Sophia Gao
About Sophia
Expert Analysis
Jesse Etter | Prep Dig Scout
Gao was the crucial cog in Lakeside’s back-row defense; the Lions had a terrific season, finishing with a state tournament berth. Gao can really go get the ball, making sprawling digs on hard swings outside her platform and hustling hard to pick up tough tips and shots. The junior will play her college ball at Columbia University, and is the #3-ranked libero in the 2027 Washington rankings.
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Read EvaluationJesse Etter | Prep Dig Scout
The libero from Lakeside is disciplined before opposing attackers take swings; she works hard to be in the right position and then uses her excellent quickness and reactions to track down digs. Gao is steady in serve recieve, she makes small adjustments in her platform right up until she contacts the serve, dialing in her passes to the setter. She is currently the #3 libero in the 2027 Washington class and #26th ranked overall.
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Read EvaluationJesse Etter | Prep Dig Scout
Gao is a player to watch; she looks confident and assertive running the defense for SIVBC this club season.
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Read EvaluationJesse Etter | Prep Dig Scout
The Lakeside 2027 prospect has been on a roll in the libero jersey for Sudden Impact this season. Gao is making plays outside of her area, using quick, decisive moves to spear up digs and run down tips and shots to the corners.
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Read EvaluationJesse Etter | Prep Dig Scout
Gao and her Sudden Impact Thunder team finished 2-5 overall in the challenging Open Division, battling hard in a loaded day two pool after a 2-1 record on day one. The Lakeside sophomore was playing in a dual libero lineup with
Kenzie Bentosino
Kenzie
Bentosino
5'0" | DS/L
Mountlake Terrace | 2028
State
WA
versus RVC 16 Allen, and her on-point passing in serve receive helped Sudden Impact chalk up a solid 2-0 win. Gao has a positive word for her teammates whenever she is on the floor and is always willing to get on the ground and dig out a dig or cover for her squad.
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Read EvaluationJesse Etter | Prep Dig Scout
Gao spearheaded the defense for her squad during the club season and will combine with her sister Victoria to patrol the floor for Lakeside this fall. Her game is versatile, she has good hands and location when she has to set the second ball, and makes good choices if she has to attack. Her bread and butter are making big-time defensive plays, and Gao grew in confidence as a play maker and a leader during this club season.
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Read EvaluationJesse Etter | Prep Dig Scout
Gao is part of the WVBA 15 Adidas team seeded second in the 15 Open Division. The libero from Lakeside has excellent fundamentals passing the ball, she allows WVBA to feed the tall frontline hitters consistently. Gao never gives up on a play, she will dig a ball out of the net or make a last ditch stab to keep a point alive on a swing off the block. She is working hard at keeping her second contact sets inside and off the net, giving her team a chance to score out of system.
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Read EvaluationJesse Etter | Prep Dig Scout
Sophia Gao
Sophia
Gao
5'4" | DS/L
Lakeside | 2027
State
WA
is a high level passer who understands angles and is willing to pass half the court out of serve receive if the flow of the game makes that necessary. She covered a lot of ground for Lakeside during the school season, and is able to finish her digs off, giving her setter time to get their feet to the ball and send a quality set to the hitters. Gao is a precision passer, her angles are dialed in and she give her team a chance to work in transition. She plays for WVBA 15 Adidas and will be in action this weekend at the Northwest Power League in Auburn.
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Read EvaluationJesse Etter | Prep Dig Scout
The Lakeside freshman plays with a relaxed confidence, and her platform and passing are incredibly sound. She is technical in her approach to the game and coaches liked the way she changed her angles effortlessly to drop dimes to her setter. Gao is a high-level defender and beach volleyball athlete, expect her to be a difference-maker on defense.
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