She was the answer to many coaches and fans questions during the volleyball season, but Reese Price is now the answer to a bigger postseason question.
The sophomore exploded on to the scene and is the Journal Review Volleyball Player of the Year.
“Whenever I had family or friends attend games, Reese is the one they commented on post-match,” said Crawfordsville coach Allison Manwell. “They asked — ‘Who’s that girl — number 3, she’s a baller.”
An immense amount of offseason work, including a lot of club ball in Indy, has raised Price’s game and stature.
“Volleyball has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember,” Price said, “and I’ve dedicated countless hours to improving my game — whether it’s during the school season, club season, private lessons, or extra work outside of practice.”
Those hours resulted in a season of 334 kills, 433 serve receptions, 194 digs, and even 29 aces. It is her all-around game that Manwell noted first, as she helped lead the Athenians to a 16-13 season.
“Something that jumps out to me about Reese’s sophomore season is how we thrust her into a six-rotation role,” Manwell said. “Even on her club teams, that wasn’t something she was accustomed to, and in practice, we’d unfortunately short change her on her back row training in favor of offense and front row work. Through her own work ethic and natural talent, she figured it out — credit to a lot of time with her club coaches and in private lessons too. Being a six-rotation player is a big load for an underclassman to carry, and she thrived!”
That work away from CHS helped raise her skill levels across the board.
“I also want to express my gratitude to the coaches at Circle City Volleyball Club, whose knowledge and training have played a big role in my development as a player,” Price added. “The skills I’ve gained from both my high school and club experiences have shaped me into the athlete I am today.”
That shaping progressed through the volleyball season.
“Reese loves when we work on challenging things at practice,” Manwell noted. “She seems to thrive on figuring things out with ball control, shots, etc. and loves the (albeit limited) film and stat study we do too. Whether it be something serious/strategic or silly, she is locked in when it’s “volleyball time” and really encourages her team to rise up with her. We do a lot of drills with random partners — especially if it’s a competition — but Reese can be found on a winning team whether she ended up with some freshmen who aren’t playing much or a core group of other varsity players. She finds a way and makes her teammates comfortable.”
Price noted those teammates.
“I want to thank my teammates and coaches at Crawfordsville High School for their encouragement, guidance, and commitment to helping the team and me succeed,” she said. “Their belief in us and their dedication to our growth as a team made this season great.”
Both player and coach did have one specific teammate to single out.
“A special shout out to Claire Peacock,” Price said, because every hitter needs a great setter, and she has been a big part of my success.”
“I’d be remiss to not acknowledge Claire Peacock, our setter, who is the facilitator for Reese and our team,” Manwell added. “The two complement each other really well and make for a very entertaining game.”
With two seasons of varsity volleyball left, there are many goals for the budding star.
Eclipsing 1,000 kills is certainly possible (she is just under 500), and with a good season, even next year. Passing 500 digs is also on the longer horizon.
“I know I can count on Reese,” Manwell said. “I like to change things up with who’s serving, who’s passing well in serve receive, etc. My mentality in 2024 got to be “how can I best utilize Reese to our advantage,” and she always delivered. She played a fantastic match in our sectional loss to Guerin Catholic, for example, and fully executed her piece of the game plan despite the loss. She is a great teammate and friend. Even as a freshman, she was never hesitant to insert herself into various groups within our group. Her teammates are drawn to her and appreciate who she is for our team!”
There were accomplishments and highlights for the sophomore.
“This season was especially meaningful to me because I had the chance to grow as an all-around player and to contribute to a team that achieved so much together,” Price said. “Being the County Champs with my Crawfordsville High School team was definitely the highlight of my year, and it’s a memory I’ll always cherish.”
She also had a minute to thank her travel and support team at home.
“I’m also deeply grateful to my parents (Greg and Kelly Price) for their support throughout my journey and the countless hours they spend on the road for me to follow my dream,” she added. “I’m incredibly honored to receive the Volleyball Player of the Year award from the Journal Review.”
The collegiate recruiting process will be a big part of not only her offseason, but into the future.
“Reese’s ceiling is still feet above where she’s at right now,” Manwell said. “We are thrilled for her. She is part of a very talented class of volleyball players and definitely leads the way with her quiet competitiveness and care for her teammates.”
A long list of goals after a highly successful season.
Reese Price seems pointed in the right direction.
