We can always expect the MAVS KC gym to have its share of standout defenders. Peterson took the mantle for MAVS 15 Elite, helping her team clinch a USAV Nationals berth through MEQ. 15 Elite then upgraded to the Open level ahead of GJNC and put Peterson’s backcourt instincts to work against the nation’s best. She responded with a stellar Indianapolis highlight tape with sprawling saves and pinpoint passes. Peterson’s effort hasn’t waned since she appeared on our showcase stage last winter.

Finally, we’re visiting with the MAVS crew. A discussion of successful MAVS teams wouldn’t be complete without a libero feature, and Peterson carries the contrasting jersey well for 15 Elite. This Open-qualified crew amassed a 5-3 record at Show Me behind Peterson’s well-rounded effort along the end line. She was a reliable leader in the passing pattern who eased burdens for 15 Elite’s pin hitters and defensive specialists. Out-of-system situations were also an opportunity for Peterson to put her quality hands on display. Show Me’s quality reps will bring MAVS back in the Open title hunt when the big prize is up for grabs this summer.

Peterson is ranked No. 21 overall and is the top-ranked defensive specialist. She unofficially led all Kansas Freshmen in digs with 511 in 94 sets played. She also recorded 508 serve receptions for the Seahawks. She attended a Prep Dig Showcase in December, and I was impressed with the way she carried herself and hustled during the event. She has educated feet and makes consistent first passes.

We’ll reiterate the point we made in our original all-showcase team from the Missouri/Kansas Exposure Tour: MAVS knows how to churn out quality defensive specialists. Peterson looks to be the next in line after her awe-inspiring backcourt saves at our latest Kansas City showcase. She has already made an impact on the Kansas prep scene and brings some veteran savvy you wouldn’t expect from a freshman. That’s the kind of backcourt anchor you’d expect in the MAVS gym.

We’d expect MAVS KC to dish out some defensive talent. Peterson represented her club well with a deluge of quality digs at the Missouri/Kansas Exposure Tour. The freshman libero averaged an astonishing 5.4 digs per set this fall while immediately seizing the contrasting jersey for Bishop Seabury Academy. Peterson’s uncanny instincts and quick footwork are the keys to churning out monster numbers, and we got a first-hand look at these strengths last weekend.

If Whitney moves like a rattler, then Peterson moves like the Prarire Dog avoiding the snake’s bite. She can flat-out move. She was a bubble of joy during the entire event, and I could tell she was having a blast. It would be a difficult choice deciding whether to put the libero jersey on her or Whitney, but that’s a problem I would not mind having.

Peterson is ranked No. 26 overall in the Kansas Class of 2029.