Stars of Fiesta Festival + Full Recap

From the big stage inside Arizona Cardinals Stadium all the way down to AAG, the Fiesta Festival once again delivered a weekend packed with energy, talent, and nonstop competition across the valley. Teams battled through tight pools, momentum swings, and statement wins that gave us plenty to talk about. Some athletes rose to the moment, others made their introductions to our radar, and a few reminded everyone exactly why they're already known names. Here's a full recap of the action — and the stars who stole the weekend.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Winner's Circle </h2>   Congrats to our Winners!   14 Open- Omni 14N1   There's no better way to say it — this group is simply fun to watch. They bring relentless grit and competitive fire every time they step on the court, battling through tight sets all weekend long. Despite the close matches, they didn't drop a single set until the championship, where they faced a strong EVJ squad.   [player_tooltip player_id='935381' first='Promise' last='Daniel'] put together an outstanding performance, showing a true ability to rise in pressure moments and compete to win. [player_tooltip player_id='938260' first='Brooklyn' last='Noah'] continued to serve as a steady six-rotation anchor, impacting the match in every phase, while [player_tooltip player_id='920112' first='Leah' last='Miles'] held down the backcourt with a calm platform and quick defensive reads.   This is a team that plays with confidence and edge, and we're excited to keep watching them make noise as the club season rolls on.   15/16 Open -Atomic 16 Smack Premier   Coming in seeded #2 and leaving as champions — that was the story for this Atomic squad. They showcased elite ball control all weekend, never dropping a single set on their run to the top.   On the pins, [player_tooltip player_id='807588' first='Zoey' last='Beamis'] led the way with smart shot selection and steady, high-percentage offense. [player_tooltip player_id='916654' first='Averi' last='Prieto'] anchored the back row, keeping serve receive clean and turning out-of-system plays into manageable opportunities. [player_tooltip player_id='750244' first='Jayden' last='Lager'] impacted every phase of the match, running a smooth offense while also contributing as an attacker with confident, precise ball placement.   A balanced mix of consistency and power defined this group, and the performance gives them serious momentum heading into the heart of the season.   17/18 Club - Atomic 17 Smack Premier   Much like their 16s sister team, Atomic 17s entered the tournament seeded #2 — and proved they belonged on top. With strong out-of-state competition challenging every Arizona squad in the division, this group stayed composed throughout the weekend, only surrendering a single set in the championship match to NCWVBC 18-1 Gold.   [player_tooltip player_id='805644' first='Haley' last='Cashatt'] steadied the back row with disciplined defense and sharp reads, consistently keeping rallies alive, and was an impactful attack front row. In the middle, [player_tooltip player_id='947376' first='Gabrielle' last='Kresl'] impacted both sides of the ball, pairing explosive footwork and a fast tempo attack with a well-formed, physical block. On the pin, [player_tooltip player_id='877239' first='Shia' last='Chancellor'] remained a primary offensive weapon, using her incredible swing to terminate in key moments.   A resilient and well-rounded performance from this group — and it feels clear their success this season is far from finished.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Congrats to the other AZ Division Winners</h3>   17/18 Classic - Payson 18s Shelli/Kenzie   15/16 Classic - Nova 16 Purple   15 Club - Atomic 15 Smack Elite   14 Club - Livewire 14 Boost   14 Classic - Diablos 14   13 Open - Rev 13 Premier   13 Club - Vemon 13 Black   11 Club - AZ Storm 11 Thunder   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division Standouts</h2>   The talent was crazy on all levels this weekend. Some new faces were introduced to us that we will continue to follow, and some of our household names held it down here and continued to show us why they're standouts. Shoutout to our intern, [player_tooltip player_id='201903' first='Madison' last='Sherby'] for identifying talent in the 15/16 open division! Her recaps for that age division are below.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">14 Open </h4>   [player_tooltip player_id='920112' first='Leah' last='Miles'] (Lib/DS, Omni 14N1) - She covered the entire court with fearless defense, turning would-be kills into playable balls all match long. Calm in serve receive and relentless in rallies, she anticipated well beyond her age and never hesitated to take charge of the back row.   [player_tooltip player_id='920114' first='Scarlett' last='Halverson'] (RS, Omni 14N1) - Brings a clean, confident approach and attacks with purpose every time she leaves the floor. Establishes a solid block at the net and plays with high energy that lifts her team throughout the match.   [player_tooltip player_id='947372' first='Paytin' last='Dillard'] (MB, EVJ 14 Elite) - Moves exceptionally well for a 14s middle, reading the play early and closing blocks with great instincts. She establishes a strong presence at the net, pressing over with aggressive hands and taking away angles from attackers. Her timing continues to improve, and she's already showing the tools of a disruptive front-row defender.   [player_tooltip player_id='947373' first='Macy' last='Brooks'] (OH, EVJ 14 Elite) - Shows excellent court presence and competes well beyond her years. She communicates consistently, stays composed in big moments, and makes smart shot selections when points matter most. A reliable outside who understands the game and elevates the players around her.   [player_tooltip player_id='947374' first='Hayden' last='Link'] (S/RS, Club One 14 Titanium) - Plays with impressive maturity and consistently makes smart decisions in crunch time. Whether setting or attacking on the right side, she manages the tempo and keeps her team organized under pressure. A true on-court leader who brings confidence and stability to every rotation. [player_tooltip player_id='939878' first='Avery' last='Moody'] (OH, Storm 14 Lightning) - Reliable in serve receive and transitions seamlessly into her outside attack. Creates great spacing on her approach, giving herself the freedom to stay aggressive and score in rhythm.   [player_tooltip player_id='941054' first='Sadie' last='Nugent'] (OH, Oasis 14 Legacy)- Covers the floor relentlessly on defense and makes smart, controlled decisions in the front row. Despite being undersized, she plays with a big presence and consistently impacts the match.     <h4 class="wp-block-heading">15/16 Open (Written by [player_tooltip player_id='201903' first='Madison' last='Sherby'])</h4>   [player_tooltip player_id='750244' first='Jayden' last='Lager'] (S/RS, Atomic 16 Smack Premier) - As a setter she executes a jump set at a high contact point due to her height and vertical. Also being an offense threat on the second contact when she can. Lager establishes a big block and attacking the line very well when it is open. Not only is she solid as a front row player, but she plays gritty, scrappy defense in right back. Jayden is a great leader and one to keep an eye on.    [player_tooltip player_id='916654' first='Averi' last='Prieto'] (L/DS, Atomic 16 Smack Premier) - Averi is one of the most technically sound liberos in this 16s age group. In serve receive she has a controlled platform and shapes the ball right to her setter with early angles. Her defense is all out, never letting a ball hit the floor without her effort. Prieto brings a calm energy to her team. She also covers her attackers well, giving her hitters confidence to swing.   [player_tooltip player_id='947364' first='Ziara' last='Pauli'] (S, Livewire 16 Prime) - Ziara is a very scrappy setter. She never lets a ball drop, and always works to put up the best ball possible for her hitters. After just watching a few points, there were multiple times she was sitting from her knees to get her hands on the ball and still run it in tempo, something that only elite-level players are capable of. She is able to set the ball from corner to corner to delay the opposing blockers and give her hitters the best situation to score.   [player_tooltip player_id='937073' first='Lily' last='Pease'] (Oh, Livewire 16 Prime) - Lily is a go to player for her team. She finds a way to score through the block and has a toolbox of shots that she uses. With a big vertical, she takes aggressive swings out of the system. She also looked strong on defense, sitting in the seam of the block and reading the opposing hitters well to get great digs for her team.   [player_tooltip player_id='888556' first='Alayah' last='Krein'] (OH, Boltz 16u Desert Aces) - Alayah was the complete package this weekend. While she usually plays as a six-rotation outside for her team, she even stepped up to the setting role at times due to injuries on her team. With amazing ball control already, she was a natural. Executing a jump set and being an offense threat whether as a setter or an outside, she was able to score from all over the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='947368' first='Ariya' last='Barendt'] (RS, AZ Rev 15 Elite) - Ariya is very mature for a 15u player. As a lefty, she uses her explosiveness and big vertical jump to attack down the line and through the seam of the block. She incorporates a wide range of shots and aggressive swings. Paired with a strong blocking presence, Ariya has it all for a right side.   [player_tooltip player_id='914606' first='Riley' last='Troutman'] (MB, Omni 16N1) - Riley was technically sound and aggressive all weekend. She made limited errors and absolutely was a consistent go-to option for her setter. She scored and put up a great block on defense. She attacked zone 1 really well, getting other teams out of system.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">17/18 Club </h4>   [player_tooltip player_id='805644' first='Haley' last='Cashatt'] (OH, Atomic 17 Smack Premier) - An all-around athlete who impacts every rotation. She brings a commanding court presence and attacks the outside with power and range, scoring both in system and when plays break down. Her movement, competitiveness, and consistency make her a steady offensive option.   [player_tooltip player_id='947376' first='Gabrielle' last='Kresl'] (MB, Atomic 17 Smack Premier) - A true impact blocker who positions her body and hands to score, not just get a touch. She uses her length well to take away angles and create points at the net, and she stays aggressive offensively, attacking with intent regardless of the situation. [player_tooltip player_id='813397' first='Faith' last='Brady'] (MB, Altitude 18 Black) - Made a strong impact at the net, capitalizing on overpasses and controlling the block. Attacked with good decision-making and kept constant pressure from the service line with a consistently tough serve. [player_tooltip player_id='807054' first='Peyton' last='Schwinden']- (OH, LVL UP Mana Wahine Koa) - Dominant in the front row with a consistent attack and an impressive vertical that makes her tough to stop. Reliable in serve receive and brings relentless effort on defense every rally.   [player_tooltip player_id='885154' first='Halle' last='Cocking'] (OH, SVC-18) - Delivers an aggressive, heavy swing from the outside and pairs it with dominant defensive effort. She anchors her team with consistency, taking on key serve receive responsibilities while also scoring in big moments. A steady presence who impacts both sides of the ball every rotation.   [player_tooltip player_id='947382' first='Rachel' last='Ingram'] (L/DS, Atomic 17 Smack Elite) - Commands the back row with control and leadership — her teammates clearly trust her to handle tough balls. Calm and composed in serve receive with a consistently steady platform, and she elevates her energy on defense to keep rallies alive. [player_tooltip player_id='847558' first='Nylah' last='Richardson'] (DS/L, Omni 17N1) - Turned heads with multiple highlight plays from middle back, covering ground quickly and showing advanced reads and adjustments. At just 5'2, she even rotated to the front row and produced — using an impressive vertical and quick arm swing to finish points.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   We can't wait to see what the rest of the 2026 club season will bring!   As always, make sure you are following us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigarizona/?hl=en">@PrepDigArizona </a>as well as our scouts<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdiganthony/"> @PrepDigAnthony</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachmarissamorah/">@CoachMarissaMorah</a>.   Want to get on our radar? Do the following:   Follow us on Instagram, Nominate Through our <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGWSR1w3a_ZgKVLmUouN7ymhvldIHGmG6f6zWs54-pGTM_-A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=116487285663927782556">Form</a>, and Send us your Highlights!

From the big stage inside Arizona Cardinals Stadium all the way down to AAG, the Fiesta Festival once again delivered a weekend packed with energy, talent, and nonstop competition across the valley. Teams battled through tight pools, momentum swings, and statement wins that gave us plenty to talk about. Some athletes rose to the moment, others made their introductions to our radar, and a few reminded everyone exactly why they're already known names. Here's a full recap of the action — and the stars who stole the weekend.