McAuley Volleyball Players Recognized Among Top In Nation

CHICAGO — Dynamic duo Gigi Navarrete and Ellie White got another cart ride through the halls of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School to celebrate more recent national recognition and prestigious awards for their play on the court. Both athletes were lauded for their outstanding seasons, culminating with the school’s 16th state volleyball championship.

Navarrete was voted the 2022 Best High School Player in the nation for SBLive and most recently selected for the UANEXT Under Armor All American Game. Navarrete was the team captain and overall leader for one of the best squads in the country. The 5-foot-6 libero will play college volleyball for Northwestern University.

White was named Prep Volleyball National Player of the Year for the Class of 2024, the Volleyball Recruiter Junior Player of the Year and most recently named Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year. She has made a verbal commitment to play volleyball on scholarship at the University of Michigan beginning in the fall of 2024.

The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states. One National Player of the Year is awarded to a high school player in football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track and field.

The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which leverages experts including coaches, scouts, media and others as sources to help evaluate and determine the state winners in each sport.