Top Ten Pins for the Class of 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>June 15 is the time frame when Division I college coaches can begin contact with sophomore volleyball players. Below are my top ten pins they should have on their list at least to take a look at. Some of these pin hitters focus more on the right side, others play on the left side. Hope exists for those still under six feet to grow an inch or two before their senior year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='512509' first='Emma' last='Gardner']</strong> grew three inches from her frosh season to her sophomore season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["227251"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Imagine the damage an athletic 6'4u0022 outside can do.  Morgan ranks as our top ranked prospect in the class of 2026.  She may not be the best player now, but the potential exists for her to be the best player in a year or two.  Early in her career she had timing issues hitting the higher outside sets.  Those issues have disappeared.  Now she works on becoming a six rotation player trying to work on her serve receive.  Still some work to be done there but she will get it done.  Her high school Lake Braddock is not a traditional volleyball powerhouse, but she works hard to make them better.  She earned a spot on the Patriot District first team.  Before she arrived there the team lost every match they played.  Now they are competitive with her in the lineup.  Good attitude.  Good player.  Good teammate.  What more can you ask.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dc22251c79d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181302"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"If you could grab a player who in her first year of high school won player of the year and led her team to a state championship, and then repeated that feat her sophomore season would you take it?  At 5'11u0022 she may not have the height of some outsides and her vertical may not impress but her volleyball IQ is off the charts.  She plays beach and that sport gives her a sense of where the open areas are on the court.  Since beach is her passion, convincing her to play indoor will be a challenge.  However, the rewards would be enormous.  You would get a six rotation player who shines on the court with her play and impresses with her leadership abilities.  In most years she has played up a year.  This year she is playing her age.  At Charm City Classic she led her 16U team to a second place finish in the 18U Division, perhaps providing incentive that they could play at the older age bracket.  They entered the tournament as the bottom seed.  Finally, she had a beach tournament in Florida and could not play the first two  days of the Virginia tournament.  I was told she planned on flying out on Sunday from Florida to play with the team on Monday when the playoffs would start.  At least that was the plan.  I have yet to confirm if she actually made it on Monday.  [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] took first in the tournament.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dc22251c88e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["303701"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"When four of the pin hitters you are competing with are all 6'2u0022 and above you might think it difficult to earn a starting spot.  Not so for Caydence.  She is probably the best all around player on the team ranked 17th in the country, based on her stellar back row play and powerful hitting from the front row or back row.  She also led her high school North Hagerstown to a Maryland state championship.  Recently, she earned MVP honors for the 2023 Capital Hill Classic 16 Open.  Her sister Baylee, who plays for the 17 team has already committed to Navy.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dc22251c900"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["301696"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Nadiya not only reaches 10 feet, she soars high above that number at 10'8u0022.  She normally plays right side because Morgan and Caydence take charge of the left side.  One of the more graceful and athletic players you will watch play.  Because she plays right side she normally rotates out for the setter, so I have yet to see her play back row.  It would not surprise me if she picked it up easily.  Nadiya earned best attacker honors at the 2023 Capitol Hill Classic.  She ranks number five in our class of 2026 rankings.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dc22251c968"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["322107"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Eden got the opportunity to play at the Triple Crown this year, the first time a Virginia team has competed in this event.  While she lists 5'10u0022 her approach jump reaches 9'7u0022.  Last year she played for MVSA, which is much closer to home.  This year she switched to [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''], tolerating the long commute because of her commitment to play volleyball at the highest level.  The Triple Crown and playing in multiple qualifiers clinched it for her.   The strength in her game could be her back row play, which allows her to be used in an offensive capacity for six rotations.  Eden ranks at number 8 in our class of 2026.  An athletic player who will only improve with greater competition.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dc22251c9cd"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["210539"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='512509' first='Emma' last='Gardner']'s play keeps on growing as does her height.  She made her high school team as a frosh when she stood 6'0u0022.  Now, after her sophomore season she lists at 6'3u0022.  Her arm swing has improved since her frosh season resulting in greater velocity on her spikes.  One of the issues I had with her during her frosh season was a slow arm swing that prevented creating velocity on her spikes.  With time and repetition that has changed.  She swings fast and hard.  At Woodson High she plays left side and is used as a six rotation player.  For Metro she plays right side but has been used at left side with the opportunity to play six rotations.  While she ranks 9th in our class of 2026 rankings her play has really improved since that ranking so there could be some movement there.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dc22251ca31"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='249330' first='Charlotte' last='Arrington'] ([program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']) - Charlotte skipped her high school season to work on improving her volleyball skills. It appears to have paid off for her as she went from the 15U team to the 17U team at Paramount. Like Eden, she also participated in the Triple Crown. She stands 5'10" with the physical strength to hit a heavy ball with lots of velocity. Her approach jump reaches 9'8". She plays six rotations with a strong back row attack. This year her play seems to have risen up a notch with more consistent play. Her hits tend to find the court more and the locations are varied. Charlotte ranks number 17 in our class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["221415"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Lindsey moved from [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] to 540 Academy because of the shorter commute.  The rewards have come to 540 as her outside play has helped them reach number two in the Old Dominion region rankings for 16 and under.  Last year she earned second team honors for the Commonwealth District.  The way she works to improve her game I expect an improvement in that area.  She is even starting to get noticed from some of the national publications.  Lindsey ranks number 18 in our class of 2026.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dc22251ca91"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='412056' first='Elizabeth' last='Mitchell'] (MVSA) - As a sophomore the play of [player_tooltip player_id='412056' first='Elizabeth' last='Mitchell'] on the left side allowed Richard Montgomery to win their first ever Maryland state class 4 championship. She sits number 23 in our class of 2026. At 5'9" she would be small for an outside. Physically, she brings a lot of strength to her game allowing her to put velocity on her kills. Her back row passing and ability to play a solid defense is also exemplary. Elizabeth ranks number 23 in our class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["224819"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Morgan played for East Coast Power last year and was key to getting them to Junior Nationals.  She now plays for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] and won a starting left side spot.  At 5'10u0022 her approach jump reaches 9'8u0022.  Early in her career she played just three rotations.  She has worked hard to improve her serve receive and back row play and now plays a strong six rotations, providing a potent back row attack in the process.  She got an opportunity to play with her older sister Maya at St.Johns her frosh season.  Her sister played libero and committed to Jackson State.  When you watch Morgan play you can sense the leadership she brings to the court.   Morgan currently ranks number 24 in our class of 2026 but her play, especially in the back row has improved so that ranking could rise.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dc22251cb00"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <strong> Other Players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["220923"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Soleil ranks number 12 in our class of 2026, higher than many players in our top ten.  Her playing time is restricted because of the talent at the pins for Metro.  She brings just as much to the table as the other pin hitters.  She plays for Patriot High School and earned first team honors for the Cedar Run District as well as the Region.  She also plays right side for her high school and has shown she can hit the ball pretty hard from the left side as well.  As a frosh she also got the opportunity to play with her older sister Dryden.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dc22251cb8c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["325599"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"While she is listed as a middle for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] and spends most of her time at that position, two other strong middles in [player_tooltip player_id='325603' first='Parker' last='Sutherland'] and [player_tooltip player_id='498420' first='Meisha' last='Sykes'] also call middle their home.  Raegan hits left side for her Whitman high school team.  To add additional height and offense to the rotation Raegan has been used on the right side.  She is the smaller of the three middle blockers but from a blocking and hitting stand point she stands toe to toe with them.  She hits the quick sets as well as any middle I have watched.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65dc22251cbf2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> [player_tooltip player_id='490643' first='Bryah' last='Breaux'] (Metro) - Bryah lists at 6'4" and has the potential to become a dominant outside. Her game is still raw at this point. Prior to this year the competition she played against was not the caliber that Metro faces now. She goes up against bigger and better blocks. The game also moves much faster at the level Metro plays. This will take repetitions to get used to the speed of play. She has the talent to rise high. Bryah currently ranks at number 16 in our class of 2026 but much of that ranking is based on potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->