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Here are five standout high school girls volleyball players from the St. Louis area to keep an eye on this season.

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Avery Helms, senior, Francis Howell

The 5-foot 7 libero is the glue that holds the Vikings together. Helms, who has committed to Marquette University, had 501 digs and led Howell in serve receive as it advanced to the Class 5 state tournament. A returning first team All-Metro performer, she often delivered three-point passes to give Howell’s setters multiple options.

Alyssa Koerkenmeier, senior, Mater Dei

The essence of a clutch player, Koerkenmeier came through in the biggest moments during the Knights' run to the Class 2A state championship. A 6-foot-5 middle blocker, she averaged 2.86 kills and 1.4 blocks. Also a basketball standout and returning All-Metro performer, Koerkenmeier will be one of the area’s top middles this season.

Hannah Leftridge, senior, St. Pius X

Leftridge, a North Carolina State recruit, led the Lancers to a Class 4 state runner-up finish and a 24-6 record. A first team All-Metro performer, she averaged 4.53 kills and served up 49 aces. Leftridge, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter, is one of the area’s best all-around players. She had 222 digs and was a leader on serve receive last season.

Reagan Nelson, senior, Pattonville

A perennial All-Metro performer, Nelson has already broken the school’s aces record and is poised to break the kills and digs records early this season. The 6-foot outside hitter averaged 4.99 kills and has improved her communication on the court, making her more dynamic. A Southeast Missouri University recruit, she led the Pirates in serve receive and had 406 digs.

Jordan Smith, senior, Francis Howell Central

The 6-foot-4 outside hitter has committed to play at North Carolina State. Smith averaged 3.89 kills and put down a team-high 46 aces while leading the Spartans to a 22-12 record and a run to the Class 5 quarterfinals last season. A strong 6-rotation player, she averaged .74 blocks, excelled in serve receive and recorded 173 digs.