Colorado Underclassmen We’re Watching This September

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colorado volleyball is filled with young talent already making an impact at the varsity level this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From freshmen stepping into major roles to sophomores emerging as key contributors, these underclassmen are proving they can compete with some of the best players in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a few Colorado underclassmen who have caught our attention this September and are worth keeping an eye on as the season continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1039185,"_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-6a9d80b89bbcc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nkemjikau Udokwu has been a standout on both sides of the ball this fall, sitting at the top of the leaderboard offensively in kills while also making a major defensive impact with an astounding 15 blocks so far this season. Udokwu brings a high contact point and the ability to attack effectively in either direction, making her difficult for opposing defenses to slow down. What separates her, however, is her ability to adjust to any set and find ways to score even when the ball is not perfectly placed. She sees open space well and mixes in different shots, understanding that it doesn't always take a hard-driven swing to put the ball away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1020330"],"_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-6a9d80b89bc3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Addie Lombardo has been impressive so far this fall, leading the way for Broomfield defensively and in serve receive. Lombardo is a fun player to watch, bringing relentless effort and finding ways to get her hands on tough balls to keep rallies alive. She covers a lot of court in serve receive and provides a steady presence in the back row. Lombardo looks poised for another successful high school season as she continues to make an impact for Broomfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["903005"],"_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-6a9d80b89bc8f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Raeana Gibbs is making her mark this fall as one of Cherokee Trail's top contributors on both sides of the ball. The sophomore middle blocker has improved tremendously over the past couple of seasons and looks poised for a strong year. Gibbs brings a dynamic presence to the floor with her athleticism and ability to work hard in transition. Defensively, she is quick getting out to the pins and does a great job positioning herself against opposing hitters, giving Cherokee Trail a strong presence at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1039186,"_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-6a9d80b89bce7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gianna Sanchez has been a key piece for Legacy early this season, sitting near the top of the team statistically in both assists and digs. She has stepped confidently into a big role running the offense and does an excellent job distributing the ball across the court and reversing the flow to keep opposing defenses guessing. Sanchez also makes an impact defensively, bringing relentless effort and a strong ability to read the court and keep rallies alive. Her presence has made her an important piece of Legacy's early season success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1023351"],"_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-6a9d80b89bd4a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aniston Coil is quickly growing into her role as the primary offensive runner for Rock Canyon. Just a freshman, Coil has been exceptional to start her high school career, leading the team in assists while doing a great job distributing the ball efficiently to each of her hitters. She plays with confidence beyond her years and continues to look more comfortable running the offense with each match. Coil is certainly an underclassman to keep an eye on as she continues to develop over the next few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->