AVC 18’s National Qualifier – Outsides to Watch
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President’s Day weekend is always one to be circled in red in the club volleyball season calendar and, between Saturday and Monday, all eyes will justifiably be turned to the NIT Triple Crown, one of the most prestigious events of…
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Continue ReadingPresident’s Day weekend is always one to be circled in red in the club volleyball season calendar and, between Saturday and Monday, all eyes will justifiably be turned to the NIT Triple Crown, one of the most prestigious events of the year, which will reunite as many as 7,000 prospects from the entire country in Kansas City.
The Dallas Convention Center, however, will also be hosting an important event this weekend with the 2023 AVS 18’s National Qualifier taking place from Friday to Sunday and will serve as a qualifier for the 2023 USAV Girls 18s National Championship, which will be held in Columbus, Ohio, at the end of April.
As many as 136 teams from Texas and other states are entered to compete in the four divisions (18 Open, 18 USA, 18 Liberty and 18 American) and in those teams are some of the most talented class of 2023 prospects in the state of Texas. As we warm up for the event, we’re taking a look at some of the most talented players who will be on the court and in today’s piece, we’ll shortlist some exciting outside hitters.
Kaela Neie
Kaela Neie
Neie has established herself as one of the top players in the Amarillo area as she helped her high school team Bushland secure two State Tournament titles during her time there. She’s a stud on the court will also be very important to her Amarillo Xtreme 18 National team that will compete in the 18 USA division this weekend in Dallas. Neie has a very powerful right arm and is an outstanding offensive player, who uses her athleticism and reach to score in bunches, but is truly an all-around talent who can also block, play defense and serve at a high level. Neie can fill in and play middle if needed too.
Weldon will be leading Drive Nation 18 Black in the 18 USA division with her reliable and efficient game. A six-footer, she uses her length extremely well on offense, doing a great job of not only hitting around the blockers, but also sending the ball away from the defenders. Weldon is very dynamic and athletic and has great efficiency when hitting from either pin. She also thrives with her superior ball control and has great attitude on the court.
An explosive player at the net, Tuufuli will be with SA Juniors 18 Adidas in the 18 USA division this weekend in Dallas. The outside hitter will be heavily involved with her team’s scoring efforts as their main offensive player and will rely on her excellent decision-making to put the ball down. Tuufuli’s approach is really strong and adds an extra notch or two to her arm swing, but she’s also skilled enough to score with finesse. The outside hitter has put on a lot of work into her backcourt game over the last few years and is now a more complete player.
Coming from an extraordinaire high school season in which she guided Aubrey to the State Tournament final, Garrison will now play a similarly important role with Tejas 18 Black in the 18 USA Division. A pin hitter with a lot of power, but also no shortage of resources, she’s heavily involved with everything her team does on the court. Although offense is the area of Garrison’s game to stand out the most, she’s a true all-around talent, who is also capable of causing a major impact with her blocking, serving and passing.
Kaitlin Whitlock
Kaitlin Whitlock
A volleyball and basketball student-athlete, Whitlock is one of the key players in her Ignite 18 Blaze team that will be competing in the 18 Liberty division. Many would think that the main strength of a 5’9″ pin hitter would be her backcourt game, but that’s not the case with Whitlock, whose offense is right up there with the best in her class. She’s a tremendous jumper, getting off the floor with incredible power, and swings as hard as anyone. Whitlock is very consistent with her offense and really difficult to stop when she gets into a rhythm.