16U USAV and AAU Championship Review

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 16 age group looks a little bit like the 15 age group. [program_tooltip program_id='450416' first='East' last='Coast Volleyball Club'] Black is the only Old Dominion Region team competing in the Nationals. As was the case with the 15 age group [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] is the only Open team from the DMV area. Virginia Elite will play in Open in AAU. This is the third in our four previews of the local teams competing in the USAV and AAU National Championships. Next week I will highlight the 17s.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Premier Edge qualified for the American Division in the USAV Junior Nationals. They are a team located in Delaware. Players named to watch are either ranked or on our watch list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">USAV Junior National Championship</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Open Division</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589253,"width":"305px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/113-Alyssa-Kumah.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589253" style="width:305px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='435745' first='Alyssa' last='Kumah']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Earned Their Bid</strong> - This is an extremely talented team that may have to play without their top player <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='296486' first='Taylor' last='Harrington']</strong>. Currently, she is on the roster of the U.S. 19 National team that will play in the Pan Am Cup June 24-29 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] qualified with a fifth place finish in the Show Me qualifier. They also finished fifth in the Northeast Qualifier. Finally, they finished first in the Mid Atlantic Power League (MAPL) in Hampton, beating Metro 17 twice and Metro 16 once to win the event. Metro 16 got some revenge by beating Paramount in the finals of the Chesapeake Regional Bid Championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - number 1 regionally and 11 nationally. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player to Watch </strong>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='296486' first='Taylor' last='Harrington']</strong> ranks as the top prospect in the class of 2027 for the state of Virginia. She also beat out a number of girls to win a roster spot on the U.S. National team. If she is not available [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] has depth on their roster to replace her with the number 3 ranked player in the Class of 2027 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435745' first='Alyssa' last='Kumah']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch</strong> - left side<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='528707' first='Annika' last='Dandridge']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435748' first='Aaliyah' last='Green']</strong>, right side/libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279856' first='Kayla' last='Luther']</strong>, setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='298857' first='Ingrid' last='Smith']</strong>, right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455102' first='Erin' last='Green'],</strong> setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li']</strong>, libero/defensive specialist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437980' first='Katherine' last='Madden']</strong>, right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='534058' first='Alexa' last='Bracey']</strong>, libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536716' first='Diane' last='Nzoupet']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506629' first='Dylann' last='Loggins'],</strong> right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238595' first='Sofia' last='Delarosa']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fun Fact</strong> - [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] snagged a number of top ranked girls to play for them this year, including #3 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435745' first='Alyssa' last='Kumah']</strong>, #6 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='528707' first='Annika' last='Dandridge']</strong>, #12 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435748' first='Aaliyah' last='Green']</strong>, # 33 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li']</strong> and # 33 from the class of 2026 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506629' first='Dylann' last='Loggins']</strong>. One player they failed to get was #2 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='357402' first='Coco' last='Lewis']</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279856' first='Kayla' last='Luther'] </strong>played one year for Metro as a libero. With minimal playing time she moved to [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] to hit outside. This year she is back to playing libero/defensive specialist, with some looks at the pins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>National</strong> <strong>Division</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589325,"width":"305px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/Olivia-Garey.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589325" style="width:305px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Olivia garey</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Earned Their Bid </strong>- They won the Chesapeake Bid Regional Championship beating [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] in the final. They fell short of an Open bid with a ninth place finish in the Northeast Qualifier. In the end that ninth place finish ranked as the best when playing in three Qualifiers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking </strong>- number 2 regionally with a 50 national ranking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player to Watch</strong> - If the passing is good the 6'2" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437441' first='Hunter' last='Ross']</strong> can dominate the game. She makes hitting the middle look so easy. She also has the flexibility to hit right side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch</strong> - left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray']</strong>, right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290176' first='Kieran' last='Rhoton'],</strong> setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='292644' first='Caycee' last='Chhum']</strong>, left side<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='377396' first='Alexa' last='Telly']</strong>, right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='469197' first='Olivia' last='Garey']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437457' first='Jasmin' last='Tucker']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438077' first='Averi' last='Hanna']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478903' first='Barrett' last='Bolter']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437985' first='Zora' last='Dimbo']</strong>, libero/defensive specialist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530364' first='Caroline' last='Apergis']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473872' first='Jocelyn' last='Gill']</strong>, right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437988' first='Sasha' last='Plummer']</strong>, libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437443' first='Kaniyah' last='Ball'] </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fun Fact </strong>-<strong> Mickhaila Murray</strong> won VISAA player of the year for Flint Hill in 2022 when they won the championship. In 2024 her younger sister <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray']</strong> won VISAA player of the year playing for Bishop O'Connell. They beat Flint Hill in five to win the championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='450416' first='East' last='Coast Volleyball Club'] Black</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":765643,"width":"333px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/ECVC-Old-Dominion.jpg?w=849" alt="" class="wp-image-765643" style="width:333px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: [program_tooltip program_id='450416' first='East' last='Coast Volleyball Club'] 16</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Earned Their Bid</strong> - East Coast won the Old Dominion Bid Regional Championship. They are the only Old Dominion club competing at the Junior Nationals in Dallas. In three USA Qualifiers 41st was their best finish. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - They are ranked third regionally while sitting at 711 nationally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player to Watch</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='577517' first='Mia' last='Lynch']</strong> is a left handed swinging right side who helped Kellam reach the finals of the Class 5 Virginia state playoffs. She ranks at 113 in our class of 2027. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch</strong> - left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='608979' first='Mia' last='Schmidt'],</strong> middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720452' first='Brianna' last='Douglas']</strong>,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fun Fact </strong>- From a national ranking perspective East Coast is the lowest ranked DMV team to compete in the Junior Nationals. They have little to lose and a lot to gain if they do well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>USA Division</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":732480,"width":"272px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/Ana-Djordjevic.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-732480" style="width:272px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='491007' first='Ana' last='Djordjevic']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MVSA Sparks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Earned Their Bid</strong> - After earning a Freedom Bid with their fourth place finish in the Chesapeake Regional Bid Championship they travelled to the Big South. With a fourth place finish out of 120 teams they earned a USA bid. The top two teams had already earned USA bids so they benefitted from the trickle down. For icing on the cake they won the American Division in the Northeast Qualifier topping over 119 other teams. Recently, MVSA finished in second place in the Beast of the East in the East Coast championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - 4th regionally and 97th nationally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player to Watch</strong> - It is rare for a libero to be a team's best player. For <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491007' first='Ana' last='Djordjevic']</strong> she contributes points with her serving, passing, defense and leadership while on the court. She carries a high IQ for playing the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch</strong> - middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465322' first='Siyena' last='Fitsum']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438097' first='Haile' last='Ma']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438058' first='Vivian' last='Ngan']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438053' first='Lucille' last='Deraleau']</strong>, defensive specialist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438118' first='Amelia' last='Cheng']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772012' first='Chloe' last='Tanseco']</strong>, right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='752045' first='Maya' last='Dorsam']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772008' first='Meera' last='Patel']</strong>, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fun Fact</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491007' first='Ana' last='Djordjevic'] </strong>is the younger sister of <strong>Emma Djordjevic,</strong> who this year won the Maryland Gatorade player of the year honors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>American Division</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":732525,"width":"327px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/Kinsley-Zebatto4.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-732525" style="width:327px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='484960' first='Kinsley' last='Zebatto']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Juniors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Earned a Bid</strong> - They snagged a reallocated Old Dominion American bid. A third place finish in the Chesapeake Bid Regional Championship had already given them a Freedom bid. When competing in the Qualifiers Juniors played in the Open Division. While they finished in the middle of the pack they were playing without <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='357402' first='Coco' last='Lewis']</strong>. They recently finished first in the East Coast Championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - third in the Region and 56th nationally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player to Watch </strong>- An injury has kept <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='357402' first='Coco' last='Lewis'] </strong>in a boot for the second half of the season. While she could be somewhat rusty (Edit: she played in all the qualifiers but after injuring her foot during the Northeast qualifier she decided to rest it to prepare for Nationals)., I have been told she<s> should</s>(will) be available for the Junior National championships in Dallas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch</strong> - right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='484960' first='Kinsley' last='Zebatto']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438068' first='Ayla' last='Sayd']</strong>, libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438070' first='Camryn' last='Coulther'],</strong> defensive specialist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='472384' first='Kate' last='Bickel'],</strong> right side/DS <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='359401' first='Chloe' last='Barth'], </strong>middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530367' first='Ava' last='Gill']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438091' first='Catherine' last='McIntyre']</strong>, right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529439' first='Jasmine' last='McBorrough']</strong>,, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='206729' first='Megan' last='Phan']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377344' first='Julia' last='Horan'],</strong> setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587030' first='Faith' last='Smith']</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fun Fact</strong> - Normally players who compete down a level are not as highly recruited. Sometimes you have to know the background of a player before ignoring their skills. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377344' first='Julia' last='Horan']</strong> is a class of 2026 who recently committed to Cincinnati. She only started playing volleyball in high school. In two years she has gone from a beginner to first team all District and second team all Region. She stands over 6'0" and it would not surprise me to see more growth in her. Both her parents stand tall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Freedom Division </strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Columbia Black</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Earned a Bid</strong> - They finished fifth in the Chesapeake Bid Regional Championship. They bumped up to a Freedom bid with [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] winning an Open bid and MVSA earning a spot in the USA. Columbia played in two national qualifiers with a 31st spot their highest finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - They are ranked 12th in the Region and 653 nationally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player </strong>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='698761' first='Imagine' last='Peltier']</strong> set a 5/1 for Howard high school. They were undefeated until they lost in the semi-finals of the Class 3 Maryland state championship. At 5'11" she brings good height to the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch</strong> - left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720806' first='Jackie' last='Klugh']</strong>, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":732519,"width":"287px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/Kaelyn-Wharton2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-732519" style="width:287px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='471485' first='Kaelyn' last='Wharton']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='498081' first='Loudoun' last='Elite'] Josie </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Earned a Bid</strong> - A fifth place finish in the Chesapeake Bid Regional Championship got them bumped up to the Freedom Division. They have done well playing in the American Division in two qualifiers with 9th and 17th place finishes. A team that seems to play above others expectations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES ranking</strong> - A 23rd ranking in the region while their national ranking sits at 349</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player to Watch</strong>- At 5'7" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='471485' first='Kaelyn' last='Wharton']</strong> is a smaller left side. However, she hits the ball with good velocity, consistently finding the floor in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch</strong> - setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='728459' first='Ali' last='Joyce']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='444617' first='Kamilla' last='Hendrix']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532908' first='Olivia' last='Stroupe']</strong>, right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='445966' first='Emerson' last='Barbrow']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536741' first='Lacey' last='Bogues']</strong>, libero/ds <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='719026' first='Ella' last='Jaques']</strong>, libero/DS <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='760189' first='Era' last='Rruka-Stanton'],</strong> left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='763215' first='Kaylee' last='Mehta'],</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fun Fact</strong> - Last year [program_tooltip program_id='498081' first='Loudoun' last='Elite'] sent a couple teams to play in Junior Nationals in the Patriot Division. It must have paid off. This year is the first time in club history they have a team that has earned a bid to Junior Nationals. They also have a 17 team that also earned a bid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">AAU Junior National Championship</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are the six strongest teams competing in the AAU. Teams do not have to qualify to play in this tournament. There are over 30 teams from the DMV area competing in this event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Open Division</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589240,"width":"272px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/98-Eva-Collingham.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589240" style="width:272px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='437448' first='Eva' last='Collingham']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Elite</strong> - They played in two Open qualifiers with their best finish at 37th in the Northeast Qualifier. They have lost to 540 volleyball Academy Elite and 757 Elite, two other teams competing at AAUs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - 34th regionally while 1,051 nationally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player</strong> - The 6'2 middle [player_tooltip player_id='437452' first='Jolie' last='Vignier'] can be a force at the net. -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch</strong> -left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437448' first='Eva' last='Collingham']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325403' first='Annabelle' last='Kim']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='488812' first='Olivia' last='Boggs'],</strong> left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438043' first='Katherine' last='McLaughlin'], </strong>middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='485504' first='Sydney' last='Miller'], </strong>middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='582293' first='Shannon' last='Treloar']</strong>, libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='520868' first='Caroline' last='Semko']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='569730' first='Ava' last='Grilliot']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='742633' first='Olivia' last='Cypcar']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437447' first='Kai' last='Gorman']</strong>,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fun Fact</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325403' first='Annabelle' last='Kim']</strong> attended the very first Prep Dig showcase and won a top performer award. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aspire Division</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MOJO Elite Black</strong> - They finished ninth in the Chesapeake Bid Regional Championship, far short of snagging a Junior National. A very strong 5th place finish out of 128 teams in the Liberty Division in the Northeast Qualifier fell short of earning a bid. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking </strong>- 21st in the Region while ranking 707 nationally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player</strong> - Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530363' first='Adelyn' last='Pye'] </strong>focused on basketball early in her career. It was only until last year that her focus shifted to volleyball. At 5'10" she brings good height to the position. She also brings athleticism to the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch</strong> - middle<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='530366' first='Gabriela' last='Donley']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529254' first='Gracie' last='Davig']</strong>, right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530362' first='Claire' last='Nitowski'],</strong> middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='539414' first='Giulia' last='Pescosolido']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='608978' first='Francise' last='Ramirez']</strong>,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fun Fact</strong> -<strong> Jocelyn Pye</strong>, the older sister of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530363' first='Adelyn' last='Pye']</strong> played for Bishop O'Connell and helped the team win a state championship as well as a WCAC championship. Jocelyn committed to John Hopkins. Adelyn plays for Meridian. This coming season could be a breakout season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Premier Division</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>757 Black</strong> - They played in the USA Division of the Mideast Qualifier, finishing 69th out of 128 teams. They beat Virginia Elite 16 at the Charm City Challenge. A second place finish at the Virginia Beach Brawl included a loss to [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club'] in the final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - They are ranked second in the Old Dominion Region and 302 nationally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player</strong> - Love the hustle of libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='471714' first='Ryann' last='Bothof']</strong>. On the court there is no ball that is beyond her reach. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch</strong> - left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545710' first='Avery' last='Osler'],</strong> middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='618590' first='Lyla' last='Shannon']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='557876' first='Kinsley' last='Flores'],</strong> setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='643814' first='Emma' last='Irving']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='734796' first='Benisa' last='Moore']</strong>,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fun Fact</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='643814' first='Emma' last='Irving']</strong> set Kellam to the finals in the Class 5 Virginia State Championship where they eventually lost to the top seed Riverside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":732561,"width":"395px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/Victoria-Small.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-732561" style="width:395px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='547072' first='Victoria' last='Small']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maryland Juniors Black</strong> - A fifth place finish in the Chesapeake Bid Regional Championship indicates they could have earned a bid to Junior Nationals by trickling up but chose to play in AAUs instead. They recently finished third in the East Coast championship, defeating American Red but taking a loss against MVSA Sparks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - 10th in the Region and after a third place finish at the East Coast Championship they climbed to 297 nationally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player</strong> - Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='547072' first='Victoria' last='Small']</strong> shows the hustle and intensity you seek in a libero.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch</strong> - right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='577516' first='Mariska' last='Ordonez'],</strong> middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438098' first='Kennedy' last='Williams']</strong>, libero/ds <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='731013' first='Ella' last='Strain']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753065' first='Isabella' last='Adcock']</strong>, libero/ds <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753439' first='Joelle' last='Vassor'],</strong> left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753062' first='Madelyn' last='Mauro']</strong>, middle <strong>Kiya Boggan</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754942' first='Xinyuan' last='Cui']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Select Division</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":729648,"width":"226px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/40-Danika-Swanson.jpg?w=835" alt="" class="wp-image-729648" style="width:226px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>American Red</strong> - They finished a respectable 17th out of 128 teams in the American Division of the Northeast Qualifiers. They lost to both Maryland Juniors Black and MVSA Sparks in the East Coast Championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Rank</strong> - They sit at number 22 in the Region while falling to 727 nationally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Playe</strong>r - Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson'] </strong>can run a 6'2" while providing offense on the right side or set a 5/1. She has that high volleyball IQ you look for in a setter. That stands out as a reason why she ranks as our number three setter for the class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other players to Watch</strong> - libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530368' first='Sadie' last='Barrera'], </strong>left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='759788' first='Desi' last='Cappolla']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772025' first='Kaitlin' last='Thomas']</strong>, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772026' first='Sydney' last='Brudvig']</strong>,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fun Fact</strong> -[player_tooltip player_id='772025' first='Kaitlin' last='Thomas'] is home schooled but plays for Northern Virginia Home School. Last year they finished 22-5 but they do not play a strong schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elite Division</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club'] National </strong>- They finished a solid 19th out of 77 teams in the USA Division of the Northeast Qualifier, even beating Maryland Juniors Black during the event. They also beat Columbia Black who is playing in the Freedom Division of the USAV Junior Nationals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Rank</strong> - They rank as the top team in the Old Dominion Region while also falling in at number 99 nationally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Playe</strong>r <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536717' first='London' last='Jones']</strong> belongs to the Class of 2028 and ranks as the 8th best prospect in that class. She can fly at the pins.-</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch</strong> - left/right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464573' first='Blake' last='Crawford'],</strong> middle<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='720080' first='Miller' last='Grimes'], </strong>left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='768375' first='Alexis' last='VerMeer']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='528727' first='Avery' last='Hurley']</strong>, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='517814' first='Ashley' last='Grace Johnstone']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->