Tatum’s volleyball IQ was some of the best in the gym. I would regularly see her check blockers locations and adjust her setting decision. She also utilized every hitter and fed her middles even when she was far off the net. Tatum knew each of her hitters well and kept the tempo fast. She never seemed surprised by a situation and was one of the biggest leaders on her team.

The top player from the Illinois Class of 2028 will be in the house with Tatum Kelly of 1st Alliance 16 Gold.  Kelly is so fun to see commanding the court where she has shown she can score points and set at a high level.  At the next level, Kelly will be a setter although she has shown she can score points as an attacker as well.  She moves so well on the court, she gets her hands on the ball at a high rate allowing for her attackers to swing big.  She can also push the tempo where she’s able to feed the multiples in front and behind.  This 1st Alliance 16 Gold squad has had a big 2026 where they most recently finished third at the Salt Lake Qualifier. 

We are seeing a pattern with a lot of these high level setters.  They can set or they can attack.  Tatum Kelly Tatum Kelly 5'11" | S Neuqua Valley | 2028 State #40 Nation IL is elite at both, a true all around player.  The top prospect in the Class of 2028 from Illinois is the quarterback for 1st Alliance 16 Gold who was able to grab an open bid from the Windy City Qualifier. Before Kelly even touches the ball, her movement on the court is so smooth, effortless.  She is able to get to the ball, stay neutral, and set all the tempos.  In the summer of 2025, she had a busy camp season going to some big programs – Kentucky, USC, and Baylor to name a few.  

Tatum is a setter you genuinely enjoy watching. She sprays the ball all over the court with precision and confidence. But she isn’t just a setter; she’s an athlete who can flat out score on the right side with a strong, reliable swing. If Tatum is on the floor, you’d better know where she is, because she finds ways to rack up points in every rotation. She makes smart reads, chooses the right play at the right time, and elevates everyone around her. Game is smooth with a high IQ she makes it look easy. Whether she’s setting, hitting, or defending, Tatum is the kind of athlete you just enjoy watching; she just doesn’t play, but dominates in every possible way. 

1st Alliance 15 Gold was another squad who was able to punch their ticket to the USAV Open division at the Windy City Qualifier. They have quite the dynamic athlete in Tatum Kelly who is a setter/right side combo player.  What is really impressive about her game is how she is able to just create scoring opportunities for her athletes and score points at will herself.  She is someone the other side of the net always needs to know where she is at all times and what she is going to do.  Her length and all around volleyball IQ is extremely mature, she makes those around her better.