Three Rebels recognized as all-conference selections

As the volleyball season has ended, all-conference honors go to three players from the Riverside Rebels.

Brooklynn Paxton, Varissa Olsen and Johnna Clifford been playing together since fifth grade and have dedicated time and energy into club volleyball (AAU), attending camps on college campuses and even helping put on youth camps in the summer for the elementary and middle school age girls.

Paxton, Olsen and Clifford were joined in on the all-Northwest Conference team by Adison Haslem, Naomi McNiven, Sarah McNiven, Paxton Philpott, and Hailee Winterholler, from Burlington, Daisy Barnett, Kenzy Day, Ava Jory, Chloe Nguyen, Jenna Wadge from Dubois, and Harper Westbrook from Meeteetse.

Ava Jory was conference player of the year and coach of the year went to Ashlyn Cantu from Meeteetse.

Coach Cindi Smith had kind words and comments about the all-conference honor players, and the team. “The Lady Rebel volleyball program is grateful for the hard work and leadership demonstrated by the athletes receiving postseason honors. These awards reflect the strength of our entire program because it truly takes a team to achieve success. Every player contributes unique strengths each day, pushing one another and helping drive both individual and collective growth.”

“Johnna Clifford is a two-time all-conference player who consistently brings energy and spark to the court. A true competitor, she pushes both herself and her teammates to reach their full potential. Her leadership shines on and off the court. This season, Johnna maintained one of the team’s top serving percentages and recorded the second most digs. Johnna received all-conference for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Her 2025 season per match stats include 4 kills, 8 digs, 90% serving record, and 1.4 aces.”

“Varissa Olsen is a two-time all-conference player who brought a solid, powerful swing to the front line. She mastered the slide with ease and finished the season with the second most kills on the team. Varissa also delivered an aggressive serve, leading the team in total aces. Her contributions were essential to the team’s success this year. Varissa received all-conference for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Her 2025 season per match stats include 5 kills, 5 digs, 84% serving record, and 2.2 aces.”

“Brooklynn Paxton is a three-time all-conference and all-state player who posed an aggressive threat at the net, leading the team in kills. She was also our top defender on the back line, showing relentless drive and determination to keep the ball off the floor. As team captain, her competitive edge and leadership inspired the entire squad to grow and succeed. Brooklynn Paxton received all-conference and all-state for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons. Her 2025 season per match stats include 14 kills, 12 digs, 90% serving record, and 2 aces.”

“Congratulations to all our Lady Rebels for an outstanding season. These honors highlight not only individual talent but the teamwork, determination, and heart that define our program. We’re proud of every player and excited for what’s next.”