2024: The Newcomers
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The 2024 Rankings have been updated, and we have added some phenomenal new athletes packed with talent to this list. Here are some of the top newcomers from the class of 2024! Gracee Robertson OR #15 MB #4 HEIGHT 6'0"…
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Continue ReadingThe 2024 Rankings have been updated, and we have added some phenomenal new athletes packed with talent to this list. Here are some of the top newcomers from the class of 2024!
The Sheldon middle blocker Robertson has been a vital piece of the Fighting Irish’s lineup the past two seasons, helping them secure their first-ever State title last season. Having watched the State finals last season, I am not sure how I could have missed adding Robertson in our last update. However, after watching Sheldon in action again this season, seeding her as the #4 middle blocker in the state was a no-brainer. She is an explosive attacker with a fast arm, making herself an offensive threat across the net. Competing for Webfoot 18-1 this club season, I am eager to see where Robertson commits, she will be a lucky get for a program.
There is always a player or two with each update that I scratch my head wondering how in the world I missed them. Vohs is one of those athletes. A two-time 3A player of the year, state champion, and a St. Mary’s College commit, it is hard to believe she missed being on our radar. However, now that she is very much on our radar, we have her sitting at a very admirable #16 in the State. A high-flying outside hitter, she does an exceptional job finding the open court and picking on holes in the defense. Her sharp cross-court swing proved unstoppable this high school season. She’ll be competing with COVC 18-1 for her final season of club volleyball before heading to the Bay.
Mathis had a breakout senior campaign for South Salem this fall, a contributing factor in the team’s 6th place State finish. She is another athlete on this ranking list that I am not quite sure how she did not get on our radar sooner! Her stats alone speak volumes about her impressive play. With 78 total blocks, she is one of the state’s top blockers. She puts up a formidable seal with the net, taking up a lot of space, forcing attackers to work around the block. Her attacking was lethal, with 268 kills, she hit an exceptional .332. She is a physical middle blocker, fast and aggressive in transition, making herself consistently available to her setters. Committed to play at Western Oregon, she will surely be a major weapon for the Wolves.
Swafford traded her nationally-ranked rock climbing shoes for some volleyball shoes two years ago and hasn’t looked back. Her improvement in two seasons is nothing short of impressive and a testament to her work ethic and athleticism. She was named to the Three Rivers First Team All-League for her play in the middle this season at St. Mary’s Academy. Having only played two seasons, Swafford has a lot of untapped potential and improvements still to come. I will be eager to watch her continued developments in her game this club season playing for Volleyball Alliance 18-1.
Merhoff, who hails from Klamath Falls, OR, had herself an exceptional high school season playing for Mazama after transferring from Klamath Union. As a six-rotation pin for the Vikings, her play garnered her Skyline Second Team All-League and 4A First Team All-State. On the season, she had some impressive stats, racking up 233 kills, 230 digs, 77 service aces, and 20 blocks. The senior attacker is commuting for over two hours this club season to compete for NPJ Bend 18-1 National. I will be looking forward to watching her compete and improve this season!
Bozzone had herself a breakout senior high school season playing for Westview. She took on a big role as a six-rotation outside hitter, receiving Metro Second Team All-League for her standout play. Although only 5’7”, making her undersized for an attacker, what she lacks in height, she makes up for with an explosive approach and a high vertical jump. Defensively, she makes good reads on the attacker to position herself up for success. And technically, does a good job choosing which dive/sprawl tactic to employ to get the ball up. From the service line, she brings a tough jump float that garners lots of aces and disruptions. She’ll be playing for Athena 18-2 this club season.
Farrell, a University of Redlands commit, was a significant part of the Mountain View High School volleyball team’s success this season, being named co-captain and executing a 5-1. Farrell is athletic and fast to get her hands on the ball. With a soft touch and good posture maintained, she hides her set location well. Returning to play club for Central Oregon Volleyball 18-1, she should take on a larger role this season as a primary setter with Dylan Retzloff graduating.
Highlights
Wolff is a versatile attacker from St. Mary’s Academy, who received Three Rivers Second Team All-League accolades this season. She brings the confidence and skill to play any position across the front row. She racks up kills with smart placement and swinging to the deep corners. Wolff brings a tough jump float to the service line that garners a lot of aces and disruptions. She is growing in her ability to play six rotations, working on her ball control across the backcourt. Playing club for Volleyball Alliance 18-1 this season, I will be curious to see where she is utilized.
A Pacific Second Team All-League recipient, Fix was an integral piece of Forest Grove High School’s success this past season. Although at 5’9” she is undersized for a middle blocker, what she lacks in height, she makes up for in athleticism and leaping abilities. She is aggressive in transition and has a heavy arm that racks up lots of kills. Fix opted not to play club this season, playing basketball at Forest Grove instead. However, she has already committed to play at Umpqua Community College. She still showcases a lot of potential; I am eager to see her compete at the next level and am curious to see where they will utilize her.
Other names to know:
Madison Aguilar Madison Aguilar 5'5" | DS/L West Salem | 2024 State OR
Isabella Espinoza-Bravo Isabella Espinoza-Bravo 5'1" | DS/L North Salem | 2024 State OR
Jordan Welsh Jordan Welsh 5'5" | S Liberty | 2024 State OR
Maren Tindall Maren Tindall 5'5" | S Scappoose | 2024 State OR
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