Alexa Smith earned plenty of honors for her volleyball prowess during the 2014-15 school year.

One of the most notable came June 12 when the Lewis-Palmer standout was named the national high school volleyball player of the year by the National High School Coaches Association.

Smith helped lead the Rangers to a perfect 2014 season and their second consecutive Class 4A state championship.

“She’s just an exceptional talent,” said L-P coach Susan Odenbaugh. “When you watch her play she’s not rattled, she has composure, she’s positive, she has character. A lot of times with these awards I think that’s what they look at.”

Smith, who will attend Purdue and play for the Boilermakers in the fall, had 362 kills, 72 aces and 202 digs.

With other awards, Odenbaugh had input and nominated Smith. In this case, the longtime Rangers coach had nothing to do with it.

“From her perspective it’s surreal because when you think of all the talented players in the nation and she’s chosen as the best,” Odenbaugh said.

Peers tab Odenbaugh coach of the year

Smith had some company on the national award scene.

Odenbaugh was named the national high school volleyball coach of the year by the NHSCA after guiding the Rangers to that perfect 29-0 season.

“It was a surprise,” Odenbaugh said. “And again, when you think of all the talented coaches in the nation, even here in the state, I’m very humbled to receive that. Anytime I get an award like that it’s not me, it’s my kids.”

The Rangers dropped just five games all season. They beat Ponderosa in four games to win the title.

Liberty AD receives national distinction

Liberty athletic director Michael Sibley was recognized as a Certified Athletic Administrator by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association in late May.

Sibley had to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field of interscholastic athletic administration before receiving the honor.