SpikeFest Dream Team: My Top Picks from the Tournament

The competition was fierce this past weekend at the Prep Dig SpikeFest, as talented athletes from across the Midwest traveled to Minnesota to showcase their skills. I witnessed intense rallies, nail-biting matches, and an undeniable passion from every team in attendance. It's always inspiring to see young athletes not only compete at a high level but also support and uplift one another as they grow in the game. While there were standout performances across the board, a few players truly caught my eye. Here are my top picks from the tournament—my very own SpikeFest Dream Team.    Addison caught my eye from the very first play I saw on her court. If there's one lesson to take away from watching her, it's this: don't be late on your block—because she will make you pay for it. Her quickness and explosiveness are off the charts, and she seems to elevate effortlessly. What impressed me most was her ability to track hitters on the other side of the net and consistently set up a dominant block. I can't wait to see where the rest of this club season takes her!     Eliana is one of the most versatile players I've seen in a while. Her impressive vertical allows her to soar over big blocks, and her court vision is exceptional—she always finds the open spots. At SpikeFest, her deep cross shot was nearly unstoppable. But she's not just a force at the net; she also plays a crucial role in the backcourt, proving to be a rock-solid presence in serve receive and fearlessly diving for tough balls.     I know I already highlighted Chelsea in my setter write-up, but I can't emphasize enough just how talented she is. Her ability to control the court is truly next-level—comparable to what I often see at the collegiate level. She plays with incredible poise, setting at a fast tempo that keeps defenders on their heels. Her smooth hands and quick decision-making make her a standout on the court. I have no doubt that Chelsea's leadership and skill will continue to drive her toward success.     It felt like every time Jorgia touched the ball, she was scoring for her team. It's rare to see a player her age perform at such a high level, but she makes it look effortless. Her ability to put the ball away, regardless of the block in front of her, is truly impressive. What sets her apart even more is her consistency in the back row—her natural instincts and stellar defense make her a dual threat. Keep an eye on Jorgia—she's a player you won't want to forget.      Piper is the kind of player who can make a huge impact from anywhere on the court. She was a key factor in her team's success at SpikeFest, showcasing her ability to power through blocks with a heavy arm swing that consistently found the deep line. Her quickness also makes her a defensive asset, and she immediately caught my eye with a huge save in middle back. Piper is an exciting player to watch, and I hope to see her in action again this club season!     This girl is relentless! Alicia proved time and time again that she's the backbone of her team, serving as the driving force in the backcourt. Her quickness and scrappiness allow her to cover an impressive amount of court, making tough plays look effortless. She also excelled at setting out of system to either pin, keeping her team's offense in rhythm. Her high energy and constant communication were on full display every single point—Alicia is a game-changer!

The competition was fierce this past weekend at the Prep Dig SpikeFest, as talented athletes from across the Midwest traveled to Minnesota to showcase their skills. I witnessed intense rallies, nail-biting matches, and an undeniable passion from every team in attendance. It's always inspiring to see young athletes not only compete at a high level but also support and uplift one another as they grow in the game. While there were standout performances across the board, a few players truly caught my eye. Here are my top picks from the tournament—my very own SpikeFest Dream Team.