Radar Ready Defensive Minded Prospects

In my years of covering Ohio prospects here, there have consistently been DS/L athletes that attract some big attention for the next level. As the 2025 class is quickly approaching the pinnacle of their prep careers with some defensive minded prospects set to take center stage at some elite college programs, the 2026 and 2027 classes are rising in their skills and demonstrating their high potential and value of their own. Here are a few to make note of with plenty of club ball ahead.    Kennelly continues to build her experience and impact as a key contributor for the high level teams she is part of throughout her annual cycle of volleyball. The success of the high potent offenses that surround her on the court is in part due to the work she does in serve receive and in how she can create high level transition opportunities on the defensive side. Get a look at her with TVC 16 Black, one of the best 17U teams in Ohio, and you'll see the quantity and quality of her contributions.     At 5'8, Snow has good length in her platform, which helps in her court coverage and the range of plays she can make. She has good footwork in pursuit of the pass that helps her stay on balance so she can use her platform to develop good angles. On the defensive side, the range of play on the ball increases with that same footwork as she prepares and utilizes good quickness when the ball is attacked. She is a key facet for AVC 17 Red, a team that can compete well when they get balance in their offense.     Mentioned earlier that Kyle made the switch to Mintonette this club season, it is proving to be a worthwhile decision. From the small window coming off a great high school campaign last fall, the training and competition she is exposed to now is noticeably improving her movement and reactions to increase her effectiveness and efficiency. With this improved patience and balance, she can capitalize even more on how well she reads and reacts in all aspects of the first-contact phase.     With the rest of this 16U season and two more cycles ahead of her, Knapke has potential to be another elite libero prospect to come out of Mintonette. Her approach to the role is simple, which is noticeable in how she plays the game regarding her movement during point flow. I can't help but think that her calm style helps her team to play similarly all around the court and in a way that she just let's the game come to her and she does her job to be as prepared as much as possible for each moment.     Newland is another prospect that engages at a high level year-round. I think this is especially valuable for a DS/L type of athlete to consistently be exposed to big pressure on the ball control side of the game. She works hard to create midline opportunities in her serve receive as she moves with good body position and purpose to maintain her balance. Defensively, those same mechanics allow her to create good results in all directions whether to the floor or overhead.     A primary libero for Elite VBTC's top 16U team, Trout (*pictured) can ignite her team with her skills as well as the competitive energy she provides as she patrols the court. In the passing game, this might be her biggest strength right now as she is efficient in how she responds to the serve with good work to face the ball and extend her platform away from her body. Her first step and quickness on the defensive side allow her to play with good range in spite of her 5'4 frame as she is not afraid to lay out to make plays.

In my years of covering Ohio prospects here, there have consistently been DS/L athletes that attract some big attention for the next level. As the 2025 class is quickly approaching the pinnacle of their prep careers with some defensive minded prospects set to take center stage at some elite college programs, the 2026 and 2027 classes are rising in their skills and demonstrating their high potential and value of their own. Here are a few to make note of with plenty of club ball ahead.