Congratulations to Caroline Ellis ’25, who was awarded the Gatorade Connecticut Volleyball Player of the Year award this week, the highest state-level award for a high school athlete. The news came on Thursday, January 9, by way of Instagram, where she saw her name tagged in a story. She jumped and ran through the house, celebrating, “I was picked for Gatorade Player of the Year!”

“She was overwhelmed and teary-eyed with gratitude,” said Stacy Ellis of her daughter, adding that Caroline immediately FaceTimed Coach Katharine Pitasi to celebrate. “She was on cloud nine all day!”

In its 40th year honoring the nation’s top high school athletes, Gatorade selected Caroline as the 2024-25 Gatorade Connecticut Volleyball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-1 senior outside hitter becomes the second athlete from King School to receive this prestigious honor. Kevin Pierre-Louis KLHT ’10 earned the title for his prowess on the football field during the 2009-10 season. 

"Since arriving at King's in 8th grade, Caroline has been a true leader and role model,” said Dean of Athletics Micah Hauben. “Caroline is an elite and fierce athlete, she embodies class, composure, and maturity well beyond her years. On the court, she has captivated crowds and inspired future Vikings with her exceptional skill and power. Off the court, her kindness, grace, and strength of character have left an even greater impression. She will be deeply missed, but her remarkable impact on our community will endure as she takes her talents to the highest collegiate level at Ole Miss. Go Vikings and Hotty Toddy!"

Caroline led the Vikings to an undefeated 21-0 record and a New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class A tournament title in 2024. She recorded 279 kills, 137 digs, 40 assists, and 29 service aces during the season, culminating in a standout 20-kill, eight-dig performance in King’s 3-0 win over Phillips Exeter in the NEPSAC championship.

A two-time NEPSAC Class B Player of the Year and the NEPSAC Class A Player of the Year in 2024, Caroline finished her high school career with 1,002 kills, four NEPSAC titles, and three FAA titles. Her exceptional offensive ability earned praise from her outside coaches as well, including Northeast Volleyball Club Director of Operations Mark Ogilvie calling her "the heaviest arm in the state."

The Gatorade award comes with grant money that recipients can allocate to a social impact partner of their choice. Caroline has selected the Bridgeport Field of Dreams Foundation, which supports Bridgeport public school athletes’ abilities to participate and compete by providing uniforms, training, and equipment.

“This is a perfect send-off for college,” said Stacy Ellis. Caroline has signed to play volleyball at the University of Mississippi in the fall.