Top 2028 Prospects Headed Into June 15th

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>June 15th is a milestone for the Class of 2028. On this date, NCAA Division I and Division II college coaches can stop sending vague camp flyers, dropping cryptic hints to club coaches, and instead start direct communication—by phone, email, and text—with rising high school juniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the Washington 2028s, it's important to remember that June 15th is just the start of a new recruiting phase. If your phone doesn't ring at midnight, don't worry; the recruiting trail is a marathon, not a sprint. We have seen this increase further with players entering the transfer portal, more players changing their minds after verbally committing, coaching changes, and adjustments to roster and scholarship rules. Players commit to every level of college programs through the summer of their senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of the top 2028 prospects from Washington, and a few from Oregon, to keep an eye on as we head into the start of "official" recruiting for these athletes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["628921"],"_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-6a22227c01ab3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Walcott has the combination of size, athletic ability, and six-rotation skills that should have college programs lining up. The Issaquah prospect continues to get stronger and taller- Walcott has been detonating kills as the club season has progressed. Her ability to pass and defend in the middle back should be a difference maker in her recruitment. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Power outsides who can terminate under pressure are always a high priority. The nation's top programs build their recruiting classes around terminal point-scorers. Coaches want to see versatility, an explosive vertical, and the grit and willingness to swing hard when the block is set. But, there is always a place for players who can pass and have terrific ball control. If you can pass, you can play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753326' first='Tamara' last='Gonzalez']</strong>- The Camas High School OH has a patient approach, a heavy arm swing, and finds terrific angles as a passer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725897' first='Melayna' last='Volkman']-</strong> The Dakine 16 OH has a developing all-around game. Volkman is going to be a rock-solid, steady performer at the next level in college.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='504387' first='Molly' last='Yoshino']</strong>- Yoshino is a high-flying, undersized scorer who also passes dimes, can make acrobatic defensive plays, and has an extremely hard-to-handle serve. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["450287"],"_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-6a22227c01af0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bentosino is a dynamic athlete with high-level defensive skills who is not afraid to hang in against rocket-armed attackers. She can run down almost any tip or deflection she is anywhere close to, and almost always gives her setters and excellent passes (tempo, location, height) to work with. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Many of the liberos in the class of 2028 share a beach volleyball background- and they aren't just pretty good in the sand, they are excellent and could earn scholarships going that route. We are seeing more and more liberos, undersized pins, and players who would have been indoor-only playing their way onto excellent college beach programs from the growing PNW Beach Volleyball scene. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='708645' first='Audrey' last='Iseminger']</strong>- Iseminger is a defender who measures success in wins- her teams have been on fire in club and school ball. Her defense and passing are outstanding, and she makes the right play in big moments. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='618088' first='Makana' last='Lum-Lung']</strong>- Lum-Lung can cover court; she has a terrific feel for the game and has quick feet and reactions honed in the sand. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='509446' first='Kate' last='Berry']</strong>- Another high-quality beach player, Berry plays with heart and has good length at the libero position. The Wenatchee sophomore plays with confidence and is a decisive, competitive defender indoor and on the beach. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["603010"],"_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-6a22227c01b14"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ervin should be in the mix for several outstanding programs. She is a tireless worker with all the skills and athleticism coaches want in a setter, and has always been up for the challenge of playing up and taking on the top competition possible. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 2028 setter group has excellent size at the top of the rankings. College coaches are hunting for their next "QB1". They want athletes with sweet hands, quick footwork, and true command of the court. If you are a setter who can push the ball pin-to-pin out of system, slow down attackers with your block, and stay offensive with a crafty attack game, you should be ready to answer the phone on June 15th.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='662553' first='Izzie' last='Stephan']</strong>- The Lynden prospect has outstanding size and knows how to win matches. Stephan is a solid athlete with strong hands and a high volleyball IQ. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='745599' first='Kennedy' last='Guinn']</strong>- Guinn is 6'0", with a competitive streak and a growing ability to score when she is playing the 5-1. Guinn is nowhere close to her ceiling as a setter- interested college programs will have a chance to develop her game even more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='727388' first='Ava' last='Burton']</strong>- Burton has strong hands and moves well around the court. At 5'11," she pushes the ball to the pins and can make creative sets to find excellent matchups. She can score for you as a setter and a right side, but looks very comfortable running the offense from the setter position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["628925"],"_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-6a22227c01b35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">College programs have to be excited to see a prospect like [player_tooltip player_id='628925' first='Piper' last='Moog'] walk into the gym. At 6'5"-6"6', with an outstanding work ethic, Moog has been improving her physicality and overall game, while always bringing a premier shut-down block to every match. You can't teach her length and desire- the Ridgefield 2028 will be a great recruiting pick-up for a lucky program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middles are the engine of championship teams, and they are high-impact targets on June 15th. College coaches are always hunting for athletes who can keep transitioning while being selfless, hold down the net as a blocker, and outwork everyone else on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='666956' first='Jayna' last='Humbert']</strong>- The CPA prospect has turned that "young middle" corner and started to pound down kills and play with increased strength and confidence. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='702559' first='Alexandra' last='Pelesasa']</strong>- Pelesasa is an energy giver and has a rocket arm. She makes winning plays every time she is on the court, and her team looks to her as a leader on the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='711121' first='Wakelea' last='Barkema']</strong>- Barkema is pushing 6'1", and she has strong hands and a great press. She can be a disruptive force as a blocker, and her footwork, both offensively and defensively, continues to improve. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["725393"],"_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-6a22227c01b53"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Eberhardt can score to the angle, down the line, and from the deep corner on the right. She has been playing with confidence and fire and pumping up her team with huge blocks and stinging kills. The Bishop Blanchet prospect has good length at 6'0", and her training and competitiveness are in a good place with Sudden Impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The primary job of a right-side is to shut down the opponent's number one attacker. College coaches look for length, quick lateral movement, and a disciplined press over the net to take away line or cross-court angles. Can you rip kills down the line and handle a challenging out-of-system set? Even better!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='778850' first='Harmony' last='Ajayi']</strong>- Ajayi has been a right side to watch for several seasons. She has a smooth left attack and is adding range and power to her game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='708646' first='Paris' last='Hirst']</strong>-Hirst played primarily MB for FEVA, but she can move around and score from multiple spots along the net. She has an outstanding last step and load in her approach, which generates excellent power on her swing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='851294' first='Shayna' last='Singh']</strong>- Singh has had a big season with Mode 15 National. She has excellent size and is a force in the middle or on the right side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["740401"],"_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-6a22227c01b70"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The NPJ setter will push the ball to either pin from just about any spot on the court- locating accurately and setting from off-balance body positions with ease. Westermeyer is agile, with quick feet and a creative streak that helps her find her hitters in one-on-one matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have to check in on a few of our Oregon setter prospects that will be in the mix on June 15th.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='555690' first='Emerson' last='Lewis']</strong>- Lewis has terrific size and can turn and pound a lefty kill from the setter spot when she is in the front row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='560339' first='Skylar' last='Thompson']</strong>- A lefty from Jesuit, Thompson has a smooth set-up, great hands, and plays excellent defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='535479' first='Emily' last='Gunderson']</strong>- Another Jesuit High School setter, Gunderson is creative with her choices and is willing to push tempo with her delivery. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->