IL Freshman Showcase: Who Stood Out?

The IL Freshman Showcase was packed with talent, and it did not disappoint. In my 16 years of coaching, I've seen the game evolve, but I'm continually amazed at how skilled players are becoming at such young ages. Many of these freshmen already carry themselves like seasoned varsity athletes, and these are the five who stood out the most.    From her very first swing, it was clear that Dina was going to be one of the most impressive pin hitters at the showcase. She combines a diverse arsenal of shots with exceptional power, making her a constant offensive threat. Just as impressive is her ability to adjust to imperfect sets, consistently turning challenging balls into scoring opportunities.     A lefty setter that can do it all. Evelyn first stood out to me when I saw how clean and deceptive her back sets were. She has solid footwork, strong setter hands, and did I mention she's a lefty? Evelyn even swung from the outside for a bit during scrimmages and was effective there as well.     Brooklyn is a pin hitter with the defensive instincts and mindset of a seasoned libero. Her passing and backcourt play are elite, and at the net, she reads the block exceptionally well. Paired with a diverse shot selection, she consistently finds ways to terminate against any defense.     Amelia is far from your typical middle blocker as her skill set and court awareness make her truly stand out. With an impressive reach on her swing, she's a force at the net, and she's versatile enough to dominate on the outside as well. Amelia's future in the game is definitely bright!     Leah is a high flyer with a powerful, explosive swing. Despite being undersized for a pin hitter, she makes a big impact through her relentless energy and fearless play. She's the kind of athlete who not only delivers on the court but also elevates those around her, lifting her teammates with both her performance and her unwavering positivity.    The level of play at the IL Freshman Showcase was nothing short of impressive, and if these athletes are any indication, the future of Illinois volleyball is in great hands.   Each of these five players brought their own unique skill set, energy, and competitive edge to the court, proving that age is just a number when it comes to impact.   I'm excited to watch their journeys unfold in the years ahead, and I have no doubt we'll be hearing their names again very soon.

The IL Freshman Showcase was packed with talent, and it did not disappoint. In my 16 years of coaching, I've seen the game evolve, but I'm continually amazed at how skilled players are becoming at such young ages. Many of these freshmen already carry themselves like seasoned varsity athletes, and these are the five who stood out the most.