I first noticed Nolton when she was a Grinnell sophomore playing at the 2024 Benton Tournament. She stood out as one of the most talented performers in a gym filled with them. Much of that excitement came from her youth and potential. Nolton is realizing it, as evidenced by her play at the 2026 Nike President’s Day Classic. She’s found a consistency with her gifts, putting the ball away regularly when opportunities present themselves. It’s her combining natural abilities, like explosion and power, with improved skills and court sense. She can plow through blocks but also sees where they can be exploited by taking something off of her fastball and playing angles. She’s also getting better defending at the net and in handling serve-receive.

I first noticed Nolton when she was a Grinnell sophomore playing at the 2024 Benton Tournament. She stood out as one of the most talented performers in a gym filled with them. Much of that excitement came from her youth and potential. Nolton is realizing it, as evidenced by her play at the 2026 Nike President’s Day Classic. She’s found a consistency with her gifts, putting the ball away regularly when opportunities present themselves. It’s her combining natural abilities, like explosion and power, with improved skills and court sense. She can plow through blocks but also sees where they can be exploited by taking something off of her fastball and playing angles. She’s also getting better defending at the net and in handling serve-receive.