Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Prattville Christian Academy’s Baylee Rogers finished her volleyball career ranked #1 in school history in career assists (5,055), career aces (490), and single season aces. She is ranked #2 in school history in career digs (1,223). For a school that won state championships in 2022 and 2024, a runner-up finish in 2025, and an Elite 8 in 2023, setting school records shows just how much of an impact Rogers made. During her senior season, Rogers had 101 kills, 102 aces, 18 blocks, 297 digs, and 1,247 assists. She led PCA to the Class 4A Area 5 tournament championship, the Class 4A Super South Regional Championship, and the Class 4A State Runner-Up. As a result of the successful season to cap off a legendary career, the Elmore Autauga News has named Rogers as the Autauga County Volleyball Player of the Year.
“It is such a great honor to be selected,” said Rogers. “I put a lot of work and dedication into this sport and I am grateful to receive an award such as this. I give all glory to God for my ability to play and I could not have had the success I’ve had without the great coaches I’ve had and all the incredible teammates I’ve had along the way.”
With area championships, regional championships, and state championships racking up over the last four seasons of her high school career, the Panthers’ volleyball team has established itself as the most consistently successful program in the area. Rogers explained what she thinks has led to that sustained success.
“I think players coming in the gym everyday ready to work hard and get better is what has really helped us sustain the success. Coach K does a great job emphasizing that you have to work hard in our gym everyday. You can’t show up giving half effort because everyone is going to show up giving full effort and you can’t be the one who isn’t. We’ve created a competitive environment. She’s done a great job with the way we do practices where we are constantly having to compete for stuff, and over the years I’ve seen different players change where they started to get more competitive and started to practice even harder just by making simple things in practice a competition. This has helped me and my teammates constantly wanting to win and be successful in practice, weights, and games!”
Over the last few seasons, the PCA volleyball team has had several players go on to play at the next level, to include Hannah Jones who is currently at Ohio State. Rogers will continue that trend, as she will play next year at the University of Mobile. She gave some advice to younger players that are also hoping to make it to the next level.
“Some advice I would give to younger players coming up who want to play at the next level is that volleyball isn’t your life and it’s definitely not your identity. Your identity is found in Christ and volleyball is something He gives you! It’s a platform you use, and you don’t have to be perfect at it. Even if you lose the biggest game, you wake up the next day and life goes on and you still have to be there for your teammates and for yourself! Volleyball is one of my favorite things in life but I had to make sure it wasn’t my first priority. When you realize that it helps keep a healthy balance to your life with volleyball to where it doesn’t become to much pressure, stress, or something that controls you. It simply becomes more enjoyable because you don’t have to rely on constant perfection in your performance! That’s one thing I hope younger players can learn from me, is even if you want to play at the next level it doesn’t or can’t be your identity!”
