Upshaw (*pictured) was a 2025 WBL 1st team selection after leading Shawnee to a perfect league record. This is an upgrade to her 2nd team selection in 2024. The athletic lefty is playing for Summit volleyball in Indiana currently competing in the 16 Open division at Bluegrass in Louisville, KY. She has big hops and a dynamic arm that can score with good efficiency.

Insert a wide-eyed emoji right HERE. Gianna’s ability to go up and OVER blocks was impressive, and looked to be the highest jump among all attackers at Saturday’s Exposure Tour. This lefty banger, who plays club in Indiana, makes gravity look optional and hits all angles high and deep regularly. Hard to defend and nearly impossible to tool, Miss Upshaw is someone we’ll be keeping an eye on in the future, as her athletic skill, high volleyball acuity and terminal ability on the right side as a lefty are all highly marketable to any college who needs such an athlete.

Upshaw (*pictured) is another high volume right side attacker as she remains among the top five in this Ohio class after her fall season effort for Shawnee. Shawnee lost in the regional final round to the eventual DIII runner-up as Upshaw helped guide them to a 20-6 overall record and an unbeaten effort in Western Buckeye play. With 550 career kills, she increased her output in her second varsity season with 289 kills for a 3.5 k/s average on a big efficiency at .388. The lefty is one of the best in this class with her ability to get up and swing with good control and movement to find space or challenge the defense in front of her. Earning multiple postseason accolades, her athleticism and physical net presence also benefit her defensive game as she averaged 2.0 b/m from the right side as well.

Upshaw competed for Summit this club season and raised her stock as a high flying left opposite. As she can contact high and challenge the block well, she can also find space and swing with good pace to get the ball to the court fast. She has a lot of upside still to her game and it will be fun to see how well she translate these gains when she returns to Shawnee for the fall high school season.

Upshaw is a solid lefty for the Indians that will continue to become tougher to defend as she masters different areas of the court. Upshaw hits hard cutters to the lines. Upshaw also forms sound double blocks, helping the 15 Blue Elite team control the net.

Shawnee finished 19-7 overall as Upshaw was one of two members that earned over three kills per set. With 261 terminations, she earned her points through a respectable .276 efficiency. At 5’10, she has tools and upside that will help her standout any time she takes the court in this 15U age group. Her athleticism getting off the floor is noticeable that is complemented by her being a lefty. With versatility to score in the middle and the right pin, she has displayed a lot of control and finish in her approach patterns and swing, which can be tough to defend given her high contact ability.