Familiar Faces, New Places: Part 2

[player_tooltip player_id='610402' first='Aliyah' last='Owens']   Aliyah will be joining her 3rd club as she joins Ultimate's 17 Elite team this year, after having played for [program_tooltip program_id='776295' first='Tulsa' last='Power'] and Charge Tulsa the last 2 seasons.  The uber athletic Owens will bring some additional firepower and big play ability to an already very talented lineup for this team.  The blocking and pin hitting ability that made her one of the highest ranked prospects in our 2027 were on full display in the Broken Arrow Tiger's run to the finals of the 6A State Tournament.  Aliyah has also contributed as a setter in past club seasons- and it will be interesting to see if she's used in that role as well on her new team.   [player_tooltip player_id='773636' first='Andrea' last='Safari']   Andrea moves from [program_tooltip program_id='776295' first='Tulsa' last='Power'] to [program_tooltip program_id='750137' first='Virago' last='Volleyball Club']'s 16 Elite team this season.  Safari brings quickness and athleticism to the position for this team.  She transitions really well, and already consistently jump sets- which should pair well with this team's strong middle attack when they have the opportunity to go up-tempo.  She is also able to employ an aggressive jump serve- helping to keep opponents out of system on the other end of the equation.  We will be keeping a close eye on Andrea this season to see if she, and other newcomers, such as her former TPV teammate [player_tooltip player_id='750703' first='Gwen' last='Gilbert'], can help elevate this team to the next level.   Emily Marshall   It's never too early to start looking at the Class of 2030- and one player to keep an eye on is Emily Marshall as she transitions from Charge Tulsa UA to [program_tooltip program_id='750137' first='Virago' last='Volleyball Club']'s 14 Elite team this season.  Emily has all the traits you want in the DS/libero position- she's quick, reads well, and is a vocal leader on the court.  Combine that with some tough serving from the endline, including a consistent jump serve- and you have a very good pickup for Virago.  She really strives for feedback and possesses a great attention to detail in practice.  Even as a young player, you can see the drive Marshall has.  She takes advantage of every opportunity to improve her game- open gyms, clinics, lessons, and the weightroom.  She's already laying the foundation of her recruitment as well- collecting game film, highlights, and building an extensive social media presence.   [player_tooltip player_id='808187' first='Cassidy' last='Williams']   Its not often you see a player depart from a [program_tooltip program_id='776295' first='Tulsa' last='Power'] team that won OKRVA Regionals.  But seeing Cassidy's new team in practice this week, its easy to understand why.  Williams joins an elite group of teammates on Charge 16 UA Tulsa such as Mady Hammer, [player_tooltip player_id='740828' first='Anistyn' last='Wondra'], and another TPV transplant in [player_tooltip player_id='818961' first='Simi' last='Adeyemi'].  Cassidy was the engine that powered her club team's success last season- playing 6 rotations on the outside.  Her ability to swing line with both power and consistency gave even the most talented opponents fits.  Many would argue, even as a sophomore, she was the best player on the Jenks Trojans team that advanced to the sem-finals of the 6A State Tournament- and pushed the eventual champion Edmond Memorial to 5 sets.  It appears 16 UA Tulsa has the athletes to compete for the crown of best 16s team in Oklahoma.   Emma DeArmond   After missing much of her school season due to injury, Emma will be looking to bounce back as she makes the move from [program_tooltip program_id='750137' first='Virago' last='Volleyball Club'] to Elevate's E.81 team this club season. Any team would love to have a lefty right side like DeArmond, giving her team's the ability to have a strong side hitter on both ends of the net. She made huge strides in her game last year, with a big step up in competition playing for Virago after spending time for local club Catoosa Aces (where she also plays school volleyball) in previous seasons. Tall and athletic- she's always been a natural blocker- which is what you want on the right side, but she's put in a lot of work over the last year to develop her all around game. She can serve, pass, and play defense competently enough to contribute there as well for the right team. Elevate is known for having success at the older ages of club and getting their players recruited- so we will be excited to see where that journey takes Emma.

Aliyah Owens Aliyah Owens 6'1" | S/RS Broken Arrow | 2027 State OK