Makena is a player I’ve known for a few years, being a parent in the area, I’ve had exposure to some of these girls back in the camp days for different schools and clubs, and it’s kind of a small world in the volleyball universe. She’s a great DS that I don’t think gets the credit she deserves. She’s ranked, but she’s one of those players that is better than her rankings will tell you. She’s a very solid DS, good range, good passing and I think has been just out of the spotlight a little bit on the teams she’s been on. HS season is going to change that, she’s moving this year to a new school and will be playing with stellar hitters Sierra Thomas Sierra Thomas 6'0" | OH Bishop McNamara | 2029 State VA and Ella Jones Ella Jones 6'0" | MB/OH Bishop McNamara | 2027 State VA this season, they will make some noise. This team is on my list to dig into more before the season starts, it may make a surprising amount of noise and Makena will be a part of that and give her some of the attention she’s deserved for a while already.

Makena has been to two previous Prep Dig showcase events. As the saying goes the third time is the charm. She plays a year up on the BAVA 17 team. For whatever reason, I have not been able to see them play.

Makena is another player with a solid platform. She also adds quick feet, two traits that I like in a libero.

Last year Makena played for Elizabeth Seton. This year it appears she will transfer to Bishop McNamara. The Mustangs were one of the surprise teams last year in the WCAC finishing in fourth place. Makena could improve the back row which will allow Sierra Thomas Sierra Thomas 6'0" | OH Bishop McNamara | 2029 State VA more opportunities to show off her offensive capabilities by staying in system more.

Makena fell victim to the number of players at the showcase this weekend. I knew who she was and that she would be there, but when it came time to find her on the courts, I kept missing her. She’s a solid DS with good speed and passing that makes her teams better. At this event she just slid in between groups and I didn’t get a chance to catch her as much as I’d like, but she’s a player that those of us in the area know to keep an eye on.