Whitehead Earns Most Outstanding Defensive Player at Salina South

3A No. 1 and defending state champion Silver Lake volleyball opened its 2026 season in impressive fashion Saturday, going undefeated to capture the Salina South Tournament championship.

Senior Jaylie Whitehead played a key role in the Eagles’ successful start, earning All-Tournament Team honors while also being named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

Whitehead finished the day with 55 digs and nine aces, helping lead Silver Lake to an undefeated tournament run.

A four-year starter, Whitehead has 1,239 career digs and 120 career aces. She enjoyed a standout junior season, earning first-team all-league, first-team all-county, and first-team all-state honors, in addition to being named to the 3A State All-Tournament Team. 

Photo Credit: KC FLICKS