Players Playing Up at Show Me

The Show Me Qualifier always brings out elite talent across age groups, but one of the most compelling storylines each year is younger players stepping up and competing against older competition. This weekend, a handful of underclassmen didn't just hold their own; they made a real impact.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='747422' first='Collyns' last='Livermore'] - 6'1” Setter/Pin - 2029</h3>   Kapaun Mt. Carmel - Shockwave 17 Black   Livermore brings a unique blend of size and versatility that immediately stands out. At 6'1”, she has the physical tools to impact the match in multiple ways, and she's already doing it while playing up.   What jumps off the page is her ability to operate as both a setter and an attacking option. She's comfortable running an offense, but also isn't afraid to terminate when given the opportunity. That dual-threat presence creates matchup problems, especially against older teams not expecting that level of versatility from a 2029.   Her length at the net allows her to be disruptive as a blocker, and offensively, she shows flashes of being able to score from the pin. As she continues to develop decision-making and consistency, Livermore has the ceiling of a high-level, multi-position impact player. Her team can be found in the Open Division this weekend.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='666872' first='Payton' last='Osegueda'] - OH/RS - 2028</h3>   Park Hill - CNVKC Mizuno 17 (Coach Ib)   Osegueda is already proving she belongs at the next level—literally.   Playing up with CNVKC Mizuno 17, she continues to work on developing a polished six-rotation game that translates well against older, more physical competition. At 6'1”, she has the size to be terminal from both pins, and her ability to swing from the right side adds versatility to her team's offense.   She has been working hard to separate herself in her all-around game. She's now not just a front-row attacker; she's engaged in serve receive, defends her position well, and plays with a steady composure that you typically see from upperclassmen.   Already competing at the varsity level at Park Hill for the last two seasons, Osegueda continues to show that she's ahead of schedule in her development. Her trajectory points toward being a major name in the 2028 class. Payton and the squad are playing USA.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='782250' first='Maggie' last='Nash'] - Libero - 2029</h3>   St. Thomas Aquinas - [program_tooltip program_id='515493' first='Club' last='North'] 16-1 (Talamantes)   Nash is another 2029 making noise while playing up, anchoring the back row for [program_tooltip program_id='515493' first='Club' last='North'] 16-1.   Her defensive instincts and feel for the game stand out immediately. She reads hitters well, positions herself effectively, and consistently delivers controlled touches, whether it's serve receive or digging hard-driven attacks.   What's impressive is her poise. Even against older competition, Nash doesn't look sped up. She stays composed, communicates, and handles a heavy load in serve and receive.   Liberos who can stabilize a team at a young age are valuable, and Nash is already showing those traits. As she continues to add strength and range, her impact will only grow. She will be playing in the Liberty Division this weekend.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Take</h2>   Playing up is one thing; making an impact is another.   Livermore, Osegueda, and Nash aren't just gaining experience against older competition; they're proving they belong. Each brings a different skill set to the court, but the common thread is clear: they're ahead of schedule and trending up in a big way.

The Show Me Qualifier always brings out elite talent across age groups, but one of the most compelling storylines each year is younger players stepping up and competing against older competition. This weekend, a handful of underclassmen didn't just hold their own; they made a real impact.