Uncommitted 17's that made a Difference at Big South

The Nike Big South National Qualifier held in Atlanta, Georgia, featured some of the most competitive and intense club volleyball in the country. Among the many age groups and divisions, the Class of 2026 emerged as a fierce and focused group, showcasing high-level skill, unmatched athleticism, and next-level leadership. These five athletes didn't just play the game—they shaped it. From setters dictating tempo to pin hitters finishing plays, these game changers elevated their teams with consistency, voice, and hustle. Here are five Class of 2026 athletes who made a serious impression at Big South:    [player_tooltip player_id='742169' first='Taylor' last='Marts'] – #20, Middle Blocker, OTVA 17 J Will   [player_tooltip player_id='742169' first='Taylor' last='Marts'] didn't just play the middle—she commanded it. Constantly communicating with her team, she provided a vocal and physical presence at the net. Her footwork and lateral quickness allowed her to track fast sets and block multiple zones. What truly stood out was her ability to cover and communicate during rallies, often calling out attack options even while preparing for her own approach. Her slide attack was a highlight, driven by her speed and explosiveness. Whether in offense or defense, Taylor stayed engaged, offering leadership and hustle every rotation. ~Sophia Jeanpierre @prepdig_fl     [player_tooltip player_id='740651' first='Naraiya' last='Thompson'] – #11, Setter, OTVA 17 J Tyler   Running a 6-2 offense with precision and urgency, [player_tooltip player_id='740651' first='Naraiya' last='Thompson'] was the catalyst for her team's offensive rhythm. Her footwork was electric—she covered ground fast and fearlessly, chasing down tough passes and converting them into attackable sets. What made her special was her commitment to defense and transition; Naraiya was always on the ready, unafraid to sprawl for a save or dive for the second touch. She didn't just set the ball—she set the tone. Her presence as a setter was both tactical and emotional, constantly giving her hitters confidence and her team energy. ~Sophia Jeanpierre @prepdig_fl     [player_tooltip player_id='519290' first='Rayna' last='Joquin'] – #15, Middle Blocker, OTVA 17 J Tyler   If you were looking for a middle blocker who made opposing hitters uncomfortable, [player_tooltip player_id='519290' first='Rayna' last='Joquin'] was the name. With her impeccable timing and wide block reach, she consistently took away the line of sight and swing space from attackers. She moved fluidly along the net, always in sync with her setter and ready to close the seam. Her transition was explosive, and her approach on offense was aggressive and deliberate—you could hear the power when she made contact with the ball. Rayna was a net-front enforcer, but also agile and reactive, giving her a rare combination of size and speed. ~Sophia Jeanpierre @prepdig_fl     [player_tooltip player_id='732805' first='Jadyn' last='Brester'] – #24, Outside Hitter, OTVA 17 T Jose   As the designated finisher for her team, [player_tooltip player_id='732805' first='Jadyn' last='Brester'] delivered when it mattered most. Her transition game was sharp—she moved quickly off the net to make herself an available option at all times. Once in motion, her approach was quick, and balanced. She didn't just swing hard, she picked apart defenses with a variety of shots. Jadyn also made her mark at the net defensively, putting up solid blocks and reading the hitter's tendencies well. With her ability to close out long rallies and contribute from multiple zones, she was a go-to player for OTVA 17 T Jose. ~Sophia Jeanpierre @prepdig_fl     Rowan Kage – #4, Right-Side/Utility, Gainesville Juniors 17 Eric   Rowan Kage is the type of athlete that coaches don't forget—versatile, vocal, and dynamic across all six rotations. As a lefty right-side attacker, she brought immediate offensive pressure, but her game expanded far beyond that. She transitioned fluidly to the middle and provided offensive variety that kept blockers guessing. On defense and serve receive, she delivered consistent two- and three-option passes, ensuring her team could run a complete offense. Rowan's blocking was particularly intelligent—she didn't just react, she called for her middle and adjusted her positioning based on the offensive read. Her volleyball IQ, combined with athleticism and strong ball control, made her an irreplaceable piece of Gainesville Juniors' success. ~Sophia Jeanpierre @prepdig_fl    Conclusion   The Class of 2026 proved at Big South that they're not just preparing for the future—they're actively shaping it. These five athletes showcased leadership, communication, and a relentless drive to compete. Whether it was a crucial save, a commanding swing, or a well-timed block, they stepped up when their teams needed them most. Take note of these game changers as they are definitely athletes whose court you want to visit.

The Nike Big South National Qualifier held in Atlanta, Georgia, featured some of the most competitive and intense club volleyball in the country. Among the many age groups and divisions, the Class of 2026 emerged as a fierce and focused group, showcasing high-level skill, unmatched athleticism, and next-level leadership. These five athletes didn't just play the game—they shaped it. From setters dictating tempo to pin hitters finishing plays, these game changers elevated their teams with consistency, voice, and hustle. Here are five Class of 2026 athletes who made a serious impression at Big South: