Who were some of the best players that stood out from Week Two of the Sunshine Classic National Qualifier in Orlando, FL? There were many if you ask me. I was in heaven watching some amazing volleyball over the three-day…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inWho were some of the best players that stood out from Week Two of the Sunshine Classic National Qualifier in Orlando, FL? There were many if you ask me. I was in heaven watching some amazing volleyball over the three-day weekend of this wonderful event put on by USA Volleyball. This series will be about those players that stood out to me while watching their play. Let’s meet a few of those that stood out for various reasons.
Livia Ward
Livia
Ward
5'10" | S
Mount. St. Mary | 2025
State
OK
[2025] 5-10 Setter (HS: Mount St Mary/Club: Oklahoma Charge/Verbal: Uncommitted)
Livia is currently ranked as the 2nd best overall prospect according to the 2025 Prep Dig Oklahoma State Rankings. She plays for Mt. St. Mary High School and plays club for Oklahoma Charge. I have been lucky enough to follow this young lady over the last few years as she has burst onto the national scene and caught the attention of many in the indoor circuit. My first interaction with her was at one of our first showcases in Dallas and I moved her up to one of the much older top courts due to her play and she still succeeded. Miss Ward has everything you want in a high level setter. Her volleyball IQ is extremely high and she uses it to dissect the defense at will. She is an elite sniper when it comes to location for each set. It doesn’t matter where the ball is passed as Liv can use her quick footwork to track down the ball and set her feet in order use her disciplined techniques she has learned. I love how she is able to play all six rotations as either a setter or stay in as an Opposite as well. Her height and length in her extremities allows her to be a solid blocker at the net. In the tourney she helped lead her team to the 16 USA Championship as they earned a bid to USA Volleyball Junior Nationals in Chicago this summer. We will continue to watch this phenom as she continues in her volleyball journey and think every college coach should be looking her way.
Madison Baker
Madison
Baker
5'9" | OH
Plano Senior | 2024
State
TX
[2024] 5-9 Outside (HS: Plano Senior/Club: Tejas/Verbal: Uncommitted)
Madison is currently ranked as the 112th best overall prospect according to the 2024 Prep Dig Texas State Rankings. She plays for Plano Senior High School and plays club for the Tejas program. While only standing five foot nine most might overlook Miss Baker and think she cannot play at a high level. Those who think that will be sorely mistaken once they see this kid fly and ignite her cannon that she has attached to her shoulder. I’m not sure how she has that much power in that smaller frame but trust me it is there and it is lethal. Some players just play with a natural swagger and that is definitely Madison. Watching her move on the court is like seeing an artist paint a beautiful painting. She was born to play this game at a high level and you can tell that she enjoys it. I love players like her who may be on the smaller side but they play with a chip that will not be taken off. Not all ballers have that killer instinct but any school who takes this kid will get that from her and it will be highly contagious to everyone on their roster. Her back row play is just as good as her attacking. She is a true six-rotation player who can affect the game in many ways. She definitely deserves a few looks by schools who will see past the height. This kid can flat out ball.
MJ McCurdy
MJ
McCurdy
6'0" | OH
Frisco Liberty | 2024
State
TX
[2024] 6-0 Outside (HS: Liberty/Club: Madfrog/Verbal: Uncommited)
Mary Jane is currently ranked as the 64th best overall prospect in the state according to the 2024 Prep Dig Texas State Rankings. She plays for Liberty High School and plays club for the famed Madfrog program. There are outside hitters and then there are true point scorers. MJ can rack up kills in a hurry and hits the ball at a very high clip, meaning she is super efficient with her scoring. When I first came across this name that was rising up the kill charts a few years ago, it surprised me because I had not heard about her until that point. I was actually researching another player on that particular day, but fortunately for every college coach who reads our articles and for myself it was a very serendipitous surprise for me to find her. Now, everyone that is subscribed to our articles, is going to know her name if they don’t already and see just how special of a player she truly is. While some players may shy away from the big moment at crucial times, MJ relishes in those moments for any team she is on. The bright lights are on and this kid is on the main stage doing her thing at a very high level. In this tourney she was one of the main reasons why her squad won the 17 USA division. Give her a look and you will have a steal of a recruit.
As always stay tuned for more articles on your favorite athletes. If you have anyone you think we should watch out for, please shoot me an email with some info at nov8vb@yahoo.com. Also don’t forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends. Help us help them by simply retweeting on Twitter or sharing on Facebook. Thanks for following us, Prep Dig Family! Don’t be afraid to interact with us. We love the likes, shares, and quotes/comments. Keep them coming!
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