New (To Us) Additions To The Class Of 2027

It is virtually impossible for me to see all of the volleyball players statewide. We DO take pride in having comprehensive coverage of the state, but some kids come from areas we don't cover that well. Some only started existing to us because they came to a showcase. Others are recommendations from other area coaches and parents trying to get us to see someone. No matter what the reason is, we like to give those kids their due as well. Here are five athletes from around the state that are new to us, but not to the volleyball community they come from.    Playing mostly middle back during her high school season, Mattie is a controlled defender that can use her platform as well as she uses her hands on both defense and serve receive. I'd like to see a bit more of her at the club level, specifically if (1) she'll don the special jersey, and (2) what she looks like in other backrow positions. No matter what, Mattie is well on her way to higher-level volleyball by playing club at Union, where well-rounded is a religion.     Broad-shouldered and physical, Claire led the Braves this past season in blocks AND was one of the primary middles for the class 2A runners-up. Her well-rounded nature (she's a basketball player, too) will allow her to thrive in the middle for the volleyball side, and her Cougar club will allow her the time to develop in both. I look forward to how she can take over matches with her net defense this coming spring.     Her recent attendance at our Top 250 Expo showed us everything we needed to know. Quiet and unassuming, Miss Deshields takes up space on the block and has an intimidating nature about her on defense. As an attacker, her attack touch is quite high, making smaller blocks almost look obsolete in comparison. Playing bigger than her 6'1" frame, Ignite has a steal of a "big", and it will only be a matter of time before she puts it all together.     Speaking of big and physical, Alaina is a force at the net, and is also a basketball stud. Her presence for 1A Loogootee must be intimidating---there aren't too many 6'+ kids playing 1A volleyball, let alone at the level Miss Diamond plays at. I like her placement with Metro, as she'll be allowed to play both sports and develop equally.     OK, maybe we missed a BUNCH of big kids since the last update, and Marley is yet another big attacker for New Castle that will probably project to a right side or possible three-rotation outside at the next level. Currently, she's placed where her coaches need her, and for Munciana, that means EVERYWHERE in the front row. I'm hoping that her Munciana training this coming spring will help her put all of the parts together---and lock down a position she can excel in.

It is virtually impossible for me to see all of the volleyball players statewide. We DO take pride in having comprehensive coverage of the state, but some kids come from areas we don't cover that well. Some only started existing to us because they came to a showcase. Others are recommendations from other area coaches and parents trying to get us to see someone. No matter what the reason is, we like to give those kids their due as well. Here are five athletes from around the state that are new to us, but not to the volleyball community they come from.