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Hiding in Plain Sight 2027’s Prospects : Need To Know

Hiding in Plain Sight 2027’s Prospects : Need To Know
Tobias Walker
Tobias Walker February 28, 2026 @ 09:00 PM
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In this article:

Thea Anderson
Thea Anderson DS/L | 2027
IL
Alanna Turner
Alanna Turner 5'7" | OH/DS/L | 2027
IL
Evelyn Slattery
Evelyn Slattery MB | 2027
IL
Zoe Freund
Zoe Freund RS | 2027
IL
Izabelle Belle McDermott
Izabelle Belle McDermott OH | 2027
IL
Iva Marusic
Iva Marusic 5'8" | OH/RS | 2027
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center">The 2027 class is deep,&nbsp;deeper than most realize,&nbsp;and as more athletes make their way onto the volleyball court, exposure becomes the name of the game.&nbsp;Skills, intensity, fundamentals, IQ, work ethic, and that special&nbsp;something&nbsp;all play a part in rising through the noise. And sometimes, the prospects worth knowing aren't hidden at all. They're right in front of us, waiting their turn to be noticed, evaluated, written about, supported, and given their flowers. This edition of&nbsp;Tobias Notes&nbsp;dives into exactly that.&nbsp;Recruiting. Momentum. Recognition.&nbsp;A handful of 2027 athletes who have been doing the work, building their game, and showing they're ready&nbsp;now.&nbsp;Pen and pad ready. Let's get into it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["918520"],"_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-69a1fe420e6c7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">“Staring you in the face” is the perfect way to describe [player_tooltip player_id='918520' first='Thea' last='Anderson'].&nbsp;She embodies technique, leadership, and hard work, and she shows it through her actions. Thea leads by example, staying in tune with the flow of the game, adjusting to the pace, and keeping her teammates connected on the floor. Her adaptability alone is a major upside and a defining trait of her game. Her serving is&nbsp;consistent and admirable, collecting aces while maintaining rhythm and reliability. Defensively, she's always tracking, always moving, running down balls without hesitation, and springing back into position for the next play. Thea is a true hustler with nonstop urgency. What elevates her further is her&nbsp;out-of-system ability. She makes clean, accurate passes and sets to her pins with confidence, bringing an entirely different dimension to her game. That type of all-around steadiness is rare and valuable.&nbsp;Next level? She'll be there. Make sure to catch Thea with&nbsp;[program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United']&nbsp;while you can.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["789787"],"_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-69a1fe420e774"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Athletes do what athletes are supposed to do:&nbsp;they know the moment, they adjust, and they step in wherever they're needed. Positions may have labels, but the modern game demands multi-function players who can shift roles without missing a beat. Alanna is exactly that.&nbsp;A hybrid Outside/Libero, she's fully capable of wearing the contrasting jersey one set and anchoring the back row with calm efficiency the next. Her footwork is clean, her lateral movement is sharp, and her court awareness stands out immediately. She hustles, she reads, and she passes with accuracy and composure. Then, just one rotation later, she might step in as a DS, take a serve,‑receive a ball in stride, and send a&nbsp;missile from the back row. She's interchangeable, dynamic, and able to impact the match regardless of role.&nbsp;[program_tooltip program_id='431567' first='Adversity' last=''] VBC has a true jack‑of‑all‑trades,&nbsp;the kind of player who keeps coaches flexible and opponents guessing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["761092"],"_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-69a1fe420e7cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Iva&nbsp;plays bigger than the listed&nbsp;5'8"&nbsp;for 1<sup>st</sup>&nbsp;Alliance VBC, she plays well above that with her quickness, clean mechanics, and ability to make plays from both the&nbsp;Outside&nbsp;and&nbsp;Right Side. What stands out first is her&nbsp;tempo and footwork. Iva gets into her approach fast, creates good lift, and swings with intent not just power for power's sake, but smart, purposeful attacking. She's comfortable changing angles, hitting seam, and adjusting her shots depending on the set or the matchup in front of her. Her versatility shows up when she flips to the&nbsp;right side, where she uses her understanding of the game very well and delivers composed swings down the line. In the back row, Iva shows&nbsp;strong ball control, hustling into seams and keeping plays alive with disciplined touches.&nbsp;A steady‑rising pin with dual‑position upside, Iva is one more 2027 who has been in plain sight and deserves to be firmly on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["789054"],"_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-69a1fe420e823"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Belle is one of those players you end up rewinding on film because everything she does is purposeful and controlled.&nbsp;At&nbsp;6'0", she uses her length extremely well, attacking high and creating consistent problems for blockers. Her approach is smooth, her arm length is long, and she swings with purpose, finding gaps, adjusting angles, and scoring in rhythm. Belle also shows real value at the net, closing space, and getting touches that disrupt hitters when she isn't stuffing blocks. In the back row, she stays composed, moves efficiently, and keeps rallies alive with steady ball control. She transitions well and makes the game look calm around her.&nbsp;This is a staple of an athlete to have on your squad, and I'm sure schools are taking note.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["789056"],"_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-69a1fe420e88a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zoe&nbsp;gets into her approach quickly and attacks with a clean, confident arm. Her gap finding is impressive, her control on swings, and her ability to adjust to sets on the fly, which allows her to produce from both the&nbsp;outside&nbsp;and the&nbsp;right side. Her versatility is to be admired. Zoe switches from side to side without losing rhythm, staying aggressive on the left and showing strong line and cross-court options on the right. She has that “multi-tool” feel, able to score, cover, and keep points alive with equal urgency. Not lacking in the back row, she competes with steady ball control, hustles to spots, and gives you consistency in passing. Zoe's awareness, knowledge, and understanding are keys to her makeup!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["789057"],"_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-69a1fe420e8de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Resourceful, skillful, quick to lift off the floor, strong reading ability at the net, and the versatility to play&nbsp;middle, right side, and outside&nbsp;when needed. That type of positional flexibility is rare and extremely valuable. At the net, Evelyn brings&nbsp;strong blocking instincts, quick reactions, and disciplined hand positioning. She tracks hitters well, jumps on time, and gets meaningful touches that slow down or redirect attacks. Her ability to move pin‑to‑pin when she's in the middle shows pure athleticism and a good feel for spacing. Evelyn attacks cleanly in front and behind the setter, showing the ability to swing with intention, find seams, or tool the block when the matchup calls for it. Her footwork makes transitions easy, and she adjusts to different tempos confidently, one of her most underrated skills. Defensively and in the back row, she brings&nbsp;steady ball control, hustling reads, and a competitive urgency that fills gaps and keeps rallies alive.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>📧 <em>For inquiries, connections, or coverage opportunities:</em> Visit <strong>PrepDig.com</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Follow on Socials:</strong><br>• <strong>IG:</strong> @PrepDigTobias<br>• <strong>TikTok:</strong> @tobiaswalkeac<br>• <strong>X:</strong> @PrepDigTobias | @TobiasWalk</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

The 2027 class is deep, deeper than most realize, and as more athletes make their way onto the volleyball court, exposure becomes the name of the game. Skills, intensity, fundamentals, IQ, work ethic, and that special something all play a part in rising through the noise. And sometimes, the prospects worth knowing aren't hidden at all. They're right in front of us, waiting their turn to be noticed, evaluated, written about, supported, and given their flowers. This edition of Tobias Notes dives into exactly that. Recruiting. Momentum. Recognition. A handful of 2027 athletes who have been doing the work, building their game, and showing they're ready now. Pen and pad ready. Let's get into it.

Thea Anderson

Thea Anderson

IL
DS/L
POS DS/L
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Thea
Anderson DS/L
Class
2027
IL
Hiding in Plain Sight 2027’s Prospects : Need To Know
“Staring you in the face” is the perfect way to describe Thea Anderson . She embodies technique, leadership, and...
Written by Tobias Walker
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Thea Anderson

State: Illinois
Club: VC United
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Alanna Turner

Alanna Turner

IL
OH/DS/L
HEIGHT 5'7"
POS OH/DS/L
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Alanna
Turner OH/DS/L
Class
2027
Height
5'7"
HS
Waukegan
|
IL
Hiding in Plain Sight 2027’s Prospects : Need To Know
Athletes do what athletes are supposed to do: they know the moment, they adjust, and they step in wherever...
Written by Tobias Walker
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Alanna Turner

Instagram
State: Illinois
School: Waukegan
Club: Adversity VBC
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Iva Marusic

Iva Marusic

IL
OH/RS
HEIGHT 5'8"
POS OH/RS
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Iva
Marusic OH/RS
Class
2027
Height
5'8"
HS
Saint Ignatius College Prep
|
IL
Hiding in Plain Sight 2027’s Prospects : Need To Know
Iva plays bigger than the listed 5’8″ for 1st Alliance VBC, she plays well above that with her quickness, clean mechanics, and...
Written by Tobias Walker
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Iva Marusic

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Saint Ignatius College Prep
Club: 1st Alliance VBC
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Izabelle Belle McDermott

Izabelle Belle McDermott

IL
OH
POS OH
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Izabelle
Belle McDermott OH
Class
2027
HS
Glenbard East
|
IL
Hiding in Plain Sight 2027’s Prospects : Need To Know
Belle is one of those players you end up rewinding on film because everything she does is purposeful...
Written by Tobias Walker
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Izabelle Belle McDermott

State: Illinois
School: Glenbard East
Club: 1st Alliance VBC
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Zoe Freund

Zoe Freund

IL
RS
POS RS
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Zoe
Freund RS
Class
2027
HS
Richmond (R.-Burton)
|
IL
Hiding in Plain Sight 2027’s Prospects : Need To Know
Zoe gets into her approach quickly and attacks with a clean, confident arm. Her gap finding is impressive, her...
Written by Tobias Walker
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Zoe Freund

State: Illinois
School: Richmond (R.-Burton)
Club: Sky High VBC
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Evelyn Slattery

Evelyn Slattery

IL
MB
POS MB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Evelyn
Slattery MB
Class
2027
HS
Marist
|
IL
Hiding in Plain Sight 2027’s Prospects : Need To Know
Resourceful, skillful, quick to lift off the floor, strong reading ability at the net, and the versatility to...
Written by Tobias Walker
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Evelyn Slattery

State: Illinois
School: Marist
Club: Michio Chicago VB Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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