2022 Ranking Breakdown: Top 5 “Slam Dunk” Outside Hitters

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Someone once described volleyball to me as a sport that ends in a “slam dunk” every play. There’s no doubt that outside hitters statistically get the most sets to finish off the slam dunk plays. The class of 2022 definitely has a plethora of talent within the outside hitter position, and a fair amount of these hitters are “slam dunk” stars. There are 15 outsides within the top 25 dominating the class of 2022 ranking list. Here are the top 5 outsides from 2022 and guess what?! Only one of them is committed!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Elia Rubin- </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sunshine 17 Westside</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Seeded at number one on the ranking list is Elia Ruben. Standing at a dominant 6’0 her gritty court presence and fast arm swing helped lead her high school team (Marymount High School) to the SoCal State semi-finals. She tallied a total of 420 kills, 44 aces, 44 blocks, and 241 digs. Her performance during the 2019 high school season landed her a spot on the MaxPreps High School All-American list and Nike TOC MVP Honors. Although Rubin is still uncommitted, she will definitely be a great addition to any collegiate roster.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Adonia Faumuina- </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mizuno Long Beach</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Very closely following Rubin, Adonia Faumuina is number two on the list. One of the most versatile volleyball players you will meet, Faumuina dominates as an outside hitter AND a setter. She averaged 16 assists, 10 kills, and 7 digs per match. Standing at 6’2 she has added a lot of accolades to her resume as a volleyball player. Still uncommitted, Faumuina has expressed interest in Oregon, USC, Texas, and many other schools. Regardless of what school she ends up choosing, she is definitely going to make an impact even as a Freshman. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Peyton DeJardin- </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">San Gabriel Elite [Committed to University of California Berkeley]</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Third on the list is Peyton DeJardin. DeJardin was an impact player for her high school team (Flintridge Sacred Heart High School). Fun fact, DeJardin scored more than 40 percent of her team's points in the 2019 high school season. She set the single set school record with 580 kills. She also tallied 345 digs, 50 blocks, and 57 aces. These numbers made it easy to put her third on the ranking list along with the outstanding reputation that follows her. Cal Berkeley is definitely getting a star and I am sure she will make a major impact within the program. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Abby Castillion- </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rage</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ranked at number 4 Abby Castillion is a force to be reckoned with. Her stats were impressive last high school season where she led her team (Central Catholic High School) to the state Division II semi-finals. She tallied 474 digs, 417 digs, 41 blocks, and 41 aces for the Raiders. Her coaches speak very highly of her leadership skills and extremely hard work ethic. She currently remains uncommitted but she, without a doubt, will be a great addition to any program she chooses to join. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Brynne Faltinsky- </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Coast Volleyball Club</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brynne is a standout in the San Diego area. Standing at a solid 6’0 she earned a top spot on the ranking list with her impressive offense as well as serve receive capabilities. Her stats were solid with 451 kills and a very high passing percentage. She earned Coastal League Player of the Year and First Team All-County honors. As a very impactful player on her team, Faltinsky remains uncommitted to any colleges and I expect her to continue to make an impact on whichever program she decides to commit to. </span></p>