Maize South Volleyball

We had a great time at OU Team Camp!! 🥇We took 1st Place in the Top Pool of teams 🤘🏐🖤 BIG THANKS to Miss Aniya for being our coach for the past two days and bringing the BEST energy to camp for us!! 🫶👏

Day 1 of Oklahoma Team Camp was a ton of fun and high energy! We’ve really enjoyed it so far🥳🏐🤘🖤

🥇Champions🥇 These girls took first place out of 24 teams competing @ the Believe Girls Team Camp hosted by Coach Dawn Sullivan and her amazing staff at Mizzou Volleyball!! We definitely learned some drills to add to our tool box — we’re so grateful for two fantastic days of volleyball at Mizzou!!

We’re excited for Mizzou Team Camp!! 🤘🖤 big thank you to our tank top sponsors! Starting our second session of Day 1 now!

Sports in Kansas Volleyball Player to Watch: Autumn Popp, Maize South, 6’0 Sr. Setter

Autumn Popp returns for her senior season as one of Kansas' premier setters after helping guide Maize South to a 37-7 record and a third-place finish in Class 5A. The 6-foot senior has been one of the state's most consistent floor generals throughout her career, earning First Team All-AVCTL Division I honors in each of the past two seasons, along with Second Team All-State recognition in 2025. Popp surpassed 2,000 career assists during last year's state tournament and filled the stat sheet with 894 assists, 106 kills, 42 aces, 45 blocks and 213 digs while leading the Mavericks in aces. Already committed to Wichita State, she enters her final high school season as one of the key catalysts for a team with championship expectations.

With nearly the entire roster returning, Popp believes Maize South has all the pieces needed to make a serious push for a state title. "We are returning pretty much everyone and are all determined to make it our best season yet with a big goal of clinching the state title," Popp said. "Nothing compares to the anticipation of stepping back onto the court to compete and get back into the rhythm with my teammates. I'm so excited to see what this season brings for MSHS volleyball!" Alongside standout teammate Bella Cook and a veteran Mavericks squad, Popp will once again be at the center of one of the top teams in Class 5A.
📸: Jennifer Baker

Sports in Kansas Volleyball Player to Watch: Sage Illian, Maize South, Jr. OH

Sage Illian enters the 2026 season as one of the top outside hitters in Kansas after helping lead Maize South to a 37-7 record and a third-place finish at the 5A State Tournament. The 6-foot-1 junior has already built an impressive resume, earning First Team All-State, First Team All-Metro, First Team All-AVCTL Division I and All-5A State Tournament Team honors. Illian was a force on both sides of the ball last season, totaling 291 kills, 227 digs, and a 2.17 serve receive rating while establishing herself as one of the state's most complete six-rotation players. Already committed to the University of Texas for beach volleyball, she's expected to be a key leader for a Maize South squad with championship aspirations.

With nearly the entire varsity roster returning, Illian believes the chemistry and growth this group has developed throughout the offseason could be the difference in making a run at a state title. "I'm so stoked for this upcoming season because not only did our varsity stay almost entirely the same," Illian said. "This group has grown in so many ways over the offseason. Everyone on this team wants to win more than anything and I believe we have everything it takes to take a state title this year." Alongside standout teammates Autumn Popp, Kendyll Nash, Bella Cook and Addie Davee, Illian will once again be one of the biggest reasons the Mavericks are expected to contend in Class 5A.