Top Climbers from the Class of 2027

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are players from the class of 2027 who took the biggest climb in our rankings. Looking forward to seeing many of them play during the club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["484960"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b1520f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">60 to 7. She certainly impressed with her performance at the Prep Dig showcase earning a top performer award. Perhaps the most impressive player at the event when taking into account her size and talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">My first exposure to her was her play for Virginia Juniors 15 at Junior Nationals in Las Vegas. At that time she appeared overshadowed by [player_tooltip player_id='357402' first='Coco' last='Lewis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='438068' first='Ayla' last='Sayd'], the two left sides. Kinsley played right side, which did not get set as frequently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This club season Virginia Juniors appears to have basically the same cast of characters from the team last year that earned a bid to the USA Division. With the improvement Kinsley has shown with her offense it will be interesting to see how that plays out. Her 6'2" frame dominated on the right side at the Prep Dig showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year Virginia Juniors finished in second place at the City of Oaks Challenge in Carolina. It appears the only team they lost to was Metro 16 in the finals. They will play at the National Harbor this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["438046"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b1526b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">26 to 19. She set a 5/1 for West Springfield which resulted in an appearance in the Class 6 state championship. They were swept by eventual champion Langley in the semi-finals. Their only two losses all season were to Langley and to Chantilly, who played Langley in the finals of the state championship. At 5'10 she finished fourth on her team in blocks. In the future that height will suit her well at the setting position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For club she is playing a year up for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 17. They recently finished fifth in the Mid Atlantic Power League (MAPL). She shares the setting duties with [player_tooltip player_id='235322' first='Avery' last='Prendergast'], who belongs to the class of 2025. While it is still early in the club season, [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] ranks fourth in the Region and 62 nationally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] will play in the Triple Crown as well as a number of qualifiers. Anna definitely stands out as a player to watch on this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["412082"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b152b4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">31 to 20. She impressed at the Prep Dig Expo 250. Initially, I did not find a club footprint for her. Turns out she is playing two years up on the Liberty Elite 18 team. She will hit outside for them. Her initial thought was to play basketball for her high school team. From a volleyball perspective I am glad she still is pursuing her volleyball career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This past high school season she led Hedgesville to the West Virginia state championship. She finished third on the team in kills playing both pins. [player_tooltip player_id='325603' first='Parker' last='Sutherland'] from [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 17 also played for them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Liberty Elite recently finished second to Paramount 18 in a [program_tooltip program_id='511606' first='Vienna' last='Elite'] Open tournament. As the club season progresses Emmeri will encounter a number of challenges playing two years up, but she certainly has the talent to thrive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["438077"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b152f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">55 to 25. While she stands 6'3" she also has long arms that can reach high over the net. She clearly stood out as the top player in her high school, leading the team in kills and blocks. This earned her a spot as honorable mention on the Washington Post All Met team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It appears her game is just beginning to develop. As she gains more experience she will be a force at the net. Unlike a number of other players blessed with height Averi brings quickness to her game. It will be fun to watch her develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["510040"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b1533c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">57 to 33. Last year she set for Maryland Juniors running a 5/1. This year she moved with former Maryland Juniors teammates [player_tooltip player_id='528707' first='Annika' last='Dandridge'] and [player_tooltip player_id='506629' first='Dylann' last='Loggins'] to form a powerhouse [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 16 team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">They recently defeated Metro 16 and 17 as well as [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 17 to win the MAPL Black Division. Paramount now ranks as the top team in the Chesapeake Region and number six nationally. For her play Jessica earned a spot as a setter on the Prep Dig all tournament team for MAPL.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jessica has a sixth sense for knowing where to set. She has an effortless delivery to push the ball outside. Her serve can also be a potent weapon. She led her high school team in aces. That killer serve continued to show itself at the MAPL tournament with a number of critical aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["530364"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b1537f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">98 to 36. Caroline first impressed with her performance while playing for MOJO at the Spooky Nook tournament. She continued to stand out with her play at a Prep Dig showcase, earning a top performer award. The accolades continued with her back row play helping Holton Arms win the Independent School League (ISL) A Division championship. Needless to say, it has been a pretty impressive year for Caroline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">All that success brings its rewards. This year she will play for Metro. At first the playing opportunities may be a challenge with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437443' first='Kaniyah' last='Ball']</strong> at libero as well as two six rotation pins starting in the lineup. However, her skills will earn her playing opportunities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='465315' first='Ana' last='Breckons'] MB (Grafton/) 65 to 44 - Ana switched between middle and right side for Grafton. At 6'0'" she brings good height to the position. She finished third on the team in kills and second in blocks. Grafton ultimately lost to Hidden Valley in the Class 3 state championship. Her performance during the high school season was enough to move her up in the rankings. She especially impressed me with her blocking at the Endless Summer tournament. Unfortunately, I still have not found a club footprint for her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["586753"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b153c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">77 to 46. At 5'8" Emilia stands as a smaller outside. What impresses me most about her play is her jump. She flies high to the net allowing her to put pretty good juice on the ball when she hits. For her high school she finished second to [player_tooltip player_id='696412' first='Stella' last='Lichter'] in kills. Emilia is just a solid all around player who covers six rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emilia will again play for MVSA. While it is still early in the club season, MVSA currently ranks second in the Chesapeake Region according to AES. They recently won the BAVA Open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["483591"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b15405"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">98 to 47. Willa stood out at one of our Prep Dig showcases. Her 6'1" height as well as her ability to hit right side won her a Top Performer award. Until that time I did not know too much about her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For club she plays for the 540 club academy elite. She will play middle for them. For Riverbend she lists as a right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Currently her game rests mostly on her potential. She carries an approach jump of 9'11". She just needs to improve her transition game and work on her arm swing to generate more power to the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["488812"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b15448"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">74 to 61. Olivia played for Bishop O'Connell high school, leading the team to two championships, the WCAC and the VISAA states. That is the first time in school history that O'Connell has won both in the same season. The improvement in Olivia's game at middle as the season progressed was a critical part in the Knights success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Olivia led the team in blocks and ranked fourth in hitting. As the season progressed her ability to hit the quick tempo sets gave her more offensive opportunities. This also opened up single blocks for the pins on the outside. She brings an extremely long reach when blocking. While her approach jump lists at 9'8" she has the ability to stretch out her arms high over the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This year Olivia will play for Virginia Elite. They will play in the Charm City Challenge this weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["523664"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b15489"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">73 to 64. At 5'9" Reese is a tad undersized to play middle. However, she seems to play it so well, accumulating blocks while also running quick tempo sets. Her timing for reading the hitter when she blocks is impeccable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">My first opportunity to watch Reese play was at a Prep Dig showcase where she won a top performer award. With middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464562' first='Elizabeth' last='Gordon'] </strong>and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='238850' first='Sydney' last='Bennett']</strong> her playing time with Patriot this past season was limited.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While she finished fifth in kills what really stands out was her team high .355 hitting percentage. Now she will get some playing opportunities for Virginia Juniors 15. Some talented names on their roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["529439"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b154cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">95 to 71. Jasmine impressed with her play at Heritage high while hitting left side. She clearly stood out as one of their key offensive performers. At the Prep Dig showcase this year she hit right side, earning a top performer award. Regardless of the position she plays the ball hits the floor quickly once she makes contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jasmine is another player suiting up for Virginia Juniors, except she will play with the 16 team. That team recently finished second out of 48 teams in the City of Oaks Challenge to Metro 16. While their regional ranking is 51 their national ranking is 36. The National Harbor will be their first regional tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["529248"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b1550d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">84 to 72. Mariska was one of the key offensive performers in the almost undefeated season by Howard. She hit left side for them, finishing third on the team in kills. Their only loss came against Wootton in the semi-finals of the Class 4 Maryland state championship. For Howard Mariska did not get a lot of back row opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For club she plays for Maryland Jrs 16 Black. They will be one of the teams competing in the National Harbor tournament. Hopefully she will get an opportunity to exhibit her back row skills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["500510"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b15550"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">107 to 94. Violet is a teammate of [player_tooltip player_id='523664' first='Reese' last='Roberts'] at Patriot. She hit left side for them. As a sophomore she finished second on her team in kills. There was not a lot of six rotation opportunities for her but that should increase as her game improves. She still needs to find a little more consistency with her hits as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Violet also won a top performer award at the Prep Dig showcase. That was based more on her potential. When her timing is right she connects with the ball with force. That ball finds the floor fast. Unfortunately, when she is early that ball flies beyond the court. More repetitions will correct that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perhaps that potential is coming to fruition. Violet finds herself playing up a year with the Virginia Juniors 17 team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["586828"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679b0d9b15593"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">106 to 96. The Prep Dig showcase was my first opportunity to see her play. She showed some back row talent and the ability to create offense in the back row with a well driven spike.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She plays for Great Bridge high school. They finished sixth in the Southeastern Conference. She also lists SERV as her club team but they carry no rosters on their website. The SERV 16 team played in the MAPL 14-16 Division finishing 11th out of 30 teams. She was not listed on that roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hopefully, I will get an opportunity to see her play this club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->