The Next Wave: 14s Talent That Shined at the Nike Daytona 100

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 Nike Daytona 100 brought together some promising young talent in the Southeast, and the 14's division wasted no time proving the future of the game is fast, skilled, and fearless. Inside Daytona's Ocean Center, athletes competed with composure and clarity turning routine plays into momentum-shifting moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As rallies extended and pressure mounted, a handful of players consistently separated themselves through court awareness, clean transitions, and a willingness to take ownership of the moment. Whether anchoring serve receive, running a disciplined offense, or closing space at the net, these five athletes left a lasting impression through consistency, communication, and competitive edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Samantha Myers | Libero | Jax Skyline 14 Royal</strong><br>Everything about Samantha Myers' game starts with readiness. Her arms are outstretched early, while her angles stay disciplined, and her footwork allows her to float effortlessly into passing lanes. As rallies moved out of system, she confidently stepped into second contact, delivering attackable balls while keeping her team composed. Her serve added another layer of pressure—low, controlled, and consistently flirting within a few feet of the tape. Add in her loud, early communication, and Myers quickly became the emotional and tactical backbone of her defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Finley Markley | Outside Hitter | Elite 14 National Alex</strong><br>Flow defined Finley Markley's weekend. Her transition from defense to offense unfolded smoothly, allowing her to stay open to the court until the final moment of contact. That patience expanded her attacking window and made her difficult to read. With steady contact and reliable timing, Markley consistently found high-percentage swings while maintaining balance and control at the pin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Reese Robinson | Outside Hitter | OPU 14-1</strong><br>Reese Robinson thrived in motion. From serve receive to outside attack, her transitions were quick, clean, and purposeful. She paired a powerful arm swing with impressive net awareness, knowing when to defend with her hands and when to pass with precision. Even after handling defensive responsibilities, Robinson reset rapidly to become an immediate scoring option—an efficiency that kept her offense unpredictable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sarah Plunkett | Middle Hitter | OPU 14-1</strong><br>Sarah Plunkett brought agility to the middle. She moved laterally along the net with urgency, closing blocks effectively while maintaining balance. Offensively, her ability to attack the slide added tempo and versatility to her team's system. For her age, her speed and timing stood out, especially in transition sequences that demanded quick reads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bailey Hunt | Setter | OPU 14-1</strong><br>Running a 5-1 offense with poise, Bailey Hunt demonstrated maturity beyond her years. She stayed patient at the net, held her defensive posture, and showed comfort reversing the flow of play when needed. Her blocking presence added value on first contact, while her steady decision-making helped maintain offensive rhythm under pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 14's division at the 2026 Nike Daytona 100 delivered more than raw potential—it showcased athletes who already understand responsibility, spacing, and tempo. These five competitors demonstrated that fundamentals, when paired with confidence and communication, can elevate a team regardless of age. As they continue to develop, each brings a foundation that points clearly toward long-term impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->