Top 250 Alums Making Waves At The Next Level

Prep Dig is heading into year six of hosting the Top 250 Expo series.  What is the Top 250 Expo?  This is a showcase where athletes can compete against the best in their state (athletes are able to go to other states to their showcases).  There are plenty of touches, high level competition, positionals, and six on six play where our scouts and college coaches will be in attendance.  

But it's a D1 quiet period.  Yes, it is a D1 quiet period.  We have the top players come to  compete against each other, this is a great way to prep for the club season with playing against some of the best.  As Prep Dig scouts, we are able to get headshots to use in our articles, video highlights to post on our social media, and get an opportunity to evaluate as many players in local markets as possible.  There have been numerous times where we find athletes that we haven't seen before hand that really make a statement heading into the club season. 

Here are some “Top 250 Alums” that are currently in college and crushing it.  This will be based on the Top 250s I've attended since 2018. 

*There will be no players mentioned who are still in high school due to NIL rules in certain states. 

Wisconsin 2018

Karissa Kaminski - Howards Grove - FC Elite

Class of 2022 - Dayton 

Kaminski came to the first Wisconsin Top 250 when she was a freshman.  She is a do it all type of player where she was an All State outside hitter, could set if needed, and was one of the top serve receivers and passers in her class.  She has commanded the libero jersey for Dayton where she has earned Atlantic 10 All Defensive Player of the Week Honors. 

Article from 2018: 

“Karissa Kaminski - FC Elite - Howards Grove - Pin/Setter - Class of 2022

Kaminski played up a level last year on the FC Elite 15 Navy team that finished 5th in the USAV National Division, a setter on that team as well as a setter for the Badger Region High Performance Team had a bit of a switch come high school.  In her Freshman year at Howards Grove, she earned All-State honors as a Freshman tallying over 300 kills and 300 digs. Whether setting or hitting, she can do it all.”

Nebraska 2018 

Payton Neff - North Platte - Mid Nebraska

Class of 2020 - Nebraska-Kearney

I definitely remember Neff from our first ever Top 250 that was in December fo 2018 at The Volleyball Academy outside of Omaha (and there was a major blizzard). Neff was so smooth as a setter and was definitely a standout.  She is currently at Nebraska-Kearney where she was an All Conference setter in 2022.  UNK is consistently a MIAA powerhouse in NCAA D2 where Neff runs the show. 

Article from 2018: 

“Peyton Neff - North Platte - Mid Nebraska

2020 - Setter

Some of the best hands I saw in the gym.  Her release was incredibly smooth, always playing under control, and great footwork to go with it which always put her in position to make the best set for her hitters.  What I always find in great setters is that they make things look easy, and thats what Neff does, she make something very difficult look relatively easy.”

Iowa 2019

Layanna Green - Waukee - PowerPlex

Class of 2021 - Northern Iowa

What an exciting athlete. Green won state titles in the high jump for Waukee and even competes on the track team for Northern Iowa.  She has been off to a blistering start for the Panthers this season.  She is averaging over two kills per set and hitting .350.  

Layanna Green - Waukee - PowerPlex

Green makes really difficult plays look really easy with her ability to jump and adjust.  Her athleticism is so fun to watch playing well above the net and creating shots for herself.  Green will be on the radar of plenty of programs heading into this club season where she will play for PowerPlex.  She will also be looking to defend her Class 5A state high jump title as well for Waukee. 

Faith DeRonde - Oskaloosa - Club Ignit Select

Class of 2021 - Iowa State

DeRonde was a very unique talent in her class.  She was one of the top outside hitters in the state, won a state discus title, and led her team to the state softball tournament as a pitcher.  She took her game to Iowa State where she has found a consistent spot in the rotation where she is a utility player.  She was part of a really deep class of pins at the Iowa Top 250 in 2019 which featured a lot of elite college players. 

“Faith DeRonde - Oskaloosa - Club Ignit Select

DeRonde just brings such an athletic and physical style to the court.  She can fly, she can swing for a shot or power. Not only is DeRonde a top five player in the Class of 2022, but she is also a state track qualifier in the discus.  Her upside is incredibly high and will be playing up on the Central Ignit 17s squad this 2020 club season.”

Claire Ammeraal - Madison LaFollette - Capital/VC United

Class of 2022 - Central Michigan 

Ammeraal might hold the record for most Prep Dig events participated in, she is definitely a Prep Dig Hall of Fame contender (still working on that process).  She attended her first showcase in 2018 as a freshman and our scouts saw an athlete who was long, left handed, and could hit on the right side or dish to attackers.  Then covid hit and the Madison area was heavily regulated.  We hosted small tournaments and showcases for these athletes and Ammeraal was usually there to compete.  We saw first hand how talented she was and how she continued to improve.  She is currently at Central Michigan where she averages 8.5 assists per set and over 1.5 kills per set.  

"Claire Ammeraal - Madison LaFollete - Capital Volleyball Academy

Class of 2022 - Setter/Pin Hitter

Ammeraal definitely looks the part of a college athlete despite only being a Sophomore.  At 6'0 tall she has a really solid all around game. Watching her play in some of the queens and split court games she can set, pass, and hit.  With her length she would be a solid 5-1 setter where she could set or hit in the front row. Very dynamic and athletic, she will be one to keep tabs on for Capital who consistently produces solid all around players."