Daily Jeffersonian lists the Top 20 best female high school athletes of the last 25 years

It was a tough list that took a few months to compile.

The top female high school athletes since the 2000-01 sports season is a deep and talented list from the four schools within the Daily Jeffersonian's coverage area – Cambridge, Meadowbrook, Buckeye Trail and John Glenn.

To do this, we consulted longtime area coaches, former athletes and local media personalities to cross check and collect insight. It helped us fortify our own opinions.

To be eligible, athletes must not have graduated earlier than 2001, which means the fall season of 2000 got the ball rolling.

Emphasis was placed on individuals who earned Division I scholarships, excelled in multiple sports and won state championships. They weren’t the end-all, be-all factors, however.

Most importantly, the “eye test” still carried plenty of weight. Some players you simply don’t need statistics or postseason awards to know they belong.

In the end, it left us with a highly difficult task. Inevitably, deserving players would be left out. This list is truly the best of the best.

20. Ashley Hollins, Cambridge, 2001

Hollins was a two-sport standout for the Bobcats in basketball and track, becoming the first All-Ohio female track athlete in Cambridge school history. Hollins finished third in the high jump at the 2001 OHSAA state track and field championships in the high jump (5-5). She finished as a two-time All-Ohioan, along with being a three-time high jump champion at both the regional and district levels.

Hollins was also a three-time OVAC champion in the high jump and a four-time All-Ohio Academic athlete. She held the school record in the high jump at 5-feet, 6.75 inches for 10 years before Lilly Ritz set a new mark in 2018 (5-8). Hollins was named the Cecil J. McFarland Award and Cambridge Female Athlete of the year in 2001.

On the basketball court, Hollins was a three-year letter winner, earned First Team Eastern District and was named a two-time All-ECOL First Teamer during her career for the Bobcats. She closed her career by shooting a sizzling 47.3 percent from the field as a senior in 2001, along with averaging 13.7 points per game with 8.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.6 steals per game.

Hollins continued her track career at Muskingum University.

19. Jenni Carmichael, Buckeye Trail, 2018

Carmichael collected a total of 12 varsity letters during her Buckeye Trail athletic career with four letters each in volleyball, softball and basketball. Carmichael stood out on the volleyball court, earning First Team All-Ohio recognition along with District 12 Player of the Year and Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Player of the Year awards. Carmichael racked up some impressive career numbers with 137 aces, 716 kills, 595 digs and 388 blocks.

On the softball diamond, Carmichael was a key contributor to the Warriors run to the Division III softball state championships, which ended in the state semifinal with a 10-0 loss to Cardington Lincoln. Carmichael finished with a robust .359 batting average, along with a 6-1 record in the pitching circle for Buckeye Trail, who finished with a 23-4 record. She earned Second Team Eastern District honors in both her junior and senior seasons.

Finally, on the basketball court, Carmichael became the 10th Buckeye Trail female to reach 1,000 career points. She was named First Team Eastern District in both her junior and senior seasons.

18. Natalie Dunn, Cambridge, 2000

Dunn became the first 1,000-point girls’ basketball scorer in Cambridge school history, finishing her stellar career with 1,196 points. As a senior, the 5-9 Dunn averaged 18.5 points per game and was selected Second Team on the Associated Press All-Ohio Division II team.

She was also named first team All-Eastern District Division II, All-District 12 Division II, All-OVAC Class 4A and All-East Central Ohio League. As a junior, she received special mention All-Ohio honors; was First Team All-Eastern District, All-District 12 and All-ECOL and Second Team all-OVAC.

Dunn earned 11 varsity letters (four each in basketball and track, three in volleyball), earning All-OVAC and All-District 12 honors in volleyball.

Dunn went on to play basketball for two years at Wright State University.

17. Lynsey Beros, Buckeye Trail, 2012

Beros was a three-time All Ohio performer on the volleyball court for the Warriors, earning Honorable Mention recognition as a sophomore in 2010, followed by back-to-back Second Team All-Ohio accolades as a junior in 2011 and as a senior in 2012 to close out her career.

Also during her senior season, Beros earned District 12 Player of the Year and OVAC Player of the Year accolades for her stellar play for the Warriors.

Beros finished with 261 career aces, along with a school record 87 in a single season. She handed out a total of 2,714 assists along with collecting 563 digs in her career.

16. Sarah Starr, Cambridge, 2008

Starr was a standout in softball and basketball during her prep career at Cambridge, earning four varsity letters in softball and three in basketball. She excelled on the softball diamond, being named All-Ohio First Team as a senior.

She also earned All-East Central Ohio League First Team honors in all four seasons of high school softball and claimed All-East District First Team honors as a senior and freshman, and second-team honors as a junior and sophomore.

Starr was named to All-Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Team as a junior after hitting .318 with 27 runs scored. She struck out just once every 63 at-bats as a junior then hit .358 as a sophomore with 14 RBIs. She batted .457 as a freshman with 32 runs scored and 19 RBIs. She helped Cambridge to OVAC title in junior and senior seasons, with the Bobcats winning three sectional titles and two district titles in her four seasons.

Starr went on to play softball at Kent State University.

15. Haley Gregory, John Glenn, 2014

The Muskie track standout qualified for the state meet each of her first three years, but injuries hampered Gregory's efforts in becoming a state champion.

Gregory was a four-time MVL champion in the 100, 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles then qualified for the state meet in the 100 and 100 hurdles as a freshman. She qualified for four events as a sophomore, becoming All-Ohio both hurdles (100 and 300), while also competing in the 100 and 4x100 relay.

As a junior, Gregory won the indoor state title in the 60 hurdles and returned to the outdoor state meet in all four events. She posted the fastest preliminary time in the 300 hurdles and the second-fastest in the 100 hurdles, but an injury in the finals of the 100 hurdles prevented Gregory from stepping on the podium.

Gregory was on pace to return to state as a senior, but injuries suffered after the district meet essentially ended her high school career.

Gregory went on to compete for Division II Ashland University.

14. Abby Walker, John Glenn, 2021

Walker's talents were on visible on the volleyball court and the track. The 6-1 middle hitter truly excelled at the net for the Muskies, collecting more than 1,000 kills in her career on her way to being a two-time MVL and District 12 Player of the Year.

Walker, who also had more than 630 career digs and 260 career blocks, displayed her all-around talents in making John Glenn a formidable opponent each time out. She made First Team All-Ohio as a senior after being Second Team All-Ohio her junior season. She led John Glenn to the regional tournament her junior year and a district finals appearance as a senior.

Walker had potential on the track, reaching the OHSAA state track meet as a freshman and sophomore before focusing on her volleyball career, which led to a scholarship with the University of Cincinnati.

13. Sam Canner, Buckeye Trail, 2020

Canner was a four-year standout in both volleyball and basketball during her Warrior career. Canner closed her volleyball career with a big senior year, earning First-team All-Ohio, along with her OVAC Class 3A and District 12 Player of the Year and Inter-Valley Conference Player of the Year awards. With 1,281 career kills, Canner left Buckeye Trail as the career kills leader, which ranked 60 ^th nationally.

She racked up 497 kills in her final prep season – the top mark in Division III in Ohio and the third-most of all high school divisions in the state. She was a three-time First Team nod for both the OVAC and District 12. Canner garnered Third Team All-Ohio honoree as a sophomore and Second Team All-Ohio selection as a junior. She was named OVAC’s and Inter-Valley’s Player of the Year as a senior and was a three-year letter winner for the Warriors' girls basketball program.

Canner signed with Western Kentucky University after graduation to continue her volleyball career.

12. Krystyn Heagen, John Glenn, 2008

Heagen shined in three different sports, earning 10 letters, but softball and basketball were where she left her biggest mark for the Muskies.

She teamed with Logan Hursey to be one of the top batteries in the Muskingum Valley League for three seasons. Heagen helped the Muskies win four league titles and a pair of district championships, though the Muskies fell just short of a state final four berth during Heagen's junior season. She was twice named first team All-MVL and All-East District and received second team All-Ohio honors as a senior.

In basketball, Heagen was a three-time All-Ohio selection, including Second-Team honors as a senior. She finished her career with 1,245 points, 639 rebounds, 257 steals and 201 assists. She was a three-time first team All-MVL and All-East District performer. She was a two-time MVL Player of the Year and was selected as the East District Player of the Year as a senior.

11. Jaylynn McClarren, Cambridge, 2020

McClarren was a standout performer for the Bobcats on the volleyball court as well as the track.

As a junior, McClarren finished third at the Division II state meet in the 100 hurdles, her signature event. It’s one she clocked a 14.98 at the regional meet to finish first. She also took second at the state meet in the long jump and competed in the 300 hurdles, though her preliminary time wasn’t quite quick enough to reach the finals.

McClarren was a standout four-year letterman of the Bobcats' volleyball program, reeling in Second Team All-Ohio recognition in 2019 and Honorable Mention All-Ohio as a junior. She holds school records in career aces (172) and career assists (2,645), as well as, single-season records for aces (67) and assists (861). McClarren finished her career with 335 kills, 1,109 digs, and 304 blocks.

COVID-19 wiped out McClarren’s senior season, and with a legitimate chance, at going for OHSAA gold her senior season in 2020.

McClarren moved on to Wheeling University after graduation and closed her Cardinals career by capturing an MEC individual event championship in the women’s javelin as a senior.

10. Karlie Zumbro, John Glenn, 2020

The John Glenn product was one of the best on the track, earning four All-Ohio honors in the 300 hurdles, including three third-place finishes at the state meet. She was a four-time district and regional champion in the event and won the 300 hurdles three times at the MVL Track Meet.

Zumbro was also an OATCCC Indoor State Champion in the 800 as a senior, while becoming a three-time All-Ohioan in the 100 hurdles at the outdoor state meet. She also won the MVL and District title twice in the 100 hurdles and won the 400 twice at the MVL meet.

She also shined in the jumps, highlighted by being a two-time OATCCC Indoor State Champion in the triple jump. She also earned All-Ohio twice in the long jump, while capturing the event three times in the MVL and twice at the regional meet.

Those accolades led to a strong track career at Ball State University.

9. Kayla Herron, John Glenn, 2003

The Muskies' thrower was a six-time All-Ohioan, highlight by a state runner-up in the shot as a junior. The record-setting thrower for the program was a four-time state qualifier in the shot and discus, capturing All-Ohio honors in each event from 2001-03.

Herron competed collegiately at Tennessee before transferring to Saint Francis. At Saint Francis, Herron was a three-year letter winner and competed in the weight and hammer throws, shot put and discus. She holds the weight throw record at 18.59 meters (61-0) and ranks in the school’s top five in the hammer (55.05 meters), shot put (13.38 meters) and discus (44.26 meters). In 2008, Herron won the NEC Indoor Championship in the weight throw and captured the NEC Outdoor Championship in the hammer.

8. Logan Hursey, John Glenn, 2007

A two-time first-team All-Ohioan was dominant in the circle for the Muskies, leading them to three regional final appearances during her four-year career.

Hursey, who also played volleyball, won 85 games during her four seasons, making John Glenn the team to beat in the MVL and the district. Along with throwing several no-hitters and striking out double-digit batters, she could swing the bat. Her power highlighted a deep lineup that complemented her arm.

She still ranks among the Top 30 in state history for wins in a season (27) and career wins (85). Hursey also has two of the longest streaks of consecutive innings without a walk in the state (55 2/3 in 2007 and 45 in 2006).

Her talent led to a solid career at Ashland University.

7. Kinsi Tellep, Meadowbrook, 2009

Tellep was a star inside the circle on the softball field during her prep career and helped lead her team to the Division II state tournament in 2009. During her final prep season, she spun four perfect games, including back-to-back perfectos at one point. She hurled 15 shutouts, which included an astounding five straight during the tournament. She logged 39 consecutive scoreless innings and finished with a minuscule 0.41 earned run average. She also sat down 402 batters via strikeout, which was fifth best in Ohio history.

For her career, Tellep posted 1,260 strikeouts, which ranked third all-time in Ohio history when she graduated. The breakdown of her strikeouts included 223 as a frosh, 327 as a sophomore and 308 as a junior. She finished with 68 pitching wins, 41 shutouts and a 0.77 ERA.

She was also a three-time OVAC Class 3A player of the year and all-conference pick. She was named All-Eastern District first team four times and All-Ohio first team twice and second team once. She was also named ECOL Player of the Year as a senior and Eastern District Player of the Year.

While softball was where she made her biggest impact, Tellep was also a four-year letter winner in basketball for the Colts.

6. Alexa Abrams, Buckeye Trail, 2011

Abrams was a standout in three sports — volleyball, basketball and softball — for the Warriors during her prep career. She made her greatest impact on the volleyball court, becoming a three-time All-Ohio performer. Abrams finished 1,227 kills and 411 blocks. As a senior, she posted 415 kills with 244 digs, 108 blocks and 36 aces en route to First Team All-Ohio acclaim. She was also OVAC Class 3A Player of the Year, all-PVC and played in the District 12 All-Star Game. She was also the District 12 POY.

On the basketball court, Abrams played in the District 12 All-Star Game, earned All-District 12 and All-OVAC. She was named to those teams — in some capacity — for three consecutive seasons.

On the softball diamond, Abrams was a two-time All-OVAC performer and earned Second Team All-Ohio as a senior. She was also All-Eastern District, All-PVC and took part in the OVAC All-Star Game.

After her prep career, Abrams went to Muskingum University where she played volleyball, lettering all four years.

5. Camden Black, Meadowbrook, 2020

Black cemented her legacy as one of the top all-time volleyball players in the Colts' school history with a dynamic career. Black was a two-sport athlete at Meadowbrook, also excelling in track and field as an All-Ohio high jumper in 2021 and 2022 at the OHSAA state track meet.

Black was a two-time First Team All-Ohio player, along with being a two-time District 12 Player of the Year. Black was also chosen as the Muskingum Valley League Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons and holds the school record for career digs with 1,134 as well as career kills with 1,310.

Black closed out her stellar career, leading her talented Meadowbrook squad to a third straight OHSAA regional appearance, including the first state Final Four berth in school history.

Black signed with Wheeling University to continue her volleyball career after graduation from Meadowbrook.

4. Katie Davis-Lanzer, Cambridge, 2010

Davis-Lanzer excelled in track and field and volleyball for the Bobcats. Davis-Lanzer capped her CHS career by capturing the OHSAA state championship in the high jump with a 5-4 effort during her junior year in 2009. Davis-Lanzer's 5-4 mark stood as the Cambridge school record until broken by Lilly Ritz (5-8) in 2017 at the state meet.

In volleyball, Davis-Lanzer holds the school record in career blocks with 583, along with blocks in a single season with 215.

3. Lilly Ritz, Cambridge, 2018

Ritz was a multi-sport standout for the Bobcats in basketball, track and field and soccer during her four year prep career. On the basketball court, Ritz set all-time school records with 1,553 points and 1,115 rebounds.

She was named second-team All-Ohio as a junior and First-Team All-Ohio as a senior. She also received Special Mention All-Ohio as a sophomore, was tabbed Eastern District and ECOL Player of the Year as a senior and earned First Team All Eastern District, All-league, and All-conference honors three times.

She was a member of district and conference championship team as a senior, a member of sectional championship teams as a junior and senior, and played in the OHSBCA North-South Game.

In track and field, she qualified for the OHSAA track and field championship four times in the high jump and earned All-Ohio recognition four times. Ritz placed second at the state meet with a school record 5-8 effort as a junior. Ritz also earned first-team All-ECOL accolades in soccer as a senior and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Following graduation, Ritz attended California (Pa) University, Wheeling University and Youngstown State University. Currently she is playing women's professional basketball for the Central District Lions in the Australian Women's League.

2. Ashley Dunigan, Cambridge, 2002

Dunigan was a standout performer in track and cross country during her prep career at CHS. Dunigan reset numerous meet and school records during her four years at Cambridge.

Her career culminated in 2002 at Dayton’s Welcome Stadium, when she won the Division II state championship in the 1,600-meter run with a career-best time of 5:02.95. She was a four-time district champion, including a pair of titles in Division I. She was also a four-time state qualifier, competing in the state meet in the 3,200 as a freshman and sophomore and competing on a relay team as a junior before reaching the top of the podium as a senior.

At Cambridge, Dunigan’s best times of 59.95 (400), 2:17.89 (800), 5:02.95 (1,600) and 11:28.8 (3,200) stood as school records. She was also part of the 4×400 record with a 4:06.21. In cross country, Dunigan was a three-time All-Ohio performer.

After her prep career, Dunigan competed at the Division I level, running for Wake Forest University.

1. Kylie Cutlip, Buckeye Trail, 2018

Cutlip was a two-sport standout student athlete during her Warrior career competing in track and volleyball. Cutlip captured an impressive three state titles in 2016, including a sweep of the outdoor 100 meter hurdles and 300 meter hurdles after taking the indoor 400 meter dash. She ran a state Division III record of 42.04 to win the 300 hurdles.

Cutlip added a trio of state runner-up finishes, too. In 2016, she was second in the long jump at both meets while also taking second in the 60 meter hurdles at the indoor competition. She was tabbed a New Balance All-American after placing sixth in the 400 meter hurdles at the 2016 outdoor meet.

She was a two-sport athlete who also played volleyball for Buckeye Trail and for club team Blue Crush. Cutlip comes from an athletic family that has seen five of her relatives compete in baseball, volleyball and football, including her mother, Julie, who was a four-year volleyball player.

Cutlip then attended the University of Cincinnati and had a successful track career for the Bearcats.

KSutton1@gannett.com; X: @KSuttonDJSports; Instagram: kevinsutton_dailyjeffsports

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Daily Jeffersonian lists the Top 20 best female high school athletes of the last 25 years