Virginia’s Trailblazers: Class of 2026 Stars on the Rise

Virginia's Class of 2026 volleyball players are dominating the 17s division with fierce skills, relentless effort, and undeniable potential! At tournaments like SRVA Regionals, these athletes showed up big—smashing attacks, diving for digs, and leading with heart. From sharp setters to tenacious liberos and powerful hitters, this group is turning heads. Here's the rundown on six Virginia 17s players who are proving they're ready for the next level!    Peyton Tilley is a setter who runs her offense with razor-sharp smarts and infectious energy. Her court IQ and vision are top-notch, reading plays like a pro and setting up hitters for success with crisp, quick hands. Peyton's hustle is relentless—she's chasing every ball and throwing up solid blocks with a strong vertical. As a leader, she's always encouraging teammates, lifting the squad with her positive vibe. Her presence sparks the team, keeping everyone focused and fired up. Peyton's a dynamic setter with the skills and heart to lead her team to big wins. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald     Harper Schindler is a libero who holds down the backcourt with steady passes and great movement. Her serve receive delivers consistent 3-passes, fueling her offense with clean sets. Harper's transitions are quick, and her defense is scrappy—she's diving for balls with real hustle. She communicates clearly, keeping her team in sync, and her leadership shines both on and off the court, always encouraging teammates. Coachable and hardworking, Harper's fluid footwork keeps her in position to make plays. She's a reliable back-row player with the drive to make a difference every match. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald     Isabella Rodriguez is a setter who brings quick hands and steady leadership to her team's offense. Her sets are sharp, giving hitters clean looks, and her court IQ helps her make smart plays. Isabella's transitions are smooth, keeping her ready to set or cover, and she's vocal, rallying her squad with clear calls. She's solid on defense, contributing with effort, and her leadership keeps her team focused. Coachable and driven, Isabella's hustle makes her a dependable setter. She's got the skills and mindset to grow into a key playmaker for her squad. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald     Alyssa Smith is an outside hitter with strong attacks and all-around skills. Her swings pack power and variety, finding gaps in defenses, and her vertical gives her an edge at the net for solid blocks. Alyssa's transitions are quick, letting her shift from defense to offense fast, and her serve consistency puts pressure on opponents. She's tough on defense, covering ground with hustle, and her passing delivers clean 3-passes. With clear communication and steady leadership, Alyssa's a 6-rotation threat. She's a versatile hitter with the work ethic to shine in big moments. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald     Lauren Norton is a middle blocker who brings steady blocks and tough defense to the net. Her serves are sharp, challenging receivers, and her blocking is strong, shutting down hitters with good timing. Lauren moves well pin-to-pin, staying active in the middle, and her vertical helps her compete at the net. She's solid on defense, covering ground with effort and keeping rallies alive. While her attack game is still developing, Lauren's hustle and defensive skills make her a reliable middle. She's a hard worker with the potential to grow into a key player. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald     Carey Hsu is a libero who locks down the backcourt with consistent passes and steady hustle. Her 3-passes are clean, setting up her offense with ease, and her defense is scrappy, digging balls with effort. Carey's serves keep opponents on their toes, and her communication keeps her team connected. She's always hustling, chasing down plays and keeping rallies going. With a positive vibe, Carey encourages teammates, adding energy to the squad. She's a dependable back-row player with the heart and skills to make a difference in every match. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following <a href="https://www.instagram.com/benchtobeast/">BenchtoBeast</a> for exclusive Georgia content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</h3>   We're on a mission to spotlight talent, uplift families, and bring the volleyball community closer than ever! Huge shoutout to our amazing subscribers — you're the heartbeat of this movement. Thank you for you help growing the game, and making every moment unforgettable. The best is yet to come — let's get it!   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   Building bridges between hustle and opportunity — that's the power of this community! ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtBeast

Virginia's Class of 2026 volleyball players are dominating the 17s division with fierce skills, relentless effort, and undeniable potential! At tournaments like SRVA Regionals, these athletes showed up big—smashing attacks, diving for digs, and leading with heart. From sharp setters to tenacious liberos and powerful hitters, this group is turning heads. Here's the rundown on six Virginia 17s players who are proving they're ready for the next level!