Right Sides Who Pack a Punch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another group that does not get a lot of respect. Younger teams and even some high school teams use the right side position to hide their sixth player. Normally they do not get set as frequently as the left side and they get rotated out for the setter when it comes time to play the back row. Even at club tryouts many girls choose to play right side even though it may not be the best position for them. They choose it because at club tryouts there are more left side players. As you play at the higher levels, especially internationally right sides are the best players on the court. They play six rotations and provide offense from the back and front row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are the five top right sides from the three classes (six from the class of 2026). Many are still restricted to three rotations because they rotate out for the setter. Travel teams still need to find those positions where they can find four players for two positions to give every one playing time. The right side and setter combo seems to fill that need.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of these players play middle in high school and right side at club or vice versa. The ideal right side hits left handed, stands over 6 feet and can set up a formidable block to neutralize the opponent's strongest hitter, the left side. Metro has seven right sides in the top five from the classes of 2026 and 2027. While most teams look at tall girls and put them at middle, Metro gives them an opportunity to show their skills on the right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235748"],"_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":"For club she plays left side because MVSA prefers her to play all six rotations, as well as provide offense from the back row.  She moves around the net to create offense from both the right side and left side.  When watching her play she is money from the right side with her left handed swing.  For Richard Montgomery she sets and hits right side.  Montgomery County voted her player of the year after she led the Rockets to the Maryland Class 4 state championship.  She also got voted to the Washington Post All Met first team, one of only two non-seniors to make the first team.  In the class of 2025 she remains the only player ranked in the top ten who has yet to commit.  Lots of versatility in her game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6646c69edb8ab"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181763"],"_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":"Another player with a powerful left handed swing.  An emotional player, she led her Georgetown Day Mighty Hoppers to their second consecutive DC state championship.  In the past her back row play has been limited but with [player_tooltip player_id='181303' first='Isabelle' last='Bardin'] setting a 5/1 she may have gotten more opportunities to pass and play defense.  Jada has committed to Lafayette.  Metro will play in the National Division at the Junior Olympics in Las Vegas.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6646c69edb941"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181243"],"_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":"When Evelyn is in a zone she can be difficult to stop.  At the state championships she provided the offensive fire power for West Springfield.  In the playoffs West Springfield ran a 5/1 while Evelyn played all six rotations.  She began her career as a setter and even though she no longer sets the right side suits her well, even with her right handed swing.  For Virginia Elite she also plays right side and flows through six rotations.  She has committed to New Hampshire.  Virginia Elite will play in the National Division at the Junior Nationals in Las Vegas.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6646c69edb9cb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235324"],"_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":"For Holy Cross she plays middle.  After a two year absence they won the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) title.  She runs the quicks well.  For Virginia Juniors they use her on the right side where she has been very effective.  She does not seem to have any issues hitting the higher sets and she puts up a formidable block.  Rowan hits right handed with good arm extension to hit high off the block.  Virginia Juniors will play in the Freedom Division in the Junior Nationals at Las Vegas.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6646c69edba51"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='309032' first='Samantha' last='Stephens'] (Spring Mills/[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']) - At 6'3" she played some middle for [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] last year. Because she swings left handed it can be difficult to connect with the setter on quicks since it becomes a longer set across the body. This year she appeared to primarily play right side. Samantha plays for Spring Mills high school in West Virginia. She lists there as an opposite and led her team in kills. With her height she can hit over most blocks with an approach jump exceeding 10 feet. Samantha started her athletic career as a swimmer and only recently picked up taking volleyball seriously at the club level. She has done all right, winning first team all conference in her junior year in high school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["301696"],"_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":"Nadiya has been selected as one of 20 players to work out with the under 19 United States national team.  That fits well on the volleyball resume.  With Metro she appears to play just three rotations.  At 6'2u0022 she brings an approach jump of 10'8u0022.  That is basketball dunking territory.  Not a lot of blocks can contain a player that high in the air, especially as she gains experience.  Playing against other national team players will only make her better.  Metro earned a bid to play in Open at Junior Nationals in Las Vegas.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6646c69edbadf"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["210539"],"_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":"Emma plays left side for Woodson.  For the most part she plays six rotations.  She works hard on her back row play but at 6'3u0022 getting to those short serves is always a challenge.  Just from her high school season last year to the club season she has made some big improvements in her offensive game.  Her arm swing appears faster creating a lot more velocity on the ball.  For Metro she primarily plays the right side but she slides to the left to rest [player_tooltip player_id='227251' first='Morgan' last='Williams'] or [player_tooltip player_id='303701' first='Caydence' last='Doolan'].  With five pins for four positions Metro can't play them all.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66480bd9d0d62"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["220923"],"_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":"The 6'3u0022 [player_tooltip player_id='210539' first='Emma' last='Gardner'] plays right side for most of the games, but she also hits left side for Woodson.  Soleil hit right side for both Metro and Patriot high school in her frosh season but appears to have moved to the left side for her sophomore year at Patriot.  Her older sister hit left side.  Soleil led her high school team in kills.  She also got some opportunity at serve receive.  Her play earned her first team all district and all region.  For most clubs she would be their primary hitter.  For Metro she shares the pin opportunities with four other all star caliber players.  Metro will play in the Open Division at Las Vegas.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6646c69edbb6f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='333652' first='Gabriella' last='Vizek'] (Riverside/Metro) She hit right side for Riverside but blocks middle for Metro. She stands 6'0" with an approach jump that reaches 10 feet. Shifting between right side and middle will help her versatility, but it will also decrease her opportunity to master a position. The previous year she played middle for Virginia Juniors. Riverside will graduate one of their middle blockers so perhaps Gabriella returns to the middle next year. Long term, her 6'0" height with her 10 foot approach jump may fit better as a pin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["333653"],"_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":"Elizabeth played middle for Colgan high school.  She sprouted from 6'0u0022 to 6'3u0022 in one year.  More growth is possible since her father reached 7'1u0022.  Elizabeth hits right side for 540.  While she still needs work on that right handed swing with the higher sets this will improve as she gains more experience and repetitions.  The potential is through the roof.  540 Academy will play in the National Division at Junior Nationals.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6646c69edbbf7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["325601"],"_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":"Sydnee has a long, quick left handed swing.  Every time she makes contact with the ball it consistently hits the floor.  This year she played for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''], facing some tough competition at the Triple Crown and a number of Open Qualifiers.  In all the games I have watched Sydnee is limited to three rotations.  [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] will play in the National Division at Las Vegas.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6646c69edbc69"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["290176"],"_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":"Kieran plays right side for both Independence and Metro.  For Independence she finished fourth on her team in kills as a frosh.  She played about 30 games less than the top three hitters.  For Metro they can mix and match their right sides.  As you can see from the list, three of the top five right sides play for Metro.  Kieran reaches 9'10u0022 with her approach jump.  A strong right arm can produce kills from cross court or down the line.  Metro will play in the National Division in Junior Nationals at Las Vegas.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6646c69edbcba"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["437457"],"_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":"Jasmin appears to have the flexibility to hit right or left side depending on the need.    For her high school she led her team in kills as a frosh.  Jasmin has impressed at two Prep Dig showcases, one in Virginia and the other in Florida.  Her quick arm swing puts a lot of pepper on the ball.  She will showcase her talent at the National Division in the junior nationals at Las Vegas.  The more she plays the better she gets.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6646c69edbd02"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["469197"],"_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":"Olivia stepped up her game at the Chesapeake Regionals.  Her right side play helped Metro take a three set win over Paramount in the finals.  It also earned her a spot on my Chesapeake Region all tournament team.  Olivia also plays right side for West Potomac.  Love the enthusiasm in her game.  You can tell she enjoys playing and coming through during critical times.  A strong player with a powerful swing.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6646c69edbd48"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["390169"],"_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":"Whenever you find a 6'2u0022 right side who swings left handed you have to take notice.  She brings good enthusiasm to the court.  Katherine did not play on the varsity for Mountain View last year, but it would not surprise me to see her on the court this year.  Though she does hit left handed she can probably slide over to the left side to provide some offense.  As with most players in the 2027 class she still needs to work on her timing and consistency hitting the outside set.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6646c69edbd8c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["455102"],"_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":"Erin seems to do well in the clutch.  At the Chesapeake Regionals she also won a spot on the All Tournament team as a right side.  She also plays right side for Chantilly.  She is the counter to [player_tooltip player_id='181297' first='Lameen' last='Mambu'] on the left side.  At 5'11u0022 she can put up a good block on the right side.  She also carries a little spark with her drive on the court.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6646c69edbdd0"} /-->