All Eyes on the Pentagon: AAU Grand Prix Preview

Volleyball fans, get ready—this weekend is going to be electric! South Dakota takes center stage as the Pentagon hosts the Grand Prix, welcoming over 170 teams from across the Midwest. With 23 courts buzzing with action, this event is packed with talent, energy, and fierce competition.   From dominant power hitters and elite defenders to high-IQ setters running the show, this tournament is a dream for college scouts and volleyball fans alike. Athletes will be bringing their A-game, pushing for the title and showcasing why the Midwest continues to be a powerhouse for volleyball talent.   So, who should be on your radar? What teams are coming in hot? Let's dive in and break down the 18's squads and standout players I'll be keeping a close eye on this weekend!   First on our list—and trust me, you'll want to find their court early—is the Salty 18's. I had the chance to catch this squad in action at a PrepDig event in Minneapolis, and they did not disappoint. This team is loaded with top-tier talent and plays with energy, precision, and purpose.   One standout to watch is Hoogland a dual-sport commit to Northwestern in volleyball and track. She brings fierce intensity to the court, dominating as a middle/right side hitter. Her athleticism, versatility, and competitiveness make her a nightmare for opponents and a must-see for college coaches.   Running the show for the Salty's is [player_tooltip player_id='117628' first='Clara' last='Hoegh'], a setter committed to Augustana University in South Dakota. Clara is calm, confident, and in full control of the offense. Her court vision and quick tempo set her apart, and she's the engine behind this powerful team.   Another program I always enjoy watching—and one you won't want to miss this weekend—is ND Elite. They're rolling in with two 18's teams, and both are stacked with top-tier hitting talent ready to make a statement.   One of my top picks to watch is Kaydence White. She's drawing a lot of attention from college coaches, and it's easy to see why. At the net, she's a fierce competitor—locking down blocks and unleashing one of the most powerful attacks in the tournament. If there were a 4-foot line, she'd be painting it. Her intensity and presence make her a true difference-maker.   Running the offense for ND Elite is [player_tooltip player_id='749982' first='Abby' last='Kobbervig'], a setter who keeps things fast and fluid. She has great tempo, sharp decision-making, and knows how to keep defenders guessing. With Abby at the helm and hitters like Kaydence leading the charge, ND Elite is poised for a strong showing.   Make sure to stop by their court—this group is dangerous and fun to watch.   One program I'm especially excited to watch this weekend is Sanford, with powerhouse teams coming from both Sioux Falls and Fargo. These teams are absolutely loaded with next-level talent—many already committed to play at the collegiate level—and they're not just showing up to compete, they're here to make a statement.   Sanford-Fargo features two standouts who are must-watch at the net: [player_tooltip player_id='722410' first='Cora' last='Metcalf'] and Logan Fredrickson. Both are already committed and for good reason. These two form an elite wall at the net—getting a ball past them is a serious challenge. Their timing, positioning, and blocking instincts are among the best in the region.   Sanford-Sioux Falls brings a squad where nearly every player is committed, making them one of the most stacked lineups in the tournament. But two players that deserve special attention are [player_tooltip player_id='724892' first='Emery' last='Thury'] and [player_tooltip player_id='215439' first='Hollie' last='Peterson'].   Thury, an outside hitter committed to St. Cloud State, is a relentless attacker. She doesn't just hit hard—she's smart, picking apart defensive gaps and capitalizing on weaknesses with precision and power.   Then there's [player_tooltip player_id='215439' first='Hollie' last='Peterson'], the setter committed to the University of Sioux Falls. When she's on the court, she commands the game with a calm confidence and sky-high volleyball IQ. Her decision-making, tempo control, and ability to read the floor elevate everyone around her.   If you're looking to watch high-level, college-ready volleyball—both Sanford teams are a must-see.   A club that's quickly climbing onto our radar is Matchbox 18-Adidas—and after watching the film, it's easy to see why. This team brings grit, hustle, and raw power to every point they play. They may be newer to our watchlist, but they've made a bold statement already: they're here to compete with the best.   Leading the charge is [player_tooltip player_id='724893' first='Kyleigh' last='Schopp'], one of the top players I'm excited to see in action. She's known for crushing attacks from the 10-foot line, and her vertical and slide are flat-out impressive. Her ability to terminate with power and precision makes her a major offensive weapon.   Another rising name to know is Ariel Hagen. She's recently landed on our radar with her devastating corner shots that are tough for even the best defenders to pick up. Her control and placement, paired with aggressive swings, make her a problem for any back row.   While this is just a short list of teams and players to watch, the 18's division is absolutely stacked with college commits and high-level talent from across the region. Every court will showcase athletes who are ready to take their game to the next level, and the competition will be fierce. From powerhouse hitters to court-commanding setters and relentless defenders—we're in for some incredible volleyball this weekend.   I can't wait to see it all unfold at the Pentagon. Let the battles begin!

Volleyball fans, get ready—this weekend is going to be electric! South Dakota takes center stage as the Pentagon hosts the Grand Prix, welcoming over 170 teams from across the Midwest. With 23 courts buzzing with action, this event is packed with talent, energy, and fierce competition.