Why A5 16 Gabe Is a Powerhouse Heading Into the 2026 Season

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Built to Dominate</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A5 16 Gabe didn't just win the 17/18s Power division — they established themselves as a team built to control matches from start to finish. Competing up an age group and finishing first is no accident, and this group showed exactly why throughout the event. Their success is rooted in balance: a physical front line, disciplined ball control, and an offense that runs smoothly regardless of rotation. What stands out most is how well the pieces fit together, allowing them to apply pressure without relying on any single player to carry the load.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team plays with the confidence of a group that expects to win. Serve pressure sets the tone early, the block funnels defenders into clean reads, and transition offense stays aggressive without becoming reckless. A5 16 Gabe looks like a team that understands how to win long weekends — not just individual rallies — and they enter the season positioned to rack up results against top-tier competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Bethany Benjamin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"A5","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69458a24315db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bethany's versatility adds real value to this lineup. She contributes offensively when needed, while also bringing strong defensive instincts and reliable ball control. Her ability to impact multiple phases of the game allows the team to stay flexible without sacrificing consistency. She competes with purpose and fits seamlessly into the team's system-based approach. <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":["826839"],"_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-69458a243168e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kennedy is a major presence at the net, using size and timing to control the middle. She closes blocks effectively and disrupts opposing offenses by taking away clean attacking lanes. Offensively, she stays efficient and active, converting quick opportunities and transition plays. Her ability to influence both sides of the ball elevates the team's physical presence. <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":["845246"],"_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-69458a2431709"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Azaria brings balance and physicality to the right side, providing a steady scoring option while staying disciplined in her decision-making. She attacks with intent and shows good awareness against the block, especially in transition. Defensively, she stays engaged and does her job within the system. Her consistency makes the offense harder to key in on. <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":["742342"],"_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-69458a243177b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leilani adds tempo and confidence to the pin, attacking aggressively while maintaining control. She moves well in transition and stays involved defensively, helping extend rallies and reset the offense. Her energy and competitiveness are evident, particularly in momentum-shifting moments. She plays like an outside who understands the responsibility of the position. <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_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Meredith Abney","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"A5","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69458a2431856"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Meredith provides stability in the backcourt, consistently delivering clean first contacts and keeping the offense in rhythm. She reads hitters well and stays composed under pressure, allowing her to extend rallies and reset defensive sequences. Her communication and court awareness help anchor the defensive unit, especially when matches speed up. She plays with the confidence and discipline that winning teams rely on. <strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes A5 16 Gabe dangerous isn't just talent — it's cohesion. This is a group that plays connected volleyball, with every role clearly defined and executed at a high level. Their first-place finish in the 17/18s Power division is a reflection of preparation, discipline, and trust in the system. As the season unfolds, expect this team to continue stacking wins and establishing itself as one of the most complete units in the age group.<br><strong>Note to GA Athletes:</strong><strong><br></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><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>&nbsp; ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em></strong><strong>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->