Pin Hitters Reign: Prep Dig x USAV Showcase Power Unleashed

<p>There are some athletes I can't get out of my head after the incredibly successful showcase that kicked off USAV Nationals just two days ago. There were 270 athletes in attendance, and so many had absolutely dominant performances. In fact, I could barely keep up with my notes with all the talent I saw! It was so much fun! Here are some pin hitters who unleashed their power at the Prep Dig x USAV showcase!</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Luca Bombacino - 6'0" - Ignite - 2027 </h2>   <p>It is hard to believe Luca has not even started her high school career yet. She is 6'0" of power and athleticism. Her impact was felt every time she touched the ball. From warm-ups to competition drills, Luca never stopped. She made the best of every contact she had over the two-hour showcase and is an absolute dynamite athlete. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Allie Hudgins - 6'4" - Austin Performance 14 Adidas - 2027 </h2>   <p>This is another athlete in the class of 2027 who played at a stud level. Her ceiling is insanely high, and I think she could be one of the top pins in this class. Her form and discipline set her apart on the court. She absolutely dominated in everything she did. Allie put up a nearly impenetrable block and was also highly efficient on offense. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nailah Randle - 6'1" - San Antonio Juniors 14 Adidas - 2027 </h2>   <p>Nailah was one of the first athletes that caught my eye at the showcase. Before the drills even started, she was actually setting in a game of queens. She put up a solo block from pin to pin and was highly impactful. During the showcase itself, she never stopped impressing. From her pass to attack to her huge offensive presence, Nailah is incredibly well-rounded and dynamic no matter where she is on the court. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sofia Simic - 6'0" - Central Kansas Rampage - 2027 </h2>   <p>Describing Sofia as an impact player does not even begin to capture how talented she is. She takes a huge swing and has a powerful snap. Sofia has a high volleyball IQ and great finesse with her shots. She always seemed to find open court, even against top defenders. Sofia was one of those pins who can consistently place the ball wherever she wants it. Her defense was also impressive. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='318201' first='Mya' last='Cheatum'] - 5'11" - Austin Juniors 15 Adidas - 2026 </h2>   <p>Everything I wrote in my notes app about Mya had several exclamation points next to it. I feel like this is just how she plays - high impact, high energy, high risk, higher reward. She elevates the game of any court she is on. Mya is a high-flying pin with a lightning-fast arm swing and high contact point. She has a huge crunch on her swing, and her kills pack a punch. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dakota Carvo - 5'11" - Rancho Valley Volleyball Club - 2026 </h2>   <p>Dakota impressed me with her balance on the court. She made smart decisions with her shots and played very strategically. Dakota did not make a lot of errors when I saw her play; she know how to earn points while still having good ball control. Dakota is a talented all-around athlete who has huge potential. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tenley Davis - 6'0" - Ignite Elite - 2026 </h2>   <p>Tenley is an athlete whose swings pack a punch. Some of her kills caught my eye from several courts away. She has a high reach and a heavy hand on the ball. Tenley never missed a beat and was always available and hungry for the ball. She has huge talent and even more potential. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='318197' first='Julianna' last='Guajardo'] - 5'6" - Texas Fierce Elite - 2026 </h2>   <p>Julianna was one of my favorite finds of the showcase. She dominated on every point and has an absolutely massive vertical. She made massive plays and never slowed down. Julianna was aggressive on every hit and switched up her shots on every contact. She has an energizing and electric presence on the court. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='209429' first='Jayla' last='Jackson'] - 5'9" - TAV 15 Black - 2026 </h2>   <p>Jayla was fearless as an athlete. She was a volunteer to play in the demo drills in front of all the other athletes. She popped on the court crazy fast and was willing and eager to demo a drill she had likely never seen before. Her confidence, energy, and sheer talent set her apart. She was always communicating with her team and is a natural leader no matter who she is playing next to. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Josie Nichols - 5'10" - Elevation - 2026 </h2>   <p>I liked Josie so much that she made my notes app twice! She was an impact player and was always hustling and working to make a difference on the court. Josie has huge potential and showed just how much value she adds with her power and finesse as a pin hitter. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bella Pontempa - 5'10" - 1st Alliance - 2026 </h2>   <p>Bella is a high energy high-impact pin. She has a massive vertical and high contact point. Whether on serve receive, defense, or offense, Bella is hungry for the ball. She is a huge energizer on the court and knows how to manufacture points. Her line shot is lethal and she has a toolbox of shots in her back pocket to utilize. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lydia Stahley - 6'1" - Team Indiana Elite 15.1 - 2026 </h2>   <p>Lydia is a clean player with good form and a high contact point on the ball. She plays a crisp and efficient game of volleyball. Her vertical is high and she has great court vision. She utilized a ton of different shots throughout the showcase and showed just how versatile of an athlete she is. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Leeanna Hamilton - 5'11" - San Antonio Juniors - 2027 </h2>   <p>Leeanna is a lefty right side that was electric at the showcase. She has a huge presence on the court and excels defensively with her block. Leeanna was quick in transition and wanted the ball every time it came over the net. She stopped some of the biggest pin hitters in their tracks on Tuesday and is a player to watch in this class. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='411047' first='Sasha' last='Plummer'] - 5'11" - Metro Volleyball Club of DC - 2027</h2>   <p>Sasha is a solid athlete. She gets the job done and is a consistent force on the right side. Her form, court awareness, and decision-making skills are all high-level, and she never misses a beat. Sasha is the type of athlete who is always working on the court, ready to cover, play defense, or rip a ball. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kylie Strutzman - 5'7" - Surge -2027</h2>   <p>Kylie has a massive vertical and lightning-fast arm swing. She is a lefty whose presence on the court elevates the game of those around her. She is explosive yet disciplined and is not afraid to take a rip on tough sets. She makes great plays and is a fun athlete to watch. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='329825' first='Akshara' last='Jay'] - 5'9" - Sky High Volleyball - 2026</h2>   <p>Akshara is a lefty right side who plays a very balanced game of volleyball. She is valuable on offense and defense and is very consistent. She is a relentless force on the court who is athletic, impactful, and disciplined. She sets a consistent block for her middles and communicates well on the court. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Addison Meyer - 5'7" - South Shore Slam 15 Lime - 2026</h2>   <p>Addison is a right side hitter with huge potential. She was engaged and aggressive on offense and defense. She caught my eye during the 6v6 play and the transition drills. She may not be the biggest athlete on the court, but her presence and execution prove her value as a high-level athlete. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Alyssa Thomas - 6'0" - Rage Volleyball Club - 2026</h2>   <p>Alyssa is a very talented player who puts up a massive block. Her timing and the way she sets up the block are consistent and effective. She seems to have a natural awareness and high volleyball IQ when it comes to blocking. Her timing was near-perfect every time. Alyssa was also explosive on offense and is a huge impact player. </p>

There are some athletes I can't get out of my head after the incredibly successful showcase that kicked off USAV Nationals just two days ago. There were 270 athletes in attendance, and so many had absolutely dominant performances. In fact, I could barely keep up with my notes with all the talent I saw! It was so much fun! Here are some pin hitters who unleashed their power at the Prep Dig x USAV showcase!