Five New Additions To The Class Of ’26 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Club is over, but is it? In the coming week, we're unveiling the updated rankings (yesterday), new additions (today), stock risers (tomorrow) and positional breakdowns (Fri, Sat and Sun). In a few cases, the new trend of summertime tryouts for club caused some upheaval. Here are five kids (with one club transfer) that are new to me, but are not new to high-level volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='355575' first='Avery' last='Lewis'], 6-0 MB, Cathedral, Boiler Juniors (club '23) to Academy (club '24)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yes, you read that correctly. A kid playing up a year for Boiler Juniors' 16-1 last club season is now playing a little closer to home at Academy next club season. With the bloodline rich in volleyball (sister <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110490' first='Taylor' last='Lewis']</strong> is a Villanova commit), Avery is a quick and springy M2 that excels at transitioning fast and always being ready to hit. Her length makes her look a few inches taller, so she's got that going for her, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='366446' first='Hanna' last='Stewart'], 5-4 DS/L, Franklin Community, Team Indiana</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adept in the left-back and quick to the ball, Hanna is one of a few defenders from south of I-70 that are making floor defense cool again. Normally, defenders come in droves from the Muncie/Delaware County area. In Miss Stewart's case, she anticipates well, receives serve at an elite level, and is nearly always on target.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='401486' first='Anna' last='Fish'], 5-9 S, Seymour, KIVA</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another with rich bloodlines, Anna is a fast and accurate setter getting her training on the other side of the Ohio River. If there was ever someone who <em>looked</em> like a setter, it's Anna. Add to the fact that she's got family going to play at Wake Forest in the fall, she understands not only what it takes to be at a Power 5 school, but strives to be better than that ideal daily.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='373087' first='Madison' last='Brown'], 5-9 S, Noblesville, Academy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I don't normally mention the same club twice in the same article, but it was important for me to mention this one. Madison is a 5-1 setter through and through, and leads by example. She gets to every pass quickly, her footwork is exceptional, and locates the ball for her hitters exactly where they need it. The 16-1 at Academy are going to be a tough squad in the spring of '24, and Miss Brown will be leading the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='366448' first='Denver' last='Garner'], 5-11 RS, Hamilton Southeastern, Rev</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You might recognize the name---older sister Delaney plays middle for D2 power Harding. Yet another volleyball athlete understanding the meaning of the term "gym rat", Denver is a strong attacker with the ability to play anywhere in the front row. For now, let's keep her on the right pin, as her defensive abilities are much needed in this class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->