2028 Prospects who Turned Heads at Nationals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>USAV Nationals is where some of the country's top talent prove they belong on the biggest stage, and Colorado's Class of 2028 was no exception. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While many athletes entered the tournament with momentum, several elevated their stock with standout performances against elite competition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the 2028 prospects who turned heads at Nationals and look poised to carry that success into the upcoming high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1010096,"_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-6a67a9dbac756"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1010096' first='Alejandra' last='Hernandez'] is a feisty defensive specialist who provides a steady, dependable presence in the back court. She stands out with her ability to cover a tremendous amount of court, reading the game exceptionally well and using her athleticism to extend rallies and keep plays alive. Hernandez is also an anchor in serve receive, consistently keeping her team in system and allowing her hitters to transition efficiently into the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1010097,"_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-6a67a9dbac7b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1010097' first='Avery' last='Christophersen'] is the type of athlete every coach wants on the court because of the impact she makes in every phase of the game. She demands the ball in serve receive, defense, and out of system situations, consistently serving as her team's go to attacker when points matter most. Christophersen is the complete package, combining a tough point scoring serve with relentless defensive effort and a competitive mindset that elevates the play of everyone around her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1000686"],"_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-6a67a9dbac80a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1000686' first='Laila' last='Gibbons'] is a dynamic pin hitter who can impact the match from either side of the net, and after a strong performance at Nationals, she is poised for a breakout high school season. Now competing primarily as an outside hitter, Gibbons combines a powerful arm swing with excellent shot selection to score in a variety of situations. She stays engaged on every rally, contributing with strong off blocker defense while serving as a dependable go to attacker in out of system situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1008722"],"_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-6a67a9dbac85d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1008722' first='Brooklyn' last='Gilbert'] continues to separate herself as one of Colorado's top middle blockers with her impact on both sides of the net. She is a powerful offensive threat and an elite blocker, working hard in transition while using her size, athleticism, and speed to close blocks on the pins. Beyond her play at the net, Gilbert adds value with a tough serve and defensive effort, making her an effective serving middle and one of the most complete players at her position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["748921"],"_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-6a67a9dbac8cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='748921' first='Joslyn' last='Pedroso'] is a steadily rising six rotation setter who continues to elevate her game with every season. She distributes the ball effectively, handles tight passes with confidence, and consistently puts her hitters in position to score from anywhere on the court. Pedroso's quick decision making, high volleyball IQ, and ability to stay composed under pressure make her a reliable floor leader and one of the promising setters in Colorado's Class of 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->