up 109 aces with a 92.1% serve rate along with 272 kills, 487 digs, 15 assists and four blocks. Ryder's efforts on the Magnificent Seven earned her D4 second-team all-state, all-region and second-team Northwest.

Ava Tarsi — Boyne City, Sr.

The senior setter had a heckuva season and a heckuva career at Boyne City. The four-year varsity player ended her final season with 130 kills, 84 aces and 808 assists — bringing her career assists total to over 3,000. The senior captain received Division 2 all-region and all-Lake Michigan honors.

Elly Wilcox — Boyne City, Jr.

The second-year varsity player leveled up her game to help the Ramblers make it to the regional semifinals. Wilcox ended her junior season with first-team all-Lake Michigan and Division 2 all-region honors after racking up 304 kills, 44 aces and 276 digs.

SECOND TEAM

Natalie Boudro, Traverse City Central, Sr. — 466 digs, 38 aces, 97% serve percentage, 85 assists, first-team all-Big North, academic all-state.

Aubrey Burns, Boyne City, Sr. — Libero, 62 aces, 603 digs (career total of over 1,000 digs), D2 all-region, all-Lake Michigan honorable mention.

Zoe Butkovich, Lake City, Sr. — Outside hitter/defensive specialist, 120 kills, 395 digs, 13 blocks, irst-team Highland, all-state academic.

Emma Flick, Traverse City West, So. — 449 digs, 51 aces, 52 assists. First-team all-Big North, all-region Dream Team.

Lexi Hogle, Johannesburg-Lewiston, So. — Setter, 913 assists MHSAA record 52 assists in single match), 229 digs, 70 aces (94% serve rate), 53 kills, first-team Ski Valley, all-region.

Phoebe Humphrey, Traverse City Central, Sr. — 302 kills, 60 blocks, 124 digs, 52 aces, 9 assists, first-team all-region, second-team all-Big North.

Cassie Jenema, Cadillac, Jr. — 989 assists, 134 kills, 56 aces, 31 blocks, D1 all-region, all-Big North honorable mention.

Makenzie Johns, Cadillac, Sr. — 401 kills, first-team Big North, D1 all-region.

Brooklyn Latuszek, Johannesburg-Lewiston, Sr. — Middle hitter, 203 kills, 93 aces (94% serve rate), 215 digs. 10+ aces in single match twice (MHSAA record), second-team all-Ski Valley, first-team all-region, academic all-state.

Mallory Lowe, Leland, Sr. — 485 digs, 70 assists, 66 aces, 1 kill, second-team all-Northwest Conference, D4 third-team all-state, D4 region 4 all-region.

Peyton Miller, Frankfort, Sr. — 336 kills, 55 aces, 287 digs, all-Northwest, D4 all-state honorable mention.

Garnet Mullet, Traverse City St. Francis, Sr. — 98 aces (86.4% serve percentage), 378 kills, 415 digs (achieved 1,000 career digs), all-Lake Michigan, MIVCA all-region, D3 all-state honorable mention.

Shelby Plamondon, Leland, Sr. — 274 kills, 28 aces, 94 digs, 50 blocks, 34 assists, first-team all-Northwest Conference, academic all-state.

Kylee Rice, Charlevoix, Sr. — 3-year varsity setter, contributed to 3 district titles, 524 assists, 192 kills, 353 digs, 381 serve receptions, 62 aces, all-region, all-conference.

Gwyneth VerBerkmoes, McBain, Jr. — 487 kills, 53 solo blocks, 43 aces, unanimously voted D3 all-region, all-Highland Conference, team MVP, D3 all-state third-team.

Ava Wells, Gaylord, Jr. — Libero, 14 kills, 32 assists, 40 aces (90.9% serve rate) 152 digs, all-Big North honorable mention, first-team all-region, team MVP.

Sarah Wooer, Kingsley, So. — 1,013 assists, 355 digs, first-team all-Northwest Conference.

Quinn Yenshaw, Traverse City St. Francis, So. — 64 aces, 87.3 serve percentage, 388 kills, 350 digs, first-team all-Lake Michigan, MIVCA all-region, D3 third-team all-state.

Flora Zickert, Benzie Central, Sr. — 153 kills, 47 aces, 31 blocks, second-team all-Northwest, MIVCA academic all-state

HONORABLE MENTION

Mattea Ball, Elk Rapids, So.; Caroline Best, Elk Rapids, So.; Madeline Bildeaux, Traverse City West, Jr.; Maddie Biller, Brethren, Sr.; Della Bunek, Lake Leelanau St. Mary, Sr.; Ameilia Dunstan, Boyne City, Jr.; Stella Estes, Brethren, Jr.; Emma Gerstenberger, Gaylord, Sr.; Maddie Gunia, Manistee Catholic Central, Jr.; Hannah Hern, Lake City, Sr.; Claire Hurley, Traverse City St. Francis, So.; Reese Jones, Traverse City St. Francis, So.; Brooklyn LaBrecque, Inland Lakes, Sr.; Caitlyn Matelski, Petoskey, Jr.; Jenna Middleton, Kingsley, Fr.; Cathryn Mikowski, Lake Leelanau St. Mary, Jr.; Reese Muma, Traverse City St. Francis, So.; Harper Nausadis, Traverse City St. Francis, So.; Molly Ogden, Harbor Light Christian, Jr.; Isabelle Seitz, Kingsley, So.; Emma Shermak, Mesick, Sr.; Erica Taglauer, Inland Lakes, Sr.; Lucy Tarachas, Petoskey, Sr.; Josie Wilson, Boyne City, Jr.; Abbey Wright, Charlevoix, Sr.