Shockwave 15- Nationals Preview: Player Takeover!

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027 Libero [player_tooltip player_id='499824' first='Mallory' last='Raines'] goes all out in this Nationals Preview!</h2>   Thank you to Michelle Bamford from PrepDig California and Emma Adams from PrepDig Oregon for inspiring this player takeover!   We kick off a two-week run of Nationals team previews with a new format: a player from each squad takes the reigns and provides insight into their teammates and the season. Our final team is Shockwave 15, out of the Evergreen Region. Shockwave will play in the National Division in Las Vegas, starting pool play Monday morning. The six-team pool will run for two days and features teams from Wisconsin, Southern California, Ohio, Missouri, and Kansas. After a re-seed, the squad will battle for the last two days of the tournament.   Shockwave had several highlight finishes during the season, including a victory at The Las Vegas Classic. The team based out of the Tri-Cities posted an 11-0 overall record at the tournament and finished 22-2 in sets. The team also finished 9th at PNQ in 15 USA, fifth in the Emerald City Classic 15 Open (losing to only 1st and 2nd-place teams), and placed in the upper division at several U16 tournaments.   2027 Libero [player_tooltip player_id='499824' first='Mallory' last='Raines'] will introduce the team, and we asked Mallory to answer our questions for an in-depth look at the rising sophomore from Kennewick High School.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/SWAVE-15-5.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-563056" /></figure>      From Mallory: "Mia is a six-rotation player and gives her all. Whether that be in the back row diving for a ball or at RS finding a way to get the point, slamming it down, or tipping to the opponent's weak spots on the court."   "     From Lingli- "Izzy has been thrown many obstacles this season with injuries, but that doesn't stop her from coming into the gym and working hard. Whenever there is the chance, she'll work on blocking and hitting, taking any opportunity to polish her skills."       From Mallory: "Sawyer has an excellent serve and comes up clutch at just the right times. She is one of our stronger defenders, and we can count on her to get a good pass on our setter."   .     From Mallory: "Alexa has a powerful swing; whether hitting cross or line, she always racks up the points for us. We can always count on her for getting kills. Alexa is always a great team player with a positive outlook.."     From Mallory: "Callie is an incredible setter on our team. Running a 5-1, she works profusely on the court, commanding the offense while setting our hitters up for success. Callie is always working on improving her skills on and off the court!"     From Mallory: "Grace has an explosive power behind her hit, and she always gets the team going after one of her crazy kills. On her days off, she's working out in the gym to improve her skills. "      From Mallory: "Delaney is an outstanding blocker. She does a great job shutting down the other team's middle. We can always count on it being a kill when she gets set. She has been key in running some new offensive plays this season.     From Mallory: "Avah has been a dependable utility player working hard in the back row and outside when needed. With her in the back row, we can count on her to keep the ball in play."       From Mallory: "Brooklin has been an incredible asset coming onto our team this year. She always knows where to place the ball and has a great attitude while encouraging the team for success."   "      <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/SWAVE-15-3.jpg?w=956" alt="" class="wp-image-563053" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/SWAVE15-6.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-563057" /></figure> </figure>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/mraines-crop-585x385-1720322453.webp?w=585" alt="" class="wp-image-563062" style="width:478px;height:auto" /></figure>      <ol> <li></li> </ol>   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/SWAVE-15-4.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-563055" style="width:968px;height:auto" /></figure>     Please tell us your GPA and any college majors you are considering. "With a GPA of 3.5, I plan to get into the medical field, so the right college for me would have to offer that program. I would love to continue to play volleyball. Someplace warm would be perfect for me!"   What do you like to do outside of volleyball?   "Outside of volleyball, I have a great support system, including my friends and family. I have recently enjoyed playing pickleball and tennis. I plan on trying out for my high school tennis team next year."    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/SWAVE15-8.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-563086" /></figure>     What has been the best moment with the team this season(s)?   "Some of my favorite moments from this season would have to be when our team won the 15U club division at the Las Vegas Classic; that was an extremely hard-fought day playing five teams to win it. Another great moment is that anytime our hitters get a kill, our whole team goes crazy. I love the intensity and support we have for one another! "   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/SWAVE15-7.jpg?w=960" alt="" class="wp-image-563078" style="width:783px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Las Vegas Classic Champions!</figcaption></figure>     How did you get started in volleyball? Any other sports?   "I started volleyball when I was 9 or 10 years old, going to as many camps as our area offered. I realized I loved volleyball, so I tried out for a club team (Shockwave). As a 10-year-old, I made the intermediate 12s team. I've been on Shockwave ever since."    How do you work at being the best teammate and player possible?   "I try to play with as much determination as possible and will never give up on the court. The play doesn't stop until the whistle blows! I feel like I am a great listener on the team and try my best to hear what my teammates are asking for, whether it be a better pass or reading the hitters/blockers. I always try my best to support my teammates wherever I'm needed."   PrepDig Washington on Mallory:   Raines is an acrobatic defender. The rising sophomore from Kennewick starts warmups every match with a backflip to keep the team hyped! She is able to come up big and make plays when it's crucial. Last season, she was named the Candis Carter Top Defender for her age division at The Emerald City Classic and played with passion and hustle in the matchups we watched at ECC this season. Raines finishes her passes, showing her attention to detail and keeping Shockwave running smoothly in transition and first ball attacking. We noticed a high level of communication on the court, and Mallory commented, "It is important for me to command the defense, and that starts off with a great pass and communication. I like to be connected to my teammates, calling the ball or letting my blockers know where the hit is going or if it's a tip." Raines is a walking floor burn and plays with toughness in the left back, a spot she moved to this season. The move was successful; she didn't miss a beat and is reading the game at a high level. Good luck at Nationals!     <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/SWAVE-15-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-563049" style="width:828px;height:auto" /></figure>   Best of luck at Nationals to Shockwave 15 and coaches Sean Smith and Kaiya Lynch. Thank you, Mallory, for participating in our Nationals Preview series!