The Biggest Climbers for 2026

This is all about who made an impact in 2023 to rise above their competitors. The one thing many of these players have in common is they led their team to a winning season.   [player_tooltip player_id='238850' first='Sydney' last='Bennett'] middle (Patriot) 22 to 16 - Every time I watch her play she seems to dominate the middle. For the Patriot she led the team in blocking and finished third in kills. At 6'2" her blocks cover huge areas of the court making it easier to play defense. She flies under the radar because she normally does not play for high level clubs. The Cedar Run District voted her to their first team and the Region 6b selected her for the second team. Still looking for her club home for the 2024 club season.    [player_tooltip player_id='397536' first='Aubrey' last='Parker'] setter (Riverbend/540 academy) 70 to 21 - Riverbend had a successful season. They were led by a sophomore setter who orchestrated the offense like a maestro. Their big nemesis was Riverside, who beat them twice this season, the final time in the semi-finals of the Class 5 state playoffs. Aubrey earned a spot on the first team in the Commonwealth District and second team Class 5 all state. For a sophomore she seems to have a good sense of the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='412056' first='Elizabeth' last='Mitchell'] outside (Richard Montgomery) 40 to 23 - Elizabeth was one of the primary outside hitters for the Rockets. She finished second on the team in kills while also playing all six rotations, taking over as one of the primary passers as well as finishing third on the team in digs. All these accomplishments earned her a spot on the All Montgomery County second team. The strength in her right arm puts some good velocity on the ball.    [player_tooltip player_id='333651' first='Sydney' last='Ray'] setter (Riverside/Virginia Jrs) 74 to 26 - Riverside lost their two starting setters last year, one of them Sydney's older sister. Just as her older sister did the previous season Sydney took over this year and the team did not lose a match until the Class 5d state championship finals to First Colonial. Her setting earned her a spot on the Class 5 all state second team. There were no setters who made the first team. While she stands only 5'7" she has an approach jump that reaches 9'7".   [player_tooltip player_id='320815' first='Tenley' last='Mattison'] middle (James Wood/[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']) 61 to 31 - Tenley is rock solid in the middle. She led her high school team in blocks and trailed only Northwestern District player of the year [player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid'] in hitting percentage. A steady player who does not do anything flashy. Last year their team lost their leading blocker to graduation. Tenly took over and got the Colonels their second straight championship, putting together a team high four blocks and contributing five kills in the championship match. Tenley earned a spot on the Northwestern District second team.   [player_tooltip player_id='238851' first='Piper' last='Xeller'] right side (Herndon/[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']) 38 to 33 - Not a big move up but her high school struggled for just one win this year. Piper's loudest asset is her strength. She carries a strong right arm that puts some mustard on the ball. If she could get a little more hop in her jump she could fly even higher in these rankings. In my opinion, this [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 16 team will be tough to beat this year. Piper can also be used in the middle but at 5'11" she loses some in height.   [player_tooltip player_id='333652' first='Gabriella' last='Vizek'] Right side (Riverside) 98 to 35 - Gabbie fought hard in the finals of the Class 5 state championship, finishing the game with 9 kills. She still needs to find a little more consistency in her game. There will be times where she will dominate but then fall into a brief rut. As she gains experience those ruts should come less frequently.   [player_tooltip player_id='333653' first='Elizabeth' last='York'] middle (Colgan) 42 to 37) - Last year Colgan graduated both their starting middles. Elizabeth filled one of those positions and led the team in blocks. The Sharks relied more on their pins for their offense, but York finished fourth in kills with a hitting percentage close to 30 percent. She earned a spot on the Cardinal District second team.   [player_tooltip player_id='238595' first='Sofia' last='Delarosa'] outside (Bishop McNamara/[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']) 57 to 43 - Sofia has improved her game from a consistency and velocity stand point. She seems to show a lot more awareness of the court. Paramount still has her playing a year down at the 15 level but when you look at the 16 roster her playing time could get restricted. At 5'10" she can play either pin or fill in at one of the middles, but right side appears to be her best position.    [player_tooltip player_id='321679' first='Simone' last='Assasie'] middle (Urbana) 92 to 46 - At 5'9" the middle may not be her best position, but she can bring the ball down quickly to the floor after she hits it. For Urbana she topped the team in kills with a hitting percentage of .356. Despite her height teams have difficulty stopping her. She also topped the team in blocks. Her vertical impresses. If there is no growth spurt in her future it would be interesting to see how her athleticism takes to hitting at a pin.   [player_tooltip player_id='238858' first='Allyson' last='Burke'] (libero/ds (Grafton) 97 to 52 - Allyson has everything you are looking for in a libero. She moves well in the back row and creates a quiet platform for passing. As a sophomore she is one of the captains on the team, a testament to her leadership qualities. Her excellent play was also rewarded with her selection on the Class 3 All State first team.   [player_tooltip player_id='238854' first='Alex' last='Campbell'] setter (St. Mary's Ryken) 90 to 66 - At 5'11" she brings good height to the setting position. She set a 5/1 for St. Mary's Ryken. Setting was not her only strength. Alex also brought a tough serve to the court and played a strong defense. She has played for South River volleyball club but rosters are not available yet.    [player_tooltip player_id='395523' first='Kylee' last='Cookson'] outside (CD Hylton) WL to 68 - She impressed with her left side hitting ability at Clash of the Titans tournament. The Cardinal District agreed voting her to their first team. At 5'8" she is a smaller outside, but she plays six rotations. Kylee will be suiting up for a talented 540 Club Academy 16 team which may get her some exposure.   [player_tooltip player_id='377327' first='Isabella' last='DeWan'] libero/ds (Loudoun County/[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']) 125 to 72 - Isabella earned a spot on the first team in the Catoctin District and second team in the Class 4c regional team. She will play for [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] this year. This team always suits up quality liberos.    [player_tooltip player_id='367784' first='Alexis' last='Steinmetz'] setter (Osbourn/American) 85 to 75 - A second team Cedar Run District selection. The big quality I take from watching her play is the enthusiasm she shows for a hitter after they finish off one of her sets.   [player_tooltip player_id='434861' first='Bailey' last='Swinton'] libero/ds (Arundel) 96 to 81 - Arundel got to the finals again in the Maryland State championships but failed to win their last game to remain undefeated. Bailey controlled the back row with her passing and defense. Her older sister Payton is a smaller right side (5'10") who has a powerful left handed swing and has committed to Coppin State.    [player_tooltip player_id='397414' first='Isabella' last='Park'] libero/DS (Mountain View/540 Academy) wl to 87 - My first exposure to her was at the DMV Prep Dig showcase. She impressed me with her back row play and the use of her hands for setting. She had what I call setter's hands. When I asked her about that she later told me she used to be a setter. That certainly adds some diversity to her game.   [player_tooltip player_id='399708' first='Aven' last='Thorn'] setter (Jefferson) 108 to 92 - Her club season last year was restricted because of an injury. She did play the last half of the season. Her court awareness is strong and she brings nice hands for setting. The ball clearly seems to finish in a consistent location when setting outside. Early in her career she set a 5/1 but at 5'7", unless she can enhance her vertical she will be restricted to setting back row.   [player_tooltip player_id='346818' first='Charlotte' last='Deraleau'] setter (Churchill) 116 to 94 - She showed a good serve in addition to her setting for Churchill in the Battle of Bethesda tournament. Definitely a player to keep an eye on.    [player_tooltip player_id='377337' first='Gabrielle' last='Tindall'] middle (Yorktown) 121 to 95 - Gabrielle stands 6'2" and falls a couple inches shy of 10 feet with her approach jump (9'9"). Another player who needs to be watched more closely.

This is all about who made an impact in 2023 to rise above their competitors. The one thing many of these players have in common is they led their team to a winning season.