Her older sister got the height standing 6’2″. Perhaps there is more growth with Elyse. She brings the hands, setting for Liberty Christian, coming in the back row for the left side to set. She finished second on the team in assists.

The Bulldogs got off to a slow start to the season losing five of their first seven matches. Perhaps it took some time to get used to their frosh setter. Once the season got underway they then went on a 19 match winning streak before losing to the eventual state champion Abingdon in the first round of the Class 3 state championship.

One trait that stands out with Elyse is her volleyball IQ. She spent a lot of time watching her older sister play so she understands the mechanics of the game. That makes the volleyball play come much easier.

Elyse debuts at number 57 in the class of 2029 rankings.

Her older sister appears to have gotten the height in the family, standing over 6 feet. She plays middle for Liberty Christian falling in at number 37 in our class of 2026 rankings. Elyse may still grow a bit. Occasionally, the two make contact with the quick tempo sets. What is unique about Elyse is her left handed swing when serving, which seems to give passers trouble. Elyse leads the team in aces. Her older sister ranks third.

Watching her older sister Evie play the game has given her some good court sense. She makes good choices when setting the ball. At 5’6″ she normally rotates out once she hits the front row, coming out for a left side that leads the team in kills. Perhaps with some growth in the future she could see time on the right side.

Currently, Liberty Christian sits first in the Seminole Region at 6-0. They are one of the teams in the running for the Virginia Class 3 state title. As Elyse gains more experience setting their odds will improve.

She set for Liberty Christian Academy at the Virginia Volleyball showcase. She is the younger sister of Evie Ballengee Evie Ballengee 6'2" | RS/MB Liberty Christian Academy | 2026 State VA . While she does not have the height of her older sister she has the hands and the quickness to set. She also serves and hits lefthanded. For Liberty she plays back row only coming in for the second left side.

Since she spent a lot of time watching her sister play she already brings a good volleyball IQ to the game. She set well for the Bulldogs at the showcase. She needs to push the ball outside more, but she hit her sister once on a quick tempo set that gave the Bulldogs a point. That certainly was a moment to celebrate