MIDWAY, Ky. - With fall seasons around the corner, the River States Conference has revealed its Preseason Players to Watch list for the upcoming women's volleyball, men's soccer and women's volleyball.
Each RSC school was allowed two selections for each team. Midway honorees are listed below.
WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Nyla Gaines, Junior, Outside hitter: Gaines figures to be a major contributor to a Midway team that lost its top-three hitters to graduation. Her 152 kills and 1.45 kills per-set in 2024 were the most recorded by a returning Eagle.
Blair Riney, Sophomore, Defensive specialist/libero: Riney is coming off a freshman season in which she led the Eagles with 372 digs and a .935 receiving percentage. Her efforts landed her
on the All-RSC Third Team.
MEN'S SOCCER
Brayden Gillman, Senior, Midfielder/defender: Gillman comes to Midway with great experience, having previously played at NCAA Division-I Purdue Fort Wayne (Ind.). He is a very versatile player that will be invaluable to the Eagles with his work ethic and leadership.
Elijah Orren, Junior, Forward: Orren is a player equipped well to thrive at Midway. He's an absolute threat to defenses with his ability to score goals in a variety of ways.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
Evie Clare, Senior, Foward: Clare was second in the River States in goals (13) and points (32) in 2025. She also finished fourth in the league with six assists.
Haylee Applegate, Senior, Forward: Applegate has 21 goals over the last two seasons, tied for the most by any player in the league in that time. Applegate had eight goals and a conference-high 75 shots last season.
