2026 Club Profile: Monsters 15 Elite Black

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Already with a win under their belt and three other top-5 finishes, Monsters 15 Elite Black is having a great club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team has a lot of moving pieces that can play anywhere on the court, and a real emphasis on defensive play. Coached by Caitlin LaPratt, here's a look at the Monsters squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Defensive Depth and Setting Leadership</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This squad is led by setter <strong>Natalie Meier</strong>, who shows quality leadership abilities with her communication and decision making. She places the ball in good spots for her hitters to unleash on. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850640' first='Mia' last='Russo'] </strong>and <strong>Kenley Koch </strong>have each sported the libero jersey and performed at a high level. Russo is a player that you know is going to leave it all on the floor and that kind of energy is infectious. Koch stays laser-focused and keeps herself in good position to get squared up to attacks. <strong>Sydney McLaughlin </strong>is a standout defender as well that is very reliable and keeps her teammates energized. <strong>Claire Gilbert </strong>is also an OH/DS option that contributes to the back row and finds ways to impact a match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Promising Middles</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jada Bogos </strong>looks really light on her feet, which leads to some good spring off the floor. She's shown she can spread the ball around the court in terms of where she places her attacks. <strong>Parker Edwards </strong>is a long middle with a lot of potential. She's got a great foundation for her play and will only unlock new strengths to her play as she gets more reps and can play a faster pace. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='965235' first='Lexi' last='Bray'] </strong>also uses her length at the net well. She's able to get well above the net and play over the blockers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Outsides That Are Emerging</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Monsters outsides are gaining in talent and ability to put shots away. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='920732' first='Addison' last='Carroll'] </strong>can play on either side and has a nice follow through on her swing. It's leading to so impressive finishes. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850477' first='Wren' last='Frailey'] </strong>is an outside that can also play on either end of the net. She's driven to improve and her swing speed and technique looks stronger with each month. Gilbert also can put the ball away when given the chance. Her versatility gives this roster some flexibility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Expectations</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's a lot to like about this Monsters 15 Elite Black squad. They have performed well, winning the Presidents Day Challenge, while finishing second at the Queen of the Coaster. This team plays with a lot of scrappiness and heart, which is infectious around the roster. Their middles can take over a match, while they have determined defenders that are going to keep the ball off the floor. They should be targeting more wins in the months ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->