Isabelle Bardin Club Player of the Year for Class of 2025

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To close out the season for the class of 2025 I thought I would name a Prep Dig Club Player of the year as well as an All 2025 club team. This was the first class I ranked from the frosh year to their senior year when I began writing for Prep Dig. <strong> Macaria Spears </strong>was the top prospect for the frosh class as well as the sophomore class. She moved to Texas prior to her junior season rising up the rankings on the national stage. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181297' first='Lameen' last='Mambu'] </strong>replaced her as the top prospect for 2025 the next two years. Ironic that both Macaria and Lameen will be teammates on the United States junior national team when they play in the FIVB World Championships in Osijek, Croatia this July.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lameen did not play travel ball this year. Neither did <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309022' first='Peri' last='Linterman']</strong>. Both would have made the all club tournament team if they had played. Peri will play for James Madison University next year while Lameen will play for Georgia Tech after her stint on the Junior National U19 team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181303' first='Isabelle' last='Bardin']</strong> played. She set for Metro, leading them to an Open Division appearance in the USAV Junior Nationals in Utah. For the DMV area Metro was the only club to qualify for open play. While Isabelle fell short of winning my high school player of the year, she takes the honors of winning the club player of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is my All club team for the class of 2025. It has been very satisfying watching these players four year journey through the local volleyball scene. For most, it is on to college to play at the next level. Good luck.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MVP and Setters<strong> </strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181303"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6815928bca3be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I named [player_tooltip player_id='196556' first='Caleigh' last='Ponn'] as our high school player of the year for the 2024 season. If Flint Hill finished on top in the VISAA state championship or even the Independent School League (ISL) championship the choice would have been much tougher. For high school Isabelle carried Flint Hill with more triple doubles (assists, sets and kills) than probably any other player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For the club season she set for Metro leading them to an Open Division bid at the Junior Nationals in Utah. No other DMV club played in the Open Division. Isabelle set, hit and blocked Metro to that Open appearance. They came one win away from earning a spot in the gold pool.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'3" it will be interesting what position Isabelle plays at Purdue. Hitting and blocking are definitely strong suits in her game, but setting stands out as her position. Lots of versatility to make an impact in a number of different ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isabelle ranks at number 75 nationally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181242"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6815928bca42e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shylah was the primary setter for Virginia Elite. An early season injury to [player_tooltip player_id='181243' first='Evelyn' last='Jurden'] took away one of their top offensive contributors. As a setter she moves the ball around the court well, keeping all her players involved. While she lacks the height of Bardin at 5'9" she can still be an offensive threat on the right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Virginia Elite was upset early in bracket play at the Chesapeake Bid Regional. This left them without a bid. In the qualifiers they also fell short of earning a bid, playing in the USA as well as the Open Division. They did finish third in the Capitol Hill Classic, the last time the team was fully healthy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shylah has committed to William and Mary</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Left Sides</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181300"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6815928bca488"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'3" Alexis has the long levers that still contribute to her inconsistency as well as her success. When the timing exists, she can be unstoppable. When the levers are flailing because the jump is early you can anticipate problems. The biggest improvement in her game this year is her confidence. She stopped looking to the bench to seek help after a hitting error. Her recovery time from a hitting error also arrived much quicker. This process should continue to improve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alexis is the daughter of professional basketball player Patrick Ewing and U.S, volleyball national team player Cheryl Weaver. The athletic genes clearly exist. Now it becomes a matter of staying consistent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This past season Bullis won the ISL championship for the first time in school history. Alexis offensive surge led them to that victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alexis has committed to Penn State. She ranks 173 nationally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181298"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6815928bca4e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When Ana is in the zone it becomes very difficult to stop her. She plays six rotations generating offense from both the back row and front row. A solid six rotation player who can pass as well as play defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Langley won back to back class 6 Virginia state championships largely due to her contributions on the left side. While Virginia Elite fell short of qualifying for the USAV 18 Junior National Championships Ana certainly gave them a shot with her offensive performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ana has committed to James Madison. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Right Sides</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235748"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6815928bca539"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She was named Gatorade Player of the Year for Maryland. Prep Dig also named her the high school player of the year for Marylnd. She set as well as hit Richard Montgomery to back to back Maryland state championships, the only two in their high school history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When Ema began club she played mostly left side. She was too valuable playing the back row to play right side. Taking her out for a setter when MVSA ran a 6/2 was not an option. MVSA used her as a hitter in the back row to generate more offense. Plus, her passing kept the team in system. In her last two years she played a six rotation right side once MVSA switched to a 5/1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Her versatility to set as well as hit from both pins gives her a lot of versatility. She will use that versatility while playing for UMBC next year. They picked up a gem. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181763"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6815928bca590"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jada won the Gatorade player of the Year for DC as well as high school player of the year by Prep Dig. She hit right side to lead Georgetown Day to the DC state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For Metro she is one of their main hitters from the right side. She keeps the team rocking with her great enthusiasm as well as her intensity on the court. When she plays back row she normally remains hidden in the passing rotation. Her mission is to fire missiles with her strong left arm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When she was 12 she played for [program_tooltip program_id='511606' first='Vienna' last='Elite']. Metro picked her up the next season. Bummer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jada has committed to Lafayette.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181243"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6815928bca5e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evelyn led West Springfield to the state bracket, hitting over 50 percent of the team's sets. She finished third in the State of Virginia for kills. All this hitting eventually wore on her as she tore her ACL early in the club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evelyn is the rare right hander who hits from the right side. Early, in her club career she started as a setter. Eventually, her contributions became greater as a right side, especially after growing to 6'2".</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prior to her injury Virginia Elite was one of the top three clubs in the Chesapeake Region. Her offensive contributions were difficult to replace after she went down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evelyn has committed to New Hampshire. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Middle</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181309"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6815928bca63c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Early in her career Brainna played for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']. She transferred to Metro for her 18 season. During her high school career her middle play led Riverside to the Class D state championship. The year before they were runners-up, losing only in the finals of the Class 5 state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brianna runs the quick tempo sets well. Despite her 6'2" height she still has the quickness to move from pin to pin to generate a block. Her approach jump reaches the 10'2" level. Someone you don't really notice in the middle until you have been rejected by her for a third time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brianna has committed to Virginia Tech </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235284"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6815928bca691"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'5" Caitlin can be an intimidating presence at the net. Prior to this year her offensive input seemed to rely more on slam dunk kills or tips over the block. This year her arm swing improved allowing her to actually power balls into the floor with a full swing. Of all the players I watched in the class of 2025 she may have made the most improvement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blocking has never been an issue for her. Her hands travel high over the net with a block touch that hits 8'4". She brings an approach jump of 10'2". </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Caitlin has committed to Santa Clara </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["309030"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6815928bca6e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 5'11" Corinne might be considered too small for middle. She started playing more left side later in her club career. Her versatility to play both middle and left side made her an ideal pick as the third middle who can also hit left side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corinne got a late start to volleyball. Her main sport in high school was basketball. She did not begin playing travel volleyball until her sophomore year in high school. She teamed with [player_tooltip player_id='235748' first='Ema' last='Djordjevic'] to lead Richard Montgomery to back to back Class 4 Mayland state volleyball championships. It was two more than she won when playing basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As her volleyball play became more dominant her focus shifted. Eventually, she committed to Howard to play volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Liberos</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181279"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6815928bca734"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kadi won the top receiver award at the Capitol Hill Classic. She has the instincts to know where to play on defense. Her passing also stands out for its consistency, though she seemed to struggle at the Chesapeake Regional Bid Championship. Because her game is so consistent you really notice when she makes a shank or fails to dig up a ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kadi averaged a little over 4 digs per set for Flint Hill. She ranks as the top true libero in the class of 2025. She plays amazing defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kadi has committed to Lafayette, the second Leopard player on this list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["196556"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68163643064aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This year Caleigh decided to play for a more local club [program_tooltip program_id='506397' first='River' last='Valley Juniors'] than travel to North Carolina to play for Academy. It turned out well as the team qualified for the National Division in U.S. Junior Nationals. The team finished 25th out of 48 teams but overall ended the tournament with more wins than losses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Caleigh is one of those players that should be looked at by the National Team Development Program (NTDP). Because of her Raleigh location she stays out of the spotlight. It was her play, as well as the play of [player_tooltip player_id='452562' first='Sophie' last='Taylor'] and [player_tooltip player_id='495264' first='Ela' last='Shepherd'] that forced me to pay more attention to the Raleigh area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Caleigh finished her high school career with over 2,200 kills. She will be going to Kansas State to play as a libero. A player who gives her all on the court. She won the Gatorade Player of the year award for Virginia as well as the Prep Dig high school player of the year. She ranks number 91 nationally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My only regret is I never saw her play libero. As an outside she was awesome.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->