The Ultimate Competitors: Class of 2028

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every team has one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The player who somehow finds another gear when the match gets close. The athlete who treats every point like it matters, whether it's the first point of the day or match point in the third set. While talent certainly helps, competition is often what separates good players from great ones.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best competitors don't always have the loudest swings or the biggest blocks. Instead, they bring energy, effort, and a mindset that refuses to back down. They make teammates better, raise the level of play around them, and find ways to impact the match when their team needs it most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This feature is just a glimpse of the Class of 2028. Colorado is loaded with competitors, and this will be an ongoing series throughout the year. For now, let's take a look at a few athletes who embody what it means to compete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["808878"],"_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-6a34a084910d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kylee Mayes brings the type of energy every team wants in the backcourt. She plays with urgency, chases down tough balls, and competes for every point as if it could decide the match. Additionally, she embraces the gritty side of volleyball and understands that momentum can change with one defensive play. Her effort level remains steady, and teammates know they can count on her to battle through every rally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["827124"],"_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-6a34a08491162"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Londyn Donaldson competes with confidence and isn't afraid to make her presence known at the net. She stays engaged from point to point and consistently looks for ways to impact the match. Furthermore, she brings a physical style of play that challenges opponents while energizing her teammates. Whether she's attacking, blocking, or celebrating a big point, Donaldson plays the game with passion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["800782"],"_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-6a34a084911ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Al Hernandez has a knack for finding herself in the middle of big plays. She competes with purpose and brings a fearless mentality to the backcourt. Moreover, she embraces responsibility and never hesitates when the ball comes her way. That confidence, paired with her willingness to work, makes her the type of player teammates love having beside them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["532672"],"_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-6a34a08491272"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reese Millar brings a competitive edge that shows up throughout the entire match. She attacks aggressively, stays engaged during long rallies, and continues pushing forward regardless of the score. Additionally, she plays with confidence and embraces opportunities to help her team gain momentum. Her determination and intensity make her a difficult player to slow down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Competition Looks Different</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the coolest things about competitors is that they don't all look the same.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some are vocal leaders. Others lead through their actions. Some celebrate every point, while others quietly go about their business. However, they all share one thing in common: they love to compete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That mindset often becomes contagious. Before long, teammates are matching their energy, the pace picks up, and the entire team benefits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2028 is filled with athletes who love the challenge of competition, and this group is only the beginning. As the season continues, more players will earn their way into future editions of The Ultimate Competitors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Know someone who belongs on the list?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Submit them through <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfF6XxqIc2-SLZD9lAQVhQjZf9F6sYN7_9BrN-Zsg0FDAJEKA/viewform?usp=header" id="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfF6XxqIc2-SLZD9lAQVhQjZf9F6sYN7_9BrN-Zsg0FDAJEKA/viewform?usp=header">Stock Watch</a> and keep the nominations coming!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Follow Along</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more player spotlights, recruiting content, and Colorado volleyball coverage, be sure to follow along on Instagram.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>@PrepDigColorado</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->