Kennedy Spaid: James Wood’s Volleyball Player of the Year

Kennedy Spaid has been one of Virginia’s top volleyball talents since her sophomore year in 2023, but she found a way to surpass even her own impressive standards this fall.

A Rising Star

The junior outside hitter for James Wood High School led the area with an astounding 417 kills, ranked fifth in digs (278), and stood fourth in aces (65). These numbers marked a significant improvement from her already stellar performance last year. Her exceptional play earned her Northwestern District, Region 4D, and Class 4 Player of the Year honors for the second year in a row.

Most importantly, Spaid spearheaded the Colonels to their third consecutive state championship, a streak that began during her freshman year in 2022. For her extraordinary efforts, The Winchester Star named her the Volleyball Player of the Year for the second straight season.

A Champion’s Performance

As great athletes do, Spaid delivered when it mattered most. In the state championship match against Courtland, she led the Colonels with 25 kills, 24 digs, and tied for the most aces (4), securing the title in a dramatic five-set victory.

Coach Adrienne Patrick credited Spaid as the pivotal force behind James Wood’s success. “We relied heavily on Kennedy [and teammate Brenna Corbin] to score, and it paid off,” Patrick said. “Without Kennedy and her scoring ability, we would have been in trouble.”

A Leader On and Off the Court

This year’s Colonels faced a unique challenge, losing several starters from the 2022 championship team and integrating six new players into the roster. Spaid embraced her role as a leader, both as a captain and as an inspiration to her teammates.

“She was thrust into that [leadership] role because everyone looks up to her,” said Patrick. “The girls on the team admire her, and so do the younger players in our community. She’s had to step up and be even more vocal this year.”

Standing 5 feet 11 inches, Spaid acknowledged the importance of fostering team unity. “Winning three state titles is amazing, but I’m most proud of how we came together as a team this year,” she said. “We truly became a second family, and that bond gave us an edge over other teams.”

Consistent Improvement

Spaid’s numbers this season showed remarkable growth across the board. She recorded 71 more kills, 85 more digs, and 11 additional aces compared to 2023, all in fewer matches. Her hitting percentage also improved from 33.9% to 35.3%, and she reached career milestones, including her 1,000th kill during the regional semifinals against Millbrook.

“Watching her continuous development has been extraordinary,” Patrick said. “There were so many plays this season where I thought, ‘How did she even do that?’”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Spaid’s standout performances have made her a local celebrity. After a regional championship win, a young girl approached her in the parking lot for an autograph. “It warmed my heart,” Spaid said. “It reminded me that I’m a role model for these kids, and that’s a special feeling.”

She’s now paying it forward, mentoring younger teammates just as seniors once guided her. “When I first joined James Wood, I was nervous, but the upperclassmen showed they believed in me,” Spaid said. “Now, I’m trying to pass that same encouragement to the younger players, so they can step into leadership roles in the future.”

Overcoming Challenges

Spaid’s season wasn’t without adversity. She battled pneumonia during the regional tournament but refused to let it keep her off the court. “I’m stubborn,” she admitted. “I didn’t want to let my team down, so I focused on resting, eating well, and staying hydrated to get back to my best.”

Spaid is already setting her sights on 2025, determined to graduate with a fourth state championship banner hanging in the Donald H. Shirley Gymnasium. “Brenna and I joke about taking senior pictures with four rings,” she said.

After high school, Spaid will take her talents to Arizona State University on a full athletic scholarship to play beach volleyball.

Before she heads west, Coach Patrick is cherishing every moment of Spaid’s final season. “When she graduates, she’ll be remembered as one of the greatest female athletes ever to walk the halls of James Wood,” Patrick said.

For Spaid, the journey is about more than just trophies; it’s about inspiring others and leaving a legacy of excellence, leadership, and resilience.