Mineral Area right-side hitter Lara Gilardi attacks during an NJCAA Division I Tournament match against Frank Phillips on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Clarksville, Tenn. (NJCAA Photo)
PARK HILLS – Lara Gilardi was a punishing force on the right side, and shined at six rotations during a stellar second season with the Mineral Area volleyball team.
The Cardinals went 30-3 and placed ninth at the NJCAA Division I Tournament last month, marking the second-best postseason finish in program history.
Gilardi, a sophomore from Jaragua do Dul, Brazil, has become their second player to receive First Team All-America status, as announced on Wednesday.
The reigning Region 16 Player of the Year posted a .317 hitting percentage at 3.49 kills per set. She made 2.4 digs per set, and compiled 84 blocks plus 47 service aces.
Perhaps her most impressive offensive performance this fall came at the national consolation bracket with 20 kills in a three-game sweep over Casper (Wyo.).
Gilardi had 19 kills and four aces in an early September win at Vincennes, and collected her top dig totals of 21 of 19 in a pair of five-set triumphs against Jefferson.
MAC opened the season with a 16-match win streak. Gilardi has verbally committed to play next at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas.
