Niu set for the AJV 16 Adidas team that tied for ninth with four wins and four losses. A tall and technical setter, she run the team’s offense with class and efficiency, keeping all her hitters involved. Niu was very creative with her playmaking, running a fast-paced offense and moving her hitters around to create doubts in opposing blockers when in system. She also used her height well at the net, offering a strong blocking presence and being very aggressive with her setter dumps.

Niu and her AJV 16 Adidas team will be in contention in the 16 Invitational Division in Round Rock. The second-best setter in her age group according to our Prep Dig State Rankings, she continues getting better and making the most of her impressive tools. Niu is one of the tallest setters in the state, and that obviously has a major impact on her game, making of her an elite blocker and a massive threat in setter dumps, but the quality of her game goes far beyond that. Her hands are excellent and she’s very creative and accurate with her distribution. Niu also stands out for her calm on the court and her natural ability to lead her teammates and set the tone on the court.

Charli is a poised setter with a strong feel for the game. I’m impressed by her decision-making and how she manages tempo, particularly when the offense is out of system. She delivers a consistent ball and does a good job keeping hitters involved. Her court awareness and leadership qualities stand out, and she plays with a calm confidence that benefits the entire team.

Charli has made a huge jump in the State Rankings in this update.  She is now currently ranked as the 14^th best overall player according to our Prep Dig Texas State Rankings.  She plays volleyball for Salado High School and also plays for the Austin Juniors volleyball club program.  We have moved her up to the second best setting recruit in the entire state and it is totally warranted.  Not only does she possess amazing height, power, precision, gracefulness, high volleyball IQ, and athleticism…she has impeccable form and technique as both a setter and a front row blocker/attacker.  She is the real deal who will continue to move up the rankings as she continues to progress in her position.  We think her ceiling is super high and her name is travelling around the collegiate recruiting conversations fast.  If you have not seen her yet, I strongly recommend that you give her a look now.  Please help us congratulate her on moving up in our prestigious State Rankings. 

Running a smooth 5-1 offense, Charli Niu Charli Niu 6'1" | S Salado | 2028 State TX takes command of the court with confidence and control. Her precise ball placement and vocal leadership make her the heartbeat of her team’s system. Charli’s supportive presence uplifts her teammates, while her court awareness and quick decision-making keep opponents guessing. She handles tight balls with ease, showing excellent body control and the ability to stay clean at the net whether she’s setting or attacking. Add in her strong blocking ability, and she’s a true all-around threat at the setter position.

It’s been since December that I last saw Charli in action, and I can’t wait to see how she’s sharpened her game and grown as a leader over the course of the season.

Niu sets for the AJV 15 Adidas team that will compete in the 15 Open division this weekend. Despite her young age, she has every trait of an elite setter and has continued to develop her game throughout the season. Niu is very technical and does an excellent job of running her team’s offense, displaying great connection with each of her hitters and superior intelligence to distribute the ball. A tall setter, she uses her 6’1″ frame extremely well, be it to get to tight passes at the net or to offer a huge blocking presence on the right when at the net. The playmaker is also very active and productive on the backcourt, playing excellent defense and serving very efficiently. Niu is always very calm and positive on the court and that allows her to make good decisions even when under pressure.

Niu’s AJV 15 Adidas team didn’t have the best results over the weekend, ranking 13th, with two wins and five losses, but the setter still managed to stand out with her game. The team’s game flowed through her and the setter made them work well at the net, distributing the ball with intelligence and efficiency. A tall and very technical setter, Niu showed chemistry with each of her hitters and kept a positive attitude on the court even when things weren’t going well. She was a massive asset for her team at the net, providing a huge blocking presence and taking up hitting duties, but she also contributed on the backcourt with great serving and superior defense.

Charli is currently an unranked prospect in the 2028 Class according to our Prep Dig Texas State Rankings, but that is only because I have not released them yet.  She plays volleyball at Salado High School and plays club for the Austin Junior volleyball program.  Miss Niu not only stood out because of her lengthy and strong frame, which will attract a lot of attention from college coaches this year, she also had the skill set to make you stay and watch her play.  I stopped by her court to check out her team for the first time this year and I caught myself writing down a ton of notes on Charli’s skill set.  Standing at six foot one at this young age, most would think that she is goofy footed and slow, but you would be sorely mistaken to think that is how she moves.  This young lady is already playing at an open level speed in the first tournament of the year and everyone better catch up to her or she will leave you in the rear view mirror.  Armed with impeccable timing and location of each set, she is capable of being very highly ranked when I release the State Ranking List soon.  This phenom should never come off of the court as she can battle at the net and save so many balls from being overpassed and turn them into a “three pass” to run her middle. The way she trains with some of the best coaches in the central Texas area  in club and at SetterU tell me and everyone watching that this young lady means business.  Get to know her now and start recruiting her or you will miss out on the next big thing.