Class 5’s Top Returning 2028 Pin Hitters Part I

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 Class is brimming with talent, showcasing players who have made significant strides in their development. This article highlights standout athletes who have not only excelled individually but also contributed to their teams' successes in remarkable ways. From [player_tooltip player_id='729470' first='Sarah' last='Albers'], who leads the pack with her all-around skills, to rising stars like [player_tooltip player_id='847221' first='Kamiyah' last='Harris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='694786' first='Ada' last='Grzella-Skibiski'], each player brings a unique set of abilities that promises an exciting future. As they gear up for the upcoming season, these athletes are poised to make even greater impacts, and their journeys are worth following closely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='729470' first='Sarah' last='Albers'] – 6'1” – Seckman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Albers had an outstanding season for the Jaguars, leading all Class 5 players in the 2028 cohort with an impressive 331 kills. She showcased her versatility by dominating all over the court. As a six-rotation outside/middle hitter, Sarah not only devastates opposing defenses but also excels in solid defensive play. Additionally, she is a formidable outlet from the backcourt, making her a key asset for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='630748' first='Avery' last='Brune'] – 5'10” – Jackson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avery, standing at 5'10”, continues the tradition of exceptional talent emerging from Jackson. A versatile player, whether on the left pin or as a setter, she consistently performs at a high level. A true dynamo on the court, Avery finished the season with an impressive 311 kills and 267 digs, while also serving as one of the primary passers for her team. Her dynamic play style makes her a thrilling athlete to watch, and there's great anticipation for what she will accomplish this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='694786' first='Ada' last='Grzella-Skibiski'] – 5'7” – Battle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 5'7”, she&nbsp;may be considered undersized for a left pin hitter in Class 5, but her impressive 30-inch vertical leap more than compensates for any height disadvantage. Combining heavy-hitting power with exceptional libero-level defensive skills, she stands out as a formidable six-rotation outside hitter. In her first season, Ada recorded 169 kills and 151 digs, showcasing her all-around game. Mark my words: she is on track to leave Battle as one of the school's all-time greats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='847221' first='Kamiyah' last='Harris'] – 5'9” - Staley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All I can say is wow! Kamiyah has only been playing volleyball for three years, and she's already making a significant impact on the court. This high-flying ball bouncer is one to watch over the next three years. As an impressive hitter, she consistently delivers shots at incredible angles, finishing her first season with the Falcons with a fantastic 231 kills. I fully expect her numbers to soar even higher in her sophomore campaign!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='666872' first='Payton' last='Osegueda'] – 6'0” - Park Hill</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Payton brings to mind the legacy of a former Trojan—she's big, strong, athletic, and a dominant force at the net. With a career high of 18 kills, she showcased her skills last season by hitting an impressive .750 in one match, recording seven kills on just eight attempts with only one error. Payton also had a standout club season with Club North, 15-1, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='543378' first='Olivia' last='Maciel'] – 6'1” – Blue Springs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coaches are always on the lookout for a standout 6'1” hitter on the right pin, but Olivia brings even more to the table as a dynamic six-rotation player. She not only excels at running the offense and terminating plays from anywhere on the court, but she also showcases exceptional defensive skills, making her a coach's dream athlete. With an impressive stat line of 279 kills, 380 assists, and 208 digs, Olivia is firmly positioned at the top of the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->