Up Next: Texas, Hot Hitters...Almost In High School

<p>To say I was blown away by the level of talent on display at the Up Next: Texas event, is putting it mildly. There were so many stand out athletes at work at this event, I was shocked. They just need a little more growth physically and mentally and will be hot shots in the high school scene soon. Let's look at the individual athletes at this event and talk about how they are all special and what the future might hold for each of them on the court.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='535602' first='Karolina' last='Haas']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/IMG_8300.jpeg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-880159" style="width:165px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='535602' first='Karolina' last='Haas'], class of 2030.</figcaption></figure>   <p>Haas is a 5'11" outside hitter from Trinity Christian Academy in the class of 2030. What immediately stands out about this athlete is the combination of her height, her reach, and her timing. Haas can hit from multiple angles, making it difficult for defenders to defend her shots. Beyond her physical gifts, her mental approach to the game seems mature. She reads blockers well and often adjusts mid-rally to find open space. With continued development, Haas has the potential to be a top-notch player at the high school level being a leader for her team in both scoring and leadership.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='848559' first='Teagan' last='Feely']</h2>   <p>Feely is a 5'8" outside hitter from Smiton Valley High School, class of 2030. Feely is a dynamic presence on the court. Her energy is infectious and she has exceptional footwork, quick reflexes, and a smart approach to shot placement. Feely shows promise as an all-around player who can contribute not just offensively but also defensively, with solid passing and back-row coverage.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='850694' first='Olivia' last='Barber']</h2>   <p>Barber is a 5'8" outside hitter from Brandeis, class of 2030. She attacks the ball aggressively and is willing to take high-pressure swings, a trait that can often turn the tide in a match. Barber combines athleticism with smart decision-making, knowing when to go for a powerful spike versus a strategic tip. As she continues to develop strength and consistency, Barber is getting ready to be a high-impact player at the high school level soon.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='852037' first='Amina' last='Reaves']</h2>   <p>Reaves is a 5'9" outside hitter from St. Stephen's Episcopal School, class of 2030. She possesses a rare combination of speed and power. She moves gracefully across the court, making precise reads and delivering well-timed attacks. Her versatility is also a strength: she can hit from the outside as well as cover the back row effectively. She can adjust her game depending on her opponent. Reaves could become a key offensive weapon and a leader for her high school team in the next couple of years.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='876160' first='Reese' last='Sokoloski']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/IMG_8298.jpeg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-880164" style="width:172px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='876160' first='Reese' last='Sokoloski'], class of 2030.</figcaption></figure>   <p>Sokoloski is a 5'10" outside hitter from Marcus, class of 2030. Sokoloski has a commanding presence at the net. Her height and timing give her an edge in blocking and attacking. She demonstrates strong hand-eye coordination which helps her find gaps in her opponent's defense. She shows leadership on the court, communicating with teammates and maintaining focus during critical plays. She has the tools to become a dominant outside hitter as she transitions into high school competition in the coming years.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='878451' first='Sophia' last='Chesney']</h2>   <p>Chesney is a 5'9" outside hitter from Plano Senior High School, class of 2030. Chesney combines technique, agility, and composure. She attacks with precision, often finding the seam between blockers, and her defensive skills are equally impressive. Chesney reads the game well and anticipates her opponents' moves and adjusts her position well. As she continues to build strength and consistency, she's likely to emerge as a well-rounded, high-impact player at the high school level in the near future.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/IMG_8299.jpeg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-880161" style="width:179px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Caroline Ehrlich, class of 2030.</figcaption></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Caroline Ehrlich</h2>   <p>Ehrlich is a 5'9" outside hitter from Westlake, class of 2030. Ehrlich stood out for her athleticism and all-around play ability. She demonstrated versatility on the court, contributing both offensively and defensively. Ehrlich has a strong vertical and good timing for attacking and blocking. She already plays like a key contributor at the next level and a player to watch in the coming years.</p>

To say I was blown away by the level of talent on display at the Up Next: Texas event, is putting it mildly. There were so many stand out athletes at work at this event, I was shocked. They just need a little more growth physically and mentally and will be hot shots in the high school scene soon. Let's look at the individual athletes at this event and talk about how they are all special and what the future might hold for each of them on the court.