Katie Shearer and Emma Young Making Defenses Work for Every Point

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The outside hitter position continues to carry a significant share of the state's postseason workload, but the best evaluations go beyond who can terminate a ball. The position demands attacking range, serve-receive responsibility, defensive awareness and the ability to remain useful when the setter has to improvise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state tournament has provided several examples. Columbus survived a five-set semifinal against North Hall, Gordon Lee needed a complete team effort to advance past Savannah Arts, and Coahulla Creek is preparing for the Class 3A final after a dramatic comeback. These five pins offer different approaches to creating pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1057859"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae369a11d06a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Katie brings a high-volume offensive game without being removed from first-contact responsibility. She has recorded more than 400 kills this season while also handling substantial serve-receive work. That balance is important for an outside hitter because it requires her to move from a controlled passing posture into an aggressive approach without allowing one responsibility to compromise the other.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her work against North Hall came in a match where Columbus had to respond after falling behind in the set count. Katie gives the Blue Devils an option they can continue to involve when the match becomes difficult, but her value isn't limited to being the player who finishes the rally. Her ability to contribute in serve receive helps keep the offense connected and gives the setter more freedom to distribute. Continued development in shot selection and attacking against an established block will be important as she moves forward.<strong><em>  ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["914646"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae369a11d0a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emma showed how quickly an outside hitter can change a match without relying exclusively on a kill. During Gordon Lee's semifinal against Savannah Arts, she finished with 17 kills and 13 digs, but one of her most important plays came on defense. A diving, one-handed save helped keep a fifth-set rally alive and shifted the momentum back toward Gordon Lee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That type of play reflects more than effort. Emma reads the rally, recognizes that the ball is still playable and commits to extending the point rather than conceding it. She also uses touch effectively, giving her another option when the defense is positioned for a hard-driven swing. Her combination of attacking production, defensive range and willingness to make a difficult play gives her a well-rounded profile at the pin.<strong><em>  ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["807431"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae369a11d0ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sydney brings a true six-rotation profile to Woodward Academy. She has been productive as an attacker while also contributing in the back row and from the service line. That combination makes her more than a player who needs to be protected for the front row. She can remain involved in the match regardless of where she is in the rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her development is especially interesting because each phase supports the next. Consistent first contact helps keep her available as an attacker, while defensive involvement gives her more opportunities to transition into offense. Sydney also brings a serving component that can create pressure before the opposing setter gets comfortable. As Woodward prepares for the Class 6A championship match, her ability to maintain that balance against a strong blocking unit will be an important part of her evaluation.<strong><em>  ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["965716"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae369a11d0ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alyce brings a physical attacking presence to the outside. At 6-foot, she has the frame to create a strong contact point and challenge an organized block. She has been one of Coahulla Creek's primary offensive options throughout the season, and her role becomes particularly important when the team needs a reliable point scorer during a difficult stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Colts' semifinal comeback against Union County gives Alyce valuable experience in a match where the momentum changed dramatically. For an outside hitter, those situations require more than swinging aggressively. She must recognize when the block is taking away her preferred angle, when a high-hands swing is available and when a controlled shot can keep the offense in a favorable position. Her physical tools are an asset, and continued refinement of her shot range can make her a more complete attacker.<strong><em>  ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1057860"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae369a11d109"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emry offers a different type of outside-hitter profile because her responsibilities extend into the defensive system. She contributes as an attacker while also taking on back-row work, which means she must transition between passing, defending and preparing for her next approach. That workload requires awareness and efficient movement rather than simply waiting for the next set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her role was particularly relevant during Union County's semifinal against Coahulla Creek. The Panthers built a two-set lead before the match turned, and the team's ability to stay connected through that change depended on players continuing to execute their individual responsibilities. Emry's two-way role gives Union County a pin who can contribute beyond the terminal contact. As she continues to develop, the combination of attacking and defensive responsibility can become one of her biggest strengths.<strong><em>  ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Katie brings offensive volume and first-contact responsibility. Emma has shown that her defensive instincts can change a rally, Sydney offers a complete six-rotation profile, Alyce gives Coahulla Creek a physical scoring option, and Emry brings a two-way approach to the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The position rewards players who can do more than terminate. The strongest pins help their teams manage every phase of the rally, including the ones that don't go according to plan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Follow Prep Dig Georgia for post-match evaluations, rankings coverage and continued reporting throughout the 2026 GHSA season.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note to GA Athletes:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>If you'd like to be considered for future coverage, please send me your high school season schedule</strong> and share a little bit about yourself so I can come support you and share your story. Let's keep building Georgia volleyball together! Fill out the "Cover My Game" Link in my bio @benchtobeast_prepdigga on IG.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following</strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/benchtobeast/"><strong>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></a> <strong>for exclusive Georgia content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're on a mission to spotlight talent, uplift families, and bring the volleyball community closer than ever! Huge shoutout to our amazing subscribers — you're the heartbeat of this movement. Thank you for your help growing the game, and making every moment unforgettable. The best is yet to come — let's get it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Building bridges between hustle and opportunity — that's the power of this community</em></strong>!<strong><em>&nbsp; ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em></strong><strong>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->