2023 Shore Sports Network Girls Volleyball Freshman of the Year: Ayana Warren

St. John Vianney is known to build their programs by getting acquired talent onto the courts or playing field as quick as possible.

The girls volleyball program had an established cast that ranged from the sophomore through senior class. Their cast became even more veteran-like when Ayana Warren stepped onto the court.

The freshman sensation took the program by storm early, leading Vianney with 32 assists in her second career game against Raritan.

Warren proved that the 32-assist performance was no fluke, playing in 25 games and having double-digit assist totals in all but one.

The breakout campaign continued into the Shore Conference Tournament as Warren provided 23 assists in a second round victory over Central Regional. In the quarterfinals, Warren led with 26 assists and 8 digs in a two-set victory over Jackson Liberty, helping the Lancers advance to the semifinals. Warren posted double-digit totals in assists and digs in their loss to Donovan Catholic.

Inside the state tournament, Warren proved to once again be the asset the Lancers needed to carry them across the finish line. Warren was able to provide a game-high 33 assists while posting 11 digs in the three-set victory over Red Bank Catholic, advancing the Lancers into the Non-Public quarterfinals.

The Lancers had a very successful 2023; winning 20 matches, a divisional title and advancing into the SCT semifinals. With Ayana Warren returning for the next three years, the future will remain at an all-time high for the program. Warren finished her first season with 516 assists, finding herself inside the top leaders of the shore.

For her incredible impact on the program and for her remarkable breakout 2023, Ayana Warren has been named the 2023 Shore Sports Network Freshman of the Year.