Yes, Ryleigh is listed as 5’11”, but her arms make her look much taller and longer. I find her defense is a bit more advanced than her offense at the moment, but the offensive side can easily catch up with a little high-level training, like what she’s receiving at Academy with the 18-1 squad. An all-conference performer in the fall, Ryleigh is a perfect fit for a school looking to add to the depth of a middle blocker position room, and should develop upper body strength quickly over time.

A springy high school all-conference middle for a non-traditional volleyball school, Ryleigh is one of the best recruits to come out of Southport in years. More of an M2 because of her quick transition, here quick arm helps her terminate regularly in front of the setter. Her long arms also make her look taller than she actually is, making her a solid net defender for the next level. She’s also adept at taking long strides when either on offense or on defense—something that doesn’t have to be trained in college.

Long, lean and physical, Ryleigh topped off her exceptional high school career with multiple post-season accolades, all while helping build Southport back into volleyball relevance. She can be an M1 or an M2 at the next level, and her attacks both in front of and behind the setter prove it. Her length also helps defending the net from pin to pin, and that length makes her look taller than she is. I’m kind of surprised that she’s made it this long without a commitment—you’re getting a well-trained, speedy and springy athlete in the middle, the toughest position to recruit for.

On multiple lists for preseason and postseason honors this past fall, Ryleigh has brought Southport back from the depths of volleyball irrelevance with her athleticism, high volleyball IQ and willingness to do what it takes to win. Her length also makes her look taller than she actually is, making her a tough kid to go against when she’s blocking. Projecting to be an M2 at the next level, Miss Hamilton’s fast two-footed approach leads to her being available to swing on every third contact. This is what work ethic looks like in the flesh, and the sky is the limit.