Class of ’25 Stock Risers from Club Season
In this article:
One of the more enjoyable parts of this job is watching student-athletes improve. Sometimes it’s easily noticeable from the beginning of the high school year through the club campaign. With nationals on the horizon and a new prep season not…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOne of the more enjoyable parts of this job is watching student-athletes improve. Sometimes it’s easily noticeable from the beginning of the high school year through the club campaign.
With nationals on the horizon and a new prep season not long after them, here are seven seniors-to-be that have made strides that should impress college coaches:
Donovan boasts two of the steadiest hands among setters in the state. She makes everyone around her better whether she’s lining up with Wahlert or running the show for Platform Elite. At 5-foot-10 with long arms, Donovan brings a well-rounded set of skills and ability to the position. She shows a solid swing and knack for defending at the net. Donovan’s quick reflexes help her contribute in the back row. Finally, her sets are sound and consistent. She can be a college setter.
Highlights
Smith stood out last fall at West, generating 353 kills, 232 digs and 49.0 blocks. She’s followed that up with an outstanding club campaign for a CIA outfit that finished sixth at regionals. Smith makes up for a lack of cookie-cutter height at the pin with high-end athleticism and explosiveness. They allow her to put a decent swing on the ball from most locations on the court. She’s a sound two-way, back-row performer and defends at the net.
Buysse is as steady as they come among back row players in this class. The Iowa Rocket and West Liberty libero possesses the qualities looked for at the position. Buysse moves really well laterally and covers a lot of ground. Her reflexes are sharp and she’s technically sound. That helps her gather pace coming her way and turn it around into useable passes to keep her team in system.
Overton fits nicely onto this list as a student-athlete that’s worked on becoming a more well-rounded player. Her progress is obvious. She’s been able to swing from the pin, especially outside, for awhile now. This club season she expanded her repertoire to include more production on the right side and complete defense across the net. Overton even showed she can hold up in the back row when the ball finds her.
Addison Wright
Addison Wright
Wright was delivering through six rotations during her junior season at Hempstead. Select needed her skills more in the back row but still benefited from her versatility. Like other really good volleyball players that are overlooked, Wright makes a scout think outside of the box. Too many times these student-athletes don’t fit a preconceived physical mold. Wright could help quite a few college programs in multiple areas.
Toft appears to have what college coaches desire in the middle of the net. The Durant and Iowa Select standout stands 6-foot-2 with long arms, athleticism and agility. Toft also shows a strong feel and understanding of the game. She plays well off of her teammates and does a solid job carrying out fakes. There’s room for her to grow her skills and consistency, which should be attractive to folks on the next level.