Coach Bruno’s 2026 Dream Line-Up: Ready to Compete, Ready to Lead

he Class of 2026 is where projection starts to turn into reality. At this stage, I'm paying close attention to composure, consistency, and how athletes separate themselves when the game speeds up. This group stands out not only for positional balance, but for how clearly their identities show on the court. These are players who understand their roles and are beginning to play with intention.   Below are my evaluations of each athlete and how I see their impact at this stage of development.    Kennedy is a confident outside hitter who brings stability and offensive presence to the pin, and she is coming off a deep playoff run that clearly shows in her composure and confidence. I like her ability to score in rhythm and stay aggressive without forcing plays, even in high-pressure moments. She moves well defensively and shows a growing understanding of shot selection, particularly against organized blocks. Her experience in meaningful matches has accelerated her maturity, and she continues to trend upward as a dependable six-rotation option.     Bella is a setter who plays with control and awareness. I'm impressed by her ability to manage tempo and make smart decisions under pressure. She does a good job reading the court and putting her hitters in positions to be successful. Her leadership qualities are evident, and she carries herself with the confidence of someone comfortable running an offense.     Livvy brings consistency and confidence to the libero position. She reads attackers well and shows strong anticipation defensively. I value her steadiness in serve-receive and her ability to keep plays alive in tough situations. She brings calm to the back row and allows her team to stay aggressive, which is a key trait at this level.     Asia is an athletic outside hitter who plays with energy and purpose. I like her ability to attack in transition and her willingness to contribute across all phases of the game. She continues to develop as a defender and shows strong effort in longer rallies. As her consistency improves, her athleticism gives her the potential to be a high-impact pin.     Daisy is a physical right-side who uses her strength effectively at the net. She shows good blocking instincts and can be a difference-maker in one-on-one situations. Offensively, she plays with confidence and continues to grow in her ability to score against size. Her presence on the right pin adds balance and toughness to the lineup.     Sarah is a middle blocker with a strong presence in the middle of the court. I like her length and how she moves laterally along the net. She shows good timing as a blocker and continues to improve her offensive connection with setters. As her transition speed and consistency develop, she has the tools to be a reliable middle at the next level.    This Class of 2026 lineup reflects athletes who are entering a pivotal phase of their volleyball journeys. Each player brings a clear identity and a skill set that continues to translate as competition intensifies. As recruiting conversations become more serious, these are players I expect to keep seeing make meaningful strides. They are not just developing potential. They are building readiness.

he Class of 2026 is where projection starts to turn into reality. At this stage, I'm paying close attention to composure, consistency, and how athletes separate themselves when the game speeds up. This group stands out not only for positional balance, but for how clearly their identities show on the court. These are players who understand their roles and are beginning to play with intention.