Tagged Players to Watch at the Sunshine Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bidding season has begun, and the Sunshine Classic National Qualifier is back for a second weekend in a row, once again drawing elite volleyball talent from across the country to Orlando, FL. With a coveted bid to the USA Volleyball Girls National Championship in Dallas at stake, the competition will be nothing short of fierce. Teams will battle through intense matchups, each vying for their chance to compete on one of the sport's biggest stages.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But beyond the team battles, certain players have already caught the eyes of fans, parents, and coaches, athletes whose talent, work ethic, and game-changing abilities deserve a spotlight before they even take the court. These competitors, tagged by their peers and supporters as must-watch players, aren't just showing up, they're stepping in ready to turn up the heat and leave their mark on this unmissable event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":755104,"width":"572px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/02/image_c8dddb.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-755104" style="width:572px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Setters &amp; Playmakers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The heartbeat of any successful team starts with strong setters who can command the court and create opportunities for their hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aubrey Dean</strong> (5'7”, Lewisville HS, Class of 2027) is the varsity captain and a PrepDig Watchlist player. She competes for DIG 16 Black, maintaining a 3.9 GPA with highlights available on SportsRecruits and Hudl.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Samantha Baty</strong> (5'10”, LHS STEM Academy, Class of 2027) is a setter/right-side hitter who plays varsity for LHS and 575 Volleyball WS 16-1 Taylor (#8). She holds a 4.4 GPA and was named to the AVCA Phenom List in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jesselle Alfar</strong> (5'7 ¾”, Class of 2029) is a versatile setter, right-side hitter, libero, and outside hitter (#18). She competes in indoor and beach volleyball, securing 3rd place in silver at Nationals 2024 while emphasizing her faith.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Specialists &amp; Liberos</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great defense can make all the difference, and these liberos and defensive specialists are ready to anchor their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='508480' first='Jordan' last='Baksh']</strong> (5'9”, Class of 2026) is a libero for OTVA 17-1 Aaron, wearing #1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Laila Walker</strong> (Class of 2027) is a defensive specialist/libero, wearing #11 for A5G 16-1. She also plays varsity for Hebron Volleyball (#7), maintains a 4.0 GPA, and contributed to the team's 8AA 2024 State Championship victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dominika Hilton</strong> (Class of 2027) is a defensive specialist/setter (#3) for High Tide Volleyball and plays varsity beach volleyball for SFHS (#5). She holds a 4.0 GPA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Outside &amp; Right-Side Hitters</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These powerful hitters bring offensive firepower and versatility to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adonai Rodriguez</strong> (Class of 2028) is an outside hitter and all-around player (#2) for FIVA Volleyball 14U/15U National.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='553634' first='Sophia' last='Baron']</strong> (5'9”, Class of 2029) is an outside hitter for Seacrest Athletics and competes for Gulfside Volleyball 14 Prime.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Emma Rodriguez</strong> (6'0”, Class of 2027) is a right-side hitter/middle blocker (#13) for South Texas Volleyball 16 Navy and IWHS Athletics Volleyball, earning recognition on the PrepDig Watch List.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ava Erickson</strong> (6'0”) is a middle blocker, outside hitter, and right-side hitter (#3) for Atlanta [program_tooltip program_id='429401' first='Extreme' last='Volleyball Club'] 17-1 National Elite and South Forsyth High School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754930' first='Hailey' last='Clifton']</strong> (6'0”) is a left-handed right-side hitter (#7) for TUVA 17 Black and BSHS varsity volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Middle Blockers &amp; Multi-Position Threats</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With size, strength, and quick reactions, these <strong>middle blockers</strong> will be forces at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mandela Masimini</strong> (6'3”, Class of 2028) is a middle blocker (#8) for Archbishop Carroll and VA Juniors 15 Elite (#2). In 2024, she earned Honorable Mention All-WCAC recognition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zharia Alleyne</strong> (5'11”, Class of 2026) is a middle blocker/right-side hitter for OTVA 17 Aaron and Wesley Chapel High School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Summer Fogel</strong> (5'10”, Class of 2029) competes for P413 KC Beach and Invasion Volleyball Club.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With over 50 players tagged within the first 24 hours, the Sunshine Classic promises to showcase an impressive range of talent. From rising stars to seasoned players, the competition will be fierce, and the recruiting opportunities will be plentiful.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a></strong>&nbsp;and<strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachable247/?hl=en">Coachable247</a></strong>, for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Together, we're building a positive platform to celebrate players, empower families, and connect with the volleyball community. Thank you to all of our subscribers for being an essential part of this journey. Let's keep growing the game and creating unforgettable memories.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->