Class of 2028 Watch List — Part 6

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some players stand out because they're already polished.<br>Others stand out because you can see their game growing in real time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group fits the second category — athletes still sharpening their tools, yet already showing maturity, fluidity, and competitive instincts that hint at something bigger. Their skills may still be forming, but their presence on the court is already undeniable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["912825"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692e329af255d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mia brings grit, speed, and an ability to stay technically clean under pressure. She has the kind of footwork that allows her to appear exactly where she needs to be always covering seams, reading hitters, and supporting her team in transition. Her platform is stable, her court IQ emerging quickly, and she plays with intent, not just reaction. A hybrid prospect with raw athleticism and developing volleyball IQ.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["912890"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692e329af25bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McKinley's game blends length, vision, and quiet shot-making ability. She keeps the ball high, uses smart angles, and shows early signs of becoming a tactical right-side scorer. Her timing at the block is sharpened by patience. She understands when to swing hard, when to roll, and when to simply keep the play alive — a very rare instinct in this age group.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["912870"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692e329af2601"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chelsie plays with conviction. Her swing is athletic, her transitions sharp, and her ability to adjust in tough rallies shows instinctive awareness. She doesn't turn one-dimensional — she reads the game, picks her shots, and rebounds quickly after errors. Her off-ball readiness and sense of timing are well ahead of schedule for her age, giving strong two-way potential as a future six-rotation outside.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["912882"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692e329af263f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Serenity is composed. Her approach is smooth and controlled, and she leans into placement and vision over raw force. She sees block seams, answers deep corner shots with touch, and already understands tempo and flow. As she continues to develop strength and explosiveness, her calm, high-IQ style of scoring will become a major asset at higher levels.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["912862"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692e329af267c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaleigh plays with steady discipline. She is emotionally grounded, balanced in movement, and intentional with her platform. She tracks the ball without overrunning it, keeps herself square in chaotic rallies, and makes smart decisions without forcing. Her consistency gives her a strong projection as a backbone-type libero who makes teams calmer, cleaner, and more comfortable in long rallies.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Five different players.<br>Different positions.<br>Different strengths.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But they share something bigger—<br>They understand the game, not just how to play it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And in the Class of 2028,<br>volleyball intelligence may become the greatest separator of all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note to GA Athletes:</strong><strong><br></strong>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. <strong>If you'd like to be considered for future coverage, please send me your high school season schedule</strong> 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</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following</strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/benchtobeast/"><strong> </strong><strong>BenchtoBeast</strong></a><strong> for exclusive Georgia content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Building bridges between hustle and opportunity — that's the power of this community</em></strong>!<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em></strong><strong>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->