Six Players Ready for Their First Big National Stage

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>AAU Nationals has a way of introducing players to a much larger audience. For many athletes in the 13s division, Orlando represents their first opportunity to compete against teams from across the country and experience the energy that comes with one of the sport's biggest events. While every player arrives hoping to perform well, these six athletes have an opportunity to use AAUs as a springboard and make their presence felt on a national stage.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Drew Soriano","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Tsunami","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a2e028f8a741"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Drew enters AAUs as part of a Tsunami team that will be tested by several competitive out-of-region opponents. Players who embrace big moments often help teams exceed expectations, particularly in younger age groups. Her ability to compete with confidence and contribute in key situations could help Tsunami navigate a difficult pool. Orlando provides a tremendous opportunity for Drew to continue her development against strong national competition.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Grace Griffin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"TK","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a2e028f8a7e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Grace helps provide depth and flexibility for a TK squad facing a challenging Day 1 schedule. Athletes who contribute in multiple phases of the game can often become difference makers during long tournaments. Her ability to stay involved and support the team in a variety of situations increases her value. A strong performance against quality competition could help her team build confidence early.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Luna Knight","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Prolink","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a2e028f8a877"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Luna enters the tournament as one of several young athletes looking to make an impact against unfamiliar competition. Her ability to contribute wherever needed gives Prolink flexibility throughout matches. Players who stay engaged and continue competing regardless of score often become valuable contributors in high-pressure environments. Orlando offers Luna a chance to showcase her competitiveness on a national stage.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ann Camille Vahle","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Prolink","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a2e028f8a8ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Versatility can be one of the most valuable traits at the 13s level, and Ann Camille brings the ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game. Players who can adapt to different situations often help teams navigate momentum swings during long tournament days. Her willingness to embrace a variety of responsibilities makes her an important piece of the lineup. AAU Nationals presents an opportunity for her all-around game to shine.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Paisley Torning","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"575","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a2e028f8a986"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Paisley enters Orlando with the chance to lead a 575 squad facing several competitive opponents during pool play. Setters often influence every possession, making their leadership critical throughout a tournament. Her ability to distribute the ball and help teammates play confidently could become one of the team's strengths. Against a strong WPVC Elite Black team, Paisley's decision-making may help determine how far 575 advances.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Sabrina Mekhmoukh","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"A5","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a2e028f8aa2e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sabrina gives A5 another player capable of contributing in multiple ways, a valuable trait at the 13s level where versatility often creates lineup flexibility. Players who can adapt to different situations help teams navigate momentum swings and unexpected challenges. Her ability to remain composed while competing within one of the country's most successful club systems should serve her well in Orlando. A strong performance could help her emerge as one of the names people remember from A5's tournament run.<strong><em> ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>AAU Nationals creates memorable moments every year, and many of those moments belong to athletes competing on the biggest stage of their young careers. These six players have earned an opportunity to compete against quality opponents and represent their clubs on a national level. It will be exciting to see how they respond when the first whistle blows in Orlando.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note to GA Athletes:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><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_prepdigga 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> BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</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>&nbsp; ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @</em></strong><strong>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->