The KRKO Russell and Hill Female Student Athlete of the Year for 2026 is Laura Eichert, Lake Stevens Volleyball.
Laura is a 6′ 0″ outside hitter and gathered accolades throughout her high school career. She won back-to-back Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year (2024 & 2025) awards following standout junior and senior seasons. She was AVCA and UA Next All-American; 2025 Washington 4A State Player of the Year; 2025 Washington 4A State Tournament MVP. Eichert led the Lake Stevens Vikings to the 4A state title; registered 44 kills and 13 digs in the five-set victory over Curtis, 3-2.
Laura’s stellar prep career includes being named three-time Wesco 4A Player of the Year; she put down 600 or more kills in each of her last three prep seasons; ranked 16th nationally with 746 kills (.343) as a junior; finished her senior campaign with 633 kills while hitting .422 to go along with 260 digs and 72 service aces. She amassed 2,351 kills (.336), 996 digs, 250 aces and 207 blocks during prep career. During her tenure, Eichert helped Lake Stevens to three straight top four finishes at state: Second as a freshman and fourth as both a sophomore and junior. Mom, Lynne, is a former college player and is on the LSHS coaching staff. Sister, Katelyn, is currently playing at Westminster University and was influential in Laura’s volleyball development. Laura carried a 3.9 high school GPA; committed to, and is, playing at the University of Oregon. Head Volleyball Coach at Lake Stevens is Kyle Hoglund; Director of Athletics was Jason Pearson.
