Spotlight on 15U: FAST Pre-National Athletes to Watch

With the USAV National Championships just weeks away, the FAST Pre-National tournament in Houston offers one last high-level tune-up for elite teams across Texas. The 15 & Under division is stacked with young talent ready to make a statement before heading to Dallas. From high-flying attackers to scrappy defenders, these six rising stars are poised to turn heads and elevate their squads on the big stage.    Fresh off a championship run at the Summer NIT in Arizona, [player_tooltip player_id='756603' first='Nlonna' last='Okwura'] enters the FAST Pre-National tournament with momentum and a mission. A dominant force at the net, she combines a fast, heavy swing with sharp timing and smooth transitions that keep her constantly in play. Whether she's slamming quick sets or sealing off hitters with her block, Okwura brings elite presence and energy that makes her a key weapon on both sides of the ball.   This weekend, her team is playing up in the 16s division—an exciting challenge that will test their grit and growth. With Okwura leading the charge, I'm looking forward to seeing how they hold their own against some of the top players in the older age group.     Running a smooth 5-1 offense, [player_tooltip player_id='739802' first='Charli' last='Niu'] takes command of the court with confidence and control. Her precise ball placement and vocal leadership make her the heartbeat of her team's system. Charli's supportive presence uplifts her teammates, while her court awareness and quick decision-making keep opponents guessing. She handles tight balls with ease, showing excellent body control and the ability to stay clean at the net whether she's setting or attacking. Add in her strong blocking ability, and she's a true all-around threat at the setter position.   It's been since December that I last saw Charli in action, and I can't wait to see how she's sharpened her game and grown as a leader over the course of the season.    <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/DI-AjATMjgm/?igsh=OWJ3OWF2dXp1eG9h </div></figure>    Harper Korenek is a dynamic six-rotation outside hitter who brings grit, precision, and high volleyball IQ to every play. She shines in serve receive and defense, always ready to hit the floor to keep rallies alive. Offensively, her lightning-fast arm swing allows her to expose seams in the block and keep defenders on their heels. Behind the service line, she's a calculated threat—placing balls with intent and disrupting serve receive with sharp seam targeting that clearly reflects purposeful training.   With her team playing up in the 16s division this weekend, I'm excited to see how she rises to the challenge and leads the way against top-tier competition.     [player_tooltip player_id='783110' first='McKenna' last='Joyce Stroud'] is a high-IQ playmaker who thrives in both setting and attacking roles. She's a disciplined defender with smooth transitions, and her sets are clean, well-placed, and thoughtfully executed. What sets McKenna apart is her ability to read blockers and set against the flow of the ball—creating one-on-one opportunities for her hitters and maximizing her team's offensive efficiency. Her float serve is another weapon, delivered with precision and purpose to target vulnerable zones and break up rhythm.   Her versatility and strategic mind make her a valuable asset at any point in the rotation, and she's the kind of player who elevates everyone around her.     Kenley Predescleaux is a high-flying middle who brings speed, awareness, and power to the net. With a quick arm swing and great vertical, she poses a constant threat in the middle of the court. Defensively, she tracks hitters well and consistently closes blocks with precision. Her transitions off the net are clean, allowing her to stay ready and be a quick offensive option. Kenley also shows a sharp eye for the block—reading it in real time and adjusting her attack to exploit any gaps. If there's a hole, she's swinging through it with confidence and force.    With Nationals just around the corner, the FAST Pre-National tournament is the perfect stage for these 15U standouts to showcase their growth and grit. Whether they're leading their teams in older age divisions or commanding the court in their own, these athletes are proving they're ready for the next level. If this weekend is any indication, the future of volleyball is in very good hands.

With the USAV National Championships just weeks away, the FAST Pre-National tournament in Houston offers one last high-level tune-up for elite teams across Texas. The 15 & Under division is stacked with young talent ready to make a statement before heading to Dallas. From high-flying attackers to scrappy defenders, these six rising stars are poised to turn heads and elevate their squads on the big stage.