Texas 17’s Teams to Watch This Season Vol 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The club season is well under way now that we are one full month into it.&nbsp; There have been some great tests and the following teams have proven to pass the tests so far.&nbsp; Let's take a look at who we need to watch for the rest of the season in this age group in the Lone Star State.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arete 17 Navy Telos enters the mid-season stretch off a strong start, finishing 11th overall at the Tour of Texas Austin Stop and demonstrating why this roster is one to watch in the 17s division. Head coach Tara Ackmann has the group playing with cohesiveness and confidence, executing system volleyball with both purpose and energy that helped them compete with deeper field teams. The roster features a balanced lineup with versatile attackers like [player_tooltip player_id='727323' first='Megan' last='Smith'] and Lexi North who can swing from multiple pins and create matchup challenges, while setters like Smith provide offensive balance with solid distribution. In the middle, players such as Bailey Ramirez, [player_tooltip player_id='876513' first='Kamryn' last='Wood'], [player_tooltip player_id='821530' first='Kaylie' last='Franklin'], and [player_tooltip player_id='766858' first='Emersyn' last='Fink'] bring rotation depth and varied attack looks that keep blocks honest and defenders on their heels. Defensively, libero / DS [player_tooltip player_id='794513' first='Monica' last='Bercaru-Maxim'] and all-around contributors like [player_tooltip player_id='831088' first='Samantha' last='Everidge'] and [player_tooltip player_id='804539' first='Julia' last='Hudgins'] show strong floor coverage and ball control that allow this group to stay in system and extend rallies. Offense and defense have both been tested against high-caliber opponents, and the team's competitive grit showed through in key moments throughout the weekend. What stands out most is their chemistry — they move as a cohesive unit rather than relying on one or two standouts, a trait that often separates mid-season contenders from bracket threats. With each athlete continuing to refine their technical polish and game awareness, Arete 17 Navy Telos has the pieces in place to climb the results ladder as the season progresses. If they maintain their belief in Coach Ackmann's system and continue executing at a high level, this squad could find itself in strong position heading into later bid events and regional qualifiers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='431166' first='Houston' last='Juniors'] 17 Elite announced themselves as a premier contender this season after finishing&nbsp;second overall at the Tour of Texas Austin stop, showcasing depth, athleticism, and composure throughout the weekend. This group is anchored by&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='839852' first='Saniya' last='Reynolds'] (2026, OH), whose physicality and terminal attacking on the pins consistently put pressure on opposing defenses. The offense runs smoothly through setters&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='443036' first='Olivia' last='Landahl']&nbsp;and&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='534407' first='Reina' last='Jones'], both of whom do an excellent job of distributing the ball and keeping all attackers involved. At the net, middles&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='534310' first='Natalie' last='Kitts'], [player_tooltip player_id='443007' first='Amaya' last='Langellier'], [player_tooltip player_id='438670' first='Arayah' last='Watson'], and Willtrace Ngoh&nbsp;form a formidable presence, controlling the middle of the court with strong blocking and quick offensive tempo. Pin hitters&nbsp;Eva Simoncic, Marilyn Lindsey, and [player_tooltip player_id='824999' first='Arayla' last='Scranton']&nbsp;provide reliable scoring options and lineup flexibility, allowing this team to attack from multiple angles. Defensively,&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='269795' first='Gemma' last='Hopkins']&nbsp;and&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='443026' first='Kaylin' last='Bailey']&nbsp;bring consistency and confidence in serve receive, which keeps [program_tooltip program_id='431166' first='Houston' last='Juniors'] in system during high-pressure moments. What stands out most is how well this roster plays together, showing trust and chemistry well beyond the early stage of the season. With a balanced lineup and multiple ways to win points, [program_tooltip program_id='431166' first='Houston' last='Juniors'] 17 Elite looks built for sustained success. Expect this team to remain a factor at the top of major events as the club season continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned as we will have some awesome articles covering as many awesome players and teams as we can from this tournament.&nbsp; If you have anyone you think we should watch out for, please shoot me an email with some info at <a href="mailto:Michael@prepdig.com">Michael@prepdig.com</a>.&nbsp; Also don't forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends.&nbsp; Help us help them by simply reposting on X or Instagram or sharing on Facebook.&nbsp; Thanks for following Prep Dig Family!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->