10 Powerful Pin Hitters Noticed at the JVA World Challenge

<p dir="ltr">The JVA World Challenge was a full 3-day weekend of volleyball, and as I was walking from court to court, I noticed some really outstanding pin hitters. Many times you see pin hitters as great all-around players and may see the majority of sets when their teams are out-of-system. It’s up to them to better this ball and make some lemonade out of lemons.  It’s crucial for pin hitters to be in shape, strategic thinkers, and tough under pressure. These players came through for their teams in the tough spots, infused their teams with energy, and consistently brought the muscle.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>#3 [player_tooltip player_id="57264" first="Brooke" last="Porter"] - 2022 - 5’10 - Wisconsin Elite 18 Elite - Committed to UW-Oshkosh</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">She pounds just inside the block and then has good court vision to find the open short court.  Porter brings an energy to the court, along with a lot of ball control in all six rotations. She has a plethora of great shots up her sleeve and knows exactly when to use them.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>#6 Kyra Schmidt - 2024 - 5’11 - North Allegheny (PA) - Revolution PGH 16 White </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Schmidt is a really dynamic 6-rotation outside who can blast the ball or score on a smart rollshot.  She takes an explosive approach, going from slow to fast, to create momentum. Schmidt is also strong on defense and covers the back court extremely well.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>#6 [player_tooltip player_id="149694" first="Samantha" last="Perlberg"] - 2023 - 5’10 - Chippewa Falls (WI) - Wisconsin Ice 17 National</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Perlberg is crafty with a ton of different shots and each as lethal as the other.  The set doesn’t need to be perfect for her to terminate, and I love the hard cut shot she will randomly use at just the right time.  Perlberg is a 6-rotation gem who is strong in serve-receive and gritty on defense.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>#8 [player_tooltip player_id="144910" first="Sidney" last="Doble"] - 2024 - Oconomowoc (WI) - Motion 16 Blue</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Doble was ready to grind out some big plays for Motion, along with a smart roll shot deep line during an intense match-up with Prime Time.  You can tell she is a supportive player who comes in every day ready to help her team bring in wins.  Doble was ready for the ball and made big plays at just the right time.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>#9 Skye Graham - 2024 - 5’9 - Sandy Creek (GA) - Tsunami S161E Erin B</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">This outside hitter is crazy athletic and a key player in Tsunami’s first-place finish in pool play on day 1.  Graham has tremendous power behind her swing, and when she gets up on a good set, she will crush the ball. She knows just when to be tricky and does a great job of not giving it away.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>#12 [player_tooltip player_id="81286" first="Hannah" last="Kuhlmann"] - 2022 - 5’11 - Wisconsin Elite 18 Elite </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Kuhlman is a 6-rotation Outside Hitter who connects with her setter on the GAP in order to split the defenders. Her swing leaves the opposing defense scratching their heads.  Kuhlman can keep an out-of-system ball in play and terminates when the time is right.</p> [caption id="attachment_166585" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-166585 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/11/155-Lydia-Otto.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="122529" first="Lydia" last="Otto"][/caption] <p dir="ltr"><strong>#13 [player_tooltip player_id="122529" first="Lydia" last="Otto"] - 2024 - 5’11 - Wauwatosa East (WI) - Motion 16 Blue </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Otto is a really explosive jumper who has demonstrated this in her attack as well as her well-timed blocking.  She is a fun player to watch as she pounds the split in the block. Otto was a key player for Motion’s big weekend in Louisville.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>#13 [player_tooltip player_id="149695" first="Hannah" last="Franson"] - 2022 - 5’10- Wisconsin Elite 18 Elite - Committed to Lewis University</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Franson is explosive from the right side, whether it’s front row or back row. She puts a deceptive serve in play to take teams out-of-system and is an energizer for her team.  Franson is a powerhouse who could be a real gamechanger.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>#14 Kaspen Alm - 2022 - 6’4 - Kairos 18 Beta (SD) - Committed to Midland University</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Alm has a really high contact point and goes over most blockers.   She draws a lot of attention, and deservedly so, when she pounds the corners point after point.  Alm is a terminal pin hitter who transitions well and can put up a daunting block to go with her firepower.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>#25 Megan Spiekermann - 2024 - Fremd (IL) - Pipeline 16.1 </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Spiekermann is a strong 6-rotation outside hitter with a live arm.  She can control the speed of her arm swing and has a lot of control on defense.  Spiekermann has a huge impact on the court and tallies a lot of points for her team.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p dir="ltr">These players all have a ton of potential, and they really seize every opportunity they get on the court to work on their craft. Each one plays with passion and "went after it" during a grueling 3-day event to stand out among the hundreds of teams at the Kentucky Expo Center this past weekend. </p>