Class of 2026 Whose Stock Has Climbed

At this class expect movement. Younger players show massive improvement as they put in the effort to master their technique. Their bodies are still growing, and it takes time to develop consistency with that growth.   I coached a setter at 13 who stood 5'2". She eventually grew to 6'2". In between that time her play suffered because of back issues. Once her growth settled her back problems went away and she set her high school to their first ever State playoff appearance. This earned her a spot on the Washington Post All Tournament team. She now sets for a college team in the Ivy League. The growth potential of younger players both physically and mentally will surprise you.   Below are the players who made the most improvement since our last ranking. These rankings are based on potential as they grow, not just on their ability at the present moment. Many players who first appeared on our list for the last ranking were the highest climbers for this ranking.    [player_tooltip player_id='227251' first='Morgan' last='D. Williams'] outside (Metro/Lake Braddock) moved from 3 to 1 - We forgot to include in our All DMV team for the class of 2026 that she earned the club player of the year honors for that class. That has now been added. At 6'3" as an outside her potential is through the roof. Currently, she plays three rotations. Once her back row play improves expect an offensive juggernaut for six rotations. At this age, she still needs work with a consistent approach to allow herself to hit on top of the ball. Once she accomplishes that she will be difficult to contain.    [player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo'] setter (Paramount/Langley) moved from 13 to 8 - At Junior Nationals she set a 5/1. She carries herself well on the court and appears to never change her demeanor even when things are not going well. That becomes more impressive when you learn she is playing up. If she continues to set a 5/1 she needs to develop an offensive game to become a threat when setting in the front row. Currently, her front row play has been limited. That will change as she achieves more success.   [player_tooltip player_id='369729' first='Fallon' last='Gyapong'] right side (MVSA Charge) moved from 45 to 32 - The more I watch her the more I come away impressed with her play. She currently stands just 5'9" but there still appears to be more growth in her. From the right side she puts the ball away consistently, but Fallon also shows the ability to play left side as well. Currently, she plays three rotations, so I have not seen any of her back row play.   [player_tooltip player_id='321678' first='Elaina' last='Murphy'] outside (Metro North/South Carroll) moved from 46 to 33 - Personally, I think she stands taller than 5'6". Regardless of her listed height, she is small for an outside, especially when playing for Metro. It does not stop her from putting the ball away. She excels playing six rotations, as well as providing leadership on the court. Her play led her team to an 18th place finish out of 159 teams in the Spirit Division at AAUs. A player who provides a positive environment to her teammates on the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='355124' first='Fiona' last='McDermott'] middle (MOCO Menace/Georgetown Day) moved from 58 to 39 - She went from being a new addition in the last ranking to one of our biggest stock risers. Her 6'1" height provides a good block at the net. She also has a good arm swing that can provide some offense in the middle. Definitely a player on the upswing. She has an opportunity to start her sophomore season for the Mighty Hoppers after the graduation of Izzy Evers. That would bring more growth to her game.   [player_tooltip player_id='377326' first='Elly' last='Vanlandingham'] libero/DS (MVSA Charge/Quince Orchard) moved from 108 to 41 - Another player who debuted in our last rankings at 108 now lists as one of our biggest climbers. She played mainly as a defensive specialist when she first appeared in our rankings but shot up to 41 once she took over the libero position. At 5'10 she stands as one of the tallest liberos in the region. She moves well to the ball and shows quickness on defense. Her length provides her with more coverage on the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='321680' first='Talia' last='DoCarmo'] outside (Metro North/Tuscarora) moved from 57 to 44 - Another player for Metro North who stands small for an outside, but still gets the job done. She plays six rotations for Metro and for Tuscarora lists libero and defensive specialist as alternate positions. Her back row play is solid and she provides an offensive presence there with her ability to hit. Metro North was one of the surprise teams this year, finishing well at the Charm City tournament in Baltimore and AAUs in Florida. They even finished fifth in the Chesapeake Regionals, falling just short of qualifying for Junior Nationals.   [player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'] left side (Metro 14) moved from 89 to 45 - She brings an approach jump that flirts over 10 feet allowing her to dominate at the 14 level. From what I witnessed her passing could be more consistent, but that rings true at the 14 level for almost every player. With the pin depth Metro has on the 15 team playing time would be a challenge without some improvement in her game.    [player_tooltip player_id='352831' first='Megan' last='Hiltner'] left side (VAVA/Dominion) moved from 71 to 46 - She showed off her six rotation skills at the Shamrock Showdown. That allowed her to bring an offensive presence from the front and back row. Megan also stands out for her strong defensive game in the back row as well. Just a strong all around player you want on the floor.    [player_tooltip player_id='374418' first='Jayanna' last='Ware'] outside (Liberty Elite/Hedgeville) moved from 71 to 46 - Injuries and a shortage of players forced Jayanna to play middle at Junior Nationals. With setters playing the front row Jayanna spent a lot of her time running slides or taking swings from the left side. At 5'8" middle may not be her ideal position. She normally plays left side with a full roster where she hits the ball well.   [player_tooltip player_id='374420' first='Sadie' last='Fester'] setter (MOCO Menace/Georgetown Visitation) moved from 100 to 68 - Sadie shows her leadership by being named floor captain for MOCO. She also takes responsibility for the setting duties running a 5/1 offense. Playing for Georgetown Visitation as a frosh Sadie helped them win their first ISL A championship in 12 years by sharing setting duties with [player_tooltip player_id='348696' first='Julia' last='Monlux']. At this age setters seem to develop faster.   [player_tooltip player_id='374419' first='Alicia' last='Randall'] setter (St. James White/Alexandria) moved from 99 to 75 - She also set a 5/1 while acting as a team captain. When St. James runs a 6/2 she stays in the front row where she brings an offensive component to her game. This high school season she may take over the setting duties for defending Class 6 state champion Alexandria City. She currently stands at 5'8". With a little more growth she will be a force in the front row at the older ages.    [player_tooltip player_id='377341' first='Sophia' last='Harnood'] middle (Maryland Exclusive Premier/Good Counsel) moved from 117 to 87 - At 5'9" she stands tall for her age group. She put up a good block playing middle. She also put away a couple oversets. Hopefully, she will continue her growth and become an impact middle or improve her passing game and move to the outside.

At this class expect movement. Younger players show massive improvement as they put in the effort to master their technique. Their bodies are still growing, and it takes time to develop consistency with that growth.