Bland Earns All-Region Honors for Central Magnet
Central Magnet's Emery Bland was named All-Region by the AVCA this season, while Oakland's Ellie Kate Knox was named a Tennessee Player of the Week.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Volleyball
Central Magnet junior outside hitter Emery Bland was named All-Region by the American Volleyball Coaches Association for her play this season. Oakland junior setter Ellie Kate Knox was also recognized, earning a Tennessee Player of the Week honor during the volleyball season.
Why it matters
The honors recognize standout local high school athletes and highlight the strong showings of Murfreesboro-area programs in the 2026 volleyball season. Bland's and Knox's recognition reflects both individual achievement and the competitiveness of regional play.
Bland has surpassed 1,000 career kills and Knox has surpassed 2,000 career assists. Oakland finished the season 26-11, sweeping Collierville 3-0 in its first-ever state tournament win.
The players
Emery Bland
A junior outside hitter at Central Magnet who has surpassed 1,000 career kills and was honored as an All-Region selection by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
Ellie Kate Knox
A junior setter at Oakland who has surpassed 2,000 career assists and was named a Tennessee Player of the Week during the volleyball season.
American Volleyball Coaches Association
The national organization of volleyball coaches that selects All-Region honorees and recognizes outstanding high school players across the country.
The details
Emery Bland was an All-District and All-Region performer, and her Central Magnet team advanced to the regional tournament before losing in the opening round. Ellie Kate Knox was named a Tennessee Player of the Week, while Oakland made its first-ever state tournament appearance after finishing runner-up in the district and winning the regional tournament.
Timeline
• This season (2026 volleyball season): Bland named All-Region; Knox named Tennessee Player of the Week.
• Next year: Bland is expected to be a leader on the Central Magnet squad.
Season Trajectory
The AVCA All-Region honor places Bland among the region's top high school outside hitters as Central Magnet looks ahead to next season. Oakland's first state tournament appearance and 26-11 finish mark a notable step for a program moving deeper into the state postseason.
Bland's All-Region selection and her expected leadership role mean Central Magnet's next season will center on her offense. Knox's Player of the Week recognition signals Oakland's setter position as a key factor in the program's successful run.
The takeaway
Individual honors like All-Region selections often reflect a full season of consistent performance across a team's rotation. Tracking program milestones such as career kill and assist totals gives fans a clear way to follow standout high school players.
Further reading
For more on high school competition across the region, explore Volleyball coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Main Street Media of Tennessee -.
