Springy and active, Leighton is an undersized middle that is always available to hit in any situation. More of an M2 at the present moment, her footwork is nearly flawless, and that work put into her footwork easily makes her available to hit regardless of where the pass is located. She might end up being a three-rotation pin attacker at the next level because of her size, but I’ve seen enough of her work in the middle to convince me that she can hold her own in the biggest (by size) position on the floor.

With the capability to play any of the front row positions, Leighton will be a steal of an athlete that can be part of the pin-hitting group at the next level. Able to hit high and hard when in-system and having shot-making abilities when things aren’t so perfect, Miss Brown is slowly developing her serve receive and floor defense skills this spring to make herself a more rounded player for all position needs.

Leighton’s improvement has been in one area that stands out for me—she’s learned quickly how to terminate on the out-of-system ball that many in this age group just roll over and keep in play. That’s a huge statement to make for a kid her age, but she’s figured out how to “go for it” on a regular basis, regardless of where the ball is set or where she is going with the ball. Although she’s still got some training to do in the serve receive and defensive departments, her attack has improved to the point of mentioning here.

I’m a fan of quicker-than-average kids. Indiana is FILLED with undersized players, but very few actually overcome the height disadvantage with sheer athleticism. In Leighton’s case, her whip of an arm and jumping ability help her terminate from the left pin, and is this close to perfecting all parts of her game, from serve receive to floor defense to net defense. Once those refinements come, her ability to be a full-time six-rotation outside should make her that much more recruitable.