Class of 2026 Deep Dive: Outside Hitters

<p>The list of outside hitters in this class is lengthy! There is high-level talent from across the state, and so many athletes have been putting in the work. We have had numerous commitments recently, which is incredibly exciting to see! Let's dive in and look at the top outside hitters, stock risers, and new names to know!</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Outside Hitters</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Peyton is a player who arguably has one of the best volleyball IQs in the state. She can play nearly any position, though her serve receive and defense truly set her apart. The amount of space that Peyton can cover in the back row is immense, and she makes it look easy. Peyton is also a high-flying pin with the ability to place the ball, with power, just about anywhere she wants it. She is an athlete who is just getting started and who will be fun to watch explode onto the college scene. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Marlee is a 6-rotation powerhouse who consistently demonstrates grit and leadership on the court. She does all of the little things right on every single play. From coverage to blocking and serve receive, Marlee is a high-level player who focuses on the details. She is well-rounded and can manufacture points in all six rotations. The consistent pressure she puts on opponents is tough to match. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Natalie has one of the biggest arms in the state. It starts with her explosive approach and usually ends with a point for her team. Natalie dominates in pass to attack and in transition. She is a player who just doesn't quit in the long plays and can find the grit to finish out even the toughest plays. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stock Risers</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Mia moved up from #21 to #18. Mia consistently elevates her game. She is a fierce leader at Waukesha West who only continues to dominate. Mia has recently broken the school record for kills and aces, and there is still a lot of season left to go. What sets Mia apart is her continued work to better both her game and those around her. She is someone who has an impact on every player on the court and every point while also getting the job done. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Kaitlin moved from #32 to #23 in the class and broke into the top 10 outside hitters. She is an absolute powerhouse and terminates consistently at the net. She has high-level court awareness and is a talented 6-rotation athlete. What sets Kaitlin apart is that she attacks every aspect of the game, from defense and serve receive to offense. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Vivie is an impact player from start to finish. She improved from #47 to #41 in the rank, and that jump was very well earned. Vivie is a relentless competitor who does what she needs to get the job done. She has a lightning-fast armswing and is a gritty defender. She is a player who is tough to take off he court because she impacts nearly every aspect of the game. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Claire jumped from #49 to #43 in the rank. She is another athlete who just consistently puts in the work and impresses time and time again. That consistent growth never fails when it comes to players thriving, especially at the collegiate level. Claire has an incredibly high ceiling and has improved her all-around game. She is an offensive threat to any opponent she comes against. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Ireland had a huge jump in the rankings from #78 to #49. She has been an absolute force in the last year in both club and high school. Her ability to manufacture points using both power and finesse really sets her apart. She is smart and savvy on the pin and a huge energizer for her team. Ireland brings an outstanding balance of talent and intangibles that make her a very well-rounded athlete who consistently delivers. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Names to Know</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Kaylee is an all-around pin with a near infinite ceiling. She has an explosive approach with a high contact. Kaylee is also a very talented defender and serve receiver. She gets the job done from the back row, then terminates on offense. Her ability to play numerous positions makes her a huge asset to any team. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Adeleine has been on our watchlist for a while, but has moved up into the ranking in our most recent update. Adeleine can play on both pins and is an athlete who has put in the work to improve every time she steps on the court. She recently committed to play at Olivet Nazarene University and, based on her current ceiling, will only continue to elevate her game in the best way.</p>

The list of outside hitters in this class is lengthy! There is high-level talent from across the state, and so many athletes have been putting in the work. We have had numerous commitments recently, which is incredibly exciting to see! Let's dive in and look at the top outside hitters, stock risers, and new names to know!