New Pin Hitters to Watch on Nebraska's 2027 Rankings

Let's get into the new additions.   We've been perusing the new Nebraska 2027 rankings for the last week with several names entering the multi-day discussion. The new additions are still looming, so our post-release content keeps rolling on.   Today's feature hones in on some fresh faces at the pin positions. Several of these athletes are preparing for big seasons on Nebraska's prep stage, so keep these players in mind as the high school season begins.    Stater is among the large group of 2027s who made a lasting impression at the Prep Dig Stock Up Showcase. The Omaha Concordia pin hitter presented physicality and athletcism that were tough to defend in team drills. Stater saw the floor during last year's varsity season at Concordia and was even more impactful in the Club Legacy gym this spring. The Mustangs should have an exciting group of pin hitters on this year's squad, and Stater could be among those rising stars.     Steinhauer has already proven herself at the varsity level, so her rankings debut was inevitable. She amassed triple-digit kills for Sutton last fall and added about three digs per set to complement this effort. This made Steinhauer an all-around gem in the South Central NE gym who could pass and play defense to back up her scoring. That's the kind of skill set that produces can't-miss athletes on the small-town scene, and Steinhauer is quickly reaching that status.     [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] 15 Red was bound to add some names to our 2027 list. Swenson proved her readiness for the watch list during the club season and cemented that spot at the Stock Up Showcase. Her offensive production with 15 Red often double-digit kills in two-set matches. It's an accomplishment that looked routine to Swenson, who showed a knack for using the opposing block to her advantage. Of course, this Omaha Westside athlete could also fire balls through the seam before the block could ever catch up. That trait was apparent at our showcase and will be a hallmark of Swenson's game for years to come.     Let's give another nod to Club Legacy. This group is gaining serious momentum with Elkhorn-area athletes with Weeder offering another example. The Elkhorn High School athlete is a versatile pin hitter whose quick left arm scored several times this spring. Her range on the left side has expanded, giving her an early spot in the 2027 watch list. Keep an eye on Weeder's further development this fall and beyond.     Here's one more for the South Central NE crew. Lewis plays on the outside but can also bring the ball-control skills you'd expect from a South Central pin hitter. She joins St. Paul's 2024 roster as the Wildcats reload with a ton of up-and-coming athletes. We know what this high school program can accomplish with multi-talented athletes like Lewis leading the charge. The 2024 high school season will tell us a lot about how Lewis and her fellow South Central stars stack up in the sophomore class.     Legler earned plenty of starting reps with Wayne High School last season, adding to a balanced, efficient offense for the Blue Devils. This rising sophomore primarily played opposite and nearly accumulated a kill per set in her debut season. Legler is due to add much more to her ledger based on what she showed at last month's Prep Dig Stock Up Showcase. She terminated well on the right pin but could also adapt to a variety of positions. Wayne is eager to make its postseason return and could have an underclassman leader for that journey.     We're expanding our reach in the Nebraska Juniors gym. Dearking represented Nebraska Juniors 15 Red during this year's club season and was an excellent scoring outlet on the outside. She showed a wide array of off-speed shots but could also use power when in rhythm. Dearking is a multi-sport athlete for Lincoln Christian who will look to join a big list of young contributors for the Crusaders.

Let's get into the new additions.