EVA Trio Earns AAU All-American Honors, Finishes Runner-Up

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='755223' first='Elite' last='Volleyball Academy']'s 16s team made a name for themselves at the AAU National Championships once again, finishing as national runner-up in a highly competitive 16U division and three athletes from their roster walked away with All-American honors to prove it. In 2023, an almost identical roster brought home a 3rd place finish after competing at the USAV Nationals in Chicago, Illinois.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='749859' first='Isabella' last='Gonzalez'], Outside Hitter, 5'8, Benton High School</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='749859' first='Isabella' last='Gonzalez'], a dynamic 5'8" outside hitter, was a consistent offensive and defensive force throughout the tournament. Gonzalez's powerful swing and court awareness kept her team in rhythm, and she made big-time plays in high-pressure moments. Her ability to terminate from the pin and contribute in the back row showcased her all-around value, and her recognition as an AAU All-American only solidified what Arkansas fans already knew: she's a rising star to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='746818' first='Taylor' last='Lease'], Middle Blocker, 5'10, Bryant High School</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also earning All-American status was [player_tooltip player_id='746818' first='Taylor' last='Lease'], a middle blocker who provided EVA with both a physical and emotional spark. Lease's ability to close blocks and quickly transition into offense made her a game-changer at the net. Her timing, fast-twitch reactions, and vocal leadership helped set the tone for EVA's high-level play throughout the championship run. Lease's dominance in the middle consistently disrupted opponents' game plans and kept EVA competitive in every match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='569562' first='Ava' last='Jeffus'], Defensive Specialist/Libero, 5'5, Little Rock Christian</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='569562' first='Ava' last='Jeffus'], the team's steady and sharp defensive specialist/libero, rounded out the All-American trio. Jeffus was a passing machine and the glue in serve receive, reading the game at a high level and consistently putting her setters in position to run the offense. Her hustle, discipline, and ability to control the backcourt proved crucial to EVA's success. Whether it was a diving play or a well-timed service run, Jeffus was a constant source of energy and consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Bright Future Ahead for the State of Arkansas</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Together, Gonzalez, Lease, and Jeffus not only helped their team bring home a national runner-up title, but they also proved that the future of Arkansas volleyball is in strong hands. As part of the Class of 2027, this group has plenty of high school and club volleyball left to play and if AAU Nationals was any indication, this is just the beginning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->