What I Saw Courtside: My List of Must-Watch Volleyball Players

Over the past several months, I've been locked in courtside. From December to now, I have been watching, noting, and analyzing some of the best up-and-coming volleyball talent in the game. This article is a “dump” straight from my scouting journal: raw, honest, and full of names that deserve attention. These athletes have stood out for their skill, grit, and game-changing presence on the court. Whether you're a coach, recruiter, or fan, keep your eyes on these names.    Copeland Fulbright is a force on the outside, bringing a powerful serve and a relentless, aggressive style of play. Her disciplined defense and refusal to give up on the ball make her a dependable presence in every rotation. Copeland's timing on her approach is spot-on. Her strong back row attack adds another dimension to her already well-rounded game. She plays with heart and consistency, making her a key asset on any team.     [player_tooltip player_id='727302' first='Lola' last='Prpa'] is an exceptional young setter with a level of precision and court presence well beyond her age. She's quick, aggressive, and unafraid to go all out—sliding, diving, and still delivering accurate sets under pressure. Lola is a natural leader. She holds her teammates to a high standard. She encourages great effort in a positive and motivating way, even when she's off the court. She's the player every team needs to run a disciplined and dynamic offense.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIxQk-pxRiT/?igsh=NDltODJsMXN6cGd4 </div></figure>    Kaitlyn Tatge is a standout libero known for her sharp defensive instincts and relentless effort. She combines discipline with aggression, always staying one step ahead of the play. Her ability to provide seamless coverage for all of her hitters makes her a stabilizing force on the court. Kaitlyn's consistency and hustle anchor the back row and elevate the overall performance of her team.     Mila has one of the best backrow attacks I have seen in a long time. Her swing is so powerful, and she puts everything in her body into every attack. Mila is great at defending in the back row, very disciplined, communicative, and aggressive. For her not to have played high school ball yet, she is a very mature athlete. I truly can not wait to see what she contributes to the volleyball world over the next 4 years.     Layla Olatunde is a dynamic presence at the net with a powerful swing that commands attention. Her quick arm action allows her to beat blocks with ease. Her explosive block makes her a serious threat on defense. Layla's quick feet give her the edge in coverage. Her high mobility provides an advantage in transition. She is a complete and impactful player on the court.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJMmNmyx95D/?igsh=MXE1a2Z2aTJzNWk0cQ== </div></figure>   From powerful hitters to fearless defenders, these athletes have left their mark on every court they've stepped on. Each one stood out in my scouting journal not just for their skills. They impressed me with their drive, leadership, and impact on the game. As the club season continues, I'll be watching closely. New opportunities are arising. I'll see how they continue to grow and dominate. If they're not already on your radar—they should be.

Over the past several months, I've been locked in courtside. From December to now, I have been watching, noting, and analyzing some of the best up-and-coming volleyball talent in the game. This article is a “dump” straight from my scouting journal: raw, honest, and full of names that deserve attention. These athletes have stood out for their skill, grit, and game-changing presence on the court. Whether you're a coach, recruiter, or fan, keep your eyes on these names.