A Sneak Peek Preview for Incoming Freshman to Watch

Brittany Behensky

March 15, 2021 @ 11:53 AM

At the 2021 Sunshine Volleyball Classic, a USAV National Qualifier, there were plenty of amazing teams competing in the first weekend of age groups 11-15 American. In the semifinal round of the gold bracket playoffs for the 14 American division were two highly competitive teams, Top Select 14 Top and USA South 14 Premier Purple. Despite both teams being comprised predominantly of 14 year-olds in 8th grade, both teams showed that they have high-level players capable of out-competing their peers.   From the Top Select 14 Top team, Rayna Santiago (5’10”/ MH / Class of ‘25) proved to be an extremely skilled middle blocker and hitter for her age. She consistently runs complex, quick hits out of the middle position, and shows well-developed chemistry with her setter. Her court awareness and timing reflect her natural talent and experience on the net. Rayna’s greatest talent is her fast arm swing that delivers a powerful hit most defenders can’t retrieve. Also on the net in the middle is Ayana Solan, an impressive blocker with her high jumps and wall-like hands. Ayana is so tall and jumps so high she sometimes overjumps the quick hit in the middle, which demonstrates the raw talent she has to offer that just needs to be unlocked and reigned in. Another impressive attacker on 14 Top is Jenna Langmo. Jenna is an outside hitter with powerful swings and a solid defender in the back row. Rounding out the team is the killer libero Savannah Sotto. Her confident movements on serve receive and defense show her experience and point toward her future success.   On the other side of the net, USA South 14 Premier Purple, a well-rounded team that demonstrates high-level playing across the board. All of the hitters on the team displayed disciplined, consistent, powerful attacks, which were made possible by solid defenders and smart setters. However, there are four attackers that shined above the rest. Arguably one of the best players on the team is outside hitter Brighten Sedmack. Brighten plays all the way around but really shines in the front row where she gets to show off her cannon of an arm. Her excellent form, keeping the ball in front of her and swinging fast, creates an impressive attack that few players her age possess. Middle hitters Klaudia Beach and Gabby Dwyer impressed on the net with their quick hits and consistent blocks. Lesser teams had trouble hitting around these two wall-like blockers. Gabby, specifically, was successful in her blocking due to her ability to watch the ball into her hands on nearly every attempted block. Finally, playing in both the outside and right side positions is Amy O’Leary, an all-around player that has success in both the back row defending and front row swinging.