RVA is an under-rated club program when it comes to developing college talent. There always interesting athletes packed with potential when checking out its courts. That was the case with the 15U team last year. It reached the USAV National Tournament during the summer in Indianapolis. Skinner was competing as a six-rotation outside hitter on that team, doing so at a high level. She was reliable in terminating points from the pin and also proved steady in the back row. Athleticism and agility stood out as important traits. Skinner has raised her game even more this prep campaign, where she’s worked her way into the lineup for upstart Johnston. The sophomore ranked third on the squad in kills and fourth in digs despite playing fewer sets than other starters.

We’re lingering in that same division from the Midwest National Tune-Up. RVA 15U Gladden reached the podium in that ever-competitive group, and Skinner’s pin termination paved the way throughout. However, that May event wasn’t our first glimpse at the Johnston sophomore. Skinner’s frontcourt onslaught yielded a championship run at February’s Iowa Clash, putting several RVA Roots 2029s on our radar. We now have an even better grasp of that underclassman crew after Skinner got back to business at the Stock Up Showcase.

We’re back in the RVA Roots gym with another versatile athlete who has catalyzed the club’s quick rise. Skinner, who should be a future impact player at Johnson, exhibited her prowess on both pins through Sunday’s showcase. She eagerly anchors the serve-receive pattern and keeps that stable platform as a floor defender. Skinner’s transition digs were impressive, but she can also be the one to take those out-of-system swings in scramble situations. That full repertoire will pay dividends in the Iowa Region.