Trinity High School senior Will Hernandez has made history as he was named the First Region Player of the Year and earned First Team All-State honors in the inaugural KHSAA boys’ volleyball season.
“It feels great being named First Team All-State and First Region Player of the Year,” Hernandez said. “I am proud of this accomplishment, but could not have done it without my parents, coaches, and teammates.”
Hernandez has been passionate about the sport since childhood and said he was inspired by family early on.
“I thank God first and foremost for the ability to play volleyball,” he said. “Since I was young and watched my cousin play in the 3rd Region Championship and go to the state championship, it’s all I have wanted to do. I play pretty much every day, hitting the ball against my garage and working on my serve and whatever other hits I can. Volleyball is what I do.”
While the sport has largely been popular in metro areas such as Louisville and Cincinnati, Hernandez said he’s grateful Trinity brought the game to their small community. Trinity was one of just a few schools in the region, including Ohio County, to have an official KHSAA boys’ volleyball team this season.
“I’ve always wanted to play, but I didn’t think I’d ever get the opportunity here,” he said. “I’m glad Trinity joined the KHSAA this year and helped us work toward this for the last two years with our club team. I wish we had boys volleyball sooner, but I’m thankful we have it now — and I’m thankful to play at Brescia University beginning next year.”
Trinity head coach Daniel Morris said Hernandez’s impact on the school and program can’t be overstated.
“I’ve watched Will put in countless hours of hard work, face challenges, and push through adversity all during his volleyball career,” Morris said. “This award might seem like an everyday thing, but it isn’t. He is not only going into the record books at Trinity, but he will be the only one to ever say that he won the first-ever First Region Player of the Year for boys volleyball. This award is a reflection of his dedication, commitment, and resilience he has for the sport. I couldn’t be more proud of the way he has grown and earned this moment for himself.”
While Trinity didn’t qualify for the state tournament as a team, Hernandez said he’s proud of how far they’ve come.
“We kept improving all year and had a lot of fun in the process,” he said. “I’m glad all of my hard work is paying off, and I can’t wait to go play at Brescia.”
