2022 Houston Area Standouts – Defensive Specialists
The club volleyball season is pretty much over for the class of 2022 players. There are still some tournaments scheduled for the 18s, but most of the top club teams around the country have already shut down as several players…
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Continue ReadingThe club volleyball season is pretty much over for the class of 2022 players. There are still some tournaments scheduled for the 18s, but most of the top club teams around the country have already shut down as several players are ready to start the next step of their careers at the collegiate level.
It’s been a fantastic season, which culminated with the 2022 USA Volleyball Girls 18s Junior National Championship in Phoenix, Arizona, at the end of April. I’ve been fortunate to watch most of the top 18s teams of the Houston area in person and am taking the week to highlight some of the prospects that impressed me the most in each position. Now it’s time we give some love to some of the outstanding defensive specialists.
Cassidy MacLean – Woodlands Revolution 18 Premier – HS: The Woodlands
When Cassidy MacLean and starting libero Keira Herron Keira Herron 5'9" | DS/L College Station | 2022 State TX are together on the court, it’s hard to score at Woodlands Revolution 18 Premier. The 5’5” MacLean is extremely consistent and productive and gets to help her team with her solid passing and excellent defense. She excels with her reading and ability to anticipate plays and gets a few digs every match not many other players would because of that. She’s set to start her collegiate career at Trinity University.
Kendall Sadler – TAV Houston 18 Adidas – HS: Montgomery
An elite-level defensive player, Kendall Sandler has been extremely valuable for TAV Houston 18 Adidas during her last club season. Extremely technical and dynamic, the 5’7” defensive specialist strengthened the team’s backcourt game in a strong way, giving her hitters the stability they need to perform at the net. Sadler is extremely well-rounded and besides passing well and playing excellent defense, she’s also productive from the service line. Her collegiate destination will be Southern Arkansas.
Grace Lanier – Houston Skyline 18 Royal – HS: Seven Lakes
A class of 2023 player, Grace Lanier was moved up to Houston Skyline’s 18 top team and was able to generate a positive impact in the team’s backcourt. Very quick and technical, she has great positioning and excellent reactions, a combination that makes of her a force when digging at the middle. The 5’4” Lanier is also a solid passer and an efficient server.
Andrea Urzua – Texas Legacy 18 Elite – HS: Seven Lakes
Andrea Urzua proved to be an excellent addition to Texas Legacy in her last year of club volleyball. The 5’5” defensive specialist took the team’s backcourt game to another level with her high production and consistency. Urzua is a fantastic defender and much of it is due to the fact that she uses her body really well to take the weight off of hard-driven hits that go her way. Electric on the court, she’ll play for Panola College at the next level.
Eliana Zepeda – Katy United 18 Adidas – HS: Foster
Eliana Zepeda adds a lot to her Katy United 18 Adidas team in the passing department. She has excellent body control and balance and is always in the best possible position to make contact with the ball, ensuring a perfect delivery more often than not. The 5’3” Zepeda also contributes on defense and with her reliable serving. The next stage of her career will take place at East Texas Baptist.