Makenzie Pears is already one of Colorado’s most watched players, and she continues to prove why. Pears brings a powerful arm swing to the floor, but what makes her even more dangerous is her ability to recognize the defense and mix in well placed shots. She is one of the core offensive leaders for Palmer Ridge and has the ability to take over matches when given the ball. The Clemson University commit has been putting up big time numbers throughout her junior season and will be a key piece as Palmer Ridge looks to make a deep postseason run.

Pears brings plenty of firepower to the right side, but there is more to her game than just taking a big swing. She keeps herself involved, adjusts to whatever comes her way, and does a great job keeping the offense moving. Pears has the size and attacking ability to create problems at the net, while her feel for the game allows her to stay useful when the play doesn’t go exactly as planned. Now, she and Lauer will get to take their Colorado connection to Clemson and see what they can create together.

Pears is continuing to show why she is headed to Clemson. She has started the season with 123 kills and a .352 hitting percentage, once again bringing consistency to the right side. However, Pears is more than just a reliable offensive option. She uses her length and court awareness to find difficult corners and make smart decisions against the block. When the moment gets big, she has a knack for stepping up. We are excited to see more of that high-IQ attacking throughout the rest of the season.

Pears brings a physical presence to the right side that is hard to ignore. She plays with strength and has the athletic ability to make an impact in multiple parts of the game.

Offensively, Pears can get up and attack with pace. She does not need a huge window to make something happen, and her ability to get off the ground gives her opportunities against opposing blocks. Additionally, she stays active at the net and is always ready for the next transition.

Her competitiveness is another piece that stands out. Pears plays hard through the entire point and does not disappear when the rally extends.

Now committed to Clemson, Pears has another major chapter waiting ahead. The Tigers are getting a talented Colorado athlete, and there is still plenty of time for her game to continue evolving before she reaches the ACC.

Pears is a force on the right side. She combines size, athleticism, and quick reactions to create problems both offensively and at the net. When she gets a clean look, she elevates well and attacks with authority, making open nets a dangerous place for opponents. Additionally, she competes hard on every point, whether she is taking a swing, closing a block, or transitioning into the next play. Pears continues to prove why she is one of Colorado’s top young right-side hitters.

Pears enters the rankings at No. 5 and gives this class yet another impactful name to know. She brings a strong blend of athleticism and confidence, and she looks comfortable taking on responsibility. There is already a lot to like in the way she moves, competes, and affects the match. As the sample size grows, Pears has the tools to keep climbing.

Makenzie Pears’ commitment to Clemson is another exciting moment for the Class of 2028. Earning an opportunity at the Power Four level speaks to the amount of time, discipline, and development that has gone into her game already. Additionally, it reflects the confidence Clemson has in what she can become over the next several years. Pears has clearly put in the work, and this commitment feels like a reward for the steady investment she has made in her game.

Makenzie Pears reflects a right side who understands exactly where her value begins, at the net. She is most excited to showcase her attacking and blocking, two areas that continue to define how she impacts matches, and she points to blocking as the part of her game that has taken the biggest jump this season.

What stands out is how naturally communication shows up in how she processes higher-level competition. As the pace increases, her first instinct is not to speed up, but to get louder, get clearer, and make sure everyone around her stays connected.

Her game feels team-centered, physical, and built around doing the work on both sides of the ball, exactly what coaches want to see from an emerging pin who is still early in her recruiting journey.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247