Class of 2027 Watch List — Part 5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Indicators — Poise, Movement, and Upside You Can't Teach</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some players catch your eye with power. Others catch it with control.<br>This group? They do both — but more importantly, they do it with <em>purpose</em>.<br>They aren't just reacting — they're learning. Adjusting. Shaping their game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are six athletes who are developing not just tools —<br>but <em>volleyball intelligence</em> … and that's where the real potential begins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["802359"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692b2588e00e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kelsie has a defensive mindset built on sharp reads and disciplined angles. Her posture rarely breaks under pressure, and she makes contact with a calm, clean platform. She reads players, moves efficiently and effectively finds the ball. A steady, tactical libero presence built on awareness over flash.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["911132"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692b2588e0150"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Skyy is beginning to look like a setter who sees the whole court. She's improving in tempo management, developing rhythm early with hitters, and shows an emerging ability to place balls into space, not just location. Her touch is clean, but her mindset is what stands out: calm, communicative, organized.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["912300"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692b2588e019e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Amara brings controlled power, court awareness, and a confident shoulder through contact. She moves efficiently, doesn't force swings, and her defensive instincts are beginning to match her offensive reliability. She's a player who thrives on rhythm, not chaos and that's what makes her intriguing.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["845444"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692b2588e01e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Long, rhythmic, and controlled, Elle plays with natural flow. Her approach mechanics are smooth, and she brings a composed, head-up presence in transition. She sees space rather than just swinging hard and plays with quiet consistency. These are traits that evaluators tend to hold onto. <strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["823528"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692b2588e0233"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Long, strong, and increasingly coordinated, Destinee is shaping into a middle with true range. She blocks with intent, not just reaction, and holds posture well through contact. Her timing is improving quickly, and she absorbs instruction with maturity which is a strong sign she's just beginning to tap into her upside.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note to GA Athletes:</strong><strong><br></strong>If I didn't get the chance to write about you this week — I see you and I appreciate your game! I covered as many players as I could at AAU Nationals, but with limited time and so many talented athletes, I couldn't feature everyone. <strong>If you'd like to be considered for future coverage, please send me your high school season schedule</strong> and share a little bit about yourself so I can come support you and share your story. Let's keep building Georgia volleyball together! Fill out the "Cover My Game" Link in my bio @benchtobeast on IG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following</strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/benchtobeast/"><strong> </strong><strong>BenchtoBeast</strong></a><strong> for exclusive Georgia content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're on a mission to spotlight talent, uplift families, and bring the volleyball community closer than ever! Huge shoutout to our amazing subscribers — you're the heartbeat of this movement. Thank you for your help growing the game, and making every moment unforgettable. The best is yet to come — let's get it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Building bridges between hustle and opportunity — that's the power of this community</em></strong>!<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em></strong><strong>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->