August 23, 2022

Faith Frame, shown above playing for Premier Nebraska, has verbally committed to Cincinnati. It’s been a little over two months since college coaches were officially allowed to contact players in the 2024 class. We currently have 29 5-star recruits from the age group, with 18 of them committing already. Below, we give a rundown of which schools are currently leading the recruiting race. Of course, the classes are bound to change as a few switch programs and others continue to announce their commitments so periodically we’ll be checking in to see how schools are matching up. NEBRASKA      Skyler Pierce OH Dynasty (5-star) Olivia Mauch L/DS Premier Neb (5-star) Ayden Ames MB Drive Nation (5-star) Note: It shouldn’t be surprising to anyone to see Nebraska at the top of the chart. The Cornhuskers came out of the gate hot, landing three 5-star recruits. Skyler Pierce is arguably the top-rated outside from the class. Nebraska also did well getting Ayden Ames from the state of Texas. She’s one of the top-rated middles who could play on the right side or even eventually move to the outside. Rounding it out is 5-star defender Olivia Mauch, an in-state get. There’s still another year to go but it’s already going to be hard-pressed for any program to move ahead of Nebraska. MICHIGAN      Camille Edwards S TAV (5-star) Ella Demetrician OH FC Elite (4-star) Ellie White S 1st Alliance (4-star) Jenna Hanes MB Wave (4-star) Lauren Evans OH Munciana (3-star) Note: How about the Wolverines? Michigan landed 5-star recruit and setter Camille Edwards most recently to add to what was already a strong class. The balance and depth is to be liked as well, with Michigan adding two setters, two outsides and a middle. MINNESOTA   Stella Swenson S MN Select (5-star) Olivia Swenson OH MN Select (4-star) Note: To nobody’s surprise the Gophers scooped up homegrown talent in the Swenson sisters, whose older sister Samantha starred at Minnesota as well. Both played up on MN Select this past club season helping the team earn a silver medal in 17 Open at Junior Nationals. Stella Swenson is arguably the top-rated setter in the class, so that’s a major score for Minnesota. Olivia Swenson is a big, physical outside who at the very least can provide good depth. KENTUCKY      Hannah Benjamin OH A5 (5-star) Asia Thigpen OH Triangle (4-star) Note: Given how important the position is, there’s nothing wrong loading up on outsides. That’s the case for Kentucky as they landed two earlier studs on the left. Hannah Benjamin showed this past club season she’s one of the best all-around outsides in the division and was highly sought after. That’s a feather in the Wildcats’ cap. Asia Thigpen could be a 5-star recruit by the time she’s headed to the school. She showed tremendous strides in upping the level of her play this past club season and will give Kentucky another big arm to utilize. FLORIDA         Jaela Auguste MB Hou Skyline (5-star) Taylor Parks S OTVA (4-star) Bella Lee L/DS OTVA Note: The Gators are one of 14 schools who have already received a commitment from at least one 5-star recruit. Theirs came from the 6-1 Jaela Auguste. The Texas stud highlights the class so far and will continue the athleticism for the Gators in the middle. Florida also gets a couple of local players, including 4-star recruit and setter Taylor Parks. Parks was solid for OTVA this past club season and seems destined to fit in well with the Gators. PENN STATE Izzy Starck S/RS Co Jrs (5-star) Ava Falduto L/DS New Wave (4-star) Note: Izzy Starck was one of the more sought after players in the class. She’s a versatile player who excels setting and hitting. She committed to Penn State, where her older sister Anjelina is currently playing. Given that, it seemed like Penn State was the favorite to get the younger Starck, much to the chagrin of other programs. Toss in 4-star defender Ava Falduto and the Nittany Lions have a Top 10 class so far. Can they keep it up? NOTRE DAME Morgan Gaerte OH Team Pineapple (5-star) Anna Bjork MB MKE Sting (4-star) Note: Notre Dame is one of five schools which has secured commitments from one 5-star and one 4-star recruit. That puts the Fighting Irish in the thick of the recruiting race as it currently stands. Morgan Gaerte is a 6-4 big time outside who would fit in well at any top level program. She’s a great commit to get for Notre Dame. Anna Bjork is a 6-3 middle with the size and ability to contribute mightily on the next level. CINCINNATI Faith Frame L/DS Premier Neb (5-star) Janelle Green S KC Power (4-star) Note: The Bearcats are a non-Power 5 program making a big splash in the recruiting process so far. Faith Frame is one of the top-rated defenders and will assuredly bring a defensive presence to the lineup. Janelle Green is a solid setter with great leadership skills. Seeing them commit together may lead to some more surprises down the road. WISCONSIN    Charlie Fuerbringer S/RS Long Beach (5-star) Note: We must say, given Charlie Fuerbringer’s ability on the sand, it was surprising to see her go out of state and commit to a school like Wisconsin. However, given her indoor ability, she was a sure thing to land at a top program like the Badgers offer. She’s one of the highest IQ players in the class and a dynamic setter. More players are surely to be added to the recruiting haul, but what a centerpiece to begin with. ARIZONA         Carlie Cisneros OH Dynasty (5-star) Note: No doubt the Wildcats made waves with this commit. Carlie Cisneros was a stud for Dynasty this past club season and one of the best performing outsides in her age group. She gives Arizona a big jolt by committing to the PAC 12 school. TENNESSEE     Camdyn Stucky S Shockwave (4-star) Paityn Chapman OH Co Jrs (4-star) Chelsea Sutton MB OTVA (4-star) Note: