Auburn Riverside’s Heilborn named Gatorade Player of the Year | Prep volleyball

Auburn Riverside senior Carson Heilborn was honored Wednesday as Washington state's Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year.

Auburn Riverside senior Carson Heilborn was honored Wednesday as Washington state’s Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year.

The University of New Mexico-bound setter helped lead the Ravens to their first state volleyball title this year, posting a perfect 36-0 season.

Heilborn, who is also a state qualifier in doubles tennis, compiled 843 assists and 177 kills this season and was the South Puget Sound League 3A MVP and a first-team All-3A Tourney selection.

“She is an outstanding setter,” New Mexico women’s volleyball Coach Jeff Nelson said. “She is very well trained. She plays in a great club ball situation up in Puget Sound. She is a great athlete and a great leader. I’m really excited about the package that she brings to our program and the potential she brings to raise the level of our program.”

Heilborn is the fourth Auburn Riverside student-athlete to receive Gatorade Player of the Year honors, with Amanda Fitzsimmons getting the nod for softball, Mercedes Wetmore named for basketball and Chris Eyelander earning the award for soccer.