At just 16 years old, Olivia Henry Olivia Henry 6'4" | OH/RS IMG Academy | 2027 State #2 Nation FL is one of the youngest players on IMG Academy ‘s roster — and somehow, she’s already one of the most imposing offensive presences in the 18 Open division.

Watching her compete at NEQ Weekend 1, it was clear why opposing teams game-plan around her. She puts genuine fear into defenders across the net. That’s not something you can coach — that’s a player who has already figured out how to weaponize her presence.

Henry is a true 6-rotation outside hitter, which means she’s not just a front-row threat — she’s a problem everywhere on the court. From the back row, she attacks with the same aggression and efficiency that she brings in the front, giving her team a reliable offensive option in every rotation.

What makes her truly special is the combination of height and athleticism. Her reach eclipses nearly every block put in front of her, and she has the volleyball IQ to know it — attacking angles and finding seams that most hitters her age simply don’t see yet. Her court vision is advanced well beyond her years.

At 16, she’s already playing at a level that college programs need to be paying close attention to. The trajectory here is as exciting as anyone in her class.

I remember the first time watching Olivia Henry way back in 2023. It was Chicago for USAV Nationals where she was playing for ASEVC 15 Premier out of New York.  Henry was only an 8th grader, but was already a standout playing up an age group for a relatively unknown club.  Her length and athleticism was apparent, so was her upside.  Now Henry is at IMG Academy ot of Florida and has given her verbal to Penn State.  She’s heading back to the Northeast and will be part of a uber talented recruiting class.  She played on the U19 National Team this past summer with future Penn State teammates in Nejari Crooks and Taylor Harrington.  

Olivia led her team to a 5-1 record at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Gainesville, FL (Aug 29–30), helping secure a Gold Bracket title with a comeback win over Orangewood Christian. In the final, she delivered 13 kills, a .393 hitting percentage, and 3 solo blocks. Early in the tournament, Olivia stepped up as both setter and attacker, showing versatility in a key win over Osceola. She spent the rest of the weekend dominating as an outside hitter, finishing with 61 kills (.281 hitting), 9 solo blocks (11 total), and 34 digs to anchor the defense.