Kari Knotts Named Georgia MaxPreps Player of Year
The Lovett sophomore outside hitter earns the honor for the second straight season after leading her team to a second consecutive Private School state title.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Volleyball
MaxPreps named Lovett (Atlanta) sophomore outside hitter Kari Knotts its 2026 Georgia Player of the Year. Knotts, who is 6-foot-4, earned the honor for the second straight season as Lovett finished 36-6 and won its second consecutive Private School state championship.
Why it matters
The award recognizes both team success and individual excellence, with selections based on local and state accolades. Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Knotts recorded 578 kills in 2026, an average of 7.8 per set, with a season-high 46 kills against Hebron Christian in August. She also totaled 241 digs, 155 serve receptions and 22 blocks, bringing her career kills to 1,209 across two seasons.
The players
MaxPreps
MaxPreps is a high school sports media platform that publishes national and state rankings, awards and coverage of prep athletics.
Lovett School
Lovett School is a private independent school in Atlanta, Georgia, whose volleyball program has won consecutive Private School state championships.
The details
Knotts recorded 17 kills, 13 digs and three blocks as Lovett swept Hebron Christian (Dacula) in the championship match. She recorded double-digit kills in all but two matches during the 2026 season.
Timeline
2025: Knotts was named MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year.
August 2026: Knotts recorded a 46-kill match against Hebron Christian.
2026 season: Lovett won its second straight Private School state title.
December 2026: The MaxPreps All-America Team is scheduled for release.
Season Trajectory
Knotts' repeat selection follows her 2025 MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year honor, extending a run of recognition that began at the national level. Her second straight Georgia Player of the Year award, paired with Lovett's back-to-back Private School titles, positions her as a central figure in the state's top program heading into the All-America selection process.
Knotts' repeat selection signals that her season-long production, including 578 kills and 241 digs, is being weighed against top players nationwide. Fans tracking state volleyball rankings can watch for the December All-America announcement to see whether she advances.
The takeaway
Knotts' back-to-back state honors show how sustained production across two seasons can separate a player in a competitive state. Readers following prep volleyball can track her progress as the national selections approach.
What happens next
The MaxPreps All-America Team is scheduled for release in December 2026, when Knotts' selection will be considered.
Further reading
Explore more Georgia volleyball coverage to see how state programs and standout players are shaping the season.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MaxPreps.
