ECC’s Newton, Polaski, and VanSlander Named D9 All-Stars After Championship Season

Elk County Catholic High School is proud to announce that three senior members of its District 9 championship volleyball team have been selected to the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 1A District 9 All-Star Teams.

Senior outside hitter Payton Newton and senior middle hitter Lena Polaski were named to the First Team, while senior setter Rachael VanSlander earned Second-Team honors. All three played pivotal roles throughout the season, helping lead the Lady Crusaders to the 2024 District 9 Class A Championship and a standout postseason run.

District 9 champion ECC and runner-up Clarion each placed two student-athletes on the First Team—the most of any school in the district. ECC joins Port Allegany and Clarion-Limestone as the only programs with three total all-star selections across the First, Second, and Third Teams.

Senior Payton Newton capped her ECC career with one of the strongest seasons in District 9. A dominant outside hitter with exceptional power, consistency, and leadership, Newton became one of the most challenging matchups for opposing defenses. Her First-Team selection highlights a career defined by steady improvement and big-game performances.

Senior Lena Polaski earned her First-Team spot through her commanding presence in the middle. Polaski’s development into a two-way standout—producing momentum-changing kills and key blocks—made her one of the most impactful middle hitters in District 9. Coaches consistently recognized her ability to influence both sides of the net.

Senior Rachael VanSlander was honored with a Second-Team selection after directing ECC’s offense with confidence and precision. Her court awareness, decision-making, and steady leadership at setter played a major role in ECC’s playoff run and overall team consistency. VanSlander’s ability to control tempo and create opportunities for her hitters showcased her importance to the Crusaders’ success.

ECC’s three selections join a talented list of student-athletes from across the district:

First Team: Payton Newton (ECC), Lena Polaski (ECC), Marley Kline (Clarion), Addi Campbell (Clarion), Rayel Hakes (Otto-Eldred), Bella Brandon (Keystone)

Second Team: Rachael VanSlander (ECC), Lily Lehmier (Port Allegany), Jenna Renner (Port Allegany), Isla Lehmier (Port Allegany), Kaylee Smith (Clarion-Limestone), Hannah Beggs (Clarion-Limestone)

Third Team: Lily Myers (Johnsonburg), Addison Say (Keystone), Mattie Gritzer (DuBois Central Catholic), Kinsley Freeman (North Clarion), Corinne Hepf (Clarion-Limestone), Emma Button (Otto-Eldred)

ECC Head Coach Josh Burrs praised the trio for their contributions both statistically and culturally.

“These three seniors were the backbone of everything we accomplished,” Burrs said. “Payton, Lena, and Rachael led with heart, work ethic, and pride. They set the tone every day, and they absolutely earned this honor.”

With all three seniors graduating, their impact leaves a lasting legacy—one that strengthened and continued ECC volleyball’s tradition of excellence. Their leadership helped elevate the program throughout the championship season and set a high standard for future Crusaders.