14's Shine Bright at AAU Junior Nationals

I was able to watch some terrific volleyball during wave 2 at the AAU Junior Nationals in Orlando, Florida. Walking into the north and south concourses is the best, as you can feel the electricity in the air. Seeing the big stage filled with lights and energy, you just knew players were ready to rise to the occasion of the moment. From players and teams playing in classic all the way up to open, you could see the amazing talent on display. Volleyball is in a good place right now.   There were some players while watching different courts who you couldn't take your eyes off of. You can see a great player in a lot of different ways. Sometimes the confidence just exudes from the player, a type of swag, sometimes it's just the play of the athlete. But the list below stood out to me for a number of reasons, so let's take a look at these amazing talents.    This Middle Hitter was outstanding in the 2 games I saw her play. Her size, long arms, and athletic ability were unstoppable. #6 for the A5 14 Helen team could do it all. She ran slides fluidly, had a great vertical, and hit down on the ball for multiple kills like no one I was seeing in the gym. Could block well and even pass and play back row defense after serving. She was impressive.     #4 Libero did an outstanding job on defense and serve receive for A5. I loved her energy on the court. Some liberos got it, and some don't; she has it. Great strength in shuffling to the ball, opening up for tight serves, was an excellent passer, and sniffed out great defensive plays with her anticipation. A libero everyone would want on their team.     Maia plays for Wisconsin Elite 14 Elite, and she was phenomenal while watching her play. She is an outside hitter who can put the ball down on you. Whether it's down the line, cross-court or right over you with her great vertical and power, she has all the shots. Kerry is also smart with her play and even uses finesse when needed. She is one to watch.     Amaya, who was playing on DVA 14 Elite, was fantastic playing all-around for her club. She made great defensive plays, whether covering in the front row or in the back. She finished her kills with power while playing OH and used touch when needed. She earned All-American honors as well ... which was the club's 1st all American player ever.     While watching Elliott play for her club L2 14-2, she struck me as a player who's able to do it all. She plays OH, and I saw her show off her wide range of skills and do a little bit of everything for her squad. I saw aces, kills, sets, digs, and blocks from Elliott. I thought she had a good feel on the court and great hands. She had great energy as well after scoring or making a play. Seemed like a leader.    Tournaments like this can bring out the best in athletes or sometimes the worse ... but these players shined bright like the sun in Orlando. They possessed a sense of confidence which you like to see within young athletes. As these young ladies head into high school or move into their freshman or sophomore year, I believe we will hear big things from these players.

I was able to watch some terrific volleyball during wave 2 at the AAU Junior Nationals in Orlando, Florida. Walking into the north and south concourses is the best, as you can feel the electricity in the air. Seeing the big stage filled with lights and energy, you just knew players were ready to rise to the occasion of the moment. From players and teams playing in classic all the way up to open, you could see the amazing talent on display. Volleyball is in a good place right now.