Top Players to Watch from 15U at Junior Nationals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perhaps I'm looking too much into this, but when I watch this class of 2026 they will be pretty special to watch develop. There is so much depth here, with at least difference makers named all the way up to the top 20. Five of those players, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong> (Blue Ridge), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238358' first='Evie' last='Huang']</strong> (Metro), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo']</strong> (Paramount) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='206729' first='Megan' last='Phan']</strong> (Virginia Juniors) play up at the 16s. While Metro is the one team playing open, there are probably three other teams who could also compete at that level. Can't wait to see how this all plays out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["303701"],"_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_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64925ca33dcb8"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro </strong>(Open)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>General Info</strong> - They finished second to Paramount in the Chesapeake Regional Qualifiers. They won the Mid-Atlantic Power League in Hampton, which consisted of teams in the 14-16 age group. At the Sunshine Qualifier they placed 18th out of 32 teams but all their other tournaments they finished in the top five.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - Shortly after their disappointing loss to Paramount in the Chesapeake Regional Qualifier they took third in the Northeastern Qualifier to grab an Open bid. In order to accomplish that they had to beat Paramount to advance to the semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong> - The pins have impressive length for a 15 team. The best may be the smallest at 5'10, left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='303701' first='Caydence' last='Doolan']</strong>. She creates a threat whether she attacks from the front row or back row. What is most impressive is the athleticism she brings to the court, showing the ability to pass and move quickly on defense. Her game is smooth and deadly while she reaches 9'8" with her approach jump. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227251' first='Morgan' last='D. Williams'] </strong>plays the other left side and stands 6'3". Her game clearly shouts power. When she hits the ball it has extra zip to it as it strikes the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The right side is crowded with the 6'2" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210539' first='Emma' last='Gardner']</strong>, 6'1 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301696' first='Nadiya' last='Johnson']</strong> and 6'1 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220923' first='Soleil' last='Rancourt']</strong> all deserving playing time. Emma hit left side for her high school Woodson. She also won best blocker at D.C. Capitol Hill Classic. Nadiya reaches over 10 feet with her approach jump. Her game is just starting to develop. In high school Soleil earned second team honors in the Cedar District, the only frosh to make the first or second team. Her older sister Dryden won player of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metro carries two solid back row players on their roster. The first is class of 2027 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']</strong> . Laila stands 5'8" and hit outside last year. It would not surprise me if she made her Madison high school team as a frosh hitting outside. Very athletic on the court and moves quickly to the ball. The second is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='218149' first='Giselle' last='Norris']</strong>. It would be difficult to find a harder worker on the court or one who has so much enthusiasm for the game of volleyball. This work ethic can only make her better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The setters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321677' first='Charis' last='Burge']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238859' first='Sydney' last='Bryant']</strong> both played for high school State champions as frosh. Charis with Urbana and Sydney for Flint Hill. At 5'10" Charis can also be used as a hitter on the right side. Last year Charis was listed at 5'6". Both can distribute their sets to all areas of the court, using their middles for quicks and their back row for additional offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finally, for their middles they can use any of their three right sides. Also available are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321676' first='Gabrielle' last='Wigglesworth']</strong> and class of 2025 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235324' first='Rowan' last='Johnson']</strong>. Listed at 5'9" Gabrielle may be one of the smaller Metro front row players. Don't let that size fool you. She can reach close to 10 foot with her approach jump, surprising opposing hitters with her range over the net. At 6'1" Rowan brings the height to move from pin to pin, neutralizing large areas of the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["221415"],"_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_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64925ca33dd13"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paramount </strong>(National)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>General Info</strong> - This team fell just short of qualifying for Open, finishing fifth in both the Northeast Qualifier and the Sunshine. They have finished in the top ten in almost every tournament they have played in, including a third place finish in the MAPL Hampton. Their only loss at Hampton was to Blue Ridge 15. They also lost to Metro in the Northeast Qualifier, eliminating an opportunity at earning an Open bid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - They went undefeated in the Chesapeake Regional Qualifier, including a win in the finals against Metro. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong> - Like Metro, the outsides are their strength. They may lack the height of Metro, but they have the athleticism to compete. The 5'10 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='249330' first='Charlotte' last='Arrington'] </strong>puts good velocity on her hits with a strong right arm. She reaches close to ten foot with her approach jump and plays six rotations. Opposite her swings the 5'10" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221415' first='Lindsey' last='Canty']. </strong> She also puts the ball to the floor fast.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'1" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238341' first='Teodora' last='Stamenkovic']</strong> can hit right side or middle. She brings excellent arm extension and wrist snap to her game. She played middle as a frosh for Bishop O'Connell. The 5'11" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238851' first='Piper' last='Xeller']</strong> also played middle for her high school Herndon. She plays right side for Paramount and brings solid blocking and strength to her game. Two class of 2025s, 5'11" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235306' first='Brianna' last='Washington']</strong> and 5'10" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402429' first='Kaleigh' last='Williams']</strong> are also used in the middle. Brianna has the highest approach jump on the team at 9'10". </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'9" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235322' first='Avery' last='Prendergast']</strong> is another class of 2025. She set a 5/1 for her high school St. Johns. That could come into play when she sets for Paramount in Chicago. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["309027"],"_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_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6492779e38f73"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blue Ridge</strong> (American)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>General Info</strong> - Blue Ridge has finished in the top five in almost every tournament they enter. The only qualifier they competed in was the Northeast, where they finished 9th out of 38 teams in the USA Division. Most of the girls who play for Blue Ridge turn to the sand as spring turns to summer. Blue Ridge has not really played in a major volleyball tournament since April.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - They finished fourth in the Chesapeake Regionals but got an at large bid to American based on their performance in a number of tournaments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309028' first='Gracelyn' last='Brown']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309027' first='Skylar' last='Norris'] </strong>are two solid left sides who can put the ball away. Gracelyn started as a frosh for one of the better high school teams in West Virginia (Hedgesville). She was second on the team in kills and stayed in the back row as a primary passer. Skylar also started for her high school team Williamsport as a frosh and at 5'9" played both middle and outside. She led her team in blocking and finished third on her team in kills. The duo form a pleasant one/two punch from the left side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309032' first='Samantha' last='Stephens'] </strong>belongs to the class of 2025 but bears watching. She stands 6'3" and plays both middle and right side. She can be dominate at both positions but needs more repetitions with the higher sets. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320815' first='Tenley' last='Mattison']</strong> also plays middle. Despite her smaller frame she brings an imposing presence at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Because Blue Ridge is noted for their beach program it makes it easy for them to develop good liberos. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320814' first='Alycia' last='Miller']</strong> stands out as one of those steady liberos. She passes well, moves quickly on the hard court and knows where to play on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["221032"],"_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_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6492779e38fc8"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Coast Power Shock </strong>(American) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>General Info</strong> - Most of their teammates are playing in AAUs down in Orlando. East Coast shocked many be earning a bid in American, one of the toughest feats to accomplish based on the number of teams that compete in that division. They have had their struggles, including a 27th place finish out of 33 teams at the JVA Summerfest in the Open Division. But lots of talent on this roster and they could surprise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - They beat out 108 teams to take a first place gold in the Northeast Qualifier American Division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong> - The big gun on this team is their 5'10 left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238356' first='Morgan' last='Reeves']</strong>. Her back row play still needs some improvement, but her offense is so explosive they need her as an attacker there. When she rakes this team can be dangerous. Morgan starred as a frosh for St. Johns. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238594' first='Zoe' last='Eyre']</strong> is normally the other outside. She stands just 5'7" but has the hops to make a difference in the front row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Coast has two setters who set for their high school team as frosh. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221032' first='Wynn' last='Eaton'] </strong>was a teammate of Morgan at St. Johns and set a 5/1. At 5'9" she can also be used as a right side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238852' first='Casey' last='Yuh']</strong> is their other setter. She set for Yorktown. At 5'3" her setting duties are restricted to the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320816' first='Catherine' last='Long']</strong> stands 6'3" and plays middle. She can dominate when playing the front row but still carries a bit of rawness in her game. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238862' first='Livia' last='Lee'] </strong>fills the court with her hustle and enthusiasm. She also brings a tough serve to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["325599"],"_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_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6492779e39023"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MVSA Charge </strong>(American)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>General Info</strong> - The one national qualifier they played in was the East Coast Qualifier, where they finished 13th out of 39 teams in the USA Division. They finished first in the East Coast championship and first in a 16 Open tournament (AAU Beachfest). They have also done well in Mid Atlantic Power League (MAPL) tournaments (9th and 13th) defeating a number of 16 teams in the process. This is another 15 team that could compete at the Open level if given an opportunity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - They took third in the Chesapeake Regional Qualifier, but got bumped up when Metro received an Open bid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong> - The two big players that churn this engine are middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325599' first='Raegan' last='Lentz']</strong> and left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='322107' first='Eden' last='Tardy']</strong>. Raegan stands 6'0" and ranks as our top middle in the class of 2026. She has a way to dominate a game with her blocking and her quick attacks in the middle that almost always hit the floor. Eden can play all six rotations, stands 5'10" and shows strength when hitting outside. She brings good velocity to her attacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The right sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325601' first='Sydnee' last='Peters']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369729' first='Fallon' last='Gyapong'] </strong>attack well. Sydnee flies high with a lefthanded swing. They rotate in for their two setters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325600' first='Taryn' last='Su'] </strong>and <strong>Kendall Connors</strong>. Each of them does a solid job distributing the ball and keeping defenses off balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The back row plays steady with libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346817' first='Celiana' last='Caraballo']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377326' first='Elly' last='Vanlandingham']</strong>. At 5'10" Elly brings length to the libero position. She has also set and hit outside for her high school team, so she has familiarity with many different positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["325602"],"_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_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6492779e39071"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Liberty Elite</strong> (Freedom)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>General Info</strong> - Liberty Elite played in one Qualifier, the Northeast and finished ninth out of 45 teams in the Liberty Division. They have done well in almost all the tournaments they play in, finishing in the top five. In their most recent tournament, the East Coast Championship they placed fifth out of 24 teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How They Qualified</strong> - Their stock rose after Metro qualified for Open and Blue Ridge earned an American bid. Their fifth place finish in the Chesapeake Regional Qualifier earned them a Freedom bid. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong> - The biggest name to watch may be the tallest player you see on the court. That would be 6'2" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325603' first='Parker' last='Sutherland']</strong>. The towering presence hits the quicks well. Definitely a difference maker on the court On the other end of the spectrum is the 5'5" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325602' first='Alexa' last='Smith']</strong>. While she plays an excellent libero, she also hit left side for Liberty Elite at the East Coast championship. A very athletic player who can do more than just dig.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346814' first='Adyson' last='Seymour']</strong> does a good job distributing balls to her hitters. Another setter to watch is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='399708' first='Aven' last='Thorn']</strong>, who is just recovering from an injury. Both are fluid on the court. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='352830' first='Sophia' last='Everhart']</strong> showed good potential to put balls away from the left side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->