Jackson Academy junior Carson Caraway has been named the Mississippi Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year, becoming the second Raider to earn a prestigious Gatorade title this year. Carson’s award marks the twelfth time in the last thirteen years a JA athlete has been named Gatorade Player of the Year and represents the third time in school history Jackson Academy has produced multiple Gatorade Players of the Year in the same academic year.
The Gatorade Player of the Year award recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence but also high academic achievement and exemplary character. Carson’s selection reflects her dominant performance throughout the 2025 season, where she led the Lady Raiders with 625 kills, ranking fourth in Mississippi. She also recorded 84 aces and 343 digs while anchoring an offense that propelled Jackson Academy to the MAIS Division 1 state championship match. As team MVP and kill leader, Carson’s impact extended beyond statistics as she led the Lady Raiders through an exceptional season.
“We are so incredibly proud of Carson for being named Gatorade Player of the Year,” said Head Volleyball Coach Melissa Denson. “Carson represents everything Gatorade, Jackson Academy, and JA Volleyball stand for. She’s the true definition of a student-athlete and has a heart for her community.” Denson emphasized Carson’s impact extends far beyond the volleyball court. “She is of the highest integrity and has a servant heart,” Denson said. “She volunteers on her own free will to work with our Middle School and JV girls via lessons or to help with tutoring. She’s actively involved in every club and organization possible. She does all of this while maintaining a 4.0 GPA in the highest level classes. She makes a difference on our campus in the lives of her peers and is a role model for the younger girls. They absolutely adore her because she takes time to invest in them. Our program and school couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Carson’s accomplishments this season have earned her national recognition. She was named AVCA Third Team All-American and MaxPreps All-American, making her one of the most decorated volleyball players in Mississippi. PrepDig named her the Breakout Player of the Year for Mississippi, and she is ranked 73rd in the nation by PrepDig, the only Mississippi player to achieve that distinction. Carson also participated in the MAIS Futures Match, where she earned MVP honors, and was selected to the All-MAIS Division 1 and 2 Team.
Beyond athletics, Carson excels in the classroom, taking Advanced Placement courses in English, Calculus, Chemistry, and U.S. History. She maintains Academy Honor Roll status and was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. Carson is also deeply committed to service, volunteering as a recreational coach at Infinity Volleyball Academy, serving as a JA Student Ambassador, and participating in numerous community service initiatives including We Will Go Ministries, Jackson Stewpot, and Cancer Kids First.
Carson’s junior season concluded with her commitment to Loyola Marymount University, where she will continue her volleyball career at the Division I level. She has already achieved significant milestones at Jackson Academy, including surpassing 1,500 career kills and made over 1,000 career digs. With one more year remaining in her high school career, Carson has already established herself among the elite athletes in Jackson Academy history.
Carson’s dedication to academics, athletics, leadership, and service embodies the values that define Jackson Academy. As she prepares for her senior season, Carson continues to set the standard for excellence both on and off the court.
