Rising Forces in 3A: Underclassmen Poised to Shine

The GHSA 3A State Tournament is often defined by veteran leadership, but this year, it's the underclassmen who are beginning to leave their mark. Programs like LaFayette and Stephenson are leaning on young talent not just to fill gaps, but to drive their postseason hopes. From freshmen stepping confidently onto the varsity stage to juniors anchoring critical roles, these players are proving that age is just a number when it comes to impact. As the tournament unfolds, expect these athletes to be at the center of their teams' biggest moments.    Clarke is quickly becoming a name to watch in Georgia volleyball. As a freshman, she already swings with poise, delivering heavy attacks without hesitation. What stands out most is her confidence — she doesn't shy away from big moments, and she shows a willingness to challenge the block head-on. Clarke is still raw, but her energy and upside make her a future star in 3A. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Jaslyn runs the Ramblers' offense with a confidence that belies her age. She has a knack for spreading the ball evenly, keeping opposing blockers guessing, and she excels at creating one-on-one matchups for her hitters. Capello also brings grit on defense, showing she's more than just a distributor. Her leadership qualities and sharp decision-making will be crucial if LaFayette makes a deep playoff push. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Gabrielle's offensive presence is growing stronger with every match. She's the type of player who doesn't just swing — she strategizes, placing her shots to exploit gaps in the defense. Her serve has become another weapon, adding pressure and forcing opponents into mistakes. With more polish, Jackson has the potential to be one of Stephenson's centerpiece players moving forward. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     brings athleticism and firepower to LaFayette's lineup. She attacks with a fast arm and puts pressure on defenses by hitting sharp angles. She's also tough in transition, capable of turning a broken play into a scoring chance. Hancock's ability to contribute consistently as both a scorer and defender makes her one of the most reliable young players in the Ramblers' rotation ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Caydence is a steady two-way player who thrives in high-energy moments. Defensively, she reads the floor with precision, sliding into lanes early and keeping rallies alive with clean touches. On the offensive side, she's not afraid to step up as a hitter, showing flashes of creativity by tooling the block or finding space in the deep corner. Her versatility and composure give LaFayette an edge in tense sets. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Mikayla is a grinder in the best way. She's consistent in serve receive, relentless on defense, and dependable when asked to attack out of the back row. Her ability to keep points alive and do the little things that don't always make the stat sheet is invaluable. Every strong team has a player like Thomas who embodies hustle, and Stephenson is better every time she's on the court. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast    LaFayette's underclassmen give them both firepower and balance, with Clarke and Hancock providing the energy and Capello directing the flow. For Stephenson, Jackson's offensive development paired with Thomas' steady presence gives them the type of young foundation that could pull off a bracket-shifting upset.   Note to GA Athletes: If I didn't get the chance to write about you this week — I see you and I appreciate your game! I covered as many players as I could at AAU Nationals, but with limited time and so many talented athletes, I couldn't feature everyone. If you'd like to be considered for future coverage, please send me your high school season schedule and share a little bit about yourself so I can come support you and share your story. Let's keep building Georgia volleyball together! Fill out the "Cover My Game" Link in my bio @benchtobeast on IG   <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 your 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 @BenchtoBeast

The GHSA 3A State Tournament is often defined by veteran leadership, but this year, it's the underclassmen who are beginning to leave their mark. Programs like LaFayette and Stephenson are leaning on young talent not just to fill gaps, but to drive their postseason hopes. From freshmen stepping confidently onto the varsity stage to juniors anchoring critical roles, these players are proving that age is just a number when it comes to impact. As the tournament unfolds, expect these athletes to be at the center of their teams' biggest moments.