Prez Day StL Athletes Under The Radar: 16 Club
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Just a few more previews before we start our huge President’s Day tournament in Saint Louis, and there is no shortage of size or skill in this division. In this article, we’ll talk about nine athletes from six different rosters…
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Continue ReadingJust a few more previews before we start our huge President’s Day tournament in Saint Louis, and there is no shortage of size or skill in this division. In this article, we’ll talk about nine athletes from six different rosters that should be main parts in their respective teams’ success.
Circle City 16 White
I’ve been high on this team since I saw them play at the Early Bird Shootout in early January. Krea Martin Krea Martin 5'3" | DS/L Columbus East | 2027 State IN (’27, 5-2 DS/L, Columbus East) should be wearing the special jersey, but I found out a fun fact about Miss Martin. She was moved into the setter’s role halfway through last fall (as a freshman!) to run the varsity offense. Of course, Krea stepped right into the position with a ton of hard work and made what could have been a disastrous season into an optimistic one for her future. Faith Schoettle Faith Schoettle 5'0" | DS/L Roncalli | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-0 DS/L, Roncalli) could also legitimately be the libero on this squad, as her quick feet and sound technique make her an excellent add to any roster.
KeAloha 161 Cape Fear
The 1s team from the Valparaiso area doesn’t have as much size as other typical 1s teams around the state, but they still have a ton of skill. Two-sport star Grace Craig Grace Craig 5'7" | RS North Judson-San Pierre | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-7 RS/MB, North Judson-San Pierre) is probably a right side at the next level, but her basketball skills and jumping ability make her a great add as a makeshift middle. Alexis Rippe Alexis Rippe 5'6" | DS/L Morgan Township | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-6 DS/OH, Morgan Township) looks like a prototypical beach player, as her serve receive is controlled and accurate, while her attacking is intentional and scores points regularly with smart shots.
Monon Select 16E Medusa
As of the writing of this article, it was difficult to find any information on most of the members of this squad. Evie Mayer Evie Mayer 5'6" | DS/L Westfield | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-6 DS/L, Westfield), however, has logged more than enough footage to tell even the average observer that she’s a confident and reliable defender who excels in serve receive.
NCISVBC 16-1
Another team I’ve highly regarded since early January, a pair of undersized and under appreciated players dot this roster. Izzy Adams Izzy Adams 5'8" | S Benton Central | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-7 S, Benton Central) comes from a long line of high volleyball IQ athletes from BC. Her setting places the ball perfectly for her hitters, and she can be aggressive on two when she needs to be. She also defends her position well for this class. Rilee Clifton Rilee Clifton 5'3" | DS/L Lafayette Jefferson | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-6 DS/L, Lafayette Jefferson) saves the day regularly for this roster, and is the obvious choice for libero here. She can pass half the court if you let her, and has no problem whatsoever doing the dirty work and hitting the floor to keep the ball alive.
Rev 16-3 Eagles
In most cases, once you get to the 3s level of any age group, you stop looking for size and focus mostly on skill. How about both? Kara Rush Kara Rush 6'0" | MB Triton Central | 2026 State IN (’26, 6-0 MB, Triton Central) has a strong upper body to combat opponents on both the attack and defense, while her volleyball acuity has her putting balls away at all angles.
Union 16 Purple
Speaking of bigs being emphasized on a shorter roster, Maycee Hoefler Maycee Hoefler 6'0" | MB Christian Academy of Indiana | 2026 State IN (’26, 6-0 MB, Christian Academy of Indiana) is a big reason why this team will see some success this weekend. A six-footer from a 1A school is gift enough, but how about one as agile and athletic as Maycee? She can out jump a lot of her competitors, is faster than the bigger middles she might face, and has that Union training to keep her volleyball IQ high.