Class of 2028 Watch List — Article 1

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>New Faces, Early Indicators, and Players Showing What “Next Level” Might Look Like</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2028 is still in its early formation — but every year, a few players begin to show something uniquely <em>projectable</em>. It's not just size or power. It's timing, posture, discipline, emotional steadiness, movement efficiency, and the ability to handle the game at a higher speed than their peers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["912852"],"_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-692cb76dbb71d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ella plays with discipline and structure. Her footwork is efficient, her swing mechanics consistent, and she stays balanced through block and attack transition. She understands angles, tracks setters early, and is beginning to convert tight balls into controlled swings. Her game is foundation-based and that's a powerful place to start.<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":["803118"],"_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-692cb76dbb7af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">NolaBelle has maturity in her platform and reading ability that stands out early. She doesn't rush, instead she anticipates. Her calm under pressure and low, stable posture already give her the look of a long-term libero specialist. Technical, tactical, and emotionally grounded.<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":["912832"],"_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-692cb76dbb820"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Addie is controlled, thoughtful, and adaptable. Her footwork is developing quickly, and her tempo delivery is improving with each match. She sets with purpose, not panic and when plays break down, she finds the most efficient solution, not the dramatic one. A naturally composed setter with rising leadership traits.<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":["807167"],"_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-692cb76dbb888"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Riley is developing into a technical, efficient defender. She sees attacks early, moves without panic, and keeps her platform calm through contact. There's a natural stability in the way she controls serve-receive and organizes the back row. She's the kind of libero that doesn't let anything hit the floor.<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":["749393"],"_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-692cb76dbb8ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leanna plays with elegance and intent. Her approach is smooth, her swing deliberate, and her reading ability on both offense and defense signals volleyball IQ beyond her age. If she continues to grow into her movement and timing, she'll be a major name to watch in this class.<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":["826839"],"_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-692cb76dbb954"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kennedy carries the kind of length, coordination, and court awareness that evaluators watch closely. She has a natural blocking posture, shoulders square, hands disciplined and she's learning how to manage space rather than just occupy it. Offensively, her footwork is clean, and she's beginning to use vision instead of just speed. Her growth curve suggests a high developmental ceiling.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some players get loud early.<br>Others take their time —<br>and grow into something much harder to ignore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group falls into that second category —<br>quiet builders, controlled movers, problem solvers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're not predicting yet.<br>We're just paying very close attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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 -->