Wednesday, September 10, 2025 GA Edition

EXACT RANKINGS

Athlete Features & Coverage

volleyball Feature

LILY EBAUGH: RISING STAR IN VOLLEYBALL

Lily Ebaugh, volleyball athlete profile picture

LILY EBAUGH

volleyball

Class of 2028

RANKING: LILY EBAUGH

Updated Saturday, January 31, 2026

UNLOCK RANKINGS

At EXACT Rankings, we believe every athlete deserves to be celebrated and 'high fived' for their accomplishments.

In the heart of Decatur, Georgia, a young athlete is making waves in the world of volleyball. Fourteen-year-old Lily Ebaugh, a dedicated high school sophomore, captivates not only her teammates but also coaches and spectators alike with her commitment to the sport and her academic pursuits. With a formidable blend of skill, determination, and enthusiasm, Lily is on a promising path in both athletics and academics.

Academic Excellence

Blending rigorous academics with sports has become a hallmark of Lily's high school life. She is currently enrolled in honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, showcasing her readiness to tackle challenging subject matter and her desire to excel academically. Maintaining a solid 3.75 GPA (unweighted) is a testament to her discipline and dedication. This commitment to her education earned her an Honor Roll distinction last year, a recognition she is eager to replicate in the current academic year.

Lily?s passion for learning extends beyond the classroom; it reflects in her approach to volleyball. She views her time on the court as an extension of her education, embracing every drill, practice, and game as opportunities to grow. The dual focus on academics and athletics exemplifies the balancing act many young athletes face, and Lily approaches it with maturity beyond her years.

Athletic Journey

As a third-year volleyball player, Lily?s love for the sport has blossomed significantly since she first stepped onto the court. Volleyball is not just an extracurricular activity for her; it?s a significant aspect of her identity. Over the years, she has built not only her skills but also a deep-seated appreciation for the camaraderie and teamwork that the sport fosters. The bond she shares with her teammates and the shared goals they pursue are essential components of her volleyball experience.

This year marks an exciting transition for Lily as she steps up her game, moving from a local club to an elite-level club team while simultaneously playing Junior Varsity (JV) at her high school. This transition signifies a new chapter in her volleyball journey, filled with countless opportunities for improvement and development. Embracing this challenge, she is eager to learn from her new environment and to push her abilities further.

Positioning for Success

On the court, Lily currently excels as a middle blocker. Her training has recently expanded to encompass the role of an outside hitter, where she aims to develop versatile skills that will allow her to contribute in various capacities during matches. This adaptability reflects her desire to be not just a player but an asset to her team. The journey to becoming a multi-faceted athlete illustrates her deep commitment to improving her game.

Lily's ambition for the season is to transform herself into a versatile player, capable of supporting her teammates in multiple facets of the game. Her focus on teamwork is indicative of a player who understands the importance of collaboration in achieving collective success. Being recognized as Player of the Match in a recent school volleyball game speaks volumes about her potential and the acknowledgment of her efforts by coaches and peers alike.

The Joy of Volleyball

What draws Lily to volleyball extends beyond just the physical aspect of the sport. She finds joy not only in honing her skills but also in the community it creates. The feeling of unity among teammates is one of her favorite aspects of the game. Being part of a group that shares a common goal fosters a unique connection that goes beyond the courts, creating lasting friendships and memories.

Moreover, Lily appreciates the health benefits that come with being active. Volleyball serves as an outlet for her energy, allowing her to stay fit while having fun. This blend of enjoyment and physical exertion is a vital component of her life, as it helps her maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Lily has her sights set on making volleyball a substantial part of her college experience. While her major remains undecided, her passion for the sport remains clear. The prospect of playing at the collegiate level excites her; it represents not just a continuation of her athletic journey but also an opportunity to combine her love for learning and volleyball in a new environment.

Lily's unwavering dedication to her academics serves as a strong foundation for her future ambitions. She understands the importance of maintaining a balance between her academic responsibilities and athletic pursuits, promising to keep her studies as a priority as she navigates the challenging waters of high school life.

Embracing the Journey

As she continues to grow both as an athlete and a student, Lily Ebaugh embodies the spirit of perseverance and dedication. Her commitment to refining her skills, her ambitions for her athletic career, and her academic achievements reveal not only her passion for volleyball but also the well-rounded individual she is becoming.

With each practice, match, and academic endeavor, Lily is carving out her path in both volleyball and education. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others in her community, demonstrating that with hard work, commitment, and a positive attitude, it is possible to excel in multiple areas of life.

As she gears up for the upcoming season, Lily looks forward to embracing every moment, whether on the court or in the classroom. Her story is just beginning, and it is one that promises to evolve and inspire as she continues to chase her dreams on and off the volleyball court.

Subscribe to read the full article

Share This Feature

Help Lily get more recognition