Final Seven Richmond Exposure Tour Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Because of a technical glitch, we were not able to post these top performer portraits when we wrote about them a couple weeks ago. Below are the seven additional top performers, which we have written about, but now include their portraits with some additional detail about them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["753070"],"_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-695fec895eb9b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When she played for Maryland Jrs she competed with [player_tooltip player_id='748487' first='Sierra' last='Thomas'] and [player_tooltip player_id='622282' first='Emerson' last='Wolfe'] for outside hitter. Those two are rated in our top ten rankings for 2028 and 2029. A knee injury prevented her from competing for much of the club season however she did suit up for the Junior Nationals where she shared the libero position with [player_tooltip player_id='896390' first='Harper' last='Walker'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fully healthy for the high school season she played left side for Annapolis Area Christian. She rocked. Another top ten player from the class of 2029 [player_tooltip player_id='748513' first='Scarlett' last='Netherton'] led the team in kills but Avery finished second. She also finished third in digs and was one of the main players in serve receive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At the exposure tour the pin hitters were a talented group. Despite all that talent Avery was still able to stand out to earn a top performer award.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It seems she is always the underdog. Now Avery will be taking her talents to a newly formed Metro National team. Again, she will compete with a number of talented pins in [player_tooltip player_id='749642' first='Sophia' last='Groshek'], [player_tooltip player_id='762829' first='Angela' last='Zhang'] and [player_tooltip player_id='762826' first='Avery' last='Nierenberg'] for playing time. It won't be a surprise to see her persevere. Competition brings out the best in her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":922886,"width":"457px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/PDExposureTourDMV_TP_Athena-Pham.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-922886" style="width:457px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='885251' first='Athena' last='Pham'] </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='885251' first='Athena' last='Pham'] libero Woodson/St.James - This past season she played on the Woodson JV team. For this club season she listed herself as playing on the Saint James 17 team, which would be a year up. This coming year will be a critical year for year. She brings a team first personality to her game with constant communication to the players around her. That always enhances any skill level. Players hate drama. Athena shows all the skills to be a solid back row player while also bringing a team first mentality. No rosters yet available for St. James.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":922889,"width":"433px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/PDExposureTourDMV_TP_Amirah-Jackson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-922889" style="width:433px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='847368' first='Amirah' last='Jackson']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='847368' first='Amirah' last='Jackson'] libero Episcopal/Metro - Amirah made the varsity roster for Episcopal as a junior. It is not a surprise if a player stands out during drills a coach on the court will make a referral. That scenario came to pass with Amirah. She showed good quickness on the court covering a lot of territory in the back row. When it came time for six player competition she continued with her stellar play, delivering a couple passes on a dime to the setter's hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":922890,"width":"363px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/PDExposureTourDMV_TP_Ali-Joyce.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-922890" style="width:363px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='728459' first='Ali' last='Joyce']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["728459"],"_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-695fec895ec14"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When the high school season began I was a bit shocked that [player_tooltip player_id='728459' first='Ali' last='Joyce'] did not appear on the Paul VI roster. Personally, I thought she was too good a setter not to make the team. After talking to her she told me that the team already had three setters, so her decision was to take the year off and focus on her education. She will play next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It is unfortunate that she took the year off when Paul VI had one of their more successful seasons, winning the WCAC championship and finishing second in the VISAA state. Even though one of the setters from last year will graduate the Panthers will again carry three talented setters competing for playing time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As for the exposure tour, this is actually her second top performer award. She won one back in December 2024. Normally, we try to refrain from issuing two top performer awards, but it shows her consistency for excellence. Two different scouts two top performer awards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At the Exposure tour she showed good hands with consistent location, showcasing a little pineapple dump as part of her repertoire. She moves the ball around, keeping everyone involved. She is also a great communicator when on the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ali will set for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] Allorie this year. It is interesting that all three Paul VI setters will be setting for three different [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":922891,"width":"342px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/PDExposureTourDMV_TP_Jaeda-Diaz.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-922891" style="width:342px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='921822' first='Jaeda' last='Diaz']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["507756"],"_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-695fec895ec66"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 4'10' she gets the award for being the shortest player at the event. For a defensive player that can be a big advantage. You find the floor much quicker than the taller players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She was another player recommended by the coaches running the drills. When you watch her, you are impressed by her quickness and most of all her hustle when on the court. She carries the attitude that there is not a ball coming near me that will hit the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jaeda will be playing for [program_tooltip program_id='730175' first='Legacy' last='Volleyball Academy'] this club season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":922892,"width":"325px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/PDExposureTourDMV_TP_Gianna-Bonnett.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-922892" style="width:325px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='781700' first='Gianna' last='Bonnett']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["781700"],"_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-695fec895ecb4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gianna is also a second time top performer winner. She took a frosh top performer award this past summer. I love her quiet intensity on the court. She means business when she plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Unfortunately, the teams she plays for, Annapolis Area Christian and Bay Area Volleyball Academy carry great liberos. So for the most part you may only see her as a defensive specialist. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At the Maryland Juniors tournament she showed off some great hands when making an out of system set. Perhaps a change in position is necessary. If nothing else it shows the versatility to her game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":922893,"width":"392px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/PDExposureTourDMV_TP_Ella-Strain.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-922893" style="width:392px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='731013' first='Ella' last='Strain'] </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["731013"],"_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-695fec895ed00"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ella plays for Crofton, which struggled a little bit last year. They were eliminated early in the regional semi-finals by Leonardtown. The previous year they reached the states but lost in the first round to Broadneck.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 5'2" Ella is probably limited to setting the back row. She runs an offense well, moving the ball around. As a former libero her defensive play stands out for the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best part of her game may be the positive attitude she brings to the court. She communicates well with her teammates and shows constant encouragement. When a set slides through her hands she has no problem taking the blame for the poor set and shaking it off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ella will play for Maryland Juniors this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->