Adriana Dorn: Ripon’s Versatile Star Crowned The Bee’s Volleyball Player of the Year
Adriana Dorn was destined to excel in volleyball. Born into a family where sports played a central role—her parents even met while playing—she discovered her passion for the game at just 11 years old. Fast forward a few years, and Dorn has blossomed into a two-time league champion, one of the league’s most efficient hitters, and a sought-after Division I prospect. Her journey reached new heights in her junior season, earning her the prestigious title of The Bee’s Volleyball Player of the Year.
Dominating the Court
Dorn had a season to remember, becoming one of the standout players in the Sac-Joaquin Section. She concluded her junior campaign with jaw-dropping stats: 456 kills, 105 aces, and a stellar hitting percentage of.385 across just 96 sets. Dorn ranked fifth in kills, second in hitting percentage, and third in aces in the section—making her the only player to crack the top five in all three categories.
Her remarkable individual performance propelled Ripon to a 30-3 record, marking the program’s second consecutive 30-win season. The Ripon Indians also achieved a flawless 12-0 record in the Trans-Valley League (TVL), securing their second consecutive undefeated league championship. Dorn and her teammates lost only one set in league play and went on to capture the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV title, solidifying their dominance.
A Championship Mindset
Entering the 2024 playoffs as the No. 1 seed, Ripon was laser-focused on redemption after a heartbreaking loss in the 2023 D-IV championship to Ripon Christian. Dorn said, “Once you experience a loss like that, you never want to feel it again.”
With that motivation, Ripon stormed through the playoffs, defeating Woodland, Union Mine, and Bear River to set up a championship showdown against Liberty Ranch. In the final, Dorn delivered a match-high 14 kills and an impressive hitting percentage of .435, leading Ripon to a decisive 25-13, 25-13, 25-21 victory.
“Much of this season was about our seniors,” Dorn said. “We had seven seniors on the team, and making sure they had a great season was our primary goal. Experiencing this championship with them was incredibly exciting. Before the match, we focused on having fun and staying composed, and I think we executed that perfectly. It was such a fun game, and the result was amazing.”
A Legacy of Success
This victory marked Dorn’s third consecutive appearance in a championship game and her second regional title in three years. As a freshman, she played a key role in Ripon’s 3-1 win over Sonora at MJC to clinch the 2022 D-IV championship.
Although she’s an exceptional outside hitter, Dorn’s true versatility shines in her ability to excel as a setter—a position she plays for Rage Volleyball Club during the club season. While primarily an outside hitter for Ripon, she transitions seamlessly to setter for club play, a role that has garnered significant Division I interest.
“At the start of the season, it was challenging to adjust between positions,” Dorn admitted. “But it’s great to switch back and forth—it gives you a new perspective on each role.”
Eyes on the Future
As Dorn looks ahead to her senior season, she’s determined to make another deep playoff run. Her goals include securing a third Sac-Joaquin Section championship and leading Ripon to a state title. Whether she’s playing as an outside hitter or a setter, one thing is certain: Dorn will continue to be a force to be reckoned with on the court.
With her unmatched skills, leadership, and championship pedigree, Adriana Dorn has solidified her place as one of the most dynamic volleyball players in California. As Ripon gears up for another season, all eyes will be on this rising star to see how she writes the next chapter of her extraordinary story.
