Tri-State Report: 15 From 2027 To See at JVA World Challenge

And we're off! The JVA World Challenge in Louisville is on deck for the weekend as one of the top events in the country.  I'm going to zero in on some athletes to know from Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.  I will be courtside this weekend wearing a few different hats.  I'm excited to see these 2027 athletes take the next step as they continue to build recruiting momentum heading into the summer!     Beaumont is a steady setter who can defend and get her attackers in position to terminate. [program_tooltip program_id='428591' first='FC' last='Elite'] 16 Navy punched their ticket to the open division of USAV in Dallas this summer with an impressive performance at the Northern Lights Qualifier. Beaumont teams up with [player_tooltip player_id='485131' first='Lilliani' last='Big Eagle'] where they run a 6-2, an extremely balanced offense where they have terminators at every position. Beaumont preps at Sheboygan Falls High School where there are quite a few of their athletes making waves this club season.     Ava Steubs made a huge name for herself this past high school season, being one of the top D4 players in Wisconsin while leading her high school team to a state championship. What really stands out about her game is the pop she has on her swing. She creates plenty of chaos for the other side of the net with her violent arm swing. She can do this from the outside or right side where she just has a knack for scoring points.     I'm really excited to see Illini 16 Elite compete again at the JVA World Challenge. I was able to watch them at Triple Crown in February. One attacker to take note of is Eden Harmann. She is the prototypical outside hitter where [program_tooltip program_id='430006' first='Illini' last='Elite'] always has their attackers will a polished skillset. She plays with a high IQ where she can serve receive, pass, and score points in a variety of ways. Her length and athleticism is what sets her apart. I can see this team playing some important matches come Sunday in Louisville.     There is a big upside to [player_tooltip player_id='435843' first='Carly' last='Dawson']'s game where college coaches will be excited to see her take the court in Louisville this weekend. The way Dawson moves on the court is just a glimpse into her athleticism. She is fast to the ball and a high flyer on the pin where she can score points from anywhere on the court. As her backcourt game continues to develop, she will be a six rotation point scorer. She will be fun to watch and she builds momentum into the summer!     Compean-Costello preps at Brookfield East in the Milwaukee area and plays her club ball for [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] out of Rockford, Illinois. She brings an athletic physicality to the libero position where what stands out about her game is her range. She covers so much of the court where she can keep her side in system. [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] has played a challenging schedule and will be ready to take on the best in the 16 Open field. Their first match will be against Carolina Rogue where VC carries a two seed in their field.     I was able to see [player_tooltip player_id='672165' first='Hannah' last='Herrick'] live for Sports Performance 16 Elite at Central Zone in Indianapolis to kick off the season and was really impressed with her ability to put the ball away as an outside hitter. She was a new name for me at the time and seeing her play since, she is rising and going to be a household name in the Illinois Class of 2027. Her athleticism and length will catch the eye of college coaches, this could be an exciting weekend for SPVB 16 Elite where they are looking to make a statement to the rest of the country.     The Illinois Class of 2027 is deep, and one of the top outside hitters in this class is [player_tooltip player_id='496048' first='Kampbell' last='Niepagen']. She has the hops and pop in her approach and swing, but she is so well trained in her ability to pass and score. She has a relaxed and controlled platform that allows her to get into rhythm when it comes to her swing. She takes what the defense gives her when she can go down the line, attack the hand, or hit a sharp angle. With [player_tooltip player_id='672165' first='Hannah' last='Herrick'] and Niepagen on the pins for Sports Performance, they are always one swing away from changing the dynamic of the match.     [player_tooltip player_id='500340' first='Kaylie' last='Klein'] and RVA will be representing Iowa at the JVA World Challenge this weekend. RVA out of the Des Moines area. They are coming in with a 20th seed to 16 Open, but don't let that fool you. They are some of the top kids in Iowa on this squad, starting with [player_tooltip player_id='500340' first='Kaylie' last='Klein']. Klein was a standout this past fall for West Des Moines Dowling Catholic where they were the large class semifinalist where Klein earned All State honors. She brings a different level of physicality and athleticism where she is a tough mismatch. She is always making positive things happen, this will be a big statement weekend for Klein and RVA.     So athletic. Alyssa Ferrick plays with elite speed where she is so fast to the ball. She approaches with a purpose and is able to cause havoc with her swing. MOD is out of the North Chicago burbs by Evanston and this 16s group is very talented. They are coming off playing 16 Open at MEQ and will be looking to make a statement in Louisville. Ferrick will be one leading the way where she impacts the game on every touch from her serve receive, defense, to score points when her team needs her the most.     [player_tooltip player_id='555795' first='Gracyn' last='Adams'] has plenty of big game experience playing for RVA 16 Verona out of the Central Iowa Metro in Des Moines. She is coming off a big high school season for Ankeny High who is always one of the top large school powers in Iowa. She knows how to command the offense as a setter and finds a way to get her attackers a favorable matchup. She defends her position extremely well and will be one to keep track of throughout this weekend in Louisville. This is RVA's chance to really make a statement to the rest of the Midwest.     I've watched [player_tooltip player_id='435903' first='Tatum' last='Jahns'] the past two years at our Prep Dig Events and she has been so impressive. This [program_tooltip program_id='557038' first='Milwaukee' last='Juniors'] 16-1 squad has quite a crew. They were champions of the Prep Dig Champions Cup just over a month ago and Jahns is a major catalyst for this group. She has a certain “It” factor where she finds her attackers or can take it herself. She brings calm to the chaos and is always bettering the ball. She is a pure playmaker who could have a major impact on the 16 Open field this weekend.     1W out of Green Bay, Wisconsin will be making the trek South to Louisville this weekend to compete in the 16 Premier. [player_tooltip player_id='724537' first='Mollie' last='Junk'] is a six rotation outside hitter who is coming off a big high school season where she earned Fox River Classic Conference honors. Her all around game will benefit 1W 16 National where she can find a variety of ways to score points.     [player_tooltip player_id='501235' first='Stella' last='Mulder'] was a standout at our Prep Dig Top 250 Expo series back in November and she will be someone to watch for [program_tooltip program_id='428591' first='FC' last='Elite'] 16 White who will be competing in the 16 Premier Division. She has a fast approach, getting her feet to the ball to sky and terminate in a variety of ways. She can paint the line, hammer it cross court, or mix in a roll shot over the top of the block. What is so fun about her game is the joy she plays with, she has positive body language and is so excited to celebrate her teammates.     [player_tooltip player_id='435887' first='Emily' last='Lange'] of [program_tooltip program_id='432160' first='[program_tooltip program_id='432076' first='[program_tooltip program_id='430137' first='[program_tooltip program_id='429142' first='MVP' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] 15 Blue Smoke is lightning in a bottle for the club out of the Milwaukee area. She's only 5'6, but she has such explosive power from her leap and brings a no fear type mindset to match. She can play six rotations where she can serve receive, pass, and score. With her all around play, she always finds a way to impact the game in a positive way.     [player_tooltip player_id='523160' first='Lily' last=''] Turlais is definitely one the other side of the net has to be aware of. She has a lot of length and athleticism where she impacts the game in every facet. Defensively she can get to the pin to close the block and become available to score points in transition. She is able to run a variety of tempos in front and being the setter really spreading the defense. What I enjoy most about her game is how she approaches with a purpose where her setters want to get her the ball. She is also one who can swing on the pins - so dynamic.

And we're off! The JVA World Challenge in Louisville is on deck for the weekend as one of the top events in the country. I'm going to zero in on some athletes to know from Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. I will be courtside this weekend wearing a few different hats. I'm excited to see these 2027 athletes take the next step as they continue to build recruiting momentum heading into the summer!