Club Team Spotlight: NPJ Portland 16-1 National
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The North Pacific Juniors club, originally based only out of Salem, is continuing to grow, with club teams established in Bend, Seattle, and Portland. Prior to the 2021-2022 club season, NPJ established itself in the Portland area. This season their…
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Continue ReadingThe North Pacific Juniors club, originally based only out of Salem, is continuing to grow, with club teams established in Bend, Seattle, and Portland. Prior to the 2021-2022 club season, NPJ established itself in the Portland area. This season their Portland sect has grown in size, and their 16s team has proven competitive. After the last CEVA Power League, the team secured the #5 spot in the 16U region (this does not include the teams competing in the Open tournament). The head coach of this crew is Pati Anae, a standout Portland State player and now assistant coach for the Vikings. Assisting her is Portland State and CEVA alum Zoe McBride.
A returning athlete to the NPJ Portland 16 National team, Cornell is shouldering a massive offensive and defensive load this season. Spending a majority of high school season as the teams libero/defensive specialist, she honed in on her backrow capabilities. Entering into this club season, she came with the skill and confidence to be a highly utilized six-rotation pin hitter.
Iman Foster Iman Foster 5'10" | RS Jesuit | 2026 State OR
Iman Foster Iman Foster 5'10" | RS Jesuit | 2026 State OR
Foster is an insanely athletic six-rotation outside hitter. With some serious hops and a quick arm, she proves lethal from anywhere on the court. She is utilized in both the front and backrow to put the ball away. Playing across the backrow, her ball handling skills have improved substantially. Foster has the opportunity to be a top 2026 prospect depending on which avenue she chooses to pursue as she is also a competitive basketball player.
A returning athlete to the NPJ Portland 16 National team, she is continuing to hone her craft as a setter. Setting opposite Ellis Underhill Ellis Underhill 6’0″ | S Wilsonville | 2025 State OR , the pair typically run a 6-2. Hawk showcases a lot of natural talent in her setting abilities, with a soft touch on the ball and athletic feet. Standing at 5’11”, she can execute a 5-1 or stay in to attack on the right side. Her leadership and confidence on the court has grown as her skills have continued to improve. She is definitely a setter to keep your eyes on in the coming seasons.
Hilligoss has proven to be a great pick up for NPJ, previously playing for Athena. She has stepped up majorly as the teams primary libero. She is steady on serve receive and quick on defense. Across the board, she showcases consistent ball control. Skill aside, she exudes tons of positive energy on the court.
Lowe is another impressive pick up for NPJ who previously played for Athena. A talented middle blocker, she was an immediate impact for this team. Utilized heavily on the offensive end, she has a powerful swing and does a good job turning the ball to right back. She mixes up her location on the attack, keeping blockers on their toes.
Underhill is another top pick up for NPJ who previously played for Athena. As a setter standing a 6-feet and a leftie, these attributes make Underhill a rare and potentially a highly sought after athlete. Why? Because she can stay in to set across the front row, executing a 5-1, and becomes a major offensive threat with the ability to rip at the second ball with her dominant hand. Thus far Underhill and Allisonqqqq Hawk Allisonqqqq Hawk 5’11” | S West Linn | 2025 OR have split duties running a 6-2, but Underhill will stay in to swing on the right side and put up a formidable block. Assuming she continues to make major strides in her game, Underhill is an athlete to keep your eyes on.