In-State Stock-Risers from 2025 Club Season

It's important to remember that development and growth is not linear in life or volleyball. Student-athletes can shine as freshmen while others may not break through until they're upperclassmen years.   Here are scouting reports on a mix of players from different grades that have stood out a few months into the club campaign:    I watched Schmidt at the Quad Cities Showdown in January and again at the President's Day tournament in St. Louis. She appeared poised for a super senior season in the fall. Sometimes players have to wait their turn at a program like PV, and Schmidt has prepared for her chance. She's an explosive athlete that's bouncy with a powerful swing. Schmidt does well in reading the block and attacking based off of what she sees. She adjusts well to sets and usually squeezes off a solid hit. Schmidt is a sound defender at the net, too.     Loria is a kid for which I will keep beating the drum in hopes of her receiving more attention. The explosive athlete led the Little Hawks with 195 kills as a sophomore last season, hitting .212. She plays on United's third-team at 14U by choice, a lighter club volleyball schedule allowing her to compete in AAU basketball. Loria ranked second on the Little Hawks' hoop team in scoring and rebounding as a 10th-grader this winter. Despite splitting time between the sports, she is developing at a nice rate in volleyball. She can leap and swing but also is becoming better defensively in the back row and at the net. Colleges would be wise to monitor Loria's progress. The potential here is significant.     Brant caught my attention right away when I dropped in on Six Pack 17's at the Quad City Showdown in January. She is an imposing middle hitter already with room to sharpen her skills in reaching for her considerably-high ceiling. She dominated as a Rebel junior, cranking out 350 kills (.316) ands collecting 95.0 blocks. Brant also came up with 179 digs, highlighting her athleticism and agility. Brant brings a power game to the court, generating high velocity with her swing. She changes a lot of attacks she doesn't block and is a true two-way player at the net.     The flexibility to play multiple front-row positions makes Nagle a prospect college coaches should spend time watching. She maximizes her time on the court by being locked in and focused on her responsibilities. Nagle finds herself in the middle quite often for the Bulldogs and Rockets. She could end up being an effective player there at the next level. Nagle also might develop into a productive right-side hitter. She's a good athlete with impressive leaping ability and reflexes.     I was unable to see Kennedy this fall as its schedule did not line up with mine. With that, I missed out on seeing Ousley during her sophomore campaign. Her talents popped out quickly when I saw Adrenaline multiple times at the President Day's Classic in St. Louis. Ousley shows an excellent feel for the game, getting herself in proper position to makes plays. She's technically sound, which helps her perform through six rotations. She ranked among the Cougar leaders in kills and digs as a sophomore in 2024. Expect her statistics to climb significantly this coming prep season.     Long-time Iowa basketball fans will remember Jess Settles, Julia's dad. The incoming prep freshmen in 2025 shares similar explosiveness off of the court and athleticism with her father and mother. Joanna Settles played volleyball, basketball and softball at Coe College. Julia Settles oozes potential in volleyball, already playing up on the Rockets top 15s team and working through six rotations. Her lateral quickness and sharp reflexes aid with her positional versatility. If you're a college coach and don't yet have Settles on your radar, today would be a good day to change that.

It's important to remember that development and growth is not linear in life or volleyball. Student-athletes can shine as freshmen while others may not break through until they're upperclassmen years.