Offers Roll In as 16U Shines at FAST Pre-Nationals

Day 2 of the FAST Pre-National Tournament wasn't just about wins and losses—it marked a major milestone for the athletes in the 16U division. With June 15 officially opening the doors for direct contact from college coaches, the energy in the gym was electric. Offers were being made, DMs were lighting up, and players knew every serve, swing, and celebration could be their first impression.   The talent on display didn't disappoint. Here are six standout athletes who made a strong case for why they're ready to compete at the next level:    Kendal is a dominant right-side hitter with one of the most powerful arm swings at the tournament. She generates force from her entire body, delivering aggressive, high-velocity attacks that are hard to defend. Whether she's at the net or attacking from the back row, she remains a consistent scoring threat. Her vertical is impressive. She gets her head above the net. This gives her a full view of the court and the ability to choose her shots with precision. Kendal's combination of power, elevation, and court vision makes her a high-impact player on any rotation.   <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/DK8Y9Ybt3Cp/?igsh=cjRtdGF5eDYweGk0 </div></figure>     Arayla brings a strong, disciplined presence to the right side. She consistently sets the block in the right position, effectively shutting down high-level outside hitters. Her hand positioning is textbook—finishing low and into the court to prevent getting tooled. Offensively, she has a powerful arm swing with a high contact point, allowing her to score from tough angles. Arayla mixes up her shots well and finds open court with ease. She also contributes on defense and has a tough, well-placed jump float serve that puts opponents out of system. Her energy is contagious—always encouraging her teammates and showing up ready to compete.     Mia is a high-flying outside hitter with a powerful arm and sharp offensive instincts. She elevates with ease and either finds the split in the block or simply goes over it. Her attacking decisions are mature—using tools off the block and placing smart shots to score consistently. Defensively, she holds her own with great court awareness and quick reactions. Her transition footwork is fast and efficient, allowing her to stay ready on every play. She also brings a strong hybrid float serve that just clears the net and lands deep, keeping passers on their heels.     Rahima is a smart and agile middle blocker who brings both offensive awareness and defensive instincts to the court. She has a strong cut shot and does an excellent job of swinging away from the block, adjusting mid-air based on what she sees in front of her. Defensively, she's quick to track the ball after getting a touch on the block, staying engaged in the play and helping extend rallies. Her ability to read and react makes her a reliable presence in transition and a key contributor at the net.    With coaches officially sliding into inboxes and making calls, the FAST Pre-National 16U division delivered everything you'd expect—big-time talent, high-level competition, and players ready to take that next step.

Day 2 of the FAST Pre-National Tournament wasn't just about wins and losses—it marked a major milestone for the athletes in the 16U division. With June 15 officially opening the doors for direct contact from college coaches, the energy in the gym was electric. Offers were being made, DMs were lighting up, and players knew every serve, swing, and celebration could be their first impression.