<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Normally, Regions have one National Division team participating in Junior Nationals because they won their local bid championships. A few teams earn a National Division Bid playing in Qualifiers. The Chesapeake Region collected one additional National Division Bid in the 14, 15 and 17 age groups because of reallocation from other Regions. While that is a good development for the Chesapeake it may not be so good from an overall perspective as certain Regions decide not to send a club to USAV. Below the DMV teams playing in the National Division highlighting one player from each team to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">National Division 14</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - 3rd locally and 116 nationally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - They earned a USA bid by finishing third in the Sunshine Qualifier. A win over MVSA Force in the finals of the Chesapeake Regional Bid Championships gave them the National Bid. MVSA Force settled for the USA bid. Once they earned a bid [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] played in the Open Divisions in the Mideast and Northeast Qualifiers, finishing in the middle of the pack. They lost to Metro in the finals of the Capital Hill Classic, while also taking Metro to three in the Charm City Classic, 28-26, 11-25, 12-15.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Prospect to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["941765"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a2f83e389382"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At the Capitol Hill Classic she won both the best server as well as best receiver award. During the matches I watched she acted as team captain when she was on the floor. She earned her award as best server accumulating seven aces in a nine point service run to lead [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] to a 28-26 semi-final win. They then won the second set 40-38.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aubrey showed a disciplined platform when passing, thus winning the best receiver award in the Capitol Hill Classic. Looking forward to seeing how she develops. She will play high school ball for Musselman in West Virginia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Players Ranked</strong> - left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='941775' first='Charlotte' last='Barvick']</strong> (WL), pin <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='947272' first='Claire' last='Marshall']</strong> (WL), middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='941768' first='Randilyn' last='Hancock'] </strong>(WL), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='941767' first='Veronica' last='Barvick']</strong> (WL) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MVSA Force </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - 4th Regionally, 228 nationally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified </strong>- They lost in the finals to [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] in the Chesapeake Regional Bid Championship taking over the USA bid won by [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] in the Sunshine Qualifier. MVSA brings a resume of top five finishes in a number of tournaments. They were bumped up to National when the Chesapeake Region received a reallocated bid from the Palmetto Region. A fifth place finish in the Capitol Hill Classic is a nice feather in their cap, again losing to [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] in the second round of the gold playoffs. Also, an impressive third place finish in the East Coast Championship sets them up for Junior Nationals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Prospect to Watc</strong>h -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["990793"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a2f83e389409"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What impressed me about MVSA Force was their size with the pins and middle. At 5'10" [player_tooltip player_id='990793' first='Gianna' last='Thomas'] put balls away from the left side. She still needs to work on gaining strength and consistency. Her approach jump hovers just over 9 feet but will increase as she gains strength. This measurement was done before the season started. At this age players tend to improve in giant waves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is the age when some of the top tier clubs start grabbing players from the secondary clubs. MVSA appears to lose a lot of players to Metro at 15.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Ranked Players to Watch</strong> - middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='957102' first='Carlin' last='Sarlis']</strong> (WL), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='990792' first='Ella' last='Liu']</strong> (WL), setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='957103' first='Rylee' last='Goh']</strong> (WL), middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='990794' first='Skylar' last='Beckwitt']</strong> (WL)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">540 Volleyball Elite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - 1st Regionally, 197 Nationally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - They won the Old Dominion Regional Bid Championships defeating [program_tooltip program_id='450416' first='East' last='Coast Volleyball Club'] Black. Only three clubs participated in the 14 age group. The last four tournaments 540 has been on a roll with two first place and two second place finishes. The East Coast Championship they finished second. They also finished 17th in the Liberty Division of the Sunshine Qualifier. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Prospect to Watch</strong> - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["956375"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a30299608893"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another potential frosh who could have an impact at North Stafford high school. Mackenzie flashed a strong serve at the Shamrock Showdown stringing a six point serving run with two aces in the finals against [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']. Unfortunately, it fell short of winning the match as 540 finished in second place.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mackenzie stood out for her six rotation play in the East Coast championship leading 540 to another second place finish. At 5'7" she needs a little growth spurt to continue her effectiveness at the pin. At the 14 age group growth is still occurring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other ranked Prospects to Watch</strong> - outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='956374' first='Evie' last='Ladzekpo']</strong> (WL), setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='949661' first='Jaleesa' last='Barnes']</strong> (WL), Libero/DS [player_tooltip player_id='915687' first='Kaylee' last='Miller-Wood'] (WL), right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='990791' first='Maiyah' last='Gates'] </strong>(WL), setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='762891' first='Sarah' last='Zook']</strong> (WL), middle/outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='795967' first='Zoey' last='Ullrich']</strong> (WL)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">National Division 15</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - 4th Regionally, 130 Nationally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - They first earned a USA bid finishing third in the Sunshine Classic. [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] improved their position by upsetting [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] in the Chesapeake Regional Bid Championship finals. [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] took their USA bid but later earned an Open Bid. [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] took fifth place in the USA Division Northeast Qualifier. They have not finished less than fifth place in any tournament they have competed in. The National Division at Junior Nationals presents itself as a big challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Prospect to Watch</strong> - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["878688"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a30299608944"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">From an offensive standpoint the two top players to watch would be [player_tooltip player_id='749349' first='Avery' last='Curtis'] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749353' first='Brielle' last='Wolf']e</strong>. They rank a bit higher than Mckenna because of their offensive fire power. However, that offense would not explode quite so efficiently without Mckenna putting the ball up to the net for them to hit. McKenna also does a decent job when playing right side of putting the ball away herslf.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She carries a high volleyball IQ on the court, even showing the ability to shout out when the opponent's blocker hits the net before the official can blow the whistle. Mckenna also breaks out a talented beach game earning a bid to the National Beach Championships in the 18 U Division even though she belongs to the class of 2029.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mckenna will set for a Millbrook team that is looking to take over the four year championship run from James Wood. She was one of two frosh to make the Northwestern All District team. Her [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] teammate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749349' first='Avery' last='Curtis']</strong> was the other.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Ranked Prospects to Watch</strong> - middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749349' first='Avery' last='Curtis'] </strong>(16), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749353' first='Brielle' last='Wolf'] </strong>(27), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='877850' first='Kennedi' last='Bower']</strong> (55), libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='877848' first='Macie' last='Hewitt']</strong> (70), libero/ds <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='878689' first='Madisyn' last='Carter'] </strong>(73), </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Virginia Juniors</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - 3rd Regionally and 94th Nationally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - Virginia Juniors just missed earning a bid taking second in the Sunshine Classic American Division. In the Chesapeake Regional Bid Championships their 5th place finish brought them a Freedom Bid. They upped the Freedom Bid to Liberty with a third place finish in the Northeast Qualifier Liberty Division. A couple bump ups when [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] earned an Open bid and the Chesapeake earned a reallocated bid from the Evergreen Region gave Virginia Juniors a National Bid. Overall, Virginia Juniors has finished in the top five in all their tournaments, including a first place finish in the Salt Lake City Qualifier American Division later in the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Prospect to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754650"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a302996089d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She is the engine that drives this offense. A six rotation player who can hammer the three meter set. A very emotional player who can swing the momentum when the offense is going well. What she has to be careful with is her quiet demeanor when things are not going quite so well. All it takes is a couple sets her way to change that emotion after she puts the ball away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top offensive players for Oakton who could lead them to a State bracket appearance this coming season. As a frosh she led the team in kills. With <strong>Julie Xu</strong> graduating next year her Junior's setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='947249' first='Eileen' last='Kim']</strong> could be setting for Oakton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Ranked Prospects to Watch</strong> - Libero/DS <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756342' first='Olivia' last='Baick']</strong> (28), Libero/ds <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='887998' first='Jenevieve' last='Crowder'] </strong>(35), setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='947249' first='Eileen' last='Kim']</strong> (62), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='763150' first='Samantha' last='Napiwocki'] </strong>(72), middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='768482' first='Ella' last='Peay']</strong> (84), setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='763155' first='Angelina' last='Yan']</strong> (86), right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='881356' first='Summer' last='Syed']</strong> (91), right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='762226' first='Makayla' last='Simms']</strong> (95), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='880142' first='Maya' last='Reichling']</strong> (110), middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='947948' first='Ava' last='Ibiezugbe']</strong> (2028, WL) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='450416' first='East' last='Coast Volleyball Club'] Black</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - 1st Regionally and 133 Nationally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified </strong>- They swept past the two other teams in the Old Dominion Regional Bid Championship. They played in the Sunshine and Northeast Qualifiers in the Open Division but finished 43rd and 31st out of 48 teams. On the bright side East Coast opened the club season with a first place finish and they closed the season with another first place finish. A fifth place finish in the Charm City Challenge was a good showing. They beat a strong [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Prospect to Watch</strong> - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["752416"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a30299608a61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mallory can play either right side or middle. At 6'0" she brings good height to the floor. For the pin sets she still needs a little work on her transition game to get her timing consistent. When the timing is accurate she hits the ball hard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The height exists. Now the repetition needs to occur to give her consistency and improve her approach. She finished second on her high school team in kills. Still not a finished product but it is only a matter of time when that happens. Then she could dominate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Ranked Prospects to Watch</strong> - right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='752412' first='Alexa' last='Whitfield'] </strong>(30), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='745914' first='Avery' last='Alderks']</strong> (44), right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='887067' first='Greta' last='Hausmann']</strong> (105), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746523' first='Isabella' last='Smith']</strong> (2028, 96)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">National Division 16</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] Maureen</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - 2nd Locally and 36 Nationally </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - They defeated [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] in the finals of the Chesapeake Regional Bid Championships. While making the Nationals is nice [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] is always looking to play in Open. This year they fell short. They are the only club in the area to compete in Triple Crown. This year the 16 team finished 99th of 163.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player to Watch</strong> -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["569865"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a317b7c407ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] has a number of pin hitters that they can rotate from right side to left side. At 5'11" Eireni carries an approach jump of 9'10". This falls second to [player_tooltip player_id='755134' first='Ava' last='Ewald'] in that pin group. Playing for a small school like St. Andrews did not prevent her from being named to the ISL AA All Division team. She was one of just two sophomores to make the team. Her Paramount teammate [player_tooltip player_id='722541' first='Lily' last='Gurney'] also made the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An extremely focused and driven player who can play six rotations. While St. Andrews struggled during the regular season they pulled it all together when the playoffs began, pulling off a number of upsets to eventually play Georgetown Day in the finals. They fell short losing in three.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Ranked Players to Watch</strong> - pin hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755134' first='Ava' last='Ewald']</strong> (14), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='554770' first='Rujuta' last='Singh'] </strong>(17), Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='744453' first='Megan' last='Elder']</strong> (24), right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536728' first='Lalah' last='Washington']</strong> (28), Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722541' first='Lily' last='Gurney'] </strong>(31), setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='541140' first='Maris' last='Francescon']</strong> (32), middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545727' first='Giuliana' last='Mastrangelo']</strong> (33), setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='588468' first='Bella' last='Chen'] </strong>(54), libero/ds <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772028' first='Sofia' last='Gelston'] </strong>(110), pin hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933350' first='Aran' last='Bernades']</strong> (188), setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438046' first='Anna' last='Dierks'] </strong>(2027, 14), setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='735315' first='Zaire' last='Hewlett'] </strong>(2027, 129), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='744458' first='Arielle' last='Stopak']</strong> (2027, 130)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='450416' first='East' last='Coast Volleyball Club'] Black</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - 3rd Regionally and 265 Nationally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - They split with [program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy'] Elite in the Old Dominion Bid Chanpionships but it was their win in the gold bracket match that earned them the National bid. When competing in the Northeast and Sunshine Qualifiers they finished in the middle of the pack, competing in the Open Division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player to Watch</strong> -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["617089"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a317b7c4082b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Because of her height she started at the middle for East Coast in her early years. She has grown to 6'4" but now plays primarily right side. She still needs more work on her offensive game. For her high school team she was sixth in kills but number two in blocks. Cox lists her as a middle/outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Her arm swing has gotten faster allowing her to hit the ball with greater velocity. She also moves her feet well which comes in handy when playing defense. As she gets used to her long limbs her athleticism is beginning to show. Definitely a player I would put on my radar to see how she develops. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other ranked players to watch</strong> - middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='617109' first='Margaret' last='Manzer']</strong> (29), left side<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='746323' first='Isabella' last='Decker'] </strong>(60), setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746327' first='August' last='Bridges']</strong> (80), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746329' first='Emma' last='Piccola'] </strong>(93), libero/DS <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='617112' first='Ava' last='Davis']</strong> (95), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894199' first='Alyssa' last='Ellerbe']</strong> (103), setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='887089' first='Kyla' last='Goode']</strong> (160), Libero/DS <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='787824' first='Isabella' last='Wright']</strong> (195), middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='918928' first='Caitlin' last='Fogarty']</strong> (WL), right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='891350' first='Kennedy' last='Walls']</strong> (2027, 173) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">National Division 17</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Virginia Juniors</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - 2nd Regionally and 191 Nationally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - They lost to [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] in the finals of the Chesapeake Regional Bid Championship. [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] later earned an Open bid bumping Virginia Juniors to the National Division. They played in three Qualifiers and finished short of qualifying for the Open Division. A disappointing 35th place finish out of 42 teams in the Salt Lake Qualifier towards the end of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Prospect to Watch</strong> -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["529439"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a317b7c40894"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Most of the top prospects have committed. Jasmine plays primarily right side for Virginia Juniors because of the talent they have at the left side with [player_tooltip player_id='941986' first='Coco' last='Lewis'] (Virginia) and [player_tooltip player_id='438068' first='Ayla' last='Sayd'] (Elon) the main starters. She can also be a dominant left side as she has shown for her high school Heritage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She brings a lot of power to her swing as well as athleticism with an approach jump that reaches 10'3". With that jump her hands get high over the net to bring a dominating block on the right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A player who can bring depth to the pins. She would stand out as a primary pin for most other clubs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Ranked Prospects to Watch</strong> - left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='941986' first='Coco' last='Lewis']</strong> (Virginia, 4), right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290176' first='Kieran' last='Rhoton']</strong> (William &amp; Mary, 11), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438068' first='Ayla' last='Sayd']</strong> (Elon, 15), libero/DS <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438070' first='Camryn' last='Coulther']</strong> (Virginia, 18), libero/DS <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='472384' first='Kate' last='Bickel']</strong> (Cornell, 35), middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530367' first='Ava' last='Gill'] </strong>(51), pin hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='500510' first='Violet' last='Masiello']</strong> (68), setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='735304' first='Meg' last='Ronayne']</strong> (139), middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='811557' first='Ayosa' last='Stewart'] </strong>(Loyola Maryland, WL), setter <strong>Megan Phan</strong> (2026, Brown, 16), middle <strong>Julia Horan</strong> (2026, Cincinnati, 50)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MVSA Blaze</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AES Ranking</strong> - 4th Locally and 151 Nationally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - They lost in three sets in the semi-final to Virginia Juniors, losing in the third set 15-10. In the battle for third place they downed Virginia Elite in three, holding on to win the third set 15-13. With [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] earning an Open Bid and the Chesapeake Region getting a reallocated Nationals bid from the Moku O Keawe Region MVSA earned a National Bid. Not a big schedule for them in AES. A second place finish in the East Coast Championship where they lost to 540 Volleyball Elite in the finals and a 9th place finish in Capitol Hill Classic. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Player to Watch</strong> -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["491007"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a321fecc0a79"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ana is the third highest ranked libero in the DMV area for the class of 2027. The only two liberos ranked higher than her are Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']</strong>, who has committed to Oklahoma and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438070' first='Camryn' last='Coulther']</strong>, who has committed to Virginia. Laila will play in Open with Metro while Camryn will also play in the National Division with Virginia Juniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536716' first='Diane' last='Nzoupet']</strong> who belongs to the class of 2028 but plays up with [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 17 in the Open was the first DMV player to commit (Georgia). Ana plays the libero position about as good as her older sister<strong> Ema Djordjevic</strong> hit outside when she played for MVSA. Ema won the Maryland Gatorade player of the year award last year. She is currently playing for UMBC. MVSA sometimes gets overlooked by college scouts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If there is an uncommitted player to watch among all the DMV players my attention would turn to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491007' first='Ana' last='Djordjevic']</strong>, especially if you are looking for someone to cover the back row. The whole team is filled with players who have yet to commit so even if you are not looking for a libero perhaps you have a need for a 6'3" right side in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465322' first='Siyena' last='Fitsum']</strong>. Oodles of uncommitted talent on this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Ranked Players to Watch</strong> - right side/middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465322' first='Siyena' last='Fitsum']</strong> (27), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438097' first='Haile' last='Ma']</strong> (28), setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438058' first='Vivian' last='Ngan']</strong> (74), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438091' first='Catherine' last='McIntyre'] </strong>(76), right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438053' first='Lucille' last='Deraleau']</strong> (94), middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772008' first='Meera' last='Patel']</strong> (98), Libero/DS <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438118' first='Amelia' last='Cheng']</strong> (107), right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='752045' first='Maya' last='Dorsam']</strong> (138), middle/right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529444' first='Kathryn' last='Giesecke']</strong> (141), setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772012' first='Chloe' last='Tanseco']</strong> (160), setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749346' first='Ellyn' last='Kim']</strong> (2028, 119)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">540 Volleyball Elite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>AES Ranking - 1st locally and 136 Nationally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How They Qualified - They won their Old Dominion Regional Bid Championship, sweeping [program_tooltip program_id='450416' first='East' last='Coast Volleyball Club'] Black. 540 has played in a couple Liberty Division Qualifiers, the Sunshine (33rd out of 64 teams) and the Northeast (9th out of 103 teams). Their most recent tournament they won the East Coast Championship, defeating MVSA Blaze in the finals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top Player to Watch - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["530368"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a321fecc0ac6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She played a tremendous libero in the East Coast championship, making some crucial digs to keep rallies alive. But probably her best play of the tournament was a non-dig, where she turned her body away from the ball and watched it sail out for an 18-16 win. She has certainly come a long way from when she won a top performer award at a Prep Dig Stock up Showcase last summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year she played for American. They went to AAUs. This year she went with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson']</strong> to play for 540. A very intense player who seems to read the court well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She is always easy to spot on the court. She is the one wearing the different colored jersey who is also wearing two different colored shoes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Ranked Players to Watch - setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson'] </strong>(Virginia Wesleyan, 17), right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='483591' first='Willa' last='Voto']</strong> (70), middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='581553' first='Karinne' last='Goodrum']</strong> (83), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502514' first='Jenna' last='Kate Tanner']</strong> (131), middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='577515' first='Sierra' last='Beaver'] </strong>(142), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530396' first='Jaylyn' last='Barnes']</strong> (167), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536957' first='Ava' last='Young']</strong> (180), left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='760174' first='Sophia' last='Morin']</strong> (183), middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='990524' first='Emmaline' last='Coelho']</strong> (WL)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->