Under-the-Radar Pins to Follow in Updated Kansas 2027 Rankings

Let's give the pins their due credit.   We've been spinning around the rotational dial while covering our updated Kansas Class of 2027 rankings. This group of veterans has given us plenty of angles to cover, from high school duos to standout setters and liberos. But, of course, we'd have a big void in our discussion if we didn't bring up some outside attackers.   And Kansas presents plenty of good ones to choose from. The state's 2027 class has its share of household names at the pin positions, and many of those athletes occupy the top overall spots in our rankings. However, we have a penchant for showcasing under-the-radar players who are making recent gains in their prep careers. The athletes listed below fit the bill.   Here's a glimpse at some senior-to-be pins we're eyeing heading into Kansas' 2026 fall season.    Labeling Webb as "under the radar" might be a stretch, but hear us out. [program_tooltip program_id='428889' first='Dynasty' last=''] 17 Black boasts an enviable cast of attackers, and the left-side duo of [player_tooltip player_id='480396' first='Peyton' last='Kubik'] and [player_tooltip player_id='436201' first='Riley' last='Riggs'] has received much of the praise. However, Webb's emergence as a new addition to the 17 Black roster needs to be hyped up a little more. The Northern Colorado commit seized an invaluable leadership role at USAV Nationals, building upon her strong multi-pin performances throughout 2026. She now pivots to the fall season with Olathe West, where she racked up nearly three kills per set as a junior.     Shockwave 17 Black gets in on the action with one of its top trendsetters on the pin. Daggett is the kind of pin hitter whose athleticism aids in any role or position. She has accelerated her development while playing at the Open level and had a strong outing at AAU Nationals to close out the season. To round everything out, Daggett has played consistent middle-back defense to become a six-rotation weapon in the Shockwave gym. That has landed the Wichita North senior the chance to play D1 volleyball at Arkansas-Little Rock.     Carson and her KNVBC 17 Showtime crew brought their best when it mattered most. This crew showed out in front of a local audience while clinching a top-five finish at Kansas City's Show Me Qualifier. The team then slugged through the 17 Liberty division at GJNC, where Carson's explosive game made a lasting mid-summer impression. She's a fluid left-side hitter whose momentum carries her through some power-packed swings. Eisenhower High School will see more of the same as Carson builds on a triple-digit kill campaign in 2025.     We're expanding our club footprint to KS Rise, a group that soared to some impressive regional results in the 17s age group. Dieguez has emerged as a stellar multi-sport athlete with all the on-court skills to excel on the club circuit. She wields a long, whippy arm swing that skies over opposing blockers. KS Rise has also taken advantage of Dieguez's explosive step-close to forge ahead in out-of-system situations. This fall should write more storylines as Dieguez looks to back up a breakout junior campaign at Derby.     Another under-the-radar Kansas squad gets on the board. Trachsel's snappy swing and high-energy style commanded attention from the beginning of KC Ignite 17-1's season. The team rallied around Trachsel's lethal line shots and her willingness to be the emotional center of the huddle. This culminated in a podium finish at the Sunshine Classic and a 17 Freedom berth to USAV Nationals. That's the perfect primer to the upcoming senior season with Paola, where Trachsel has soared past 200 kills in each of the past two seasons.     MAVS KC is known for its outside hitters who can do it all. That's what Brooks has brought to the club's 17 National lineup. Her best attacks come when she's hammering in the window between blockers and the antenna. She negates opposing defenses with her wide angles and is not afraid to mix in the off-speed. But, as we've mentioned, Brooks puts her stamp on far more than rally-ending swings. Her effortless first contacts and lethal serves turned the tide throughout MAVS KC's march to USAV Nationals.     Hu's inclusion in the rankings was overdue, especially after she helped KC Power 17-2 rocket to a spectacular 2026 showing. She cuts extreme angles on the left side and also boasts the flexibility to tee off on the right. The Blue Valley North veteran has a knack for putting down well-placed shots in tight situations, and this "clutch factor" flourished during the late-season grind. 17-2 clinched a 17 USA bid through the Show Me Qualifier and reached the Gold bracket of USAV Nationals. That's ample momentum for Hu to wield in Year 4 with the Mustangs.

Let's give the pins their due credit.