Libero, Setter and two Hitters at the World Challenge

Andy Cole

April 18, 2023 @ 11:50 AM

Standout players to watch from one of the top clubs in the country.   Sarah Allen, 2025, TStreet – She, Sarah Allen, is a libero that has either earned or automatically gained the respect of her space on the court. That complement allows for Allen to do what she does best and drive the ball up to the target with her arms. This passing technique requires discipline with her body and she is very consistent all throughout a set. While she raises the ball up with a hinging movement from a low point, she repeats this with forearm passing a set after a setter dig. The external force from the ball varies in those situations and she remains consistent in her body movement throughout. This discipline continues as she is patient throughout a rally. All that patience and she does not shy away from the challenge of getting to a ball quickly. Look for her to continue to develop with her teammates while she maintains her lane and allows them to play freely.   Madison Trondle, 2025, TStreet – Madison Trondle uses a quiet platform and carries a big stick when hitting the ball. With an unassuming approach, she generates momentum in her approach to unload on the volleyball and deliver an often decisive hit to the defense. What is excellent about Trondle is that with all the pace she hits the ball with she also attacks a great offspeed hit that is indecisive. This shows her ability to play the game. Additionally, her driving style of hit can lead to many hits off the block as a scoring option too. Her overall movement on the court defines her as being coachable. Many of these moves are representative of technical concepts being utilized throughout the rally. Watch for her towards the end of the season as she will certainly pack a punch against bigger opponents. Avery Ward, 2024, TStreet – A lefty, Avery Ward, is an offensive priority for her setter. It is always excellent to see the trust and expectations a setter has. It allows for great confidence and relationship building. What is most neat about watching Ward is seeing her entire hitting approach as it can be metaphorically compared to a willow tree with flexible branches that can additionally make crisp, intentional accuracy to a target. She has great patience when the play is out of system. Her vision of a set will be an excellent asset to use to keep a ball in front of her and continue rallies that will enhance the quality of play. Keep watching her as she gets more reps and keeps showing her combined flexibility and force. Natalie Wei, 2024, TStreet – A lefty, Natalie Wei, is a 5-1 setter. She makes an excellent effort in many areas of her game including a timely distribution of sets to maximize the point-scoring opportunity for her team. Additionally, many of her hitters will find that they are in a one-on-one attack as a result of that organized distribution. An accountable leader that acknowledges her opportunity to a better ball, Wei really seems to have her teammates working with her. This is likely attributed to her excellent effort in hustling to the ball while maintaining a calculated approach during that hustle. Beyond the set distribution, what makes her even more difficult to defend is that she often jumpsets when in the system. This shows an incredible balance of her timing and connecting with the hitters that eagerly await a chance to hit against a wonderful one-on-one setup.

Standout players to watch from one of the top clubs in the country.