Pears enters the rankings at No. 5 and gives this class yet another impactful name to know. She brings a strong blend of athleticism and confidence, and she looks comfortable taking on responsibility. There is already a lot to like in the way she moves, competes, and affects the match. As the sample size grows, Pears has the tools to keep climbing.

Makenzie Pears’ commitment to Clemson is another exciting moment for the Class of 2028. Earning an opportunity at the Power Four level speaks to the amount of time, discipline, and development that has gone into her game already. Additionally, it reflects the confidence Clemson has in what she can become over the next several years. Pears has clearly put in the work, and this commitment feels like a reward for the steady investment she has made in her game.

Makenzie Pears reflects a right side who understands exactly where her value begins, at the net. She is most excited to showcase her attacking and blocking, two areas that continue to define how she impacts matches, and she points to blocking as the part of her game that has taken the biggest jump this season.

What stands out is how naturally communication shows up in how she processes higher-level competition. As the pace increases, her first instinct is not to speed up, but to get louder, get clearer, and make sure everyone around her stays connected.

Her game feels team-centered, physical, and built around doing the work on both sides of the ball, exactly what coaches want to see from an emerging pin who is still early in her recruiting journey.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247