Rock Canyon Senior Logan Cary Named 2026 Colorado Gatorade Volleyball Player

Rock Canyon High School senior Logan Cary has been named the 2026 Colorado Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year, an award that recognizes athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character. The honor marks a high-water moment for Cary and brings statewide recognition to Rock Canyon’s program as she prepares to graduate this May and continue her volleyball career at San Diego State University.

The Gatorade Player of the Year program is billed as “The most prestigious award in high school sports, Gatorade Player of the Year celebrates the nation’s best student athletes for their success on and off the field.” Rock Canyon’s announcement added that “The award recognizes Logan as Colorado’s best high school volleyball player, and she joins an elite legacy that includes professional athletes, coaches and CEO’s.” Those lines underline the award’s role in spotlighting student-athletes who combine on-court performance with classroom and community contributions.

Cary, listed as a setter/right-side hitter, was described in an initial brief summary as “Cary was a key contributor as a setter/right-side hitter for Rock Canyon, compi”, a fragment that is incomplete in the available text. The school release did not include season-by-season statistics or the selection date for the honor, but it confirmed Cary’s leadership role and her commitment to play at San Diego State University after graduation.

Rock Canyon Head Volleyball Coach Angela Neylund framed the award as recognition of more than game performance. “We could not be more proud of her for all of her hard work to earn this award. This award recognizes top tier athletic performance combined with academic success and strong community character,” shares Rock Canyon Head Volleyball Coach Angela Neylund. “Colorado is full of talented athletes and it is the highest honor to represent Rock Canyon Volleyball on this platform.”

For Douglas County residents, Cary’s recognition carries several local implications. It raises the profile of Rock Canyon’s program for prospective student-athletes and college recruiters, and it highlights the district’s ability to develop players who balance sport and academics. Families who follow local high school athletics should expect increased community interest in Rock Canyon matches and in Cary’s debut at San Diego State, where local fans may track a homegrown player moving to Division I competition.

The announcement also offers a reminder of the broader values schools emphasize beyond wins and losses. The Gatorade award’s stated criteria put equal weight on classroom performance and character, which local educators and boosters can point to in promoting balanced youth development.

Next steps for readers interested in this story include watching for Rock Canyon’s season wrap-ups and any additional honors Cary may receive before graduation, and following her transition to San Diego State. The recognition cements Cary’s place in Colorado high school volleyball this season and signals a strong next chapter for both her and Rock Canyon’s program.