When coach Audrey Rhode took over the Whale Branch volleyball program this year, she had "no idea" senior Jamie Whalen would turn out to be the player she has.

"She really improved her game over the summer," said Rhode, who added that she had come to count on Whalen for leadership.

That improvement and leadership was rewarded Tuesday as Whalen was named to the 2012 S.C. Coaches Association for Women's Sports Class 1-A All-State Team.

Three other area players were named all-state, as well.

Bluffton juniors Jordan Franklin and Mackenzie Cooler were named to the 4-A team. For Cooler, it's her second straight all-state honor.

"They're good setters, good hitters," Bluffton coach Al Stern said of Franklin and Cooler. "They're good all around. They can do everything."

Hilton Head Island's Brantley Herrington made the 3-A team. She's the only sophomore on the squad.

Whalen also was named to the 1-A/2-A South All-Star Team that will compete in the North-South Volleyball Games to be played Nov. 17 at Erskine College.

Bluffton's Abby Roulston was named to the 3-A/4-A South team.

The 1-A/2-A game will be played at 9:30 a.m. and the 3-A/4-A game will follow at 11 a.m. The all-state teams (all classifications) will be presented in between the matches.