The 2023 version of the Gasparilla Classic in Tampa was back to full strength, featuring 65 programs from around the nation competing in 19 different divisions over three days on President’s Day Weekend. Some of the best athletes in the…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inThe 2023 version of the Gasparilla Classic in Tampa was back to full strength, featuring 65 programs from around the nation competing in 19 different divisions over three days on President’s Day Weekend. Some of the best athletes in the country showcased their abilities on one of 37 courts jam packed into the confines of the Tampa Convention Center. It was an electric setting for volleyball at the idyllic facility which sits in downtown Tampa adjacent to the Tampa Harbor.
The lefthanded swinging McCullough plays a perfect position for her hitting style. She has an incredible vertical leap and can get over the top of blocks at times. She demonstrated her versatility to play at the net on offense and defense with several kills and blocks but also showcased an ability to circle back and dig the ball on defense. She was instrumental in helping Tampa United reach the Gold Bracket, where they lost 25-19, 25-22 in a hard fought semifinal match against Venetian Bay Yellowfin.
Dhainhout helped the 16s Open team reach the gold bracket with an impressive array of kills in seven matches. There were several times when she gained points with either hard hits through or off blocks. She also demonstrated a knack for creativity when faced with a set off the mark and got the ball over a double block. DME lost 2-1 (23-25, 25-18, 15-8) in an exciting semifinal to eventual bracket winner USA South Premier Purple.
Zara Stewart was one of the most tenacious players I saw all weekend. Stewart played a huge role in helping USA South Premier Purple win seven of eight matches while losing only five sets as USA South won the 16U gold medal. She is one of the strongest hitters in any division. She is an incredible defensive player. She plays with an extreme confidence and it carries over to the rest of the team. She also demonstrated an ability to chase down loose balls, probably a result of her dominance in beach volleyball. Stewart is ranked 24th in 16U USA Volleyball rankings.
Probably the most talented players I saw all weekend. Davis can do it all. In fact, she played on match I saw as a libero, an outside hitter in another match and then a setter in yet another match. She can hit the ball just as well as she can dig the ball. The 5-foot-7 rising senior has some serious hops for a hitter, nailing several straight into the ground. The Gainesville High standout literally was all over the court during a 4-1 performance in pool play. Despite losing both matches in the gold bracket, Davis proved she is ready for the Division I level.
Czaplewski used her height to make several impressive kills during Gainesville’s run to the gold bracket. The 6-foot hitter, who also plays middle blocker, showcased an ability to put away both short and long sets. Her timing was impeccable and she is definitely someone to keep an eye on.
Kidd is yet another player on Gainesville Juniors 17 Black who can crush the ball. The 5-foot-10 hitter put several away during Gainesville’s play in the gold bracket of the Gasparilla Classic. She is also very effective on her timing with blocks.
Keuntjes is an excellent setter. Her sets typically are on point almost every single time, whether she’s doing a long cross court set or a short set to a middle hitter. She can do back sets with ease and her jump sets allow her to play the ball over in two if she wants.
Rosencrans was electric in helping USA South 17 Premier Purple win every match in the 17 Open Division. The 6-foot-1 middle blocker was outstanding in the gold bracket matches, recording several blocks and getting kills off of precision sets from setter Ava Zehnder.
Newell was both impressive blocking as she was hitting from the right side. The 6-foot-1 rising senior showcased an ability to make blocks individually and as a double blocker. Her movement was impressive from the net as a blocker and back into position as a right side hitter.
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