The gaudy statistics, and yes some are “Astronomical,” only tell half of Aaliyah Gooden’s volleyball story.
Drive, athleticism, energy and a will to make her team great are much more indicative of the impact our 2025 Eagle-Tribune Volleyball Player of the Year had on the Pinkerton Academy program.
“The opposing team always needs to game plan for Aaliyah. Every game she is the player that they try and shut down,” said coach Todd Royce. “She is also a captain and a special person that always makes everyone smile. Her excitement on the court is contagious.”
In leading Pinkerton to a 17-1 regular season and the first-ever state girls volleyball championship in school history, Gooden broke the school career record for blocks – in this season alone! She finished with 260 blocks in her career.
This fall, the Bentley University commit, who is 6-foot-2, also added 185 kills.
One of the most prolific net players in state history, Gooden ranks top three among the all-time block leaders in New Hampshire.
A two-time Eagle-Tribune All-Star and two-time Division I First-Team All-State selection, Gooden earned a spot on Team New Hampshire in its annual battle against Vermont’s finest.
She leaves Pinkerton with a pair of trips to the D-I state finals.