The annual Athena Award is handed out to the most outstanding female senior athlete in each metro area high school.

Many times, a multi-sport athlete will earn the honor. But not at Prior Lake this year, not when Ms. Volleyball is on campus.

CC McGraw was named the Lakers' Athena Award winner. She'll receive her award at the 46th annual banquet in May at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

McGraw has been a special talent on the volleyball court for the Lakers for five seasons, becoming the program's first-ever Ms. Baden Volleyball award winner, which goes to the top senior in the state. She'll play at the Division I level this fall at the University of Minnesota.

One could easily assume other Prior Lake coaches have tried to lure McGraw to their team to make her a multi-sport athlete. Mike Gidley would have probably loved to see the 5-foot-10-inch McGraw and her leaping ability and athleticism on his Section 2AAAA championship girls basketball team.

One has to wonder if the Lakers new track coach, Jenna McNallan, has at least inquired about McGraw's availability this spring in at least the high jump or long jump.

But one person is probably pleased McGraw has stuck with just volleyball. That would be Gophers' coach Hugh McCutcheon. He has big plans for McGraw this coming fall as a freshman.

"We think CC is the best libero [in the nation] in the 2018 class," McCutcheon said. "She is incredibly skilled and talented and we could not be happier with her decision to join our program."

McGraw said picking the Gophers over the many other Division I schools recruiting her was fairly easy.

"I have dreamed of being a Golden Gopher ever since day one," McGraw said. "The first time I visited campus I instantly fell in love with the players, coaches and atmosphere. I love the focus on team culture at Minnesota, which was a big draw for me."

Prior Lake coach Mike Dean said McGraw was "an amazing force on the court and helped raise the bar to a new level" in the Lakers' program.

Prior Lake has won the last three Section 2AAA titles, the first three in program history. The team was runner-up at state in McGraw's sophomore year, third last year and fifth in 2016. Led by McGraw and other talented players, Prior Lake compiled a 78-21 record over those three seasons.

"CC’s preparation and focus allowed her to maximize her skills and play on the court to the point that she made routine plays look easy and the amazing plays look routine," Dean said. "It was a pleasure to have a front row seat to watch her play the past five years.

"As good a player as she is, CC is a better person and teammate," Dean added. "She was constantly putting the team first and was willing to do whatever was asked of her to help the team. CC made sure that all of her teammates were included and pushed them to be the best they could be. I can’t wait to see what she does at the next level."

McGraw finished her career as the Lakers’ all-time ace serves leader with 182 and was second in career digs (1,886). According to the Minnesota State High School League, McGraw is fifth all-time in digs in state history. Her former teammate for one year, Brittany Luethmers, is fourth all-time in digs (2,016).

McGraw, a three-time all-state selection, was also named an Under Armour First Team All-American. She competed in the 2017 Under Armour All-America match at the NCAA Volleyball Final Four.

McGraw was also named a two-time Junior Volleyball Association All-National Team selection.

With Minnesota Select, McGraw played with the 18-1 team her sophomore and junior years, while her squad won the United States Volleyball Association Open championship in 2016.