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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
