Teammates, friends and family members were on hand as Townies junior volleyball player Keira Mullen was honored with a banner hung in her honor in the school gymnasium and the Gatorade player of the year trophy during a ceremony after school on Friday. 

Mullen was named Gatorade 2024-25 Rhode Island volleyball Division 1 Player of the Year in January by the RI coaches association.

“The award is just a big accomplishment for me,” Mullen said. “As a freshman, it is something that I’ve wanted to work towards.”

The 5-foot, 9-inch junior compiled impressive stats over the winter season, while helping East Providence to a 14-5 record and a D-1 semifinals birth. She tallied both offensive and defensive stats—241 assists, 203 kills, 182 digs, 61 aces and 41 blocks. 

“She was one of the most dynamic players in the league,” said Coventry head coach Jonathan Bartlett. “She’s explosive in terms of her hitting and she’s a consistent server and solid setter.”

Mullen sets the example on the court with her play and off the court by currently maintaining a 3.90 GPA in the classroom. She is the third player from East Providence high school to be chosen for the honor, which celebrates the nation’s best high school athletes for their success on the court, in the classroom and in the community. The award distinguishes Mullen, a two-time first team All-State selection, as Rhode Island’s best high school volleyball player, according to a press release from Gatorade POY. 

The honor is Mullen’s second in as many years. She earned Division 2 Player of the Year honors in 2023-4, before East Providence moved up a division. 

“The Banner is really nice, she said. “Growing up, I would see banners in the gymnasiums. The awards in the rafters were really motivating and cool. I'm really glad that there's one up there with my name. Hopefully that can help other athletes work as hard as I my efforts.”