Ravenwood’s Larkin, Franklin’s Ray named John Maher Builders Scholar Athletes

FRANKLIN – Ravenwood High School senior Reaghan Larkin and Franklin High senior Adam Ray are the latest John Maher Builders Scholar Athletes for the 2022-23 school year.

In addition to the recognition, both are eligible for a $2,000 scholarship that will be presented to two females and two males selected as scholar-athletes of the year this spring. John Maher Builders has recognized and awarded thousands of dollars to dozens of local student-athletes each year since 2005.

Reaghan Larkin, Ravenwood High School

Larkin’s decorated high school volleyball career playing for the Raptors came to a close last month on the brink of making it back to the Class AAA state tournament after Ravenwood stunned three-time defending state champion Nolensville in the District 11-AAA semifinals.

It’s the kind of trademark win that ranks high for the senior, who helped lead the Raptors to the state championship match as a junior and the state stage as a sophomore.

As big as Larkin is on the volleyball court, she is equally impressive in the classroom with a glistening 4.42 GPA. She is also part of Mu Alpha Theta – a community service club and math honor society.

“Larkin is one of a kind,” Ravenwood volleyball coach Abbey West said. “Her determination and will to succeed is inspiring for all who have ever had the privilege to work with her.”

That was on full display as a junior when Larkin returned to the court after missing her sophomore season because of injury. Shortly after her freshman season ended, Larkin tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her knee and was sidelined through her club season. She eventually decided to sit out her sophomore season at Ravenwood. 

Entering her junior season, Larkin said the injury reenergized her and allowed her to realize how much volleyball means to her as she decided to rejoin her teammates and help lead the team all the way to the state final.

“She’s a fantastic teammate, she’s committed to excelling in the classroom and her tendency to take underclassmen under her guidance is a true testament to who she is as a leader,” West said.

Larkin finished with a team-high 239 kills this season on .272 hitting. She also added 25 blocks and served up 14 aces.

Ravenwood clinched the district title, finished Region 6-AAA runner-up and battled to within a few points of the state tournament before falling to Hillsboro in five sets in the Class AAA Sectional round.

Larkin racked up 671 kills in her three seasons with the Raptors.

She is the daughter of Cara and Steve Larkin of Brentwood.

Adam Ray, Franklin High School

This season was another stepping stone for the Franklin football team in terms of developing and growing a youthful group.

Admirals head coach Alex Melton credited the senior Ray as one of the guys that made each week a bit easier.

“Adam has been and continues to be a great leader for our program both on and off the field,” Melton said of the lineman. “He is a big reason that our guys come back each week and work despite results.

“His attitude and effort are contagious.”

In a second season of growth, that’s vital to have leaders like Ray, Melton said. Franklin closed the season without a win on Friday, but battled in seven games that were decided by 11 points or less. They pushed Centennial to overtime and battled with the likes of Independence and Brentwood in Region 7-6A play.

Melton said Ray’s leadership, and constant hard work set a high standard for his team.

“He’s always consistent, works hard every day and leads by example,” the second-year coach said. “Again, he does this both on and off the field.

“His grades and performance are a reflection of his hard work and attention to detail.”

Ray maintains a 4.5 GPA in the classroom. He is also active in Young Life at the Franklin school and is a volunteer at his local church.

Melton called Ray a “great representative of Franklin High School and the program.”

Franklin has long produced standout linemen, including top recruit Fisher Anderson last year, a 6-foot-7 standout who joined another Admiral in Jason Amsler at Stanford. Melton said Ray and fellow senior Patrick Jones, among others, maintained the leadership in the trenches all season.

Melton said Ray was an example for younger guys about how to use fundamentals and good technique to win the leverage battle up front.

“He’s an awesome young man,” Melton said.

He is the son of Erin and Bryan Ray of Franklin.