AAU Championships: 16 Open Standouts After Day 1
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Be sure to follow @lshotvb on Instagram and Twitter for all things volleyball! Use code LSHOTVBUSAV and get $10 off your registration for Prep Dig’s USAV Showcases, Session 1 & Session 2! – One more session to go and we’re in for a real treat with this…
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Use code LSHOTVBUSAV and get $10 off your registration for Prep Dig’s USAV Showcases, Session 1 & Session 2!
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One more session to go and we’re in for a real treat with this group!
We’re only going into Day 2 and we’ve already seen some top notch matches. This continues to shine under spotlight following the illusive June 15th date opening up the recruiting floodgates for the 2026 class. Now, little over a week later, we have some of the best of the best in the class squaring off and bringing the heat.
Let’s take a look at some of the hottest of players coming out of Day 1.
Lauren Johnson Lauren Johnson 6'2" | MB South Lyon East | 2025 State MI – 6’2 MB – Michigan Elite
I’ve watched this kid quite often throughout the season. With a national championship on the line, Johnson knows how to come in and turn the game up a couple notches. Her blocking was on point all day long and I saw a new side of Johnson on the attacking front.
Larissa Casatti Larissa Casatti 5'10" | S West Boca Raton Community | 2025 State FL – 5’8 S – Tribe
You may see this team and notice one setter, but Tribe has themselves some real dandies at the setter position. Casatti saw a lot of playing time on Day 1 and was playing like the court was hers. She runs a really nice offense with a lot of variety in her choices.
Carly Gilk Carly Gilk 6'2" | RS Champlin Park | 2025 State #27 Nation MN – 6’2 OPP – MN Select
Watch out below, here comes Gilk! On the right pin, the left, or attacking out of the back row, you’re never going to catch a break from her. The mighty lefty was crushing the competition en route to a 3-0 finish.
Josie Meyers – 6’1 MB – Munciana Indy
You wouldn’t think this player would attack with as much velocity as she does, but man was I pleasantly surprised. Meyers not only can bring down an absolute hammer, but her blocking is quite intense to go against.
Olivia Grenadier Olivia Grenadier 6'1" | MB Country Day | 2025 State #91 Nation MI – 6’1 MB – Legacy
Time and time again, this one never disappoints. Grenadier was jumping out of the gym today. Her blocking was on point and the connection between her S Campbell Flynn is one of the most entertaining ones in the entire division.
Chloe Giehtbrock Chloe Giehtbrock 6'2" | S Marian | 2025 State MI – 6’1 S – L2
This may be Giehtbrock’s first AAU Nationals as a setter, but this setter is not no rookie! No fear here, Giehtbrock was commanding the court from first serve to last ball of the day. Her setting contends with some of the top in the field and she brings a lot of scoring with her net play.
Sakura Codling Sakura Codling 5'4" | DS/L Seton | 2025 State #77 Nation OH – 5’5 L – Tri-State Elite
Fresh off of her commitment to UCLA, Codling seemed to have boost of energy on the court today. It could also be the fact this team is very much a contender for a national title, but nonetheless, Codling is one of the top ‘bros this class has to offer.
Keira Schmidt Keira Schmidt 6'4" | MB Eagan | 2025 State #86 Nation MN – 6’3 MB – Northern Lights
You see this player step onto the court, she stands head and shoulders above the rest. Get her in the air, there’s nobody in this gym that can come close to touching her. Schmidt was smashing balls left and right today.
McKenna Payne McKenna Payne 5'7" | DS/L SMCC | 2025 State #105 Nation MI – 5’7 L – Michigan Elite
Another one of those premier ‘bros in the 2025 class, Payne has her eyes on the prize here in Florida. Nothing coming Payne’s way was dropping! I have a feeling that this going to be a theme throughout the week.
AaJaylah Zeno – 5’11 OPP – Premier
There’s no looking down on this player when she takes flight. Zeno is one exciting player to watch in action. Almost effortlessly, Zeno flies out of the gym and has the muscle to score on the toughest of opponents across the net.
Caleigh Ponn Caleigh Ponn 5'6" | DS/L Hidden Valley | 2025 State #83 Nation VA – 5’6 L – NC Academy
Academy didn’t have the best of outings, but Ponn’s star was shining very bright all day long. Nothing was off limits when it comes to picking up a ball with Ponn, making it a field day to score on her.
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