7 Prospects Ready to Break Out!
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These 7 prospects are poised to make big moves this club season, and they cover every class from 2024 seniors looking to lock up a college roster spot to 2025-2027 athletes ready to prove they belong on the biggest stages…
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Continue ReadingThese 7 prospects are poised to make big moves this club season, and they cover every class from 2024 seniors looking to lock up a college roster spot to 2025-2027 athletes ready to prove they belong on the biggest stages across the country. Clubs across the state allow athletes to compete against the best in the region and across the country, the 7 prospects we feature here are ready to break out this club season.
Chilton can really load up as a blocker and attacker, she is powerful and moves with urgency on the court. Her terrific size and powerful arm swing generated kills all season long for Kelso, and she will be working the middle for Apex NW this club season. Chilton runs the 31 and the quick effectively, and has shown an increased shot selection as she has developed as an attacker. After absorbing big swings defenders are on their heels when she drops in a crafty tip, Chilton mixes it up effectively to keep the block guessing.
The 5’10 Gushchina is a powerful OH, and will play with an outstanding group of players for WVBA Adidas 17 this season. She will be called upon to take big out of system and transition swings, and handle a big load defensively for her team. Gushchina has the skills and tenacity to be a breakout player, expect her to play with confidence and let it rip for WVBA this season.
Highlights
Davenport is a 2025 setter and right side out of Walla Walla who has committed to play collegiately at Eastern Washington. A lefty with size and great feet, Davenport knows how to get the ball to her attackers in a good location and will work extremely hard to get hands on the second ball. EWU has locked in a lefty athlete with good length who moves well and should be a force with her solid Club Gold 18 squad this club season.
Smeltzer is a stand out beach athlete, and worked her way into the lineup as a rotational attacker for 3A champs Mead this season. For CPA Benson 15 she will shoulder a six-rotation OH role, and the 5’9 2027 prospect has the desire, length and quickness to be a dynamic two-way player. Working out of the middle back at the Matt Hartner Classic she covered ground defensively keeping rallies alive, and showed a heavy arm swing when she lined it up from both pins. Smeltzer has a high ceiling with time to grow her game in front of her. Keep an eye on her career in the sand, she is tremendous on the beach.
Highlights
Rettkowski has the feel of a player who could move the needle significantly during the club season. At 6’0, the 2026 OH from Eastside Catholic will be a go to attacker for ITVC 16 Baden, and her confidence and overall game has the chance to increase during the campaign. She spent time in serve receive at the end of the high school season, and worked hard to compete as a six-rotation attacker. In those same games her dig and kill numbers went up, Rettkowski has the skill and athleticism to flourish on the pin.
Highlights
Stephen is a 2026 MB who is now pushing 6 foot 3, with a strong frame and an intense focus on the court. Playing for NPJ Salem 16, the Camas standout is rolling in the early part of the club season, taking solid swings from the middle and the pin for NPJ at the Houston MLK Invitational, displaying power and versatility in her game. The NPJ squad is playing a demanding travel schedule, with Triple Crown, Bluegrass, PNQ and Nationals among the tournaments lined up for the season. Stephen should open eyes with her physicality and competitiveness along the front line.
Highlights
The 2024 setter/right side has a terrific skill set and a smooth lefty swing- she will play for Olympic Premier 18 this club season. Sarono played her best at the State Tournament for Central Kitsap, showing nice athleticism and a truck load of confidence against top competition. She is able to keep tight passes out of the net and deliver quality sets to her attackers, college coaches should have the 5’9 lefty on their radar as a 5-1 setter with the versatility to swing from the right side.