Going Gauntlet: Academy 15 Venom Preview

Want a subscription to PrepDig? Use code Kyp30 for 30% off of your annual subscription! And don't forget to follow @KypPDIN on X for all of your Indiana high school and club volleyball news!     The third Academy team heading to Milwaukee this June is the 15-1 squad, also called the Venom. Also running a strict 6-2 (similar to other Academy teams), the multiple layers of talent at each position possess their own uniqueness and usefulness as their recruiting journey leaves infancy. Here are eight on the roster that look to up their views from scouts around the country that will be watching the PrepDig Gauntlet.    Smaller in stature but definitely effective, Olivia is a lefty right side that can hit any angle available to her at any time. I like her ability to hit high and hard while mixing in some off-speed shots to keep defenses honest. Her blocking needs a little work, but with time in the training gym, she'll understand how to set a block with her middles.     With a compact build and strong hands and shoulders, Karly is one of the more under-the-radar setters in this class because of her height. With her hand and upper-body strength, she can locate any ball in any situation to any location and in any tempo that the offense requires. Solid, consistent placement of her sets will carry her far in her early recruitment.     Playing as a pin attacker on this roster, Izabella has the size and the footwork to hammer away at unsuspecting opposing blocks. Quick on her transition when called for and smart in her shot selection when things aren't perfect, Miss Rice has all of the tools and the athleticism to produce points at the next level.     Lengthy and raw, Natalie attacks at a very high contact point naturally, something not normally seen from kids this new to the club volleyball scene. I like her ability to attack high and hard, while also being mindful of the angles she has at her disposal when hitting. On the block, she plays much taller than her frame might indicate, and will be a serviceable M2 at the next level.     Currently a three-rotation option on this squad, Maggie can easily play any of the backrow positions that she's required to cover. With a wide base when she passes, she's more than balanced in any defensive situation. Every step she takes has purpose—-and wastes no time or effort in doing her job well. She even has the ability to take the second ball and make it hittable, which isn't a normal trait to have in this class among defenders.     An undersized and overachieving setter in this class, Emerie is a leader both in voice and in example for this team. Super athletic and very smooth, Miss Tester is that kid that can become a “coach on the floor”, so to speak. I loved seeing her earlier in our Freshman Showcase, and her spring has evolved her play into upper-level status quickly this spring.     The second of two defenders from Cathedral on this squad, Kennedy is the libero most coaches of teams this young beg for. Calm, cool and collected in serve receive, Miss Wainscott has a stranglehold on the libero jersey for the forseeable future, and should be earning a ton more attention as the rest of this spring plays out. With active feet and a calm platform, Kennedy is one of the defenders we'll be keeping a close eye on as her recruitment advances.     Although not at 6', Gia's presence at the net in both length and athleticism makes her look bigger than she is. With power and speed to burn, Miss Wolf is an M2 through and through, and is more than capable of owning weaker opposing middles because of her brute strength.

Want a subscription to PrepDig? Use code Kyp30 for 30% off of your annual subscription! And don't forget to follow @KypPDIN on X for all of your Indiana high school and club volleyball news!