Five Fresh Faces for the Class of 2024
I love how the club season reveals so many new players, and between the JVA Showcase and the JVA World Challenge, I’ve really seen a lot of new players, clubs, and outstanding play to go with it. From South Dakota to…
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Continue ReadingI love how the club season reveals so many new players, and between the JVA Showcase and the JVA World Challenge, I’ve really seen a lot of new players, clubs, and outstanding play to go with it. From South Dakota to Georgia, there are so many prospects to get excited about. Here are 5 new prospects you really need to know!
Annaliese Neal – 5’8 – Setter – Konos Academy (GA) – Tsunami S161E Erin B
Skye Graham – 5’9 – Outside Hitter – Sandy Creek (GA) – Tsunami S161E Erin B
Tsunami S161E Erin B was really impressive at the JVA World Challenge, and these two were a big part of that. Graham has got to be one of the top 2024 athletes out of Georgia, as she is one of the most explosive athletes I’ve seen in a while. Put Graham together with Neal, who has impeccable all control and a high volleyball IQ, and you have a very dangerous combination.
Neal had impeccable timing with the setter dump that shamed any blocker or defender leaving their base early. Then she could throw the ball out to the pin, and hitters like Graham, and have the ball terminated before the blockers are on their 2nd step. Neal also offers the versatility of being a solid libero who can take control of the first contact as well.
Cecelia Plasch – 5’7 – Outside Hitter – Cretin-Durham Hall (MN) – Mizuno M1 161
Plasch is a brand new name to the game for me, and she plays much larger than 5’7. She is a super athletic outside hitter for whom I cannot find a high school, but I would imagine she will be making an impact come fall time. Plasch has a serve that will float until it hits something, and she went on a couple decent serving runs when I saw her at the Mizuno Showcase. She also steps in to take the 2nd contact with no hesitation if the setter takes the first ball, showing me she is a confident player who wants the ball.
Cora Hokenstad – 5’4 – Libero – Jefferson (SD) – Pentagon 16 Orange
Hokenstad is annoyingly solid in serve-receive and defense. By annoying, I mean she will drive the opposing team nuts, as they try to take her team out of system with a tough serve or scorching swing and she comes up with a perfect first contact. Hokenstad showed her ability to be an elite defender at the Mizuno Showcase and could play a crucial part at the next level.
Emmerson Schrom – 6’1 – Middle Blocker/Right Side Hitter – Hampton (PA) – Revolution PGH 16 White
Schrom is terminal whether she is swinging in the front row or back row. She is a versatile player across the net, and I feel like she is just picking up momentum. Schrom is a crucial part of this roster, regardless of whether she is playing middle or swinging from the right side. Her presence alone gives her team confidence because if they send the ball her way, she will take care of business.