Avoli Committed Athlete: Missouri/Kansas Exposure Tour

This article is sponsored by Avoli.   Prep Dig has teamed up with Avoli, the volleyball brand built specifically for female athletes, to present Committed — a spotlight series celebrating standout athletes at each 2025 Prep Dig Showcase. These athletes are chosen for their leadership, sportsmanship, and relentless work ethic — the same values Avoli champions on and off the court. Each featured athlete receives exclusive Avoli gear in addition to their own spotlight article. Learn more about Avoli and explore their performance-driven footwear at <a href="http://avoli.com/">avoli.com</a>.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Showcase standouts don't always fit a particular mold.   Sure, some of our most memorable Prep Dig Circuit participants are the big, physical attackers you simply can't miss. Others are flashy backcourt specialists who fill the highlight tape with extraordinary saves. But we are always drawn to the unconventional athletes who find ways to surprise us.   Class of 2029 right-side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='878452' first='Mary' last='Franklin'] is our latest example. The Summit Christian Academy freshman doesn't let her five-foot-six frame stop her from becoming an elite terminator at the net. Her rare combination of athleticism and court vision immediately captured our attention at Sunday's showcase, but Franklin did more than exhibit her attacking prowess.   Showcases also introduce us to the next wave of leaders and high-character athletes. That's the spirit of our Avoli Committed Athlete award, given to one showcase participant whose effort, positivity, and leadership uplifted those around her.   Franklin checked these boxes, too.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KingsleyATK/status/2000257420321546266?s=20 </div></figure>   Early Influence   Summit Christian Academy wasn't afraid to call on this freshman right away.   Franklin finished this fall with over a kill per set with the Eagles, and she found the floor in various ways. She has already logged extensive experience as a pin hitter, but Franklin also saw opportunities in the middle as a first-year starter. If a five-foot-six pin hitter is rare, a five-foot-six middle blocker is even more profound.   The strategy worked anyway. Franklin's high school highlight tape shows off her quick arm and even faster burst off the floor. Her large attacking window makes her a "setter's best friend" who can turn any ball into a kill. Setters can also expect Franklin to be an available attacker, thanks to her efficient footwork and tireless effort in transition.   Such a skillset is the perfect prelude to showcase success. The Prep Dig Exposure Tour pairs hitters with unfamiliar setters, forcing both athletes to work out their connection in a fast-paced environment. Franklin was eager to strengthen those bonds.     Above and Beyond   It's easy to get caught up in one's own performance when competing at a showcase. Everyone's looking to stand out. It takes a special player to elevate others in the meantime.   Franklin earned our Avoli Committed Athlete award through her constant encouragement and reassurance of others. She was the first to help others off the floor or give feedback when plays went awry. Her engagement never wavered, even if Franklin was going long stretches without making touches. Volleyball is billed as the "ultimate team sport," and Franklin understands the mantra well.   This leads us into 2026, when Franklin will carry the banner for MAVC KC 15 National during the club season. I may have my roots in Nebraska, but I'll be looking out for this 15s squad during my qualifier stops in the Heart of America Region.

This article is sponsored by Avoli.