Rising Talent, Relentless Hustle: Georgia’s Senior Stars

Georgia volleyball is stacked with rising talent, and the Class of 2026 is coming in hot. We're diving deep into rosters across the state to spotlight seniors making serious waves in the varsity scene.    A natural setter with clean hands and fast feet, Madison brings precision and calm to every offensive setup. But what truly sets her apart is her versatility—she can seamlessly transition into a libero role when needed, showing sharp reads and steady serve receive. Whether she's setting the tempo or scrambling for tough second balls, Madison plays with purpose, poise, and an unshakable commitment to keeping Locust Grove in system. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Izzy Counsil is the definition of a complete, six-rotation player. She brings consistent firepower at the net with her aggressive attacking and disciplined blocking, but her impact doesn't stop there. In the back row, she's composed and dependable, delivering smooth passes and strong reads in serve receive. Her ability to contribute in every phase of the game makes her a vital, go-to player for Glynn Academy. Whether the team needs a clutch point or steady leadership, Izzy is always ready to deliver. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     he's explosive in serve receive and consistently nails clean, accurate passes that keep the offense flowing. Payton's quick-footed reads on tough serves make her a stabilizing force in pressure moments. On top of that, she's capable of stepping into a secondary attacking role when needed—adding depth and unpredictability to her team's offense. Her vocal leadership and constant court awareness help elevate the energy and cohesion of her squad. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Jessica is a rare blend of size, athleticism, and skillful adaptability. At the net, she's a dynamic scorer who can generate offense from virtually any zone on the court—whether it's a quick middle attack, a powerful swing from the pin, or a high ball out of system. Her smooth transitions between middle blocker and outside hitter roles make her an invaluable asset to her team, forcing opponents to adjust constantly. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Jorie's ability to see the block and adjust midair makes her incredibly tough to defend. Her swings come in at sharp, deceptive angles that throw off defenders and open up the court for her teammates. She delivers with power and precision. Beyond her technical talent, she's an energetic, vocal presence who lifts her team's morale and momentum—making her both a scoring threat and a contagious spark of positivity on the floor. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Mackinley is composed, vocal, and laser-focused on tempo. She runs a clean, efficient offense and consistently puts her hitters in a position to succeed. Her court awareness and leadership give Sequoyah a strategic edge in tough matchups. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast    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

Georgia volleyball is stacked with rising talent, and the Class of 2026 is coming in hot. We're diving deep into rosters across the state to spotlight seniors making serious waves in the varsity scene.