Maile Somera tallied more than 400 kills, nearly 250 digs, and led the Barrington High School girls volleyball team to the Division I state semifinals this fall. And on Tuesday, Jan. 16, the junior outside hitter was named Rhode Island's Gatorade Player of the Year in volleyball for the second straight year.

The award recognizes outstanding athletic excellence as well as high standards of academic achievement and character. Somera led the Eagles to a 17-4 record this year, recording 401 kills, 248 digs, 45 service aces and 24 blocks. She finished the season with a kill percentage of .471 and a hitting percentage of .335. Maile is a two-time Division I Player of the Year and a two-time state tournament MVP. 

Alex Butler, the head coach for the East Providence girls volleyball team, offered praise for the Barrington High School standout: "Maile was once again the most dominant force in the Interscholastic League. She dictates and controls the match from all phases of the game."

In addition to her standout performances on the volleyball court, Somera is also a top-notch student. She maintains a 4.14 weighted GPA, is a member of the school's debate team and environmental club, and volunteers as a math tutor. 

As a state award winner, Somera can select a national or local youth sports organization to receive a grant as part of the Gatorade Play It Forward program. 

Maile is now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year award.