Dominant Wings — GHSA has some Killer Outside Hitters

Across Georgia's state championships, the outside hitters owned the moment. They were the emotional engines, the fearless finishers, and the ones every crowd held its breath for when the set went high to the pin. These athletes — from Whitewater's thunderous attack to Oglethorpe's rising stars — defined their teams not only through points scored, but through presence. Each swing carried not just velocity, but purpose, and every celebration reminded fans that momentum begins and ends on the wings.    As a freshman, Kari arrived with confidence, athleticism and an arm that already carries authority. She didn't wait to find her footing — she attacked, defended and communicated like a vet from the moment she walked on the court. She reads blockers well, drives the ball into seams, and shows no hesitation when the pressure mounts. With her natural tools matched by composure, Kari's trajectory is unmistakably upward. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Sydney is the kind of athlete who changes the look of a lineup just by stepping on the floor. She attacks with boldness, swings from the pins with relentless fire and gives defenses meaningful answers to their toughest problems. Her presence creates opportunities not just for herself but for her teammates. Even at just a sophomore, she already carries that aura of a go-to scorer. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Lailah is the kind of hitter who shifts the energy in a gym the moment she touches the ball. Her approach is smooth but explosive, her contact pure power. She doesn't just score — she intimidates, creating pressure that changes how opponents defend. With rare athleticism and poise, Lailah stands as one of Georgia's premier outside threats, and her ceiling continues to climb. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Natalie's leadership has been as essential as her swing. She brings intensity that lifts her team, yet her execution stays controlled, technical, and efficient. Her reliability on the left side helped Morgan maintain composure through every run, every rally. Natalie isn't just a scorer — she's a standard-bearer for work ethic and heart. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Leanna plays with unfiltered energy and instinct. Her quick arm and athletic transitions make her a constant threat, even when the offense is out of system. She's learning to turn that raw potential into precision, and every set she takes brings her closer to being a complete six-rotation player. The spark she brings to Oglethorpe's lineup is impossible to ignore. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast     Molly plays the outside with a blend of finesse and force that makes her uniquely dangerous. She doesn't just hit — she selects, adapting her tempo and approach to what the defense gives her. Her swings are heavy yet controlled, and she brings rhythm to Marist's offense when others search for answers. Already a polished upper-classman, her growth curve is still climbing. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast    In a season defined by emotion and execution, Georgia's championship outside hitters proved that dominance isn't just measured in kills. It's built on rhythm, communication, and a willingness to take the final swing — even when the stakes are highest.   From the relentless aggression of Whitewater's duo to the evolving confidence of Oglethorpe's young core, these athletes showed every version of greatness the position can offer. Power, precision, patience — it all lives here, on the edges of the net, where leaders rise and titles are sealed.   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

Across Georgia's state championships, the outside hitters owned the moment. They were the emotional engines, the fearless finishers, and the ones every crowd held its breath for when the set went high to the pin. These athletes — from Whitewater's thunderous attack to Oglethorpe's rising stars — defined their teams not only through points scored, but through presence. Each swing carried not just velocity, but purpose, and every celebration reminded fans that momentum begins and ends on the wings.