The Top Five DMV 17 U Club Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No surprise the clubs included in the top five will play in the USAV Open or National Divisions in Indianapolis, the two strongest divisions in USAV. The top four teams in AES for the Chesapeake Region ranking also list as my top five with slight differences in order. The top team ranked by AES in the Old Dominion Region also made my top five ranking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Metro</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":336096,"width":"632px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.501502019107653","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/03/Kaniyah-Ball.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-336096" style="aspect-ratio:1.501502019107653;width:632px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='437443' first='Kaniyah' last='Ball']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the 16 level last year I ranked [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] ahead of Metro. With the addition of just one player Metro leaps to the top of the rankings at the 17 level. [player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'] chose to stay with Metro 17 to play her age this year. This has fortified the back row for Metro while adding veteran leadership to the team. This year Metro has beaten [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] twice. Last year Paramount came out on top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metro also qualified early with a provisional bid from the Boston National Qualifier, defeating [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] in the process. They played in a number of other qualifiers, finishing in the top five in those as well. Clearly one of the more consistent teams in the area. Most of their players have committed to Division I colleges.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437441' first='Hunter' last='Ross']</strong> (UCLA) shores up the middle. The second ranked prospect in the class of 2027 also hit outside for Flint Hill, leading them to the VISAA state championship. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473872' first='Jocelyn' last='Gill']</strong> (Yale) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438077' first='Averi' last='Hanna']</strong> are their other middles. The two left sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray']</strong> (James Madison) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377396' first='Alexa' last='Telly']</strong> (American) both were named to the All tournament team last year for leading Metro 16 to a second place finish in the National Division last year. Also, class of 2028 libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437443' first='Kaniyah' last='Ball']</strong> was named to the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their one big new addition was Virginia Gatorade Player of the year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']</strong> (Oklahoma). It has greatly improved this team with both Ball and Chadwick sharing the libero role, allowing both to contribute to the back row defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metro has two quality setters in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='292644' first='Caycee' last='Chhum']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478903' first='Barrett' last='Bolter']</strong>. Surprisingly neither player has yet to commit. Caycee has been looking at Ivy League schools. Her capturing the DC Gatorade Player of the Year award has increased their interest. I expect something will happen with her soon. Both setters helped their team win state championships with Caycee setting for Georgetown Day and Barrett for Broadneck. Neither bring a great jump and at 5'7" or 5'8" are probably best suited for a 6/2 offense. That is what both do for Metro, though Caycee set a 5/1 for Georgetown Day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another surprising player that has yet to commit is their 6'3" right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='469197' first='Olivia' last='Garey']</strong>. She plays with a lot of enthusiasm on the court and with her size can certainly put up a wall on the right side. She also hits left side for her high school West Potomac. Other players who are used on the right side but can step in as a left side are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437457' first='Jasmin' last='Tucker']</strong> (Hampton), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437985' first='Zora' last='Dimbo']</strong> (Columbia) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437988' first='Sasha' last='Plummer']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the addition of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'],</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530364' first='Caroline' last='Apergis']</strong> (Fordham) has seen her playing time reduced, but she is a quality libero that could start at that position for almost any club in the DMV area. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='557876' first='Kinsley' last='Flores'] </strong>moved from the Southern Virginia area. She filled a critical middle role for Richard Montgomery this past high school season. Her approach jump of 10'3" is quite impressive, showcasing her athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589253,"width":"675px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.501502019107653","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/113-Alyssa-Kumah.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589253" style="aspect-ratio:1.501502019107653;width:675px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='435745' first='Alyssa' last='Kumah']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year Paramount was the dominant force at the 16 level. This year they have struggled. It took them until early April to earn an Open bid with a third place finish at the Big South Qualifier in Atlanta. Prior to that they squeezed in a National Bid by winning the Chesapeake Regional Bid Championship. They beat Virginia Juniors in the final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] is led by U.S. Junior National Team player middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='296486' first='Taylor' last='Harrington']</strong> (Penn State). Last year she won an international gold medal event in Canada and then flew to Dallas to compete in the Junior Nationals. This year her U.S. Junior National team international event is not until after the USAV Junior Nationals. She will play in Costa Rica July 17-25 with training on July 9-16 for the NORCECA U19 Continental Championship. She is our top prospect in the Class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition to Taylor [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] is loaded at the middle with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435745' first='Alyssa' last='Kumah']</strong> (Old Dominion) and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='753065' first='Isabella' last='Adcock']</strong>. Alyssa also hits well outside but [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] is loaded at that position as well with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='528707' first='Annika' last='Dandridge'] </strong>(Vanderbilt), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435748' first='Aaliyah' last='Green']</strong> (Connecticut) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333650' first='Louise' last='Neuhart']</strong>. They could add middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849619' first='Kiya' last='Boggan']</strong> (Coppin State) who is a class of 2027 who played for their 18 team. Louise also played for that 18 team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The setters are [player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li'] and [player_tooltip player_id='298857' first='Ingrid' last='Smith']. Jessica set her Glenelg team to a Maryland state championship. Surprisingly, neither of these two players have committed. However, both list at 5'8" and their vertical jump may make it better for them to set a 6/2. The right sides who come in for them are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455102' first='Erin' last='Green']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='577516' first='Mariska' last='Ordonez']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='534058' first='Alexa' last='Bracey']</strong> (Delaware). Alexa carries one of the highest approach jumps on the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back row responsibilities are carried out by class of 2028 libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536716' first='Diane' last='Nzoupet']</strong>, as well as defensive specialists<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='279856' first='Kayla' last='Luther']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807765' first='Kaitlin' last='Tan']</strong>. Early in her career Kayla hit left side for Paramount but her 5'7" height and 9'4" approach jump places her future as a back row player. She has transitioned to that position well. In high school, <strong>Layla Chadwick </strong>plays outside with an approach jump of 9'8".</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Virginia Juniors</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":328695,"width":"524px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/02/7-Kieran-Rhoton.jpg?w=751" alt="" class="wp-image-328695" style="width:524px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='290176' first='Kieran' last='Rhoton']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Virginia Juniors played in a trio of Open Qualifiers but fell short of earning a bid. They earned an American Bid after finishing second to Paramount in the Chesapeake Regional Bid Championships. Once Paramount won an Open bid Juniors earned a bump up to the National Division. They also finished an impressive fifth in the Capitol Hill Classic. This team carries impressive talent at every position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class of 2026 setter <strong>Megan Phan</strong> (Brown) and left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='941986' first='Coco' last='Lewis']</strong> (Virginia) define this team. Megan normally orchestrates the offense setting a 5/1. Coco is her primary offensive target. However, this team has a number of other weapons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438068' first='Ayla' last='Sayd']</strong> can also terminate from the left side. She ranks at number 15 in our class of 2027. On the right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290176' first='Kieran' last='Rhoton']</strong> (William &amp; Mary) came over from Metro. She ranks number 11 in our class of 2027. There is also <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529439' first='Jasmine' last='McBorrough']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='500510' first='Violet' last='Masiello']</strong> who can also mash from the pins. When Megan sets a 5/1 you have five very capable pins for three positions. To open up the offense they may turn to a 6/2 where the very capable <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='735304' first='Meg' last='Ronayne']</strong> can come in to set, opening up an extra offensive piece.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class of 2026 <strong>Julia Horan</strong> (Cincinnati) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530367' first='Ava' last='Gill']</strong> give Virginia Juniors two capable middles. Jasmine could also get a call for the position. The back row is blessed with two remarkable defensive players in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438070' first='Camryn' last='Coulther'] </strong>(Virginia) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='472384' first='Kate' last='Bickel']</strong> ((Cornell). At one point two years ago Kate received a call as an emergency setter in the finals of the WCAC to enhance a struggling setting situation. They also have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='811557' first='Ayosa' last='Stewart'] </strong>(Loyola-Maryland) who can play middle or right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If this team plays well it would not surprise me to see them make it to the gold bracket in the National Division in Junior Nationals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589270,"width":"628px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.501502019107653","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/129-Karinne-Goodrum.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589270" style="aspect-ratio:1.501502019107653;width:628px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='581553' first='Karinne' last='Goodrum']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When I first made this list I placed 540 fifth in the top five. Then they beat MVSA Blaze in the East Coast Championship, winning the tournament. This resulted in a bump up to four. They also won their Old Dominion Regional Bid Championship to earn a bid in the National Division. Unlike the Chesapeake Region, the Old Dominion teams prefer playing in AAUs. Usually, only five teams at most in each age group compete in the Old Dominion Regional Bid Championships.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy'] impressed me in the East Coast championship, especially with their middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='577515' first='Sierra' last='Beaver']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='581553' first='Karinne' last='Goodrum']</strong> and occasionally <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='483591' first='Willa' last='Voto']</strong>. Willa normally spends her time at right side. At 5'9" Sierra may be a bit undersized for a middle but when she plays she gets in her share of blocks and kills. She appears a bit taller than 5'9".</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They have some depth on their left side with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502514' first='Jenna' last='Kate Tanner']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530396' first='Jaylyn' last='Barnes']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536957' first='Ava' last='Young']</strong>. None rank in the top 100 in the class of 2027 but each has game. Both Jaylyn and Ava are a bit under sized at 5'8" but what they lack in skill they make up for in heart as well as a better than average volleyball IQ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson'] </strong>(Virginia Wesleyan) may be their highest ranked player in the class of 2027 at 17. She also acts as the captain when she is on the court. She sets a 5/1 in high school but for the most part shares the setting duties for [program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy'] with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888906' first='Ella' last='Sloan']</strong>. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530368' first='Sadie' last='Barrera']</strong> is a digging machine with an incredible volleyball sense. She has an awareness of the court which allows her to know when to let deep balls carry out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MVSA Blaze</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589274,"width":"715px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.501502019107653","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/133-Ana-Djordjevic.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589274" style="aspect-ratio:1.501502019107653;width:715px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='491007' first='Ana' last='Djordjevic']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They won an American bid in the Chesapeake Regional Bid Championships, but based on their overall performance earned a reallocated National bid. They recently finished second in the East Coast Championship, losing to [program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy'] in the finals. Based on their AES schedule it does not appear they played in a lot of Qualifiers this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big change in their lineup this year involved the moving of their 6'3" middle<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='465322' first='Siyena' last='Fitsum']</strong> to right side. The 6'1" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772008' first='Meera' last='Patel']</strong> covers one middle while the 6'0" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529444' first='Kathryn' last='Giesecke']</strong> came up from the second team to cover the other middle. This enhances the blocking on the left side hitter when Siyena is right side. The other right side is 5'10" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438053' first='Lucille' last='Deraleau']</strong>. At the East Coast championship she broke out an impressive top spin serve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772012' first='Chloe' last='Tanseco']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438058' first='Vivian' last='Ngan']</strong> share setting responsibilities. Their small stature suits them best in a 6/2. Class of 2028 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749346' first='Ellyn' last='Kim']</strong> can also be used as a setter. [player_tooltip player_id='438097' first='Haile' last='Ma'] is a force on the left side while [player_tooltip player_id='438091' first='Catherine' last='McIntyre'] can also be used there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their highest ranked player is libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491007' first='Ana' last='Djordjevic']</strong> at number 19 in the class of 2027. This is a team that lower Division I schools or Division II and III should take a look at. They carry a number of talented players who finish well in tournaments. As of now none of their players have committed. This is a treasure trove of prospect possibilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Surprise Club of the Year - SERV</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":937580,"width":"637px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.4797854785478548","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/01/SERV-winning-Gold.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-937580" style="aspect-ratio:1.4797854785478548;width:637px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: SERV 17</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall, they rank third in the Old Dominion Region, behind [program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy'] Elite and [program_tooltip program_id='450416' first='East' last='Coast Volleyball Club'] Black. They have won the two Grand Prix tournaments, the first one Club with the second one Open. Throw in a surprising ninth place finish out of 83 teams in the USA Division in the Northeast Qualifiers, winning seven of their eight matches comes totally unexpected. To top it all off they will play in the Freedom Division in the USAV Junior Nationals. Perhaps not to them, but certainly to me they achieved surprising success for their club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not a lot of familiar names on their roster, at least ranked by Prep Dig. They picked up <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720452' first='Brianna' last='Douglas']</strong> from [program_tooltip program_id='450416' first='East' last='Coast Volleyball Club'] Black. With the move she also switched positions going from middle to left side. The 6'0" middle has flourished hitting outside. She recently earned a top performer award at our Prep Dig showcase debut in Richmond. Brianna still needs some work enhancing her back row play but the potential is there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='586828' first='Marcy' last='Stambaugh']</strong> is another SERV player who stood out at a Prep Dig showcase, performing well in the back row with her defense and her ability to provide offense with a back row attack. The right side lists at 5'10". The Junior Nationals Freedom Division will be my first opportunity to watch the team play. It would not surprise me to find more prospect nuggets on their roster. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->