Player of the year: Annie Halbert’s full-court capability was the catalyst behind West Morris' success this season. 

The junior was the team’s top outside hitter, a dependable passer, one of its best servers and defensive players, yielding a complete game that the three-year starter acquired over the many roles she’s filled while playing year-round. At Atlantic Valley Volleyball Club she was trained as a setter, while last year she was a key component for West Morris' lineup as an opposite. 

Displaying the extent of her volleyball versatility, the junior made a successful transition this season to outside hitter.

“I feel like I grew as a player, although it was a struggle in the beginning,” Halbert said of taking on her new role to fill a void left by last year's graduation. “We did lose a lot of good players last year, and to fill that leadership position someone needed to step up.” 

Offensively, Halbert displayed few weaknesses. She could swing hard through the ball, deliver the off-speed hit or softly place a dink. Halbert was also one of West Morris' top defensive players, with terrific reflexes on the end line and sound passing form. 

“Playing outside is the main role; if the pass was off, I needed to set and I needed to be ready defensively and offensively all the time,” she said.

Halbert led West Morris (12-2) with 128 kills and was second on the team with 190 digs and 138 service points, 40 of which were aces.