Two words immediately come to mind when describing Navya Keerthi: hustle and defense. She possesses many of the qualities you want from a young setter—quick decision-making, athleticism, and the ability to create opportunities for her hitters—but it was the little things she consistently did throughout the showcase that really separated her.

Navya competed with an all-out mentality on every play. There were no excuses and very few balls she wasn’t willing to pursue. Whether she was setting or simply being asked to defend, she completely embraced her role in right back and found ways to make an impact. She stayed disciplined defensively, worked hard to keep balls off the floor, and showed that she was willing to do whatever the team needed from her in that moment.

What we enjoyed most was that Navya never seemed to take a play off. She competed whether the ball was coming directly to her or she was responsible for doing the work that might not show up on a stat sheet. That defensive mindset, combined with her hustle, decision-making, and developing ability to run an offense, gives her a strong foundation as she enters the high school game. We’re excited to continue following Navya and watching her grow into the floor general she’s capable of becoming.