Endless Summer Brings Endless Talent to Virginia Beach

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Saturday the Endless Summer volleyball tournament begins. The lineup of teams competing impresses. Lots of talent to watch. A number of players from these teams have yet to commit so it would be an excellent opportunity for colleges to add to their roster. Because of this tournament it was decided to push the top 20 for Virginia back a week to give me an opportunity to see more of the Southern Virginia teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Champions Division</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181279"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65032e45f04b9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Flint Hill</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Committed - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180295' first='Ryla' last='Jones'] </strong>(Pittsburgh), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180283' first='Natalie' last='Nguyen']</strong> (Georgetown)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not committed - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233010' first='Mickhaila' last='Murray']</strong> fills the court with her emotions. The left side hits the ball well, but also disguises her roll shot using the same motion as her spike. She also plays a solid back row. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181303' first='Isabelle' last='Bardin'] </strong>stands 6'2" and sets. The class of 2025 recruit has national team interest and more than a handful of suiters. She is just recovering from a broken thumb so she may only play right side for this tournament. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='181279' first='Kadi' last='Pynchon']</strong> plays a solid back row. Most teams would love to have her skills for the libero position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Future - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238358' first='Evie' last='Huang']</strong> started at libero as a frosh. Now as a sophomore, with one year of experience she stands out as one of the best in high school. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437446' first='Alli' last='Z Robinson']</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='437441' first='Hunter' last='Ross'] are two frosh that have shown the skills to start. Alli plays right side while Hunter plays middle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181233"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65032e45f0519"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Georgetown Day</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Committed - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180285' first='Clara' last='Yu']</strong> (Columbia)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not committed - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181763' first='Jada' last='Aksu']</strong> plays right side and swings left handed. Another who plays with emotion and fire. An intelligent player that uses the block, hits line or goes cross court. At 6'0" she puts up a big block. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248705' first='Zoe' last='Ryu']</strong> stands 6'0" and hits left side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181233' first='Aaliyah' last='Howell']</strong> belongs to the class of 2024. She stands 5'10". <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='434853' first='Elizabeth' last='Higday']</strong> may not see a lot of playing time with [player_tooltip player_id='180285' first='Clara' last='Yu'] setting a 5/1, but she can run an offense if given the opportunity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Future - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='355124' first='Fiona' last='McDermott']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321676' first='Gabrielle' last='Wigglesworth']</strong> are two players from the class of 2026 who play middle. At 6'1" Fiona brings the height but Gabrielle knows how to use all of her 5'9" frame. Frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437985' first='Zora' last='Dimbo']</strong> has the muscle to hit left side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grafton </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Committed - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233007' first='Alexis' last='Keeter']</strong> (Florida Gulf Coast) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Future - Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238858' first='Allyson' last='Burke']</strong> has been given captain responsibilities as a sophomore. That alone says a lot about her game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["325603"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65032e45f056a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hedgesville </strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Future - A West Virginia high school carrying lots of young talent on their roster who play travel ball in the Chesapeake region. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325603' first='Parker' last='Sutherland']</strong> at 6'2" covers a lot of area with her block at the middle. She also runs quicks well. Another sophomore to watch is libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325602' first='Alexa' last='Smith']</strong>. She also has the ability to hit left side. A third sophomore is left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309028' first='Gracelyn' last='Brown']</strong>. Finally, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='374418' first='Jayanna' last='Ware']</strong> can play either outside or middle. At 5'8" she might be best at a pin. Four quality sophomores that give the Eagles a promising future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235285"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65032e45f05b5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hidden Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Committed - [player_tooltip player_id='196556' first='Caleigh' last='Ponn'] (Kansas State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not committed - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235285' first='Calli' last='Anderson'] </strong>runs this offense well setting a 5/1. Even with Caleigh as the primary hitter she spreads her sets around to keep all the players involved. At 5'8" she brings decent height to play the front row. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233482' first='Lauren' last='Whitaker']</strong> keeps the team in system with her precision passing. She also brings a good serve to the court. At the Endless Summer last year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464576' first='Sophie' last='Arnold']</strong> was not a name to remember. She is now. She stands 5'10" and brings another left side power arm to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["180286"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65032e45f0600"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Wood </strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not committed - Setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='180282' first='Paige' last='Ahakuelo']</strong> runs an offense well. She and [player_tooltip player_id='180285' first='Clara' last='Yu'] shared setting responsibilities for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']. She brings quickness and good athleticism to the setting position. At 5'8" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242037' first='Ashlynn' last='Spence']</strong> plays middle, but it would not surprise me that she could easily move her skills outside. She is a cerebral hitter that finds the holes in the block and is difficult to block one on one. [player_tooltip player_id='180286' first='Hannah' last='McCullough'] stands just 5'2". She brings quickness to the setting position but with her height teams would have to run a 6/2. Hannah also brings skills from the beach game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Future - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong> were 1/2 in kills as frosh when James Wood beat Grafton last year for the Class 4 championship. Brenna will move to libero where her strong beach play enhances her passing and defensive game. Middle<strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='320815' first='Tenley' last='Mattison']</strong> stands 5'10, which equals the height of Kennedy for the tallest on the team. The Colonels usually play with a smaller roster, but the kids know how to play the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["242358"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65032e45f0659"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kellam </strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Committed - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242358' first='Megan' last='Stone']</strong> (The Citadel), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='246935' first='Avery' last='Hanly']</strong> (Christopher Newport)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not committed - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465308' first='Blakely' last='Barnes']</strong> plays a tough middle. At 5'11 she puts up a good block and hits the middle well. The Knights also bring that 5'11" height to the pins with <strong>Gracy Stuart</strong> and <strong>Lauren Krause</strong> on the left side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='484751' first='Riley' last='Erwin'] </strong>also stands 5'11" but carries that height to the setting position. She can put up a good block on the right side and while running a 5/1 she is always a threat for the kill when in the front row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181299"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65032e45f06b1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Musselman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not committed - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='360562' first='Keleigh' last='Chrisman']</strong> plays right side and finished third on the team in kills last year. [player_tooltip player_id='181299' first='Ada' last='McCoy'] now provides the offense for Musselman with the departure of Hannah Howard. Hannah won a Gatorade Player of the Year award a couple years ago. With a state championship Ada could as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Future - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320814' first='Alycia' last='Miller'] </strong>is a good libero that can keep the team in system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Division I</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["180281"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65032e45f06f7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bishop O'Connell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Committed - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180281' first='Erin' last='Debiec']</strong> (Colorado State), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180296' first='Madison' last='Bowser']</strong> (Vanderbilt), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180298' first='Alice' last='Holoubek'] </strong>(Mary Washington)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not committed - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='475116' first='Jocelyn' last='Pye']</strong> ranks second on the team in kills and first in digs. She has been a rock on the outside, playing all six rotations. She stands 5'11", brings athleticism to the court and has the innate ability to place the ball in empty spots on the court. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226029' first='Emily' last='Reyburn']</strong> sets and plays back row when Erin runs a 5/1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235295' first='Hannah' last='Kotb']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212888' first='Maia' last='Cerezo']</strong> both cover the back row well and are improving in their reads. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Future - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238341' first='Teodora' last='Stamenkovic']</strong> started for the Knights as a frosh. Her game continues to evolve as the 6'2" middle learns the intricacies of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chelsea Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not committed - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233008' first='Greta' last='Barvick']</strong> ranks as the highest uncommitted class of 2024 at the tournament. At 5'10" she can set, plays a strong right side with the ability to be a primary offensive candidate as a hitter and has even played middle. She can do it all, including passing and playing defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marshall </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not committed - At 6'0" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181234' first='Samia' last='Sayd']</strong> plays six rotations. She also dabbles in the sand when playing beach volleyball. This could by why her passing is so strong. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Future - Frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438068' first='Ayla' last='Sayd']</strong> is the younger sister of Samia. She also seems to carry a slight height advantage over her older sister. Ayla played a lot of right side early in club ball, but now has settled at the left side position. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369730' first='Gracie' last='Froemling']</strong> plays a strong back row. With a little more experience, the sophomore could find herself at the libero position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235283"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65032e45f073f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Johns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not committed - Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235283' first='Racquel' last='Frazier']</strong> hits the ball hard. At 6'1" she carries the height. More consistency with her passing would enhance her value. For the Cadets she has played back row and leads the team in digs and receptions. Last year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235322' first='Avery' last='Prendergast'] </strong>rotated between setting a 5/1 and sharing a 6/2. This year she leads the team in assists. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='399508' first='Leana' last='Gould']</strong> ranks third on her team in kills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Future - As a frosh last year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238356' first='Morgan' last='Reeves']</strong> led the team in kills. She is doing the same this year. She also ranks as their top server with 9 aces. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221032' first='Wynn' last='Eaton']</strong> shares the setting role with Avery. The 5'10 frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437988' first='Sasha' last='Plummer']</strong> is having an impact, ranking second on the team in blocks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->