August 2, 2022

During our recent player rankings update, we reviewed every player we had listed to determine whether to keep their ranking the same or move them to the next tier. Earlier this week we wrote about the newest recruits to join the 5-star rank featuring those who moved up. You can view that article here. Below, we highlight athletes from the Classes of 2023-2026 who could be next in line to become 5-star recruits when our next update is released. All the players listed below are currently ranked as 4-star recruits. They are also listed with the club they played for last season. Please email chris@vballrecruiter.com with any changes. 2023 Mia Lee, MB, Mountain View HS, Club V – There are some who already view Lee – a BYU commit – as a 5-star recruit. She’s close and like a lot of the players listed in this article she would be at a 4.5 rating if we awarded half-stars. She’s 5-11 but touches a ridiculous 10-7, putting her in rare company. Noemie Glover, RS, Cathedral Catholic HS, Coast – A 6-1 high-flying lefty who is committed to Oregon, Glover is among those we are keeping a close eye on in seeing if she’ll move up in our next update. She’s capable of hitting crazy sharp angles and is still relatively raw compared to other studs in the Class of 2023. Kennedy Martin, RS, Appleton North HS, FC Elite – A Florida commit, there’s plenty to love about Martin. One aspect is her height of 6-6. She’s clearly a presence on the right side with her ability to hit high combined with her block. Brielle Kemavor, MB, Colgan HS, Metro – Kemavor has something in common with many of our recruits who are already rated at 5-stars. That’s her height. She’s tall at 6-5, which is obviously a valuable tool when it comes to the middle position. She’s commited to BYU. Claire Little, OH, Vista Murrieta HS, Coast – One thing we know for sure is BYU is getting a haul when it comes to the Class of 2023. Little is the third recruit we are writing about here with potential to get to 5-stars. She’s an all-around contributor who can take over matches at times. Kendal Murphy, OH, Horizon HS, AZ Rev – Murphy – a Baylor commit – was one of the MVPs at the recent Under Armour Next Selection Camp stop in So Cal. She’s a high-IQ outside with next-level height at 6-3. She’s a viable scorer whether front or back row. *** 2024 Sarah Brodner, OH/RS, Jupiter HS, High Tide – Brodner’s rating improved this last go around from 3 to 4-stars. There’s a chance she could be in 5-star territory the next time the rankings are updated. She’s definitely one to keep tabs on. Brodner is a 6-5 pin hitter with lots of length and ability to hit over blocks. She has the potential to shine at the collegiate level. Kiylah Presley, MB, Bishop McNamara HS, Paramount (Virginia) – There’s was strong consideration given to moving Presley up to 5-stars in our recent update. She’s very close. She has tremendous upside with her athletic gifts. She’s 6-0 and already touching 10-5. She recently committed to Virginia. Mia Hood, MB, Blessed Trinity HS, A5 – Feedback from certain coaches would already place Hood in the 5-star territory. Nothing is for certain, but odds are she’ll be a 5-star recruit before too long. She has too much going for her not to be. She’s 6-7 and takes up a lot of space at the net. Molly Kate Patten, RS, Lambert HS, A5 – Patten has endless potential and is surely on our radar as someone we are watching closely. She’s a 6-5 lefty who has proven to be a reliable scorer and strong blocker. Logan Wiley, MB, Alpharetta HS, A5 – One of the reasons A5 had such a strong team in the 16s age group this past season is Wiley is the third member from the squad who is in consideration for being a 5-star recruit. She recently committed to Georgia Tech. Wiley is 6-2 and quick. She’s shown strong scoring skills and can impact matches on both sides of the ball. Bailey Higgins, RS, Berkley Prep HS, OTVA – Higgins is an explosive attacker on the right side. She’s a 6-1 lefty with a strong arm. She’s touching 10-1 and could be a menace if she’s able to add a few more inches to her jump. Alec Rothe, OH/MB, Dublin Scioto HS, Elite VBTC – During club Rothe played at both outside and middle. With continued work and development she could be a pin at the next level. She’s 6-2 and moves well for her height. *** 2025 Lauren Coyne, RS, Wheaton-Warrenville South, SPVB – There’s plenty of time before Coyne gets to the next level and we’ll be watching as she progresses. She’s a 6-2 lefty who touches 10-0. As she moves up age divisions and adds to her game, she may be able to make the next tier as a 5-star recruit. Kalyssa Blackshear, MB, Torrance HS, Surfside – Blackshear was also a MVP at the recent Under Armour Next Selection Camp stop in So Cal. She was given strong consideration as a 5-star recruit in our latest update. A 6-4 middle with great court sense, it’s hard not seeing reach the top tier before too long. Addison Gaido, RS, Georgetown HS, Austin Skyline – Gaido certainly has the frame to star at the next level. She’s 6-4 with long arms and has no trouble going over the block. She had a strong club season for Austin Skyline this past spring and is definitely on the 5-star watchlist. Jordan Smith, OH/RS, Howell Central HS, Rockwood Thunder – Smith played up an age group, suiting up for Rockwood Thunder 16 Elite this past club season. She flashed plenty of upside and there’s tons to like about her game. She has certain tangibles too that has

vballrecruiter.com recently updated its player rankings for Classes 2023-2026. You can find out who is on the list for their respective classes by clicking the links: 2023 2024 2025 2026 Below, we highlight those players whose ranking improved from 4 to 5-stars in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 classes. There are eight players featured from the class of 2025; five from 2024; and two from 2023. For the Class of 2026, there are nine players who are 5-star recruits in our initial release for that age group. Players are listed with their clubs from this past season, unless we know of changes already. Please email chris@vballrecruiter.com with any updates. CLASS OF 2025 Lameen (Mimi) Mambu, OH/RS, Chantilly HS, (Paramount) – Mambu was the only member from the Class of 2025 to make the move from 3 to 5-stars. She has unbelievable potential with her 5-11 frame and already touching 10-6. Even if she doesn’t add to her jumping ability moving forward she’s already in an elite class and she is going to add power as well. The sky is the limit and she’s definitely one to keep tabs on as she moves through the age groups. Ryan Hunter, RS, Mallard Creek HS, (Carolina Juniors) – If you aren’t familiar with Hunter she’s a name you need to know and follow. She’s a 6-2 lefty who touches 10-5. She has limitless potential to star on the next level with her athletic abilities. It was a consensus decision moving her from 4 to 5-stars as she’s a rare talent. Campbell Flynn, S, Mercy HS, (Legacy) – The reality is Flynn could have started off as a 5-star recruit but after her performance during the club season where she flashed her undeniable potential she moved up from 4-stars. She’s a 6-1 setter with great hands, touch and the strength to make sets other in her age group aren’t capable of. With her height, she’s also an offensive setter in that you have to account for her dumping on the second touch. She’ll be a highly-sought after recruit come next summer. Kassidy O’Brien, S, Cinco Ranch HS, (Hou Skyline) – With O’Brien upgrading her ranking from 4 to 5-stars, she’s now one of eight setters in the Class of 2025 with a 5-star ranking. That’s a strong setting class overall and at 6-0 with her talent O’Brien fits in well. She locates consistently and sets a clean ball while rarely off her mark. She’s going to make a mark at the next level. Natalie Wardlow, MB, Lincoln Southeast HS, (Nebraska One) – A 6-4 middle, Wardlow was a standout at her position this past club season and has moved from 4 to 5-stars. She flashed remarkable upside and at times was the best player on the court. Her height and extension allow her to hit sharp angles as well as put up a big block. Kirra Musgrove, S/RS, Lutheran South Academy, (Hou Skyline) – There figures to be a few top-notch programs in the mix for Musgrove next summer. This 6-2 setter/right side was a key contributor for HJV 15 Elite this past club season and will suit up for Hou Skyline 17 Royal next year. Her length at the setting position is desirable and she’s a smooth disher. She can also attack well, bringing versatility to any lineup and is part of the reason why she moved from 4 to 5-stars. Addison Tindall, OH, Homestead HS, (Team Pineapple) – We had Tindall as a 4-star recruit but after watching her this club season and seeing her upside she was moved up to the top tier as a 5-star recruit. She’s a 6-2 outside who is long with a high contact point. She’s a threat wherever she is on the court. She’s only going to add strength and as she gets stronger she’s going to become more and more of a force moving forward. Navea Gauthier, OH, Shelby HS, (Far Out) – The final member of the Class of 2025 who moved up from 4 to 5-stars, Gauthier is a 6-1 outside with natural strength. She showcased a wide array of shots when watching her this season and with her powerful arm is always a threat whether front or back row. CLASS OF 2024 Ava Utterback, OH, Plainfield HS (Circle City) – One of the top outside hitters in the Class of 2024, Utterback’s ranking improved from 4 to 5 stars in our recent update. She’s a 6-0 high-flyer with the ability to take over matches with her offensive ability. She has a lively arm and with her jump can go over the top of blocks with ease. Hannah Benjamin, OH, Fideles Christian HS, (A5) – Benjamin was playing on an A5 2s team during her 15s year of club. Now, she’s rated as a 5-star recruit! That’s the level of improvement she’s showed in just two seasons. The 6-1 outside is an all-around contributor with her passing, defending and attacking skills. She has a bright future ahead of her and recently committed to Kentucky. Faith Frame, L/DS, Gretna HS, (Premier Nebraska) – Frame was one of three players to move up from a 3-star ranking to 5 stars after her recent club season playing for Premier Nebraska. This summer she committed to Cincinnati and should star for the Bearcats down the road. She’s a smooth backrow defender who doesn’t rattle and is capable of making highlight reel saves all over the court. Nayelis Cabello, S/RS, East Ridge HS, (Top Select) – Cabello was another member of the Class of 2024 who jumped from 3 to 5-stars after this past club season. A 6-0, two-way player, Cabello recently committed to Louisville. She’s a high-level setter with strong hands and consistent location who can also hit across the front row. It’s likely she’ll be running a 5-1 at the next level but could be part of a 6-2 if necessary. Emerson Sellman, OH, Holy Cross HS, (Metro) – This 6-4 outside hitter is oozing

Welcome back to Hermosa Beach. Sunday marked the final day at AAU Junior Nationals or as AAU calls it “Sandday”. There is a lot on our plate from the day as the Gold bracket for 18U, 16U, 15U, and 14U all played out. There was tons of quality volleyball and action on the courts so without further ado here are the Day 4 Show Stoppers.18UErin Inskeep/Ashley Pater – After coming in second in pool play Day 1, this team won eight straight matches to win the title. They are a solid group who can beat you in so many different ways. Their serving was accurate, combined with two outstanding defenders who read well and can finish the rally with great court vision proved to be a winning combination.Madison Goellner/Grace Hong – This duo had a good run taking second overall. A traditional team with Goellner blocking and Hong defending gave each teammate a specific role and they both excelled at their craft. Goellner covers a lot of court blocking while also being able to score with a heavy swing. Hong has a good feel for positioning in defense as she regularly makes the right read and converts with a good lefty swing.Macey Butler/Jenna Colligan – Colligan was solid on defense. Showing great athleticism, we watched her chase down and dive for balls on consecutive rallies that made it hard for opponents to score. Butler brought swagger with sharp kills and blocks propelled this team to a bronze at AAU.Malia Gementera/Kylie Vaickus – This duo played solidly all tournament and had a great third-place finish. Vaickus was very active at the net. We saw her block and drop multiple times consecutively showing her stamina and strength as an elite blocker. Then Gementera adds her scrappy defense and finishing with an attack that features a high snap that punishes the ball. 16UHaylee Lafontaine/Danielle Sparks – The winners of 16U, it all starts with their ball control. Lafontaine is clean with her touches around the net. As a blocker she punishes overpasses and tight sets, while also showing touch with scramble plays and a good arm capable of putting away any set. Sparks’ defense and serving sets a good tone for her team. Her accuracy in serving and instincts in defense combined with a great touch on offense makes her a scoring machine.Claire Sun/Logan Tusher – Sun serve was on point today. A hard flat serve gave opponents fits all day, giving her opportunities to use her cut shot to score ofter. Tusher was a beast at the net, making great reads blocking leading to big roofs for her team. They had a great run and finished second overall.Sophia Martinez/Demi Wagdy – They were the definition of a team that hustles. Combine that with their athleticism jumping and attacking we saw some great highlight plays. Seeing Martinez dive sideways for a touched ball and getting back up and putting a big swing for a point gave this duo a well-deserved third-place finish.Elise Lenahan/Kiera Tanioka – A steady duo, this team didn’t make too many errors forcing opponents to play a perfect game to beat them. Showing great chemistry by moving around each other and covering the open court they picked up and converted on defense without any hesitation. Lenahan’s big arm combined with Tanioka’s stellar defense solidified their bronze medal. 15UElena Fisher/Kyra Zaengle – The amount of pressure Zaengle produces with her jump serve was stunning. Her ability to snap a ball to a corner with consistency gave her team so much momentum. Add that both her and Fisher were punishing balls with the easy balls coming over gave them a dominating win and gold at AAU.Elena Lam/Zara Stewart – A team that possesses good ball control led the way to their second-place finish at AAU. This group’s passing touch in serve receive and defense gave them so many opportunities on offense. Attacking wise for this duo they had not only court vision but countless shots and wrist aways that completely stretched the defense and left them scrambling.Lily Dee Davis/Aubrey Mcbride – Mcbride’s energy and willingness to dive on defense brings some exciting rallies to her matches. She usually converts with a good court awareness cut shot or booming deep kill. Davis is a perfect complement for Mcbride’s defense with a solid block and ability to transition and finish with big kill for the 6-0 blocker. They teamed up for a good 3rd place finish.Audrey Davis/Samantha Hsu – This team’s third place relied on the arm of Davis. Davis’ swing is textbook example of something repeatable with success. An over-the-top high reaching swing gives her so much range she’s able to hit around most blocks. She gets so many opportunities due to Hsu and her ball control. Her hands delivering sets are strong and coupled with quick feet she gets to most balls and is a beast on defense. 14ULayla Austin/Jordyn Scribner – Austin was on fire. She was getting her feet to the ball and let that big arm produce some impressive kills all day. Scribner provided excellent ball control with not only her sweet sets but also a strong serve that produced long runs resulting in a gold medal for this duo.Ella Olson/Addison Terrell – Watching Terrell go swing for swing with Austin in the finals was fun. Terrell’s jumping abilities along with a great wrist snap allows her hit hard straight ahead or cutting the ball towards the sideline. Olson has great court sense and continuously makes strong reads on defense and converts with cut shots helping this duo to a strong second-place finish.Gentry Barker/Sophee Peterson – This team showed resilience, placing a well-deserved third. After losing 29-31 on Day 1 they bounced back and won six straight sets before losing to the eventual champions. Peterson showed good explosiveness with her block and approach along the net. Combined with strong hands she easily wins joust and scores with her swing. Barker compliments her with a hard serve and quick feet

On a sunny Saturday from Hermosa Beach we attended Day 3 of the AAU beach championships. The 14 and 15U finished pool play for a chance at the gold bracket. The silver brackets for 18 and 16U finished up. Here are the Show Stoppers for Day 3.18U Consolation ChampsAlexa Fernandez/Carys Patton – We were able to see a couple of this team’s matches and they were exciting to watch. Fernandez looked fearless out there. She played with a high defensive intensity going for every ball then converting with big swing after swing. Patton has an effective jump serve tracking towards the sideline and scoring points in bunches. She also possesses good court vision by continuously being able to chip the ball over the block and eluding the defender. 16U Consolation ChampsMadelynn Hokanson/Jordan Patrick – Although we only saw them once we were impressed. Patrick is a good defender and a low-error attacker. She perfectly compliments the 5-11 Hokanson and her big swing. An athletic lefty with a good jump and a high reach on her swing, we saw Hokanson absolutely crush it. We can’t wait to see her return next season with a year to train. The sky’s the limit for her. 14UElla Olson/Addison Terrell – Terrell dominated with her attack today. She can crush a ball, while also mixing in a roll shot made defending her a chore. Olson chipped in with some strong serving and low attack errors in a recipe for success.Sara Moynihan/Simone Roslon – Moynihan is a lefty who can play effectively on both sides and was solid again. She’s active defensively, leading to a powerful transition swing. Combined with Roslon’s ball control and a myriad of offensive shots gives this duo a good chance at a medal.Olga Nikolaeva/Thais Treumann – This duo’s ball control is solid. They were one of the better teams in serve receive that we witnessed. Nikolaeva can defend the best attackers with her reading and passing touch. Treumann is a spark, playing with good energy. It seems her team always goes on a long run with the momentum she gives.Nafanua Alofipo/Janie Mccanna – After watching these two play they can definitely make a run in the gold bracket. Both are plus defenders with good anticipation of where the attacker is looking at. Combined with a good court vision on offense made their day relatively easy. 15UElena Fisher/Kyra Zaengle – The No. 1 seed overall was impressive. Fisher was steady with her digging and offense. Rarely making errors she has a good feel for where the set and block are and made good choices. Zaengle put on a serving clinic. Her jump serve was on point. It blended her intensity with a consistent high velocity serve that scored in bunches.Mikki Carlin/Kiara Edwards – Both of these splits are not only tall but very skillful. Carlin’s moves are athletic and quick, constantly getting to shots usually reserved for smaller defenders. Edwards has a high reaching swing that makes it hard to block, combined with some feel for the block, she has no problem scoring.Lily Dee Davis/Aubrey Mcbride – Davis and McBridge are a well-balanced team. Mcbride covers the defense with her quickness and high conversion rate. Davis plays the net well. Getting good touches and blocks, Davis also shows quickness reading a shot then dropping to defend and getting back up to put down a big kill.Avery Cukjati/Ariana Medchill – We saw this team for the first time and came away impressed. Both possess good ball control making their defense and serve receive solid. Medchill moves well in the back defending and making good reads. Cukjati sees the court well offensively mixing in hard shots with a couple of wrist away swings finding the sand for points.

Hermosa Beach welcomes the 29th Annual AAU Junior National Beach Volleyball Championships running July 21-24th. We are excited to be here and catch all the action. Day 2 play featured 18, 16, 15 and 14U. 18U and 16U were battling in pool play to make Gold bracket. For 15 and 14U it was Day 1 of their pool play. With all matches at AAU played to one set anything can happen. Here are the teams which impressed us and made our Day 2 Show Stoppers.18UErin Inskeep/Ashley Pater – This team battled through the consolation pool to make the gold bracket. One of the top defending tandems, they can do it all with top tier ball control. Finding more offense can give them a deep run.Bailey Showalter/Madison White – This duo of USC commits dominated play. Showalter’s ability to reach over the net blocking is solid. White puts away balls with a quick and powerful swing, they are playing like the No. 1 seed overall.Ensley Alden/Taylor Hagenah – The power that these two possess is daunting. Both have a heavy swing complimented by excellent ball control. What really stands out watching this group is their on court chemistry. Communication, body language and energy is a big part of this team.Indigo Clarke/Phoenix Clarke – We love watching these two sisters play. Their tempo and style is upbeat, catching many teams scrambling to get into position. Phoenix has a good swing capable of some extreme angels.Malia Gementera/Kylie Vaickus – This team dominated. Gementera has an impressive high reach on her swing, giving her the ability to cut the ball sharply inside the block and score with ease. 16UVictoria Henkel/Stacey Reeves – Reeves continues to impress with her energy and court presence. Playing upbeat and backing it up with big swings sets a strong tone for her team. Henkel adds sound defense and good serves puts this duo in medal contention.Katherine Morley/Julia Waugh – Morley and Waugh are a sound ball control group who doesn’t make too many errors. Morley is very savvy at the net with her ability to mix up her shots confusing defenders. Waugh has an excellent passing touch and places the ball well with her swings.Claire Sun/Logan Tusher – This team has a deep run in them. Both 6-0 splits have good ball control and definitely can put balls away. Tusher has a good touch and controls the ball well. Sun has good court vision combined with a power swings, giving this duo plenty of offense.Haylee Lafontaine/Danielle Sparks – Sparks defense is clean. She reads and covers most shots complimenting Lafontaine’s effectiveness blocking. A good blocker Lafontaine can also hit a good heavy ball, making this a very balanced team. 15UElena Fisher/Kyra Zaengle – This group showed excellent ball control. They both locate their serve well leading to long serving runs. Zaengle is very quick picking up shots and on scramble plays not allowing opponents any easy points.Mikki Carlin/Kiara Edwards – Edwards was a force attacking today. A 6-0 attacker with a nice over the top swing, she see’s the court well. She’s able to not only power the ball cross court but also showed a good wrist away swing that produced good results.Audrey Davis/Samantha Hsu – Davis’ attacks were scoring a lot. Her athleticism shows when she simply overpowered the block with her jump to crush the ball straight down.Jade Curtis/Pyper Nelson – Curtis plays with good energy. She covers the court with her quick defense and proceeds to put balls in play while not making errors to put a lot of pressure on defenses. Nelson plays the net well, showing good athleticism reading the ball and then being able to hit a good ball in transition. 14UElla Olson/Addison Terrell – We enjoyed watching this duo. A smart team that takes advantages open spots on offense either with a variety of cut shots, plus the occasional option play, but also with the power of Terrell. She brings the heat with a good over the top swing peppering the sidelines.Layla Austin/Jordyn Scribner – Austin continues her hot play as of late. Making deep medal runs the last two tournaments her team dominated pool play. Her arm is electric and if she gets on top of it, watch out because that ball is coming in hot!Olga Nikolaeva/Thais Treumann – Olga continued her victory at the BVCA last week with a dominating day in pool play. On defense her fast feet combined with good footwork and powerful makes her conversion points hard to dig.Emma Champagne/Anabelle Redaelli – Champagne is a 6-0 blocker who has a good feel for the ball. She has the ability to block and contend tight sets. Also, she has a good jump and swing putting balls in play with pace.