Young Guns: Underclassmen Taking Over the Stat Sheets

Colorado volleyball is loaded with young talent this fall, and several underclassmen are already putting up impressive numbers at the varsity level.   From dominant front row attackers to standout setters and defensive specialists, these athletes are making a major impact despite being early in their high school careers.   Here's a look at some of the top young players across the state who are taking over the stat sheets and proving they are names to watch for years to come.    Nkemjikau Udokwu is one of the top blockers in the state, consistently positioning herself well at the net and creating crucial slowdowns that allow her team to transition and create scoring opportunities. Udokwu brings impressive height and athleticism to the court, making her a dominant presence in the front row. Offensively, she has the ability to find ways to score in almost any situation, even when facing a strong double block. Her combination of size, athleticism, and court awareness makes her a difficult matchup for opposing teams and an exciting player to watch as she continues to develop.     Sydney Corr is putting up impressive numbers for The Classical Academy this fall, leading the team in assists and helping run one of the top offenses in the state. Corr is a versatile setter who brings much more to the court than just her ability to distribute the ball. She plays solid defense in the back row and is a strong presence at the net, making her a valuable asset in a 5-1 offense. Corr continues to show impressive court awareness and consistency, putting her hitters in great positions to score while contributing in multiple areas of the game.     Brynley Layton is an under the radar prospect with a ton of potential as just a freshman. Layton is putting together a standout season, producing impressive numbers and making a strong impact in the front row. She brings a high contact point and quick arm swing, allowing her to be an effective offensive threat and consistently put pressure on opposing defenses. Layton continues to show tremendous upside, and her dedication to improving her game through offseason training is already paying off on the court.     Riley Cheatham has been putting up impressive numbers this fall and is already making a strong impact in the front row as just a freshman. She is quick in transition and thrives in a fast tempo offense, consistently putting herself in a great position to score. Cheatham is a versatile athlete who can compete on either pin or in the middle, giving her team plenty of options offensively. She brings a powerful arm swing and high contact point, allowing her to attack effectively and establish herself as an exciting young player to watch.     Eden Lopez is one of the top liberos in her graduating class and continues to elevate her game. She brings a strong presence to the backcourt, anchoring the defense with reliable ball control and excellent communication. What really separates Lopez is her attention to the little things, consistently calling out shots for her hitters, maintaining a simple and effective platform, and making difficult defensive plays look routine. She also delivers a strong out of system ball, helping her team stay in system and create offensive opportunities even in challenging situations.

Colorado volleyball is loaded with young talent this fall, and several underclassmen are already putting up impressive numbers at the varsity level.

From dominant front row attackers to standout setters and defensive specialists, these athletes are making a major impact despite being early in their high school careers.

Here's a look at some of the top young players across the state who are taking over the stat sheets and proving they are names to watch for years to come.

Nkemjikau Udokwu

HEIGHT 6'0"

POS MB

CLASS 2029

View Player

Nkemjikau Udokwu

State: Colorado

School: Broomfield

Subscribe to read

Is this you, Nkemjikau? Unlock your evaluation to everyone by subscribing

Sydney Corr

HEIGHT 5'7"

POS S

CLASS 2029

View Player

Sydney Corr

State: Colorado

School: The Classical Academy

Club: Colorado Juniors

Sydney Corr is putting up impressive numbers for The Classical Academy this fall, leading the team in assists and helping run one of the top offenses in the state. Corr is a versatile setter who brings much more to the court than just her ability to distribute the ball. She plays solid defense in the back row and is a strong presence at the net, making her a valuable asset in a 5-1 offense. Corr continues to show impressive court awareness and consistency, putting her hitters in great positions to score while contributing in multiple areas of the game.

Brynley Layton

HEIGHT 5'6"

POS OH

CLASS 2030

View Player

Brynley Layton

State: Colorado

School: Colorado Academy

Club: Elevation Volleyball Club

Subscribe to read

Is this you, Brynley? Unlock your evaluation to everyone by subscribing

Riley Cheatham

HEIGHT 6'2"

POS MB/RS

CLASS 2030

View Player

Riley Cheatham

State: Colorado

School: Golden

Club: Norco Jrs Vbc

Riley Cheatham has been putting up impressive numbers this fall and is already making a strong impact in the front row as just a freshman. She is quick in transition and thrives in a fast tempo offense, consistently putting herself in a great position to score. Cheatham is a versatile athlete who can compete on either pin or in the middle, giving her team plenty of options offensively. She brings a powerful arm swing and high contact point, allowing her to attack effectively and establish herself as an exciting young player to watch.