The 2025 Breakout Player of the Year from All 50 States
In this article:
The regular season is wrapping up around the country, and playoff volleyball is on the way. Before state champions are crowned, our scouts looked back on the regular season to spotlight the breakout player of the year in every state:
Alabama
Catherine McClain brings serious firepower to one of Alabama's premier programs in McGill-Toolen. The senior outside hitter has been a go-to option all season, closing in on 500 kills while averaging 3.9 per set for the Yellow Jackets. McClain attacks with confidence and purpose, using her athleticism and timing to score efficiently against top competition.
With more than 1,100 career kills, she's proven herself as one of the state's most reliable offensive players. Set to continue her career at Loyola University in New Orleans, McClain's combination of power, consistency, and experience makes her one of Alabama's most polished 2026 prospects.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Alaska
Dakota Evans has been a consistent offensive force for Service High School, averaging over 4.5 kills per set while leading the Cougars' attack. She knows how to use the full court, finding deep corners and attacking with confidence from both pins.
Evans plays with great control and awareness, mixing power with smart shot placement to keep defenses guessing. As Service heads into the postseason, Evans and her teammates are poised to make a strong run, and her production will be a major key to their success.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Few players in the state have taken a bigger step forward this season than Thunderbird's
Sophia Frandsen
Sophia
Frandsen
5'9" | OH/RS
Thunderbird | 2027
State
AZ
. The 2027 outside hitter has elevated her game across the board, nearly doubling her production from 2.8 kills per set to an impressive 5.3.
Fradsen is a true six-rotation outside who impacts every phase of the match. She scores from both pins, passes at a high level, and stays aggressive in transition. Her improved efficiency and confidence have made her a go-to option for Thunderbird's offense, and she's proving herself as one of the top young hitters to watch in Arizona's 2027 class.
- Contributed by Anthony Jones
Highlights
Emmerson Rehkopf is a 5'10 six rotation outside hitter who plays for the Farmington Cardinals and Ozark Juniors Volleyball Club. She is committed to the University of Northern Alabama.
This season, Rehkopf has accumulated 517 kills (5.3 k/s) while boasting a stellar .348 hitting percentage. On top of that statline, she's also contributed 308 digs, 38 service aces, 16 total blocks, and 9 assists.
Emmerson can hit every part of the court from every zone on the floor. It is rare to see Emmerson not in the double digits, in both kills and digs.
This season, she put down 42 kills against Van Buren and 36 kills against Siloam Springs. She recorded 25 and 27 digs against Van Buren this season.
She is a fierce competitor, a supportive teammate, and her name is feared by all opponents. Not only is she an athlete, but a student athlete at that. Emmerson holds a 4.13 GPA. Rehkopf is a joy to watch as she embodies a true volleyball player who leaves it all on the floor every match.
- Contributed by Hannah Watkins
Highlights
Summer Tukua is everywhere on the court, playing with a high-level volleyball IQ and an even higher standard for herself. She attacks with variety, mixing power, roll shots, and smart tips while finding ways to score from any set, in any zone, at any height. Her reads on the block are sharp, and her ability to adjust mid-rally makes her a consistent offensive threat.
What separates Summer from others in her class is her resilience. When a swing is denied by the block, she does not retreat; she fires right back, calling “Again” to her setter, eager for another chance to execute. That moment says everything about her mindset. A Division I coach watching courtside said after she crushed a back-row pipe at Nationals, “She's absolutely ridiculous.”
Throughout the season, Summer has sharpened her timing, refined her approach footwork, and learned to channel her intensity into precise execution. She leads with her voice, her platform, and her swing, keeping her team locked in when the pressure builds. College coaches recognize that type of growth because it shows she has not peaked, that her ceiling is still rising, and that her trajectory matters as much as her current production.
“Summer has arrived,” I wrote earlier this season. “She shows up and shows out on the biggest stage, she's built different. You can see it in how she carries herself, in her competitive fire, and in the way she plays every point like it matters, because to her, it does.”
- Contributed by Michelle Bamford @Coachable247
Highlights
Emma Keuler has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, though at this point, her production speaks for itself. The junior outside hitter may be undersized, but she's playing with a chip on her shoulder and backing it up with results.
Keuler has been dominant statistically and even more impactful as a leader, helping guide Northfield to a breakout year that few saw coming. Her skill, competitiveness and consistency on the attack have made her the heart of this team's success.
- Contributed by Brock Munoz
Highlights
Connecticut
Kayah Armstrong has been a dominant presence in the middle for the Greenwich Cardinals this season. The Class of 2026 Harvard commit is hitting over .500, averaging nearly four kills per set, and leads her team with more than 30 total blocks.
Her athleticism stands out immediately. Armstrong's hang time and explosiveness at the net make her a tough matchup for any opponent. She's dynamic offensively, efficient in transition, and consistently finds ways to impact the game on both sides of the ball. With Greenwich sitting at 18-1, Armstrong has been a major reason the Cardinals are positioned to make a deep postseason run.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Delaware
Cadence Davis
Cadence Davis
Cadence Davis has already made her mark at Tower Hill, helping the program capture a state title early in her career, and she's not done yet. The Class of 2028 standout continues to be a driving force for one of Delaware's top teams, with the Hillers sitting at 14-1 as tournament play approaches.
Davis brings versatility and presence at the net, capable of scoring from multiple spots across the front row while also holding her own defensively. Still early in her high school career, she's already proven she can perform in big moments, and she'll be one to watch as Tower Hill makes another push for a championship.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Amber McClain is a senior who brings elite athleticism and explosiveness to both sides of the net, impacting every rally with her versatility.
McClain is the kind of player who never takes a point off. She's consistently among the team leaders in kills, blocks, and hitting percentage, showing her ability to dominate at the net, whether she's attacking or defending. Her quickness and vertical make her a mismatch for most opponents, and her energy is contagious.
App State is getting a dynamic competitor who knows how to win and has proven she can perform when the stakes are highest.
- Contributed by Sophia Jeanpierre
Highlights
Freshman Kari Knotts is already a force at Lovett High. Tall, powerful, and versatile, she swings with confidence from the outside, middle, and right while keeping her game accurate and focused.
With strong passing, athleticism, and drive, she brings both power and control to every match.
Just a freshman, Kari is already projecting as a future Top 10 Division I prospect—a name to watch for years to come.
- Contributed by Samantha Fitzgerald
Highlights
Hawaii
Sauimoana Purcell
Sauimoana Purcell
Kamehameha Kapalama has long been a powerhouse in Hawaii volleyball, and freshman outside hitter Sauimoana Purcell looks like the next star in line. Playing alongside 2024 Hawaii Gatorade Player of the Year Kalaweloilehua Chock, Purcell has quickly made her presence felt, averaging 3.5 kills per set for the 32-10 Warriors.
Purcell's athleticism and confidence at the net stand out immediately. She attacks with purpose, handles pressure well for her age, and brings a steady energy to one of the state's most tradition-rich programs. With her production and poise as just a freshman, Purcell is shaping up to be one of Hawaii's next big names to watch.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Idaho
Rachel Bower
Rachel Bower
Skyline High School out of Nampa, Idaho is a program to know on a national level. They have not lost to a team from Idaho this season and have faced top programs from across the country.
A breakout player for this team is only a freshman named Rachel Bower.
Bower plays with such athleticism and physicality; she is rising among all freshmen nationally.
This season she has averaged 3.2 kills per set while hitting .326. The combination of Bower and Kentucky commit Bellamie Beus makes for quite a 1-2 punch. With the remainder of her high school career in front of her, Rachel will be a name to watch for years to come.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Lexie Grevengoed is only a sophomore and has been a key catalyst for the 32-3 Tigers of Joliet West.
Grevengoed has 300 kills on the season which is good for nearly four kills per set while also being a solid defender. She has over 200 digs on the season (2.7 digs/set) and has nearly 50 aces on the year.
Grevengoed just bounces off the ground with her approach, she is able to hit a variety of shots, and with her court vision she has a knack for scoring points in bunches. The Tigers have the top seed in their sectional heading into post season play.
- Contributed by Chris Fitzgerald
Highlights
With Indiana Miss Volleyball Charlotte Vinson (now at IU) graduated, it was assumed that Yorktown would take a step back offensively, plus they lack the size that a typical 4A school should have.
Insert Kendall. Rowray does everything as a six-ro outside, and is relentless. Excellent passer, smart, physical, just plays different.
Clearly the Tigers' best player - Kendall's breakout began at our Freshman Showcase in July and has continued since.
- Contributed by Kyp Harasymowycz
Highlights
Elle Hatlevig is emerging as the top player in Iowa's Class of 2028.
The outside hitter has had a huge 2025, where she was a key part of the Iowa Premier 15-1 team which qualified for the open division at USAV, and is leading her Norwalk High School team to a top-five rank in Class 4A in Iowa.
Her ability to score on the pin is elite. With a high contact point, fast arm, and the ability to hit a variety of shots, she leads all of Class 4A with 429 kills. In two years of high school ball, she has racked up over 800 kills.
- Contributed by Chris Fitzgerald
Highlights
Senior middle blocker Addison Schwinn has been a steady presence for Jefferson West this season, using her size, timing, and volleyball IQ to dominate at the net. Ranked No. 34 in Kansas' 2026 class, Schwinn has totaled 258 kills and 68 blocks, proving herself as both a reliable scorer and a defensive anchor.
At 5'11", she moves well laterally, reads the game at a high level, and consistently puts herself in position to disrupt opposing hitters. A “lean, mean blocking machine”, Schwinn's mix of athleticism, awareness, and competitiveness makes her one of the top uncommitted middles in the state.
- Contributed by Jeremy Deckard
Highlights
Freshman outside hitter Keelan Wettstain has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in Kentucky's 3rd Region. At 5'6", she makes up for her size with athleticism, energy, and a standout vertical that lets her compete with anyone at the net.
Wettstain brings fire to every match and finds ways to produce from all over the court. She attacks with confidence, plays fearless defense, and owns the back row with her reads and effort.
Wettstain is already making a name for herself, and she'll be a force in the 3rd Region for years to come.
- Contributed by Mike Graham
Highlights
Louisiana
Lila Franovich
Lila Franovich
Junior outside hitter Lila Franovich has been a go-to scorer for Mount Carmel this season, leading one of Louisiana's top programs with more than 400 kills. Nearly four per set.
Her consistency and ability to produce in big moments have powered the 34-3 Cubs through another standout year.
Franovich attacks with confidence and range, capable of scoring from either pin and keeping defenses off balance. She plays with poise, brings steady energy to every match, and continues to prove herself as one of the top 2027 prospects in the state.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Maine
Natalie Stanwood
Natalie Stanwood
It's been a dominant senior season for Natalie Stanwood, who has led Narraguagus High School to an undefeated record as of late October. A true multisport athlete, Stanwood has taken her game to another level on the court, leading the state with nearly five kills per set while hitting an impressive .500 efficiency.
She combines power with precision, attacking with confidence and control from anywhere on the floor. Stanwood's athleticism and consistency have made her the driving force behind Narraguagus' perfect run, and one of Maine's most productive hitters in the Class of 2026.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Maryland
Katherine ranks number one in our class of 2028 based on her performance at Junior Nationals. She was voted MVP at Junior Nationals for leading Metro to a first-place finish in the National Division. Her top spin serve at the event proved difficult to pass while her left side attacks were unstoppable.
That success has continued over to Mitchell's high school career. Last year she as a frosh, she played middle and left side to help Richard Montgomery repeat as Class 4 state champions. A number of key members from that team have graduated, so now the burden of the offense has been placed squarely on Katherine's shoulders.
Mitchell has delivered, ranking second in the state of Maryland in kiils (stats by Maxpreps). She averages 5.6 kills per set with a hitting percentage of .307. She is also a solid six rotation player, third on the team in digs, and one of three players the Rockets use in serve receive. At 6'1", she brings good height to the left side. Her jump touch reaches 9'11".
- Contributed by Bob Abels
Highlights
Massachusetts
Junior opposite Kyra Ward has been a driving force behind Chelmsford's undefeated season. She leads the Lions in both kills and digs, averaging over five kills and 3.5 digs per set, proving herself as one of the most well-rounded players in Massachusetts.
Ward plays with confidence and consistency, scoring efficiently from the pin while keeping her team steady in serve receive and defense. Her ability to impact the match in every rotation has made her a leader for Chelmsford, and one of the key reasons the Lions continue to roll.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
The Class of 2029 in Michigan brought a lot of buzz, but Johnson has emphatically placed herself among the best in the country for the freshman class.
She's near the state leaders in kills (515), while also being a dig machine (352) for a Marshall team that is consistently up against the top competition in the state.
Johnson has over half of Marshall's kill production this fall and shows tremendous poise and confidence despite being a freshman. She's got a very bright future and has made that very clear with a breakout year in Michigan.
- Contributed by Drew Ellis
Highlights
Gwenyth Rein is already making waves in Minnesota volleyball, and it's easy to see why she's being recognized as one of the state's breakout players this season. Just an 8th grader, she has stepped seamlessly into a varsity role for the Mabel-Canton Cougars, running the team's offense with a maturity and poise far beyond her age.
Through the first part of the 2025 season, Rein has tallied over 875 assists, 195 digs, and 40 aces, showcasing her ability to not only set clean and decisive plays but also contribute as a defensive and serving threat. Her vision on the court allows her to read defenses and find hitters in the perfect spots, keeping opponents off balance and her team firing at full speed.
What makes Rein truly stand out is her combination of skill, leadership, and composure. She commands the court with confidence, communicates effectively with teammates, and delivers under pressure. All qualities that make her a player to watch for years to come.
With the season still in progress, her impact will only grow, and she's quickly proving that age is no barrier when talent and determination are this strong.
- Contributed by Theresa Hickman
Highlights
Mississippi
Carson Caraway has been one of Mississippi's most dominant offensive players this season, and she's taking that talent to the West Coast. The Loyola Marymount commit has put together an impressive campaign for Jackson Academy, averaging over five kills per set while hitting better than .400 on the year.
Caraway's physical, athletic style of play makes her a constant matchup problem. She attacks with power and precision, and her explosiveness allows her to take over matches from start to finish. With her production and presence, Caraway has firmly established herself as one of the top 2026 hitters in the South.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Highlights
Eden helped lead her Potosi Trojans to their first Class 3 state title last year. Led her team this year to their first MAAA Conference championship in at least a quarter century. Then won the MAAA Conference Tournament Championship — the program's first.
She has 588 kills this season and counting, and 1,351 for her career. 642 career digs. A three-year starter and six-rotation outside hitter. Leads the state of Missouri in all classes with 588 kills.
On the season:
In a four-set win over Festus, Eden had a career-match high of 40 kills on 74 attempts, hitting .392. The 40 kills put her in the MSHSAA record books at 7th for kills in a match.
Averaging 6.6 kills per set with a .252 hitting percentage.
588 kills in a season and counting puts her currently in 5th place in the MSHSAA record books.
1,351 career kills puts her at 20th in the MSHSAA record books, and she has another season to play.
A powerful six-rotation outside hitter and one of the top passers on her team. Plays great defense and passes well. Extremely high volleyball IQ, with a knack for exploiting defenses through excellent placement. Uses blockers to her advantage — great line shots, hits over and through the blockers. A terminating hitter on either pin, back row, or out of the middle. Impressive court vision.
- Contributed by Ryan Johnson
Highlights
Montana
Cady Schneider
Cady Schneider
Cady Schneider is quickly emerging as Montana's top young prospect. The Class of 2028 middle blocker from Hellgate High School has been dominant this season, leading the state in kills with 4.5 per set while anchoring the Knights at the net.
Schneider's combination of power, athleticism, and timing makes her a force on both sides of the ball. She scores efficiently in the middle, puts up a big block, and plays with an energy that's hard to miss. As she continues to develop, Schneider is shaping up to be a name college coaches across the region will want to know.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Junior outside hitter Alli Bornschlegl has stepped into a starring role for Norris this season and thrived. After the graduation of several key players from last year's state title team, Bornschlegl has elevated her game across every statistical category and become a major reason Norris opened the year with 30 straight wins.
She's super quick and explosive off the floor, perfectly suited for Norris' fast-paced offense. Alli consistently finds ways to score in rhythm. Just as importantly, Bornschlegl does the dirty work in the back row, passing, digging, and keeping rallies alive.
- Contributed by Austin Kingsley
Highlights
There's a new name to know in Nevada volleyball: Raegan Johnson. The middle blocker from Churchill County has been dominant all season, piling up nearly 450 kills and averaging close to five per set.
Johnson has been the engine behind the Green Wave's success, leading the team in kills, hitting efficiency, and total blocks. She combines size, strength, and control at the net, finishing points with authority while also being a reliable defensive presence.
- Contributed by Chris Fitzgerald
Highlights
New Hampshire
Kiera Moynihan
Kiera Moynihan
Kiera Moynihan has built an impressive résumé for Inter-Lakes High School, and she's still adding to it. The senior outside hitter has already earned a state title, Player of the Year honors, and recognition as a standout multi-sport athlete.
This fall, she's led the state once again, averaging nearly four kills per set for an 18-0 Lakers squad heading into November.
Moynihan's leadership and competitive drive set her apart. She's explosive on the attack, efficient in transition, and brings the kind of poise that championship programs are built on.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
OH/L Stella Eberly has been a steady force for an undefeated Williamstown squad that's setting the pace in New Jersey this season. She leads one of the state's most balanced attacks, sitting just shy of the 200 mark in both kills and digs, a testament to her all-around game and consistency.
Eberly's athleticism and poise make her a go-to option in big moments, whether she's ending rallies from the pin or keeping plays alive in the back row. With her combination of production, leadership, and reliability, she's become one of the driving forces behind Williamstown's unbeaten run and a standout in the 2026 class.
- Contributed by Chris Fitzgerald
New Mexico
Addison Massey has established herself as New Mexico's most dominant attacker, and one of the top prospects in the country. The Kansas State commit and Prep Dig Top 200 selection has powered Las Cruces to a 20-0 record heading into the postseason, proving why she's earned national attention.
Massey is explosive off the floor, efficient in transition, and relentless at the net. She brings confidence and control to every swing, consistently finding ways to score against top competition. With her combination of athleticism, poise, and production, Massey has set the standard for elite-level play in New Mexico's 2026 class.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Highlights
New York
Alex Wemyss is lightning in a bottle for the Spartans. The Class of 2028 standout plays with fearless energy, taking big swings and creating constant pressure on the other side of the net. She's one of New York's top offensive threats, averaging 4.4 kills per set, and brings the same intensity on defense.
Wemyss is a true six-rotation contributor, steady in serve receive and dependable in the back row. Her combination of confidence, versatility, and competitiveness has made her a key piece for Burnt Hills–Ballston Lake, and one of the top young players to watch in the state.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
North Carolina
Riley Taylor
Riley Taylor
Riley Taylor will trade one “NC” for another, taking her talents from North Carolina to Northern Colorado after a standout senior season at Green Level High School. The Class of 2026 right-side/outside hitter has been a key piece for the undefeated Gators, averaging 3.5 kills per set while leading her team into the 8A state title match on November 1.
Taylor brings size, athleticism, and balance to the court. She attacks with confidence from both pins and provides steady defense and energy in every rotation. With her production and consistency, Taylor has proven she's ready to make an immediate impact at the next level.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Class of 2028 outside hitter Olivia Bratton has made a major impact for West Fargo Sheyenne, a program known for producing top-tier volleyball talent. Earning a six-rotation starting spot as a sophomore is impressive on its own, but Bratton's production and poise have made her one of the biggest breakout stories of the season in North Dakota.
Her stats continue to rise, already sitting at 40 aces, 237 kills, and 251 digs, with more to come as postseason play unfolds. What sets Bratton apart is her powerful arm swing and ability to terminate from anywhere on the floor. She hits with pace and precision, reading the block early and attacking seams with confidence.
Bratton's clean serve-receive and smooth defensive transitions help keep Sheyenne in system, while her calm presence and strong volleyball IQ elevate everyone around her. She plays with the control of a veteran and the energy of a young competitor eager to make her mark.
With a growing stat line and a power-driven offensive game, Bratton has proven herself as one of the most exciting young six-rotation outsides in North Dakota, a player whose potential is only just beginning to unfold.
- Contributed by Theresa Hickman
Highlights
Freshman outside hitter Rachel Jankowski has been outstanding for Hoover this season, leading the Federal League in kills while helping the Vikings reach the Division II regional semifinals. At just 5'11", she already plays with the poise and presence of an upperclassman, producing 435 kills (4.8 per set) on a strong .281 hitting efficiency.
Jankowski is a true six-rotation prospect with clean offensive mechanics and the confidence to swing from anywhere across the net. She generates power and control through her full range of motion, attacking with precision from both pins and out of system. In addition to her offensive firepower, she's steady in serve receive and contributes nearly 10 digs per match, showing her all-around value.
One of the top freshmen in Ohio, Jankowski has quickly established herself as a high-volume, high-efficiency attacker.
- Contributed by Mike Bryant
Highlights
Junior outside Averie Mannschreck has been a huge part of why Edmond Memorial is right back in the driver's seat for another state title run. She's stepped into a major role for the defending champs and continues to deliver as one of their most consistent and confident attackers.
Mannschreck has clearly put in the work over the past year to elevate her game, and it shows in her poise, production, and leadership on the court. She plays with energy and purpose, the kind of competitor who makes everyone around her better.
- Contributed by Derek Jackson
Highlights
Senior outside hitter Madi Andrews brings a blend of power, poise, and leadership to Nelson's lineup. The Michigan State commit plays with grace and composure, but make no mistake, she can absolutely terminate. Whether she's attacking from the pin or the back row, Andrews is her team's top scoring threat and a consistent difference-maker.
While her swings are impressive, what sets her apart is her volleyball IQ. She reads the court before she swings, makes smart shot selections, and always seems a step ahead of the defense.
Off the court, she's humble, supportive, and the kind of teammate every program wants. A leader who lifts others while setting the standard herself.
- Contributed by Abby Snethen
Highlights
Pennsylania
Abby Hartman has been one of Pennsylvania's most explosive offensive players this season. The Class of 2027 outside hitter leads the entire state in scoring, averaging an incredible 7.4 kills per set for Bermudian Springs.
Hartman plays above the net with confidence and precision, using her athleticism and creativity to find ways to score from every angle. She's a true all-around weapon, dangerous in-system, reliable out-of-system, and a threat from the back row. With her ability to attack from anywhere on the floor, Hartman has firmly established herself as one of the elite offensive players in the state.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Rhode Island
Lyla Auth has been one of Rhode Island's most dominant players this season. The Class of 2026 standout has led Westerly High School to an undefeated record, averaging four kills per set while anchoring one of the state's top offenses.
Auth brings a steady mix of power and poise to the court. She attacks efficiently, reads defenses well, and finds ways to score in big moments. Her leadership and all-around consistency have been key to Westerly's success this season.
Next year, she'll take her talents to Manhattan University, where she's poised to make an immediate impact.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
South Carolina
Lauren Rivers has been the unquestioned QB1 for Cardinal Newman this season, guiding the Cardinals to a state title while leading the team in assists, digs, and aces. The freshman setter has already established herself as one of the most complete young players in South Carolina, finishing just shy of 1,000 assists on the year.
Rivers plays with confidence and command. She's competitive, vocal, and sets a tempo that elevates everyone around her. With her all-around skill set and leadership qualities, Rivers is certain to draw plenty of college attention as she officially begins her recruiting journey this summer.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Highlights
Freshman Tenley Anderson has been a standout for Dell Rapids, emerging as one of South Dakota's top young setters and a rising name in the Class of 2029. In her first varsity season, she's already racked up 765 assists, 45 kills, 174 digs, and 28 aces, and those numbers continue to climb as Dell Rapids makes its postseason push.
Anderson brings advanced court awareness and tempo control for her age, running a fast-paced offense with precision and confidence. Her hands are clean, her location is consistent, and she distributes the ball with a balance that keeps her hitters in rhythm. She also adds an offensive spark of her own, using a smart, well-timed setter dump and a confident swing when the opportunity arises.
Defensively, Anderson reads the game well, showing quick reaction and solid positioning in the back row. Her serve is another strength, combining accuracy and pace to generate pressure from the line.
Also competing with Kairos Elite Volleyball, Anderson continues to sharpen her game against high-level competition. With her leadership, athleticism, and volleyball IQ, she's having a true breakout season, and with her stats still climbing, she's only beginning to show how high her ceiling really is.
- Contributed by Theresa Hickman
Highlights
Tennessee
Few players in Tennessee can take over a match the way Eliza McKnight can. The Brentwood High School standout put up some eye-popping numbers this season, including an incredible 35 kills in the state championship match against Summit. Over the course of the year, she averaged 4.2 kills per set and added more than 450 digs, proving her value as a complete six-rotation player.
Her mix of athleticism, control, and competitive drive makes her one of the top players in the state's 2026 class. She'll take that championship pedigree to the next level at Western Kentucky.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Sophee is the 5-10 junior setter who has helped lead them to back-to-back undefeated seasons. If I'm not mistaken, it has been the nation's longest winning streak in 68 games or more now since last year.
Peterson is the consummate leader who evokes great command of the entire team like she is an extension of her coaching staff on the floor.
There is no weakness in her game as she excels in every single skill set. In running a 5-1 offense on the best team in the nation, she is pinpoint accurate with her location as she gets all of her hitters involved. The defense can never cheat to one side because of her ability to equally distribute the rock, especially during out-of-system situations.
The kid is a phenom and is highly regarded as the best setter in the entire nation. Committed to Texas A&M University.
- Contributed by Michael DeLeon
Highlights
Sophomore Taylor Freeland has been one of Utah's breakout players this season, turning heads with her athleticism and power at the net. The Riverton High School standout is averaging 4.8 kills per set, leading her team's offense.
Freeland plays a physical brand of volleyball, attacking with a high contact point that lets her hit sharp angles and score from anywhere across the front row. She combines strength with control and brings an intensity that sets the tone for Riverton. With her upside and early production, Freeland is quickly becoming one of the top 2028 prospects to watch in the state.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Highlights
Vermont
Hannah Knickerbocker has cemented herself as one of Vermont's elite talents. The reigning Gatorade Player of the Year followed up last season's success with another dominant senior campaign, averaging over four kills per set and leading Essex High School in hitting percentage.
Knickerbocker brings a composed presence and a powerful arm to the floor. She reads blockers well, attacks with purpose, and has been the driving force behind Essex's undefeated stretch. As the Hornets chase a state title on November 2, Knickerbocker remains the steady heartbeat of one of Vermont's top programs.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Carolyn is my number one-ranked player in the class of 2029. Normally, frosh do not have a great impact on their team's success, but Carolyn does not seem to have any problem acclimating to high school play against the older players.
Bishop O'Connell is ranked number 5 by USA Today in Region 2 (Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, D.C. and New Jersey), and the 6'0" Carolyn Maria is one of the principal reasons for that success. She sets and hits right side for Bishop O'Connell, leading the team in hitting percentage at .407, second on the team in kills, assists and blocks while also third in services aces. She actually ranks 11th in the state of Virginia in hitting percentage (stats by MaxPreps), which means that when she is set, the ball normally hits the floor. Without her contributions, the team would fall far short of their current success.
Carolyn has also been getting some interest from Division I colleges after her performance for Metro. Her setting and offensive performance on the right side qualified Metro for an Open bid, where they finished 13th in the country. As a 14-year-old, her jump touch reached 9'9". Her recently developed top-spin serve generates a number of aces. As her career develops, she will be one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the country.
- Contributed by Bob Abels
Highlights
Marley is the leader and team captain for a Lakes team that is pushing for a top-three finish in a very talented league.
Alefaio is the rare six-rotation middle. She has the talent and touch to pass in serve, receive, and dig hard swings.
Marley is a force at the net, attacking at a .555 clip and punishing opposing attackers with her blocking prowess.
Lakes is not a traditional power in the league, and they made it to the state play in game last season before losing the match. Alefaio has them poised to challenge for a trophy at the state tournament in November.
- Contributed by Jesse Etter
Highlights
West Virginia
Only a sophomore, Leah Greeny is already making her mark in West Virginia's volleyball scene. The Morgantown High School standout brings a powerful, physical presence to the floor, attacking with intent and putting real heat behind every swing.
Greeny is averaging nearly 3.5 kills per set this season, helping guide Morgantown to 30-plus wins heading into postseason play. She competes with an edge, finds ways to score from both pins, and brings the kind of energy that fuels her team's success. Greeny's early production and athletic upside make her one of the top young names to know in the Mountain State.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff
Tegan Loechler has emerged as one of the top sophomores in Wisconsin.
She is a setter/right side combo player for Divine Savior Holy Angels out of Milwaukee, where they have won the past three large school state titles in Wisconsin's largest class.
The all-around skill set of Loechler is what sets her apart from others.
This season, she has over 450 assists, 263 kills, and 175 digs. The Dashers and Loechler have started their postseason journey, where they will look to claim a fourth straight state championship. If they succeed, there's no question Loechler will have been at the heart of it.
- Contributed by Chris Fitzgerald
Highlights
Wyoming
Mariah Micheli
Mariah Micheli
Junior setter Mariah Micheli has put together a breakout season for Mountain View, leading the Buffalos to a 21-12-1 overall record, a 9-1 conference title, and a Top 10 ranking in Wyoming.
She's been the heartbeat of one Mountain View's program, and her numbers back it up in a big way.
Micheli has racked up 1,009 assists this season (8.6 per set), crossing the 2,000 mark for her career. Her command of the offense has elevated everyone around her, and her ability to spread the floor and find her hitters in rhythm has made Mountain View one of the toughest teams to defend. Beyond setting, Micheli contributes in every category, including leading her team in aces per set.
She's a true floor general, steady, vocal, and competitive. The way she runs the game has been the difference-maker for Mountain View's success this season, cementing her place as one of Wyoming's top breakout players and premier all-around setters in the 2027 class.
- Contributed by Prep Dig Staff