VOLLEYBALL ADRIA POWELL Hubbard

Hubbard volleyball standout Adria Powell was one of the most physically imposing players in the Mahoning Valley this season. The 6-foot-2 hitter’s combination of height and athleticism helped her dominate opposing front lines.

Powell was named the 2017 Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association Player of the Year for Division II. She was also named to the Division II first-team by the association.

Hubbard finished 22-2 and advanced to a Division II district semifinal, but lost to state power Mentor Lake Catholic in three sets.

“Going into this year, I didn’t know what to expect because we had some rough bumps along the way from the beginning of the season,” Powell said. “My freshman and sophomore year we weren’t as good as I would have liked, but this year we worked really hard. I think we were 22-1 in the regular season. I would have liked to go a little farther in the playoffs, but overall, I think we did good.”

Powell finished with 23 kills and two blocks in the season-ending loss.

She committed to Ohio State in November and is currently taking three college classes. She intends to graduate early then leave for Columbus at some point early in the summer.

Powell said early courses allow her to ease into the academic workload, but she’s a little nervous about her play on the court.

“I think, sports-wise, I’m a little nervous because they’re used to playing at the Big Ten level,” Powell said. “But I think after months of practicing with them in the summer I’ll get used to it.”

Dan Hiner