Rankings - Class 5 Must-Watch 2027 Outside Hitters

Class 5 volleyball showcases a remarkable array of talent, particularly among outside hitters. With several standout players already committed to their next steps, this season promises to be thrilling. Here's a closer look at some of the top returning outside hitters who are set to make waves on the court this year.    Shaye, a Nebraska commit, is widely regarded as the top outside hitter in Missouri. Despite recent news of an injury that may sideline her for part of the season, her exceptional talent cannot be overlooked. Shaye is nothing short of a generational player, and regardless of her playing time this season, she will undoubtedly leave Lafayette as the school's greatest athlete. With a staggering 1,337 career kills and three consecutive state championships, her legacy is firmly established. We're all hoping for a speedy recovery, and it would be an incredible sight to see her back on the court before the season wraps up. Watching her play has always been a true joy!     Maddy is the epitome of consistency in scoring as an outside hitter. Standing at 6'1", she possesses the physical attributes necessary for next-level play. Over the last two seasons, she has averaged an impressive 267 kills, and there's no reason to believe she won't maintain that momentum this year. Maddy was a key player for her Rockwood Thunder team, and her transition to the St. Dominic Crusaders is expected to be an even bigger season for her. Her scoring ability and leadership make her a crucial asset as her team aims for success.     Kylie is an absolute workhorse on the court. If you haven't seen her impressive workout routines on Instagram, you're missing out! As a fabulous six-rotation outside hitter, Kylie is poised to gain significant attention from college coaches. Despite being 5'6", which may be considered undersized for Class 5, she refuses to let that define her. Kylie is a high-flying, ball-bouncing dynamo who excels as a tenacious defender. Her relentless work ethic ensures she will outwork everyone in the gym, making her one of the most exciting players to watch this season.     Tori has come a long way since her freshman debut, and her growth as a player has been remarkable. Standing at 6'0", she has the ideal height for competing at the next level. As a six-rotation hitter, Tori brings versatility that allows her to fit seamlessly into any system. Currently, she needs just 299 kills to reach the milestone of 1,000, which is within her grasp this season. Her determination and skill make her one of the standout pins in the state, and fans can expect her to deliver an impressive performance.     Albany is entering her final season with a legacy that speaks for itself. Bursting onto the scene as a sophomore, she nearly doubled her kill total and hitting percentage during her junior year. With a strong start this fall, she is on pace to achieve 500 career kills by her second match. I foresee her finishing the season with over 300 kills, solidifying her status as a key player for the Grizzlies. Albany's hard work and dedication to her craft are sure to pay off in her final season.     Every time I watch Micheline play, she impresses me with something new. After missing the early part of last season, she made a strong comeback with 161 kills. Her development in passing and defensive skills has made her a well-rounded asset to the team. Micheline's ability to swing from the backcourt adds a new dimension to the Pioneers' gameplay, making her a potential game-changer this fall. Her continued improvement bodes well for her contributions to the team's success.

Class 5 volleyball showcases a remarkable array of talent, particularly among outside hitters. With several standout players already committed to their next steps, this season promises to be thrilling. Here's a closer look at some of the top returning outside hitters who are set to make waves on the court this year.