2026: The Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 Rankings have been updated and we have added some phenomenal new athletes to this list packed with talent. Here are some of the top newcomers from the class of 2026!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["482056"],"_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":"Day has been turning heads in the basketball world, recently being selected as the #6 overall recruit in the State. However, she did not get on our radar until transferring to Nelson High School this past fall and earning the starting middle position. She had a breakout season and received Mt. Hood Conference First Team All-Leauge for her dominant play. While balancing the demands of her basketball schedule, she is playing up an age division for Athena 17-1 Gold. With ℅ 2025 middle blockers [player_tooltip player_id='257581' first='Elliana' last='Carroll'], [player_tooltip player_id='161843' first='Gabby' last='Troche'], and [player_tooltip player_id='498822' first='Ursula' last='Harrington'] also on the roster, Day has recently been utilized as a right side. She is an incredibly aggressive blocker, with a strong press over the net. She is dynamic and athletic on the court and has an improved attacking range. A top-10 recruit in both sports, Day's recruiting ceiling as a dual commit is incredibly high.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b814b198ed9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["503524"],"_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":"Foster is as athletic as they come, one of the state's best track and field athletes; she placed in the top 8 for triple jumpers nationally, receiving All-American Status at USATF Nationals last summer. On the volleyball court, she is dominating as a 5'10” pin hitter. She moved up to the varsity team at powerhouse program Jesuit this season and found a way to make an immediate impact, primarily on the right side. She has a great slow-to-fast tempo to her approach and, with impressive leaping abilities, racks up kills at a multitude of angles. Playing for NPJ Portland 16-1 last club season, Foster has switched to their Salem team to play for the very competitive NPJ Salem 16-1. With four other pin hitters, who are all ranked in the top 10, on the team as well, Foster will be fighting for court time. Playing at such a high level this club season, she should make major improvements to her game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b814b198f4b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["482052"],"_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":"Marine made a major impression on us when watching her play at the Top 250 Expo this past fall. She proved she is a well-rounded six-rotation outside hitter. With an explosive approach coupled with a high vertical jump, she is an offensive threat from anywhere on the court. She had an outstanding high school season with Portland Christian, receiving Northwest First Team All-League and 2A Second Team All-State. Rarely seen off the court, she led the Royals to a 2A state championship, even serving the match-winning ace. This club season, she is playing for the Aspire NW 16-1 Empire team, where she is sure to be a major impact for them.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b814b198fa1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["503527"],"_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":"Atonio was an athlete who immediately caught my eye when watching game film from a Spiketown 16-1 match, given her physicality and athleticism on the court. She is an incredibly dynamic six-rotation setter/right-side hitter. Left-handed, when setting across the front row, she becomes incredibly offensive, taking a swing on the second contact. Or, if attacking, Atonio makes for a fantastic attack option with impressive leaping abilities and a fast arm swing. Playing for Spiketown 16-1 this club season, she is an athlete to watch as she continues to develop her setting capabilities.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b814b198ff1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["503529"],"_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":"A transplant for Texas, Nwosu burst onto the Oregon volleyball scene this fall, securing a starting position for the varsity team at Central Catholic. Coming in as a defensive specialist and attacker, she honed in on her setting and by mid-season was in the lineup setting a 6-2. Incredibly athletic and versatile, she is the type of athlete who will fulfill whatever role is needed for the team with a smile on her face. Nwosu is an athlete who always looks like she is having a blast on the court and is always hyping up her teammates. Joining the Athena 16-1 Gold team this club season, she will be competing for court time as a setter with returners Sloan Hefenieder and [player_tooltip player_id='268714' first='Madeline' last='Harrington'] also on the team.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b814b199041"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["455372"],"_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":"Bernard is a 5'10” outside hitter hailing from Medford, OR, playing for St. Mary's High School this past fall, receiving Far West First Team All-League. She is another athlete who caught my attention while watching game film from a Spiketown 16-1 match. As one of their six-rotation outside hitters, she is an explosive attacker from either pin. Her ability to find open court and create point-scoring opportunities for herself was noted; she would often tool the block, or tip the ball deep line if the swing was not there. Bernard is an athlete to keep your eye on as she continues to progress this club season with Spiketown 16-1.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b814b19908f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["503530"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eStidham, the younger sister of Kate Stidham who is current setter at Central Washington, is following in big sister's footsteps, taking the reigns as a setter at Crater High School. I guess beautiful setting hands and athletic feet are in the Stidham genes! With a high contact point on the ball, and a quick release, she hides her set location well. She is diligent about getting her hands on everything she can, rarely defaulting to her platform. Setting for Rise 17-1 Flagship this club season, I am eager to see her continued improvement over the next few months. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["447508"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Clark is a 6'1” left-handed right-side attacker from Oregon City High School. Playing for the Pioneers junior varsity team, she shouldered a major load offensively, with 114 kills on 276 swings, hitting a .279 on the season. With a high reach on the ball, she does a good job moving the ball around the court to score. Seeing a lot of improvement over the course of the fall, she earned a spot on the NPJ Salem 15-1 National team for this club season. With the opportunity to play at a high level this club season, Clark is well poised to earn a spot on the varsity team at Oregon City in the fall, especially knowing the team graduated six seniors.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b814b1990da"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["503533"],"_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":"Daniel is another athlete who stood out when watching game film from a Spiketown 16-1 match. With a nice tempo to her approach, she does a good job setting herself up for success on out-of-system sets. She also does a lot of wrist and hand positioning work to score points, utilizing a tricky thumb-up maneuver to place the ball deep line. When she does not have an opening in the block to swing away, she will use the block to her advantage, hitting high hands. Her energy on the court is calm and collected, not getting easily rattled. I am eager to see her continued improvement this club season with Spiketown 16-1 National.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b814b199123"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>—</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We can support these amazing athletes by sharing articles with family, friends, fans, and coaches. To do this, subscribe to our site and share across your social media platforms.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay informed by following Prep Dig on its various social media platforms. Follow Prep Dig PNW on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdig_pnw/">@prepdigpnw</a>) for updates on Oregon and Washington athletes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sometimes, unintentional errors happen. For corrections, please email prepdigpnw@gmail.com with“PrepDig Correction” in the subject line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->