Going Gauntlet | Team Profile: Sports Performance 17 Elite

Prep Dig has a growing presence in the competition space with several branded tournaments offering great competition and overall experience. The "Prep Dig Gauntlet" is a marquee event annually and one that continues to increase in strength of competing teams, some of the best regionally and nationally across multiple age groups and divisions. This year's event takes place June 6-7 in Menomonee Falls, WI. Stay connected to PD as several teams will be profiled in preparation for this banger of a tournament.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Team Profile: Sports Performance 17 Elite</h2>   Gauntlet Division: 17 Open   USAV Region: Great Lakes   Overview: Sports Performance is one of the most storied club programs historically and continues to develop talent and compete well at a high level among the rise of elite clubs and depth of talent both regionally and at that national level. The most recent event for this SPVC 17 Elite team was Indy Cup in mid-May. Through a 4-2 overall record, they earned a 3rd place finish among 22 teams, competing against some high quality squads from the Great Lakes, Hoosier, Ohio Valley, and Pioneer regions, among others. This was the tuneup for the upcoming AAU national championships where they will be competing in the 17 Open division. SPVB 16 Elite finished 33rd overall at the 2025 AAU final event. Expect them to contend well for the podium at the Gauntlet. Here's a look at their roster.    Herrick's long frame is a huge asset to her game as she can be terminal in different ways. Ranked #14 in the current Prep Dig Illinois list, she can produce a high contact point while scoring with good arm control and range that can put a lot of pressure on opposing defenses given how high and well she can strike the ball versus the block in front of her. She is committed to compete for a solid DI program at the University of Dayton.     The presence Blank (*pictured) provides at the net is tangible given her athleticism and the work she puts in on both sides of the ball. Where her contributions can make a huge impact are on the defensive side as she can close down hitters, get up high, and fill up space with her hands across the net when blocking. The balance she can create in her blocking movements can create some impressive moments and ignite her team. Offensively, she moves well around her setter to be available through different options with ability to get on top of the ball when on time and in rhythm. The #33 prospect in the Prep Dig Illinois rankings for 2027, she will stay in-state as she is committed to Loyola-Chicago.     Lorenzo is a 2026 pin with a live arm. At 6'0, she can generate some big arm speed as a primary pin. She identifies space well with ability to control her arm through seams and at the edges of the block. Her six-rotation ability equates to point scoring from the back row as well with similar movement and force of contact. Lorenozo is ranked #53 in the 2026 Prep Dig Illinois list with a great opportunity ahead of her to compete for the Univesity of Illinois Chicago.     SPVB has always been strong in the development and performance of their first-touch action. Primary passers and defenders are skilled in their read, reaction and movement to pursue the ball with good results. Godeaux represents that well in what she provides for her team. She prepares well with good patience and balance that allows for an efficient reaction to the serve and in how she plays the ball coming off an opponent's arm. She is currently #88 in the Prep Dig Illinois rankings for the class of 2027.     At 6'2, Walter brings additional length to the net with an important role on the right pin to provide offense and set the tone for their defense against opponents' top arms. She has good physical tools in her touch point and movement on both sides of the ball. Her vision and patience defensively are a huge asset to her ability to get in front of attackers and help form half of what can be a formidable wall at the net. Uncommitted, she is ranked #96 in the Illinois 2027 class.     Rankin is a 2026 middle committed to Swarthmore. At 6'2, she is part of their core trio of middle blockers and hitters, helping create depth and physical presence. Rankin does a good job to play within her skill set to do what she does well to be effective through her rotations. She has good patience on the defensive side while also displaying good movement in her approach work to be on time with good space. When she can get her shoulders open with her bow and arrow, she has good torque to build force of contact and to be able to move the ball with range.     Zepeda is quick and very active in the back row behind the block. At 5'5, she utilizes her reaction and first step with good purpose and efficiency be able to cover the court well with her feet and in how she can extend her platform for more range. As a primary passer when on the floor, she maintains position well when moving her feet that allows her angle production away from her body to get the ball into good locations for her setter often.     Caves can impact the game in a variety of ways as a six-rotation athlete. At 5'11, the primary left side pin hitter is effective with her arm, which starts with momentum build and big lift with her arms to get her up and on balance in the air. She moves the ball well to drive it through space and to challenge the edges of the block. She is a primary passer as well with balanced movement and good angle production, while also using her length well to create good range in her defense. Her effort at Indy Cup recently was complete with good success in all phases of the game.     Anderson runs a good show as a primary distributor for this team. Mechanically, she is consistent in her high hand position and touch point, which can create great opportunities for the corps of arms around her when in system and all are in motion. Currently uncommitted, she continues to develop her force of extension and location when on the move, including more effectiveness against the flow through both pins.     Curran has a long frame at 6'2, which helps this team to sustain its size advantage across the net through all rotations. She can be effective among the dual action with her arm and defensively. What is available in her game from her high school success and competing among this solid corps of athletes is her offensively range to swing both in front of her setter and overhead on a slide option, which can help spread offense and keep opponents honest in how they defend. She is committed to the University of New Hampshire.

Prep Dig has a growing presence in the competition space with several branded tournaments offering great competition and overall experience. The "Prep Dig Gauntlet" is a marquee event annually and one that continues to increase in strength of competing teams, some of the best regionally and nationally across multiple age groups and divisions. This year's event takes place June 6-7 in Menomonee Falls, WI. Stay connected to PD as several teams will be profiled in preparation for this banger of a tournament.