2025s Ready for a Breakout at Nationals
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The big time programs are getting their commits. There is always a sense of urgency when the Instagram post goes out, but for the 90 percent of athletes who are going to play at the next level it doesn’t happen…
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Continue ReadingThe big time programs are getting their commits. There is always a sense of urgency when the Instagram post goes out, but for the 90 percent of athletes who are going to play at the next level it doesn’t happen as fast (it’s honestly probably more than 90 percent). Who are some of the ones under the radar? Who has the potential for a big national tournament that could create some momentum? Here are some thoughts on a few athletes who could really gain some momentum from the Class of 2025 heading into AAU and USAV Nationals these next couple of weeks.
Tenley Davis Tenley Davis 6'1" | OH Chesterton | 2026 State IN – Ignite 16 Premier (IN)
Outside Hitter
I was able to see Davis play at our Prep Dig Chi-Town Classic and was really impressed with her overall physicality and athleticism from the outside hitter position. She has great hand contact where she can really pack a punch on a big time swing. This will be an exciting summer for her as she gets a chance to compete in front of some coaches on a very athletic all around Ignite team coming out of Northwest Indiana.
Bridget Malone – Colorado Juniors 16 Shannon
Outside Hitter
Malone has to be on the radar of the schools in the Mountain West, Big West, etc. The in-state Colorado schools I’m sure have her on the radar. At 6’1, Malone has the length and athleticism at the pin to do some big things. I was able to see her as a 15s at USAV, compete on her high school team at the Colorado large school state championships, and again at multiple club events this season. She has all the tools and a solid fundamental foundation to be a really strong player at the next level. This Colorado Juniors team is fun to watch, full of athletes. Malone will be the one on the pin who can contact high and score a lot of points.
Annalise Grant Annalise Grant 5'5" | DS/L Dowling Catholic | 2025 State IA – Six Pack 17-1 (IA)
Libero
Grant is a 2025 who has been playing up on the 17s team from Six Pack who has a roster full of D1 commits. She will get seen as this team will be playing in some big day three and four matches in the 17 National Division where they were runner-up last year in this division as 16s. Grant is able to anticipate, stop on contact, and has great platform control. She plays with plenty of maturity and will be one who can handle big swings at a high level. She is soaring up on the list of top liberos out of the Midwest.
Ellie Schubert Ellie Schubert 5'9" | S Davenport Assumption | 2025 State IA – Iowa Select 16 Mizuno
Setter
Coming out of the Quad Cities, Schubert was one of the top setters in the state of Iowa this past high school season, leading Davenport Assumption to a state title. She has a big time volleyball IQ where the game comes naturally to her. As a setter, she’s well trained starting with great footwork, fast hands, and is a really solid defender. She is a true 5-1 setter who will look to dish first, but will take advantage when the defense sleeps by dumping one over on the second contact. A really fun athlete who has some swag to her game that will make a great fit at the next level.
Alyssa Koerkenmeier Alyssa Koerkenmeier 6'6" | MB Breese Mater Dei | 2025 State IL – HP Illinois 16 National
Middle Blocker
6’6 – yes. I saw Koerkenmeier compete as a freshman for Breese Mater Dei in the Illinois State High School Tournament where she was pretty lanky, but still made an impact to finish among the top four in their class. However, seeing her at the Windy City Qualifier as a 16s she looked dangerous. She has improved her athleticism and physicality. She is stronger, more coordinated, and I think could be a major steal in this Class of 2025. She is in the heart of OVC country where I’m sure plenty of schools will make a play to get her to campus. I do know she plays basketball as well. Her HP team will be competing in the 16 USA Division.
Sophia Burkey – TVC 16 Black
Outside Hitter
I really liked what I saw out of Burkey for TVC 16 Black when I was able to watch them at the Windy City Qualifier in April. She brings a lot of physicality to the court where she has an active arm that can score points from anywhere. However, it was her defense out of middle back that I was impressed with the most. She moves, anticipates, and is able to put up a clean pass out of serve receive and defense.
Hollie Peterson Hollie Peterson 6'0" | S Sioux City East | 2025 State IA – MVP 16 United
Setter
MVP 16 United typically plays the AAU route, but this team went to Show-Me and won the 16 USA Show Me Qualifier. They were 15 Club Champions in Orlando in 2022 and have a lot of talent in the Class of 2025 and 2026. MVP is out of Western Iowa in the Sioux City area, right along the South Dakota border (Dakota Dunes, SD). This is a volleyball hotbed in the area. Peterson is 5’10 with plenty of length and athleticism where she can dish, block, and defend and take it herself when needed. I have seen a lot of the players on this team play individually, but will be able to see them live in the Windy City.