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Prep Dig Gauntlet Returning Players to Watch – Part 1

Prep Dig Gauntlet Returning Players to Watch – Part 1
Breit Nelson
Breit Nelson May 24, 2023 @ 11:43 PM
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In this article:

Sydnie Hernandez
Sydnie Hernandez 5'7" | DS/L | 2024
IL
Sophia Gabuzzi
Sophia Gabuzzi 6'1" | MB | 2024
IL
Keira O’Donnell
Keira O’Donnell 6'0" | MB | 2025
IL
LaDonna Trantham
LaDonna Trantham 5'8" | MB | 2025
IL
Abby Vander Wal
Abby Vander Wal 6'3" | OH | 2025
IL
Rachel Ogunleye
Rachel Ogunleye 6'2" | OH | 2024
IL
Ellie White
Ellie White 5'11" | OH | 2024
IL
Morgan Jones
Morgan Jones 6'1" | OH | 2024
IL
Karina May
Karina May 5'7" | DS/L | 2024
IL
Grace Nelson
Grace Nelson 6'1" | OH | 2024
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There will be plenty of exciting volleyball happening this weekend at the Milwaukee Sting Center as Prep Dig has pulled some heavy-hitting squads from the midwest to compete and prepare for their final leg of the 2023 club season. I thought I'd take a look back at my notes from last year and see who caught my attention and who I might want to look for this year! I love seeing progress!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1st Alliance 17 Gold</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["135950"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Nelson grabs your attention right away with her ability to almost tear the leather off the ball.  She was dynamic as a sophomore and I can't wait to see what her time as an upper-classmen has created.  This will be an exciting attacker to follow through the tournament.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["135954"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"I remember White as being one of those players every coach wishes they had 4 of.  She has great hands and is super athletic.  White is fast, explosive, and takes an aggressive approach.  She also has a number of shots and knows just when to use them.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646ee766689e1"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1st Alliance 16 Gold</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/BreitNelson/status/1531431230234836996","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/BreitNelson/status/1531431230234836996 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["203428"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Vander Wal is a force and she is sure to be getting some calls on June 15th.  She has a really high contact and hits the ball hard over most blockers.  Vander Wal take a big swing and also has a nice controlled pass in serve receive.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["260949"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Tranthum is a really explosive jumper.  She does a great job of getting her arms up early and taking a fast swing on the ball.  I can't wait to see how she is developing as she prepares for her junior season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["288645"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"I believe I saw O'Donnell play as a middle blocker last year but it looks like she may have made the move to the right side.  One thing that stuck out to me last year about her was her ability to make a big block in the big moments.  She stayed disciplined and strong and got the job done.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646ee76668aa4"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/BreitNelson/status/1530603574702620679","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/BreitNelson/status/1530603574702620679 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='431567' first='[program_tooltip program_id='431567' first='[program_tooltip program_id='431567' first='Adversity' last='']' last='']' last=''] 17 Adidas</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["135959"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Jones is still reppin' #20 and I hope she still has the big violent swing she was taking last year.  I can only imagine how another year of training, and maturity (mentally and physically) has elevated her game.  I can't wait to see it in person!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["304216"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Gabuzzi caught my eye in the middle last year as an attacker that had good vision and spacing.  She saw the block in front of her and worked around it well.  Gabuzzi was not afraid to speed up her armswing and terminate before the other team knew what was coming.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["135961"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"May is this quick libero that moves effortlessly wherever the ball is going.  She is sound in serve receive and gets a ton of touches on defense.  Her superpower, is her great coverage of her hitters.  Nothing drops on her side.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646ee76668b50"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='430006' first='Illini' last='Elite'] 17 Cardinal</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["136638"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Ogunleye was a middle blocker that made really smart plays and quick reactions at the net.  Offensively she can take a really fast swing that you have to make sure and not blink or you will miss it.  Ogunleye also has a really great handtime and she will just chill and wait on a hitter to secure the block.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["304222"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Hernandez is steady and constistent making her a dream for the 1st contact taker of the team.  She is a strong communicator and not much gets past her.  I would love to see Hernandez really coming into her own as a dynamic defender heading into her senior season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646ee76668bc8"} /-->

There will be plenty of exciting volleyball happening this weekend at the Milwaukee Sting Center as Prep Dig has pulled some heavy-hitting squads from the midwest to compete and prepare for their final leg of the 2023 club season. I thought I'd take a look back at my notes from last year and see who caught my attention and who I might want to look for this year! I love seeing progress!

Kansas
Grace Nelson

Grace Nelson

IL
OH
HEIGHT 6'1"
POS OH
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Grace
Nelson OH
Class
2024
Height
6'1"
HS
Oak Park River Forest
|
IL
Prep Dig Gauntlet Returning Players to Watch – Part 1
Nelson grabs your attention right away with her ability to almost tear the leather off the ball.  She...
Written by Breit Nelson
Kansas
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Grace Nelson

State: Illinois
School: Oak Park River Forest
Club: 1st Alliance VBC
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Michigan
Ellie White

Ellie White

IL
OH
HEIGHT 5'11"
POS OH
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Ellie
White OH
Class
2024
Height
5'11"
HS
Mother McAuley
|
IL
Prep Dig Gauntlet Returning Players to Watch – Part 1
I remember White as being one of those players every coach wishes they had 4 of.  She has...
Written by Breit Nelson
Michigan
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Ellie White

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Mother McAuley
Club: 1st Alliance VBC
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Texas
Abby Vander Wal

Abby Vander Wal

IL
OH
HEIGHT 6'3"
POS OH
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Abby
Vander Wal OH
Class
2025
Height
6'3"
HS
Timothy Christian
|
IL
Prep Dig Gauntlet Returning Players to Watch – Part 1
Vander Wal is a force and she is sure to be getting some calls on June 15th.  She...
Written by Breit Nelson
Texas
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Abby Vander Wal

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Timothy Christian
Club: 1st Alliance VBC
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Cal State-Bakersfield
LaDonna Trantham

LaDonna Trantham

IL
MB
HEIGHT 5'8"
POS MB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
LaDonna
Trantham MB
Class
2025
Height
5'8"
HS
Homewood - Flossmoor
|
IL
Prep Dig Gauntlet Returning Players to Watch – Part 1
Tranthum is a really explosive jumper.  She does a great job of getting her arms up early and...
Written by Breit Nelson
Cal State-Bakersfield
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

LaDonna Trantham

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Homewood - Flossmoor
Club: 1st Alliance VBC
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Keira O&#8217;Donnell

Keira O’Donnell

HEIGHT 6'0"
POS MB
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Keira
O’Donnell MB
Class
2025
Height
6'0"
HS
Lemont
|
IL
Prep Dig Gauntlet Returning Players to Watch – Part 1
I believe I saw O’Donnell play as a middle blocker last year but it looks like she may...
Written by Breit Nelson
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Keira O’Donnell

State: Illinois
School: Lemont
Club: 1st Alliance
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Missouri
Morgan Jones

Morgan Jones

IL
OH
HEIGHT 6'1"
POS OH
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Morgan
Jones OH
Class
2024
Height
6'1"
HS
Huntley
|
IL
Prep Dig Gauntlet Returning Players to Watch – Part 1
Jones is still reppin’ #20 and I hope she still has the big violent swing she was taking...
Written by Breit Nelson
Missouri
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Morgan Jones

State: Illinois
School: Huntley
Club: Sky High
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Karina May

Karina May

IL
DS/L
HEIGHT 5'7"
POS DS/L
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Karina
May DS/L
Class
2024
Height
5'7"
HS
Carl Sandburg
|
IL
Prep Dig Gauntlet Returning Players to Watch – Part 1
May is this quick libero that moves effortlessly wherever the ball is going.  She is sound in serve...
Written by Breit Nelson
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Karina May

State: Illinois
School: Carl Sandburg
Club: Adversity
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Vanderbilt
Rachel Ogunleye

Rachel Ogunleye

IL
OH
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS OH
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Rachel
Ogunleye OH
Class
2024
Height
6'2"
HS
University
|
IL
Prep Dig Gauntlet Returning Players to Watch – Part 1
Ogunleye was a middle blocker that made really smart plays and quick reactions at the net.  Offensively she...
Written by Breit Nelson
Vanderbilt
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Rachel Ogunleye

State: Illinois
School: University
Club: Illini Elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Prep Dig

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