Picking the North Georgia Volleyball Player of the Year the past few years has been a pretty easy task.

This season it was a much tougher assignment as all five area teams had players worthy of the honor.

But in the end, there might not have been a player more important to her team than Gordon Lee senior Jordan Dupree.

Dupree was a sophomore on the Lady Trojans’ 2004 senior-laden Area 6-A championship team, but was thrust into a much bigger role as a junior.

Not only did she take over at setter, she was also named of the team’s captains in her first year as a starter.

“She had a lot of leadership thrust upon her from day and she got better each time out,” said Gordon Lee head coach Ed Clendenen. “These last two years we went from nowhere to winning a match in the state tournament and she was the

glue that kept it all together.”

Whether it was setting up a teammate for a kill, getting down an ace or coming up with a key dig, Dupree proved her dependability on a daily basis.

“It means a lot to be named Player of the Year,” said Dupree, a two-time All-Area and a two-time Dream Team selection. “I really worked hard in high school to get where I took my team this year.

“Being one of the captains, I felt like we really accomplished something, seeing as we lost all six starters from two years ago. Being able to come in my senior year and doing even better just means a lot.”

The Lady Trojans had a winning record in 2006, including a first-round state playoff win over Chattahoochee County.

They fell to fourth-ranked Savannah Christian in round two.

They went unbeaten in area play during the regular season, and even though Gordon Lee would finish runner-up to state power Darlington in the 6-AA/A tournament, Dupree said beating the Tigers at home was the most memorable.

“That was definitely the highlight of the year,” she said. “It was even more fulfilling that it happened on Senior Night. It just made my day. It would have been nice to win the area tournament, but we did win the regular season.”

Clendenen, who also serves as Gordon Lee’s boys’ basketball coach, said Dupree ran the team from the setter position the way a point guard runs the offense in basketball.

“It’s an honor well-deserved,” Clendenen added. “We put a lot of pressure on her and she responded. She really did a good job and I’m really proud of her.”

Dupree credited both her high school coaches for making her the player she has become.

“(Former) Coach (Heather) Taylor really took me under her wing when I got here,” she said. “She was a big help to me as far as improving my skills. But Coach (Ed) Clendenen really motivated me. He got me fired up for every game.

“Ever since my freshman year, even in class, he took care of me and made sure I was doing my work and had everything together. He really helped me a lot and I’m a much better leader now because of him.”

Dupree wants to become a veterinarian and is hoping to attend Georgia Southern or Kennesaw State in the fall.

Dupree was one of four Lady Trojans to make the North Georgia Dream Team. Joining her were teammates Alli Brooks, Abby Holder and Katie Parrish.

Ringgold also had four players named to the all-star squad – Katherine Harris, Kailey Johnson, Molly Painter and Jodie Poe.

LaFayette was represented by Brandy Brown, Morgan Newby and Leslie Welch.

Brittany Goforth, Ashley Richardson and Hannah Weitz represented Ridgeland on the Dream Team.

Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe’s Bonnie Kaiser and Brooke Norris rounded out the squad.

The Dream Team was selected by Catoosa County News and Fort Oglethorpe Press Sports Editor Misty Martin and Walker County Messenger Sports Editor Scott Herpst.

Meet the rest of the Dream Team

The Rest of the Dream Team

Alli Brooks, Gordon Lee – A two-time Dream Teamer, the senior was one of the Lady Trojans’ best all-around players and an All-Area first team player.

Brandy Brown, LaFayette – The defensive and serving specialist was one of two Lady Ramblers named to the 6AA/A All-Area first team.

Brittany Goforth, Ridgeland – One of the area’s most powerful hitters, the junior is a two-time Dream Team member.

Katherine Harris, Ringgold – The 5-foot-10 junior is the next in a long line of good Ringgold middle hitters and blockers.

Abby Holder, Gordon Lee – Another All-Area first team selection, the junior was a standout offensively for the Lady Trojans.

Kailey Johnson, Ringgold – Another two-time Dream Teamer, the senior setter helped guide the Lady Tigers to the postseason

Bonnie Kaiser, LFO – A fantastic athlete, the setter was among LFO’s leaders in assists, aces and service points.

Morgan Newby, LaFayette – The senior came on strong down the stretch to garner Honorable Mention honors on the All-Area team.

Brooke Norris, LFO – One of the offensive leaders and a stabilizing force for the Lady Warriors in a transition year.

Molly Painter, Ringgold – A solid outside hitter, the junior was selected to her first North Georgia Dream Team.

Katie Parrish, Gordon Lee – The powerful junior was one of the area’s top hitters and servers and was named as an All-Area first teamer.

Jodie Poe, Ringgold – A standout year saw the senior finish among Ringgold’s team leaders in kills.

Ashley Richardson, Ridgeland – One of the area leaders in assists, the senior setter led her team to the state playoffs.

Hannah Weitz, Ridgeland – Versatile senior has been a solid contributor for the Lady Panthers for four years.

Leslie Welch, LaFayette – A member of the 6AA/A All-Area first team, the sophomore was the Lady Ramblers’ leader in kills.

Honorable Mention - Gordon Lee: Kasha McMahan, Tiffany Smallwood; LaFayette: Becca Blankenship; LFO: Michelle Morgan, Jennay Williams; Ridgeland: Meg Autry, Amy Bush, Carrie Hawkins; Ringgold: Magen Smal