VERA AI
SIGN UP

Premium Content

vballrecruiter.com’s Player of the Week: Layli Ostovar (FREE)

October 10, 2023

We’re proud to be a part of an ongoing partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is sponsoring our Player of the Week award. We’ll be releasing a featured vballrecruiter.com Player of the Week, sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, on Tuesdays. Below is this week’s Player of the Week: Layli Ostovar. *** What does the Texas heat have to do with our featured Player of the Week? It’s a big reason why Layli Ostovar – a 5-star recruit from the Class of 2026 and a sophomore at Mater Dei CA – started playing volleyball. She was 4 and living in Southlake when she first started playing tennis, along with her older sisters Ayva and Kayla, who were 5. “Playing tennis outdoors in the Texas heat we decided we would rather play an indoor sport and that’s how we fell in love with volleyball,” Ostovar said. “My dad coached and used to play in college.” A few years later the family moved to San Diego and then to Orange County when Ostovar was 10. That’s the year she started playing club at Tstreet before switching to Mizuno Long Beach at the start of her 13s season. She’s remained there since. “I just love competing everyday and trying to be the best I can be,” she said. “I like setting goals for myself. Every single day I wake up and I want to play volleyball. It’s something I love.” Being the youngest child helped develop Ostovar’s competitive drive. She strives to better than her older sisters in anything she does no matter what it is. It’s helped fuel her desire for reaching the next level. “My big goal is to get on the court at a top Division 1 school,” Ostovar said. “I liked to be challenged a lot and I want to be around girls who like to compete like me and who have made sacrifices in order to make themselves successful.” As for success, Mater Dei has enjoyed its share so far this fall. As one of the starting outside hitters, Ostovar has had a hand in Mater Dei capturing both the Volleypalooza and Durango Fall Classic tournament titles. The Monarchs entered the week No. 1 in vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings. “It was the best feeling,” Ostovar said of winning Volleypalooza. “We all really wanted to win that. It was one of our goals. It was such a competitive tournament. Just winning gave us such more confidence moving on. “Durango was such a hard tournament. We knew we hadn’t won it all in a long time and we wanted to bring that back. Winning it and bringing (the title) back was so great.” It was at Volleypalooza when a rare moment occurred. There was a trio of sisters playing on both teams at the same time as Mater Dei faced Prestonwood Christian TX in the final. Ostovar was on the court with her older sisters, while the Livings sisters – Jadyn, Nyla and Naomi – were on the other side of the net for Prestonwood. “I had no idea until after the game when someone told me that,” Ostovar said. “It was actually cool and funny too. Playing with my sisters is a really special experience and we are making so many memories we’ll be able to look back on. But I didn’t know we were playing against three other sisters. That was a really cool experience.” In addition to playing high school and club, Ostovar also plays beach volleyball. She feels playing on the sand helps grow her indoor skills. Playing indoor in college is her priority but she’s open to playing both. She also can envision herself continuing to play on the beach after she’s finished with college and her studies. “I want to study sports physical therapy,” said Ostovar, who also likes to bake cakes in her spare time. “I enjoy being around athletes and want to be around them for as long as possible and helping them to do their best.” As our featured Player of the Week sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, we recently spoke with Ostovar about volleyball and more. Who is a role model or someone you look up to? Ostovar: I look up to undersized pins who have been really successful. Yossiana Pressley is one. London Wijay is another. I look up to them because I like how they are really well-rounded players. Would you rather explore space or the ocean and why? Ostovar: I would probably rather explore space. The ocean is kind of scary to me. I’m a little scared of the ocean. In space, you would be looking at different planets and stars and it would be such a cool image and memory to have. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be and why? Ostovar: I’m thinking it would be to go on a shopping spree to Sephora, then dress up and go out to dinner with my friends. Then after, go to a Bruno Mars concert. Other than volleyball, what skill would you most like to learn and why? Ostovar: I really want to learn how to sing well. I love listening to music and singing along makes me happy and puts me in a really good mood, so I would love to learn that. Would you rather have the power to instantly master any new sport you try or have the ability to instantly recover from any sports-related injury and why? Ostovar: I would want to recover from any sports injury that happens. As an athlete it’s hard to come back from injuries and just getting back to jumping or being smart where to place the ball it takes a while to get back to the level you were at, so I’d rather be able to do that. Aside from necessities, what is one thing you could not go a day without? Ostovar: One thing I can’t go a day without is probably touching a volleyball. Sometimes I

Read More »

vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings (Oct. 9)

October 9, 2023

It was a mild week for the Top 50 National HS Rankings. A close call with Mira Costa CA beating Palos Verdes CA in five sets could have shaken up the rankings at the top but instead there was very little movement. The biggest news among the top-ranked teams was Marist IL beating Benet Academy IL and avenging an earlier loss. More payback happened when Prestonwood Christian TX swept Cathedral Catholic CA in the ESPN Showcase after the Dons beat Prestonwood at the Durango Fall Classic. Other than that, the top teams continued rolling along. You can check the full rankings below. vballrecruiter.com’S TOP 50 NATIONAL HS RANKINGS 1. Mater Dei CA (1 – previous ranking) 2. Mira Costa CA (2) 3. Papillion-La Vista South NE (3) 4. Hamilton Southeastern IN (7) 5. Prestonwood Christian TX (5) 6. Grand Oaks TX (6) 7. Cathedral Catholic CA (4) 8. Wayzata MN (8) 9. McKinney Boyd TX (9) 10. Skyridge UT (11) *** 11. Mother McAuley IL (12) 12. Divine Savior Holy Angels WI (13) 13. Assumption KY (14) 14. Marist IL (16) 15. Notre Dame Academy KY (17) 16. Benet Academy IL (10) 17. Dripping Springs TX (19) 18. Carrollwood Day FL (21) 19. O’Connor AZ (22) 20. Blue Valley North KS (23) *** 21. St. Francis/Mountain View CA (15) 22. Sierra Canyon CA (20) 23. St. James Academy KS (32) 24. Archbishop Mitty CA (24) 25. Oconomowoc WI (26) 26. Cornerstone Christian TX (18) 27. Lake Catholic OH (28) 28. Kings OH (29) 29. Branson CA (25) 30. Dike-New Hartford IA (n/r) *** 31. Valor Christian CO (30) 32. Xavier Prep AZ (31) 33. Hudsonville MI (n/r) 34. St. Thomas Aquinas KS (33) 35. Lafayette MO (34) 36. Mercy McAuley OH (50) 37. Winter Park FL (37) 38. Lone Peak UT (38) 39. North Branch MI (40) 40. Lewis Palmer CO (43) *** 41. Alpharetta GA (n/r) 42. Angola IN (45) 43. Punahou HI (36) 44. Huntington Beach CA (41) 45. Bishop Alemany CA (42) 46. Maize South KS (46) 47. Viera FL (35) 48. Torrey Pines CA (47) 49. Seton OH (39) 50. Northville MI (49) *** ON THE CUSPClear Creek Amana IALos Alamitos CAFoothill CAMarymount CARedondo Union CAPlant FLCalvary Christian FLBerkeley Prep FLPope GAPace Academy GABob Jones ALMountain Brook ALCorona del Sol AZMillennium AZSunrise Mountain AZLiberty AZBellmont INSacred Heart Academy KYBingham UTBishop Gorman NVKamehameha HIDorman SCNorth Myrtle Beach SCNixa MOByron Nelson TXSt. Ursula Academy OHMount Notre Dame OHLiberty North MOCorner Canyon UTPleasant Grove UTRoncalli INYorktown INWashburn Rural KSGlenbard West ILJenks OKMount St. Mary OKMiddle Creek NCLa Cueva NM

Read More »

ESPN Showcase: Prestonwood, St. James Shine

October 7, 2023

The ESPN Volleyball Showcase brought together four of the top volleyball high school squads in the nation. First up was St. James Academy from Kansas who took on Cornerstone Christian out of San Antonio. And that’s not all—following that match was Cathedral Catholic, hailing out of San Diego, California, who went head-to-head with the host school, Prestonwood Christian in Plano, Texas. Friday’s showdowns in the Lone Star state had an unforgettable display of skill, athleticism and pure excitement. AND we hope you witnessed it on ESPN+ and ESPNU! *** Match one: St. James Academy d Cornerstone Christian (25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 25-13) ​​In Game 1 of the match between St. James Academy and Cornerstone Christian it was clear from the get-go that St. James meant business. Junior Reese Messer took charge with her impeccable finesse, cleverly orchestrating offensive plays to open up her teammates for some explosive kills. However, Cornerstone refused to back down, responding with big swings from Megan Fitch, Grace Carroll and Aniya Hall. St. James, undeterred, unleashed its own firepower, with Leah Robinson launching continuously powerful hits that left the opposition scrambling to defend. Meanwhile, Mya Bolton showcased exceptional defensive prowess, defying gravity with breathtaking digs. In Game 2, Fitch came out swinging. For Cornerstone the senior trio of libero Maria Avendano and defensive specialists Giselle Ojeda and Grace Alvarez came in clutch in serve receive and defensively. Middle blocker Olivia Parker and right side Amaya Tolentino also provided great defense at the net. In Game 4, it literally became the Messer show. She did it all. From attacking to defense to dishing she was on fire in all areas which helped her squad really dominate. Show Stoppers Reese Messer JR S St. James Academy KS: Messer, a 5-star recruit committed to USC, was a game changer. She can literally do it all. From dishing butter sets to shutting down the opposition defensively to splitting the opposition with ease Messer owned the court. Leah Robinson SO OH/RS St. James Academy KS: Robinson, a 3-star recruit, was a key component to her squad. She is a six rotation right side who stays on both pins in the front row. Messer also dished a ton of balls to her in the back row in which she cracked on the ball consistently. Julia Headley SR MB St. James Academy: Headley, a Colgate commit, was a wall at the net. She also had some great swings in the middle throughout the match. Mya Bolton SR L St. James Academy KS: Bolton, a 3-star recruit committed to Michigan State, was a defensive gem in the backcourt. She reads the offensive attack well. Heidi Devers SR DS St. James Academy: Dever, a 4-star recruit committed to Kansas, was part of a two part DS tandem that provided great serve reception. Devers also is a scrappy defensive athlete who gets a ton of touches. Katelynn Blaesing SR DS St. James Academy KS: Blaesing, a Creighton commit, was the other part of a great defensive specialist squad that bolstered the back row both in serve receive and defensively. And like Devers, she was able to get some amazing touches defensively. Ava Spachek SR OH St. James Academy KS: Spachek, a 3-star recruit, was another huge contributor offensively for SJA. She packed a punch on the pins consistently. Megan Fitch JR OH Cornerstone Christian: Fitch, a 5-star recruit committed to Texas A&M, is a high-flying scoring machine anywhere on the court. She has a high volleyball IQ which also helps her score at will. PS she is always a ton of fun to watch in all aspects of the game. Grace Carroll SR RS Cornerstone Christian: Carroll, a 4-star recruit committed to Baylor, is a wall on the pin. And when she connects with the ball she literally hits over the block on the reg. Maria Avendano SR L Cornerstone Christian: Avendano, a Texas A&M-Corpus Christi commit, was a silent leader on the court who passed nails and provided her squad great defensive tenacity. *** Match two: Prestonwood Christian d Cathedral Catholic (25-23, 25-21, 25-16) Cathedral Catholic came out on fire. The Dons were led by senior 4-star Michigan commit Jenna Hanes in the middle who was hitting over the block and through the block at will. Also senior right side Tiana Owens was firing through the block at will for Cathedral Catholic. Prestonwood fired back with its arsenal of power led by recent Texas commit and 5-star junior Macaria Spears. And let’s not forget to mention senior 5-star USC commit Jadyn Livings and senior 4-star TCU commit Mikala Young provided big-time kills too. Game 2, like the opening set, had Cathedral neck-and-neck with Prestonwood thanks to amazing defense from junior libero and 4-star Maryland commit Maya Evens and the freshman on the squad setter Kale’a Lee and outside hitter Jojo Wilson owning the court. And outside hitter 3-star Hawaii beach commit Ayva Moi also provided big-time swings on the pins. But Prestonwood would not be silenced. Middle blockers senior 4-star San Diego commit Kennedy Washington and freshman 5-star recruit Nyla Livings came through with huge blocks. Also junior libero and 5-star Houston commit Gillian Pitts provided so much stability in the back court. She was nails in passing and was great defensively consistently. And side note, can we just say it was fun to see a few sister sister blocks by Jadyn and Nyla Livings in this game. In the final set Prestonwood took no prisoners and came out swinging. Junior right side 4-star recruit Taylor Clarke has impressive kills, while both setters senior 5-star Michigan commit Camille Edwards and junior 4-star Kansas commit Taylor Cook dished with authority. Cathedral did a lineup change with Mae Kordas, who started the match in the middle and ended up finishing the match on the outside with some good swings. Show Stoppers Macaria Spears JR OH Prestonwood Christian: Spears, a 5-star recruit recently committed to Texas, is next-level talent everywhere. She hits at such a high contact with

Read More »

HS Player Spotlight: 19 Standout Juniors

October 4, 2023

With the Asics Challenge in Chicago and the Nike TOC Southwest in Phoenix, it was a busy end to the month of September. With the tournament season near its conclusion and certain states gearing up for sectionals and regionals on their way to the state playoffs, we were on the lookout for juniors having standout seasons. Below, we highlight 19 players from the Class of 2025 who are excelling for their respective schools. Charlotte Vinson OH Yorktown IN: Vinson – a 4-star Indiana commit – has been a wrecking ball on the outside. She entered the week with 596 kills, more than half her team’s total kills. She’s averaging 6.7 per set. She’s reached double-digit kills in all 26 matches so far. She has 15 outings of at least 20 kills or more, including five matches of at least 30 kills more. It included a season-best 39 winners in a five-set triumph over Noblesville in last September. Lauren Hurst OH Cleveland TN: Hurst is having a huge junior campaign for the Blue Raiders. She’s collected 602 kills to date, averaging 5.2 per set. She’s also third in blocks and aces. The 4-star recruit has put up 20 or more kills five times. She had a season-high 29 kills in a five-set loss to East Hamilton in mid-September. Suli Davis S/OH Colleyville Heritage TX: A 5-star recruit, Davis has been on fire this fall. Even with splitting time setting, Davis leads the teams in kills by a wide margin. Her 512 winners are nearly 300 more than the next closest player. Not only is she averaging 5.2 per set, she’s hitting a whopping .458 to boot. She’s also dished out 329 assists, averaging 5.8 per set. She’s third in blocks and second in aces as well. She posted a season-best 32 kills and hit .500 in a five-set victory against Byron Nelson in late August. Navea Gauthier OH Shelby MI: To say Gauthier is the go-to hitter for the Tigers in an understatement. The 5-star Ohio State commit has shouldered a very large percentage of the offense. She’s racked up 501 kills, averaging an impressive 8.5 per set. She’s also the ace leader and second in digs. She’s reached double-digit kills in all but one match. She dropped a season-high 33 kills and hit .500 in a sweep over Holton in late September. It was the second time she surpassed the 30-kill mark. Those are among the 13 times she has eclipsed 20 kills or more. Lily Dee Davis OH Westlake TX: A 4-star Texas beach commit, Davis has appeared in all but four sets to date. She’s leading the charge with 498 kills, averaging 4.9 per set. She’s also second in digs with 403 and leads in aces. She hammered down a season-best 35 kills in a five-set defeat to Dripping Springs in mid-September. Madison Quest OH Divine Savior Holy Angels: It’s been a tremendous year so far for nationally-ranked DSHA, which is 34-1. The only loss came to Mother McAuley in the semifinals of the Asics Challenge this past weekend. Quest – a 5-star Wisconsin commit – has put up 384 kills and is averaging 4.7 per set. She’s also second in both digs and blocks and third in aces. She recorded a season-high 20 kills in a four-set victory over Brookfield East earlier this week. She also had a match in which she had 15 kills and hit .882 last month. Asia Harvey OH Sandy Creek GA: Harvey – a 5-star recruit – is having a strong year for the Patriots. To date she leads the way with 360 kills and is hitting .348. She’s had her share of impressive performances. Among them is a season-high 19 kills and hitting .571 in a victory over Morgan County in mid-September. She also registered 17 kills and hit .800 in beating Westlake. Another included 9 kills and hitting 1.000 in sweeping Wesleyan. Kassidy O’Brien S Cinco Ranch TX: A 5-star Kentucky commit, O’Brien has starred as expected. She started the week with 919 assists, averaging 10.7 per set. She’s had a handful of monster performances. Among them are a pair of matches when she posted a season-high 51 assists. She’s also had contests of 49 and 41 assists. All four efforts led to victories. She’s also third in digs, averaging 3.1 per set. Abigail Li S Alpharetta GA: With Li guiding the attack, the Raiders are having a great year so far with a 32-2 mark. The 4-star SMU commit has dished out 843 assists, averaging 10.2 per set. She’s reached double-digit assists in every match so. Twice she’s put up a season-high 51 assists and another time 42. All were victories. Isabela Haggard S Dunbar KY: A 3-star Indiana commit, Haggard has been a vital part of Dunbar’s success. She’s totaled 745 assists and is averaging 8.8 per set so far. She’s also second in kills with 192, averaging 2.3 per set. She’s surpassed 30 or more assists 11 times, including twice reaching 40 or more. She had a season-high 43 assists in a four-set victory over Oldham in August. Maya Baker S Archbishop Mitty CA: Baker – a 4-star Notre Dame commit – has helped the nationally-ranked Monarchs to an 18-4 record at week’s start. She’s recorded 645 assists, averaging 10.8 per set. She’s reached double-digit assists in all but one contest, when she appeared in just one set that outing. She’s had at least 20 or more assists in all but for matches. She registered a season-high 54 assists in a five-set victory over St. Ignatius in August. Reese Messer S St. James Academy KS: Messer and the nationally-ranked Thunder are 29-3. The 5-star USC commit Is having a stellar season. She’s delivered 616 assists, averaging 9.9 per set, and has played in every set to date. She’s reached double-digit assists in every match. It included a season-best 40 assists in a three-set victory over Washburn Rural last week. Jordan Taylor MB Langham Creek TX: A

Read More »

vballrecruiter.com’s Player of the Week: Vivian Hickman (FREE)

October 3, 2023

We’re proud to be a part of an ongoing partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is sponsoring our Player of the Week award. We’ll be releasing a featured vballrecruiter.com Player of the Week, sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, on Tuesdays. Below is this week’s Player of the Week: Vivian Hickman. *** Having played volleyball since she started in second grade and club since she was 10, our latest Player of the Week not only has her share of experience but she’s developed into a versatile player who excels both indoor and on the sand. Vivian Hickman – a 5-10, 3-star recruit from the Class of 2026 – is currently in her sophomore season at Xavier College Prep in Arizona. What she brings to a roster has been on full display these past two weekends as the Gators have competed in two prestigious national tournaments in the Durango Fall Classic and Nike TOC Southwest. She’s spent most of the season setting and hitting like she did in Las Vegas, where Xavier Prep finished in 11th place overall out of 64 teams. However, with a short-handed roster in Phoenix, Hickman was asked to perform as a six-rotation outside and helped her team take fifth place out of 32 teams. “We faced a lot of challenges and we got better,” Hickman said after Durango. “That tournament really continued preparing us for what’s ahead.” This past summer, Hickman was part of an AZ Sky 15G group which finished tied for 13th in 15 Open at the USAV Girls Junior National Championships in Chicago. There, she split time between running a 5-1 and setting and hitting as part of a 6-2. Hickman originally started volleyball as an outside before being moved to middle blocker. Then during her 12s season she was moved to setter and that led her to eventually setting and swinging. “I really do like setting,” she said. “That’s probably my favorite. But hitting does give me the chance to swing.” Hitting was her full-time responsibility last year as a freshman on varsity. She led Xavier Prep in kills 246, averaging 2.6 per set. She played in all but four sets in her rookie campaign. As a sophomore she’s taken on a dual role. Playing in all but one set so far this season, Hickman leads the Gators in assists 193. She’s also second in both kills (151) and digs (194). “It’s really fun,” she said of the season so far. “Everyone is so close on the team. We have such great chemistry and trust on the court. We all hang out all the time.” Beyond indoor, Hickman has enjoyed success in beach as well. She’s been playing that side of the sport for about four years. She said she really got into it when everything was shut down because of Covid. She played last season as part of Xavier’s beach team and was named Section Offensive Player of the Year by AZPreps365. She’s still not sure whether she’ll play both at the next level or not. “I’m definitely deciding on that,” she said. “They go hand-and-hand. Beach does compliment playing indoor. I’m liking both. I really do like indoor. It has to be the right opportunity to do both.” Outside of volleyball, Hickman enjoys baking and reading, as well as spending time with her family and friends. She’s in her first year of being part of the AIA Student Leadership Advisory Committee (SLAC). “I really like to be involved in a good way,” Hickman said. She also added that “when I get older I want to go into medicine or be a psychologist. I like to see how people’s brains work and the decisions they make. I would like to help people or even potentially go pro.” As our featured Player of the Week sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, we recently spoke with Hickman about volleyball and more. Who is a role model or someone you look up to? Hickman: I think it’s Serena Williams. I love her passion and grit on the court and how she is so involved in her sport. I just recently started looking into her. She’s really cool and I really like what she’s about. I saw the movie about the sisters and I thought it was really interesting. What is your favorite food? Hickman: I really like enchiladas. Chipotle is my favorite restaurant. My go-to order is a burrito with white rice, pinto beans, chicken and queso. Other than volleyball, what skill would you most like to learn and why? Hickman: I would really like to learn photography and how to take high-quality photos. Taking pictures like that would be really fun to learn. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be and why? Hickman: I would choose to skydive because that seems like it would be so much fun. I would be so scared but I would love the thrill of it. Aside from necessities, what is one thing you could not go a day without? Hickman: It would probably be Capri Sun. I drink so many of those. I love them. I put them in the freezer and drink them like slushies. I like Pacific Cooler. It’s really good. What is one thing that instantly makes your day better or makes you smile? Hickman: My family and friends. When I see them we start cracking jokes and they make me laugh. If you could have any superpower what would it be and why? Hickman: I would want to have the ability to teleport. I get anxious about time. I don’t like to be late to anything. That would be such a helper and it would save me so much stress. Outside of volleyball what are you most passionate about and why? Hickman: I’m really passionate about my school and grades. I’m also passionate about my family and friend bonds because those are really important too. What is one thing that may surprise people about you? Hickman: Something

Read More »

vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings (Oct. 2)

October 2, 2023

We are entering the last month of the season for some states. Meanwhile, others are barely past their halfway points. As states conclude their seasons, that will start to finalize certain school’s spots in the national rankings. However, nothing is solidified yet. As for this week’s updated rankings, there was very little movement at the top a week after we saw Mater Dei CA take over the top spot in the country. While the Monarchs retained their place atop the Top 50, we did see a few of last week’s undefeated teams fall. We entered last week with 11 teams in the Top 50 still unbeaten, but Divine Savior Holy Angels WI, Blue Valley North KS, Seton OH and Angola IN all suffered their first loss of the year. That leaves the undefeated list at seven in Papillion-La Vista South NE, Hamilton Southeastern IN, Wayzata MN, Skyridge UT, Lake Catholic OH, Valor Christian CO and Lewis-Palmer CO. You can view the full rankings below. vballrecruiter.com’S TOP 50 NATIONAL HS RANKINGS 1. Mater Dei CA (1 – previous ranking) 2. Mira Costa CA (2) 3. Papillion-La Vista South NE (3) 4. Cathedral Catholic CA (4) 5. Prestonwood Christian TX (5) 6. Grand Oaks TX (7) 7. Hamilton Southeastern IN (10) 8. Wayzata MN (14) 9. Boyd TX (17) 10. Benet Academy IL (18) *** 11. Skyridge UT (23) 12. Mother McAuley IL (26) 13. Divine Savior Holy Angels WI (11) 14. Assumption KY (8) 15. St. Francis/Mountain View CA (21) 16. Marist IL (22) 17. Notre Dame Academy KY (12) 18. Cornerstone Christian TX (6) 19. Dripping Springs TX (24) 20. Sierra Canyon CA (9) *** 21. Carrollwood Day FL (25) 22. O’Connor AZ (36) 23. Blue Valley North KS (12) 24. Archbishop Mitty CA (20) 25. Branson CA (27) 26. Oconomowoc WI (29) 27. Calvary Christian FL (33) 28. Lake Catholic OH (34) 29. Kings OH (n/r) 30. Valor Christian CO (43) *** 31. Xavier Prep AZ (19) 32. St. James Academy KS (45) 33. St. Thomas Aquinas KS (46) 34. Lafayette MO (47) 35. Viera FL (30) 36. Punahou HI (32) 37. Winter Park FL (35) 38. Lone Peak UT (38) 39. Seton OH (15) 40. North Branch MI (n/r) *** 41. Huntington Beach CA (37) 42. Bishop Alemany CA (40) 43. Lewis-Palmer CO (50) 44. Los Alamitos CA (48) 45. Angola IN (16) 46. Maize South KS (28) 47. Torrey Pines CA (42) 48. Berkeley Prep FL (39) 49. Northville MI (49) 50. Mercy McAuley OH (41) *** ON THE CUSPBellmont INSacred Heart Academy KYBingham UTRedondo Union CACorona del Sol AZMillennium AZPace Academy GA (50)Marymount CABishop Gorman NVKamehameha HINotre Dame Prep AZDorman SCNorth Myrtle Beach SCNixa MOPope GAAlpharetta GABob Jones ALHudsonville MIByron Nelson TXSt. Ursula Academy OHMount Notre Dame OHLiberty North MOCorner Canyon UTPleasant Grove UTFlint Hill VAPlant FLHagerty FLVenice FLWestminster Christian FLColleyville Heritage TXCypress Ranch TXHarlan TXRoncalli INYorktown INWashburn Rural KSProsper TXGlenbard West ILBrighton ILQueen Creek AZJenks OKMount St. Mary OKMiddle Creek NCLake Highland Prep FL

Read More »

Asics Challenge: The All Red Hat Team

October 2, 2023

It was a fun two days in Chicago this past weekend watching so many of the top Midwest teams square off against each other at the Asics Challenge hosted by Mother McAuley! We wrote about the Day 1 Show Stoppers and Day 2 Show Stoppers already and now present the Asics Challenge Red Hat Team. Congrats to Mother McAuley for winning the 2023 title and congrats to all the athletes who balled out this weekend! OUTSIDES Ellie White SR Mother McAuley IL Sydney Buchanan JR Mother McAuley IL Bella Bullington JR Marist IL Madison Quest JR DSHA WI Sophia Wendlick SR DSHA WI Lauren Salata SR Nazareth Academy IL Addison West SO Skutt Catholic NE Abbie Hagehorn SO Skutt Catholic NE Morgan Jones SR Huntley IL Charlotte Moriarty SR Assumption KY Chloe Smith SR Assumption KY Ana Vetter SR New Trier IL Ava Tilden JR Notre Dame Academy KY Aubree Deshetsky SO North Branch MI Whitney Mall JR Barrington IL Kelley Crowley SO Downers Grove North IL Brooklynne Brass SO Minooka IL Eva Finnessy JR Hamilton WI *** MIDDLE BLOCKERS Ellery Rees SR Mother McAuley IL Keira Ohse SR Mother McAuley IL Maddie Brown SO DSHA WI Bailey Blair JR Assumption KY Audrey Dyas SO Notre Dame Academy KY Elise Sterling SR Sandburg IL Berkeley Ploder SR Barrington IL Cassidy Cage SO Marist IL *** RIGHT SIDES Georgia Watson JR Huntley IL Riley McCloseky JR Notre Dame Academy KY Jessica Kurpeikis SR Marist IL Emma Barnett JR Assumption KY Eleanor Dorritie SR Penfield NY Mary Claire Deacy JR Mother McAuley IL *** SETTERS Jenna Meitzler SR Barrington IL Gwen Adler SR Barrington IL Peyton Heatherly S Mother McAuley IL Addy Horner JR St. Francis/Wheaton IL Brooke Baldwin SO Hamilton WI Jordan Czajkowski JR DSHA WI Maddie Berry JR Marist IL Sarah Musial SR St. Charles East IL Emilee Fuller JR Assumption KY Adrienne Greschaw SR North Branch MI Jessica Horn SR Joliet Catholic IL *** LIBEROS Julia Grace JR Notre Dame Academy KY Samantha Falk SR Mother McAuley IL Paisley Douglas SR Skutt Catholic NE Olivia Durst JR DSHA WI Kristen Simon JR Assumption KY Reilly Chausse SR Sandburg IL Elayna Davidson SO Marist IL Emily Zgonc SO Hamilton WI

Read More »

Nike TOC Southwest: The All Red Hat Team

October 2, 2023

The Nike TOC Southwest tournament over the weekend in the greater Phoenix area produced a wild ride throughout the two days of competition. It all ended with St. Francis/Mountain View CA topping Cornerstone Christian TX in the final. You can read more about the championship here. We also released our Day 2 Show Stoppers. We wrap up our coverage with our All Red Hat Team. It’s different from the All-Tournament announced by the tournament directors and features our favorite players from two days of play in the National division. ALL RED HAT TEAM OUTSIDESVictoria Marthaler SR La Cueva NMMegan Fitch JR Cornerstone Christian TXAniya Hall JR Cornerstone Christian TXEmily Pruitt SR Sunrise Mountain AZAddison Wiemann SO Sunrise Mountain AZJulie Beckham SO Coronado NVGentry Oblad SO Coronado NVVivian Hickman SO Xavier Prep AZMadisyn Crnjac SO Queen Creek AZTaylor Williams OH St. Francis/Mountain View CAErin Curtis OH St. Francis/Mountain View CALauren Forelli FR Liberty AZMia Radeff SR Sacred Heart Prep CAGeorgi Stein JR Sunnyslope AZZoe Haan JR Sunnyslope AZTeraya Sigler JR Horizon AZDionna Mitchell SR Timber Creek FLEvan Hendrix SR Notre Dame Prep AZReese Shugart SO Dorman SCKate Martin SR Marymount CA MIDDLESSophie Diouf JR La Cueva NMDyBorrah Johnson JR Casteel AZElla Fulton SO St. Francis/Mountain View CAKendall Omoruyi FR Sunnyslope AZJordyn Joppru SO Pinnacle AZElle Vandeweghe SO Marymount CAMadeline Way SR Sierra Canyon CA RIGHT SIDESTea Kalajdzic SR La Cueva NMGrace Carroll SR Cornerstone Christian TXBlaykli Bobik SR Queen Creek AZKamille Scott SO Casteel AZNatalie Harris JR Lake Highland Prep FL SETTERSHannah Maguire SR St. Francis/Mountain View CAIsabelle Marco SR Sacred Heart Prep CATristen Raymond JR Liberty AZKK Green JR Lake Highland Prep FLKaelyn Putz SR Xavier Prep AZKaeley Walz SR Sacred Heart Academy KYHailee Peters SR Liberty AZSade Illawole SR Sierra Canyon CA LIBEROSMarianne Garcia SO Millennium AZHannah Allman SR Sunrise Mountain AZIzzy Mahaffey JR Queen Creek AZWhitney Wallace SR St. Francis/Mountain View CANola Smith JR Hamilton AZErin Clark SO Corona del Sol AZAva Lambert JR Horizon AZ

Read More »

vballrecruiter.com’s Player of the Week: Layli Ostovar (FREE)

October 10, 2023

We’re proud to be a part of an ongoing partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is sponsoring our Player of the Week award. We’ll be releasing a featured vballrecruiter.com Player of the Week, sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, on Tuesdays. Below is this week’s Player of the Week: Layli Ostovar. *** What does the Texas heat have to do with our featured Player of the Week? It’s a big reason why Layli Ostovar – a 5-star recruit from the Class of 2026 and a sophomore at Mater Dei CA – started playing volleyball. She was 4 and living in Southlake when she first started playing tennis, along with her older sisters Ayva and Kayla, who were 5. “Playing tennis outdoors in the Texas heat we decided we would rather play an indoor sport and that’s how we fell in love with volleyball,” Ostovar said. “My dad coached and used to play in college.” A few years later the family moved to San Diego and then to Orange County when Ostovar was 10. That’s the year she started playing club at Tstreet before switching to Mizuno Long Beach at the start of her 13s season. She’s remained there since. “I just love competing everyday and trying to be the best I can be,” she said. “I like setting goals for myself. Every single day I wake up and I want to play volleyball. It’s something I love.” Being the youngest child helped develop Ostovar’s competitive drive. She strives to better than her older sisters in anything she does no matter what it is. It’s helped fuel her desire for reaching the next level. “My big goal is to get on the court at a top Division 1 school,” Ostovar said. “I liked to be challenged a lot and I want to be around girls who like to compete like me and who have made sacrifices in order to make themselves successful.” As for success, Mater Dei has enjoyed its share so far this fall. As one of the starting outside hitters, Ostovar has had a hand in Mater Dei capturing both the Volleypalooza and Durango Fall Classic tournament titles. The Monarchs entered the week No. 1 in vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings. “It was the best feeling,” Ostovar said of winning Volleypalooza. “We all really wanted to win that. It was one of our goals. It was such a competitive tournament. Just winning gave us such more confidence moving on. “Durango was such a hard tournament. We knew we hadn’t won it all in a long time and we wanted to bring that back. Winning it and bringing (the title) back was so great.” It was at Volleypalooza when a rare moment occurred. There was a trio of sisters playing on both teams at the same time as Mater Dei faced Prestonwood Christian TX in the final. Ostovar was on the court with her older sisters, while the Livings sisters – Jadyn, Nyla and Naomi – were on the other side of the net for Prestonwood. “I had no idea until after the game when someone told me that,” Ostovar said. “It was actually cool and funny too. Playing with my sisters is a really special experience and we are making so many memories we’ll be able to look back on. But I didn’t know we were playing against three other sisters. That was a really cool experience.” In addition to playing high school and club, Ostovar also plays beach volleyball. She feels playing on the sand helps grow her indoor skills. Playing indoor in college is her priority but she’s open to playing both. She also can envision herself continuing to play on the beach after she’s finished with college and her studies. “I want to study sports physical therapy,” said Ostovar, who also likes to bake cakes in her spare time. “I enjoy being around athletes and want to be around them for as long as possible and helping them to do their best.” As our featured Player of the Week sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, we recently spoke with Ostovar about volleyball and more. Who is a role model or someone you look up to? Ostovar: I look up to undersized pins who have been really successful. Yossiana Pressley is one. London Wijay is another. I look up to them because I like how they are really well-rounded players. Would you rather explore space or the ocean and why? Ostovar: I would probably rather explore space. The ocean is kind of scary to me. I’m a little scared of the ocean. In space, you would be looking at different planets and stars and it would be such a cool image and memory to have. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be and why? Ostovar: I’m thinking it would be to go on a shopping spree to Sephora, then dress up and go out to dinner with my friends. Then after, go to a Bruno Mars concert. Other than volleyball, what skill would you most like to learn and why? Ostovar: I really want to learn how to sing well. I love listening to music and singing along makes me happy and puts me in a really good mood, so I would love to learn that. Would you rather have the power to instantly master any new sport you try or have the ability to instantly recover from any sports-related injury and why? Ostovar: I would want to recover from any sports injury that happens. As an athlete it’s hard to come back from injuries and just getting back to jumping or being smart where to place the ball it takes a while to get back to the level you were at, so I’d rather be able to do that. Aside from necessities, what is one thing you could not go a day without? Ostovar: One thing I can’t go a day without is probably touching a volleyball. Sometimes I

Read More »

vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings (Oct. 9)

October 9, 2023

It was a mild week for the Top 50 National HS Rankings. A close call with Mira Costa CA beating Palos Verdes CA in five sets could have shaken up the rankings at the top but instead there was very little movement. The biggest news among the top-ranked teams was Marist IL beating Benet Academy IL and avenging an earlier loss. More payback happened when Prestonwood Christian TX swept Cathedral Catholic CA in the ESPN Showcase after the Dons beat Prestonwood at the Durango Fall Classic. Other than that, the top teams continued rolling along. You can check the full rankings below. vballrecruiter.com’S TOP 50 NATIONAL HS RANKINGS 1. Mater Dei CA (1 – previous ranking) 2. Mira Costa CA (2) 3. Papillion-La Vista South NE (3) 4. Hamilton Southeastern IN (7) 5. Prestonwood Christian TX (5) 6. Grand Oaks TX (6) 7. Cathedral Catholic CA (4) 8. Wayzata MN (8) 9. McKinney Boyd TX (9) 10. Skyridge UT (11) *** 11. Mother McAuley IL (12) 12. Divine Savior Holy Angels WI (13) 13. Assumption KY (14) 14. Marist IL (16) 15. Notre Dame Academy KY (17) 16. Benet Academy IL (10) 17. Dripping Springs TX (19) 18. Carrollwood Day FL (21) 19. O’Connor AZ (22) 20. Blue Valley North KS (23) *** 21. St. Francis/Mountain View CA (15) 22. Sierra Canyon CA (20) 23. St. James Academy KS (32) 24. Archbishop Mitty CA (24) 25. Oconomowoc WI (26) 26. Cornerstone Christian TX (18) 27. Lake Catholic OH (28) 28. Kings OH (29) 29. Branson CA (25) 30. Dike-New Hartford IA (n/r) *** 31. Valor Christian CO (30) 32. Xavier Prep AZ (31) 33. Hudsonville MI (n/r) 34. St. Thomas Aquinas KS (33) 35. Lafayette MO (34) 36. Mercy McAuley OH (50) 37. Winter Park FL (37) 38. Lone Peak UT (38) 39. North Branch MI (40) 40. Lewis Palmer CO (43) *** 41. Alpharetta GA (n/r) 42. Angola IN (45) 43. Punahou HI (36) 44. Huntington Beach CA (41) 45. Bishop Alemany CA (42) 46. Maize South KS (46) 47. Viera FL (35) 48. Torrey Pines CA (47) 49. Seton OH (39) 50. Northville MI (49) *** ON THE CUSPClear Creek Amana IALos Alamitos CAFoothill CAMarymount CARedondo Union CAPlant FLCalvary Christian FLBerkeley Prep FLPope GAPace Academy GABob Jones ALMountain Brook ALCorona del Sol AZMillennium AZSunrise Mountain AZLiberty AZBellmont INSacred Heart Academy KYBingham UTBishop Gorman NVKamehameha HIDorman SCNorth Myrtle Beach SCNixa MOByron Nelson TXSt. Ursula Academy OHMount Notre Dame OHLiberty North MOCorner Canyon UTPleasant Grove UTRoncalli INYorktown INWashburn Rural KSGlenbard West ILJenks OKMount St. Mary OKMiddle Creek NCLa Cueva NM

Read More »

ESPN Showcase: Prestonwood, St. James Shine

October 7, 2023

The ESPN Volleyball Showcase brought together four of the top volleyball high school squads in the nation. First up was St. James Academy from Kansas who took on Cornerstone Christian out of San Antonio. And that’s not all—following that match was Cathedral Catholic, hailing out of San Diego, California, who went head-to-head with the host school, Prestonwood Christian in Plano, Texas. Friday’s showdowns in the Lone Star state had an unforgettable display of skill, athleticism and pure excitement. AND we hope you witnessed it on ESPN+ and ESPNU! *** Match one: St. James Academy d Cornerstone Christian (25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 25-13) ​​In Game 1 of the match between St. James Academy and Cornerstone Christian it was clear from the get-go that St. James meant business. Junior Reese Messer took charge with her impeccable finesse, cleverly orchestrating offensive plays to open up her teammates for some explosive kills. However, Cornerstone refused to back down, responding with big swings from Megan Fitch, Grace Carroll and Aniya Hall. St. James, undeterred, unleashed its own firepower, with Leah Robinson launching continuously powerful hits that left the opposition scrambling to defend. Meanwhile, Mya Bolton showcased exceptional defensive prowess, defying gravity with breathtaking digs. In Game 2, Fitch came out swinging. For Cornerstone the senior trio of libero Maria Avendano and defensive specialists Giselle Ojeda and Grace Alvarez came in clutch in serve receive and defensively. Middle blocker Olivia Parker and right side Amaya Tolentino also provided great defense at the net. In Game 4, it literally became the Messer show. She did it all. From attacking to defense to dishing she was on fire in all areas which helped her squad really dominate. Show Stoppers Reese Messer JR S St. James Academy KS: Messer, a 5-star recruit committed to USC, was a game changer. She can literally do it all. From dishing butter sets to shutting down the opposition defensively to splitting the opposition with ease Messer owned the court. Leah Robinson SO OH/RS St. James Academy KS: Robinson, a 3-star recruit, was a key component to her squad. She is a six rotation right side who stays on both pins in the front row. Messer also dished a ton of balls to her in the back row in which she cracked on the ball consistently. Julia Headley SR MB St. James Academy: Headley, a Colgate commit, was a wall at the net. She also had some great swings in the middle throughout the match. Mya Bolton SR L St. James Academy KS: Bolton, a 3-star recruit committed to Michigan State, was a defensive gem in the backcourt. She reads the offensive attack well. Heidi Devers SR DS St. James Academy: Dever, a 4-star recruit committed to Kansas, was part of a two part DS tandem that provided great serve reception. Devers also is a scrappy defensive athlete who gets a ton of touches. Katelynn Blaesing SR DS St. James Academy KS: Blaesing, a Creighton commit, was the other part of a great defensive specialist squad that bolstered the back row both in serve receive and defensively. And like Devers, she was able to get some amazing touches defensively. Ava Spachek SR OH St. James Academy KS: Spachek, a 3-star recruit, was another huge contributor offensively for SJA. She packed a punch on the pins consistently. Megan Fitch JR OH Cornerstone Christian: Fitch, a 5-star recruit committed to Texas A&M, is a high-flying scoring machine anywhere on the court. She has a high volleyball IQ which also helps her score at will. PS she is always a ton of fun to watch in all aspects of the game. Grace Carroll SR RS Cornerstone Christian: Carroll, a 4-star recruit committed to Baylor, is a wall on the pin. And when she connects with the ball she literally hits over the block on the reg. Maria Avendano SR L Cornerstone Christian: Avendano, a Texas A&M-Corpus Christi commit, was a silent leader on the court who passed nails and provided her squad great defensive tenacity. *** Match two: Prestonwood Christian d Cathedral Catholic (25-23, 25-21, 25-16) Cathedral Catholic came out on fire. The Dons were led by senior 4-star Michigan commit Jenna Hanes in the middle who was hitting over the block and through the block at will. Also senior right side Tiana Owens was firing through the block at will for Cathedral Catholic. Prestonwood fired back with its arsenal of power led by recent Texas commit and 5-star junior Macaria Spears. And let’s not forget to mention senior 5-star USC commit Jadyn Livings and senior 4-star TCU commit Mikala Young provided big-time kills too. Game 2, like the opening set, had Cathedral neck-and-neck with Prestonwood thanks to amazing defense from junior libero and 4-star Maryland commit Maya Evens and the freshman on the squad setter Kale’a Lee and outside hitter Jojo Wilson owning the court. And outside hitter 3-star Hawaii beach commit Ayva Moi also provided big-time swings on the pins. But Prestonwood would not be silenced. Middle blockers senior 4-star San Diego commit Kennedy Washington and freshman 5-star recruit Nyla Livings came through with huge blocks. Also junior libero and 5-star Houston commit Gillian Pitts provided so much stability in the back court. She was nails in passing and was great defensively consistently. And side note, can we just say it was fun to see a few sister sister blocks by Jadyn and Nyla Livings in this game. In the final set Prestonwood took no prisoners and came out swinging. Junior right side 4-star recruit Taylor Clarke has impressive kills, while both setters senior 5-star Michigan commit Camille Edwards and junior 4-star Kansas commit Taylor Cook dished with authority. Cathedral did a lineup change with Mae Kordas, who started the match in the middle and ended up finishing the match on the outside with some good swings. Show Stoppers Macaria Spears JR OH Prestonwood Christian: Spears, a 5-star recruit recently committed to Texas, is next-level talent everywhere. She hits at such a high contact with

Read More »

HS Player Spotlight: 19 Standout Juniors

October 4, 2023

With the Asics Challenge in Chicago and the Nike TOC Southwest in Phoenix, it was a busy end to the month of September. With the tournament season near its conclusion and certain states gearing up for sectionals and regionals on their way to the state playoffs, we were on the lookout for juniors having standout seasons. Below, we highlight 19 players from the Class of 2025 who are excelling for their respective schools. Charlotte Vinson OH Yorktown IN: Vinson – a 4-star Indiana commit – has been a wrecking ball on the outside. She entered the week with 596 kills, more than half her team’s total kills. She’s averaging 6.7 per set. She’s reached double-digit kills in all 26 matches so far. She has 15 outings of at least 20 kills or more, including five matches of at least 30 kills more. It included a season-best 39 winners in a five-set triumph over Noblesville in last September. Lauren Hurst OH Cleveland TN: Hurst is having a huge junior campaign for the Blue Raiders. She’s collected 602 kills to date, averaging 5.2 per set. She’s also third in blocks and aces. The 4-star recruit has put up 20 or more kills five times. She had a season-high 29 kills in a five-set loss to East Hamilton in mid-September. Suli Davis S/OH Colleyville Heritage TX: A 5-star recruit, Davis has been on fire this fall. Even with splitting time setting, Davis leads the teams in kills by a wide margin. Her 512 winners are nearly 300 more than the next closest player. Not only is she averaging 5.2 per set, she’s hitting a whopping .458 to boot. She’s also dished out 329 assists, averaging 5.8 per set. She’s third in blocks and second in aces as well. She posted a season-best 32 kills and hit .500 in a five-set victory against Byron Nelson in late August. Navea Gauthier OH Shelby MI: To say Gauthier is the go-to hitter for the Tigers in an understatement. The 5-star Ohio State commit has shouldered a very large percentage of the offense. She’s racked up 501 kills, averaging an impressive 8.5 per set. She’s also the ace leader and second in digs. She’s reached double-digit kills in all but one match. She dropped a season-high 33 kills and hit .500 in a sweep over Holton in late September. It was the second time she surpassed the 30-kill mark. Those are among the 13 times she has eclipsed 20 kills or more. Lily Dee Davis OH Westlake TX: A 4-star Texas beach commit, Davis has appeared in all but four sets to date. She’s leading the charge with 498 kills, averaging 4.9 per set. She’s also second in digs with 403 and leads in aces. She hammered down a season-best 35 kills in a five-set defeat to Dripping Springs in mid-September. Madison Quest OH Divine Savior Holy Angels: It’s been a tremendous year so far for nationally-ranked DSHA, which is 34-1. The only loss came to Mother McAuley in the semifinals of the Asics Challenge this past weekend. Quest – a 5-star Wisconsin commit – has put up 384 kills and is averaging 4.7 per set. She’s also second in both digs and blocks and third in aces. She recorded a season-high 20 kills in a four-set victory over Brookfield East earlier this week. She also had a match in which she had 15 kills and hit .882 last month. Asia Harvey OH Sandy Creek GA: Harvey – a 5-star recruit – is having a strong year for the Patriots. To date she leads the way with 360 kills and is hitting .348. She’s had her share of impressive performances. Among them is a season-high 19 kills and hitting .571 in a victory over Morgan County in mid-September. She also registered 17 kills and hit .800 in beating Westlake. Another included 9 kills and hitting 1.000 in sweeping Wesleyan. Kassidy O’Brien S Cinco Ranch TX: A 5-star Kentucky commit, O’Brien has starred as expected. She started the week with 919 assists, averaging 10.7 per set. She’s had a handful of monster performances. Among them are a pair of matches when she posted a season-high 51 assists. She’s also had contests of 49 and 41 assists. All four efforts led to victories. She’s also third in digs, averaging 3.1 per set. Abigail Li S Alpharetta GA: With Li guiding the attack, the Raiders are having a great year so far with a 32-2 mark. The 4-star SMU commit has dished out 843 assists, averaging 10.2 per set. She’s reached double-digit assists in every match so. Twice she’s put up a season-high 51 assists and another time 42. All were victories. Isabela Haggard S Dunbar KY: A 3-star Indiana commit, Haggard has been a vital part of Dunbar’s success. She’s totaled 745 assists and is averaging 8.8 per set so far. She’s also second in kills with 192, averaging 2.3 per set. She’s surpassed 30 or more assists 11 times, including twice reaching 40 or more. She had a season-high 43 assists in a four-set victory over Oldham in August. Maya Baker S Archbishop Mitty CA: Baker – a 4-star Notre Dame commit – has helped the nationally-ranked Monarchs to an 18-4 record at week’s start. She’s recorded 645 assists, averaging 10.8 per set. She’s reached double-digit assists in all but one contest, when she appeared in just one set that outing. She’s had at least 20 or more assists in all but for matches. She registered a season-high 54 assists in a five-set victory over St. Ignatius in August. Reese Messer S St. James Academy KS: Messer and the nationally-ranked Thunder are 29-3. The 5-star USC commit Is having a stellar season. She’s delivered 616 assists, averaging 9.9 per set, and has played in every set to date. She’s reached double-digit assists in every match. It included a season-best 40 assists in a three-set victory over Washburn Rural last week. Jordan Taylor MB Langham Creek TX: A

Read More »

vballrecruiter.com’s Player of the Week: Vivian Hickman (FREE)

October 3, 2023

We’re proud to be a part of an ongoing partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is sponsoring our Player of the Week award. We’ll be releasing a featured vballrecruiter.com Player of the Week, sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, on Tuesdays. Below is this week’s Player of the Week: Vivian Hickman. *** Having played volleyball since she started in second grade and club since she was 10, our latest Player of the Week not only has her share of experience but she’s developed into a versatile player who excels both indoor and on the sand. Vivian Hickman – a 5-10, 3-star recruit from the Class of 2026 – is currently in her sophomore season at Xavier College Prep in Arizona. What she brings to a roster has been on full display these past two weekends as the Gators have competed in two prestigious national tournaments in the Durango Fall Classic and Nike TOC Southwest. She’s spent most of the season setting and hitting like she did in Las Vegas, where Xavier Prep finished in 11th place overall out of 64 teams. However, with a short-handed roster in Phoenix, Hickman was asked to perform as a six-rotation outside and helped her team take fifth place out of 32 teams. “We faced a lot of challenges and we got better,” Hickman said after Durango. “That tournament really continued preparing us for what’s ahead.” This past summer, Hickman was part of an AZ Sky 15G group which finished tied for 13th in 15 Open at the USAV Girls Junior National Championships in Chicago. There, she split time between running a 5-1 and setting and hitting as part of a 6-2. Hickman originally started volleyball as an outside before being moved to middle blocker. Then during her 12s season she was moved to setter and that led her to eventually setting and swinging. “I really do like setting,” she said. “That’s probably my favorite. But hitting does give me the chance to swing.” Hitting was her full-time responsibility last year as a freshman on varsity. She led Xavier Prep in kills 246, averaging 2.6 per set. She played in all but four sets in her rookie campaign. As a sophomore she’s taken on a dual role. Playing in all but one set so far this season, Hickman leads the Gators in assists 193. She’s also second in both kills (151) and digs (194). “It’s really fun,” she said of the season so far. “Everyone is so close on the team. We have such great chemistry and trust on the court. We all hang out all the time.” Beyond indoor, Hickman has enjoyed success in beach as well. She’s been playing that side of the sport for about four years. She said she really got into it when everything was shut down because of Covid. She played last season as part of Xavier’s beach team and was named Section Offensive Player of the Year by AZPreps365. She’s still not sure whether she’ll play both at the next level or not. “I’m definitely deciding on that,” she said. “They go hand-and-hand. Beach does compliment playing indoor. I’m liking both. I really do like indoor. It has to be the right opportunity to do both.” Outside of volleyball, Hickman enjoys baking and reading, as well as spending time with her family and friends. She’s in her first year of being part of the AIA Student Leadership Advisory Committee (SLAC). “I really like to be involved in a good way,” Hickman said. She also added that “when I get older I want to go into medicine or be a psychologist. I like to see how people’s brains work and the decisions they make. I would like to help people or even potentially go pro.” As our featured Player of the Week sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, we recently spoke with Hickman about volleyball and more. Who is a role model or someone you look up to? Hickman: I think it’s Serena Williams. I love her passion and grit on the court and how she is so involved in her sport. I just recently started looking into her. She’s really cool and I really like what she’s about. I saw the movie about the sisters and I thought it was really interesting. What is your favorite food? Hickman: I really like enchiladas. Chipotle is my favorite restaurant. My go-to order is a burrito with white rice, pinto beans, chicken and queso. Other than volleyball, what skill would you most like to learn and why? Hickman: I would really like to learn photography and how to take high-quality photos. Taking pictures like that would be really fun to learn. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be and why? Hickman: I would choose to skydive because that seems like it would be so much fun. I would be so scared but I would love the thrill of it. Aside from necessities, what is one thing you could not go a day without? Hickman: It would probably be Capri Sun. I drink so many of those. I love them. I put them in the freezer and drink them like slushies. I like Pacific Cooler. It’s really good. What is one thing that instantly makes your day better or makes you smile? Hickman: My family and friends. When I see them we start cracking jokes and they make me laugh. If you could have any superpower what would it be and why? Hickman: I would want to have the ability to teleport. I get anxious about time. I don’t like to be late to anything. That would be such a helper and it would save me so much stress. Outside of volleyball what are you most passionate about and why? Hickman: I’m really passionate about my school and grades. I’m also passionate about my family and friend bonds because those are really important too. What is one thing that may surprise people about you? Hickman: Something

Read More »

vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings (Oct. 2)

October 2, 2023

We are entering the last month of the season for some states. Meanwhile, others are barely past their halfway points. As states conclude their seasons, that will start to finalize certain school’s spots in the national rankings. However, nothing is solidified yet. As for this week’s updated rankings, there was very little movement at the top a week after we saw Mater Dei CA take over the top spot in the country. While the Monarchs retained their place atop the Top 50, we did see a few of last week’s undefeated teams fall. We entered last week with 11 teams in the Top 50 still unbeaten, but Divine Savior Holy Angels WI, Blue Valley North KS, Seton OH and Angola IN all suffered their first loss of the year. That leaves the undefeated list at seven in Papillion-La Vista South NE, Hamilton Southeastern IN, Wayzata MN, Skyridge UT, Lake Catholic OH, Valor Christian CO and Lewis-Palmer CO. You can view the full rankings below. vballrecruiter.com’S TOP 50 NATIONAL HS RANKINGS 1. Mater Dei CA (1 – previous ranking) 2. Mira Costa CA (2) 3. Papillion-La Vista South NE (3) 4. Cathedral Catholic CA (4) 5. Prestonwood Christian TX (5) 6. Grand Oaks TX (7) 7. Hamilton Southeastern IN (10) 8. Wayzata MN (14) 9. Boyd TX (17) 10. Benet Academy IL (18) *** 11. Skyridge UT (23) 12. Mother McAuley IL (26) 13. Divine Savior Holy Angels WI (11) 14. Assumption KY (8) 15. St. Francis/Mountain View CA (21) 16. Marist IL (22) 17. Notre Dame Academy KY (12) 18. Cornerstone Christian TX (6) 19. Dripping Springs TX (24) 20. Sierra Canyon CA (9) *** 21. Carrollwood Day FL (25) 22. O’Connor AZ (36) 23. Blue Valley North KS (12) 24. Archbishop Mitty CA (20) 25. Branson CA (27) 26. Oconomowoc WI (29) 27. Calvary Christian FL (33) 28. Lake Catholic OH (34) 29. Kings OH (n/r) 30. Valor Christian CO (43) *** 31. Xavier Prep AZ (19) 32. St. James Academy KS (45) 33. St. Thomas Aquinas KS (46) 34. Lafayette MO (47) 35. Viera FL (30) 36. Punahou HI (32) 37. Winter Park FL (35) 38. Lone Peak UT (38) 39. Seton OH (15) 40. North Branch MI (n/r) *** 41. Huntington Beach CA (37) 42. Bishop Alemany CA (40) 43. Lewis-Palmer CO (50) 44. Los Alamitos CA (48) 45. Angola IN (16) 46. Maize South KS (28) 47. Torrey Pines CA (42) 48. Berkeley Prep FL (39) 49. Northville MI (49) 50. Mercy McAuley OH (41) *** ON THE CUSPBellmont INSacred Heart Academy KYBingham UTRedondo Union CACorona del Sol AZMillennium AZPace Academy GA (50)Marymount CABishop Gorman NVKamehameha HINotre Dame Prep AZDorman SCNorth Myrtle Beach SCNixa MOPope GAAlpharetta GABob Jones ALHudsonville MIByron Nelson TXSt. Ursula Academy OHMount Notre Dame OHLiberty North MOCorner Canyon UTPleasant Grove UTFlint Hill VAPlant FLHagerty FLVenice FLWestminster Christian FLColleyville Heritage TXCypress Ranch TXHarlan TXRoncalli INYorktown INWashburn Rural KSProsper TXGlenbard West ILBrighton ILQueen Creek AZJenks OKMount St. Mary OKMiddle Creek NCLake Highland Prep FL

Read More »

Asics Challenge: The All Red Hat Team

October 2, 2023

It was a fun two days in Chicago this past weekend watching so many of the top Midwest teams square off against each other at the Asics Challenge hosted by Mother McAuley! We wrote about the Day 1 Show Stoppers and Day 2 Show Stoppers already and now present the Asics Challenge Red Hat Team. Congrats to Mother McAuley for winning the 2023 title and congrats to all the athletes who balled out this weekend! OUTSIDES Ellie White SR Mother McAuley IL Sydney Buchanan JR Mother McAuley IL Bella Bullington JR Marist IL Madison Quest JR DSHA WI Sophia Wendlick SR DSHA WI Lauren Salata SR Nazareth Academy IL Addison West SO Skutt Catholic NE Abbie Hagehorn SO Skutt Catholic NE Morgan Jones SR Huntley IL Charlotte Moriarty SR Assumption KY Chloe Smith SR Assumption KY Ana Vetter SR New Trier IL Ava Tilden JR Notre Dame Academy KY Aubree Deshetsky SO North Branch MI Whitney Mall JR Barrington IL Kelley Crowley SO Downers Grove North IL Brooklynne Brass SO Minooka IL Eva Finnessy JR Hamilton WI *** MIDDLE BLOCKERS Ellery Rees SR Mother McAuley IL Keira Ohse SR Mother McAuley IL Maddie Brown SO DSHA WI Bailey Blair JR Assumption KY Audrey Dyas SO Notre Dame Academy KY Elise Sterling SR Sandburg IL Berkeley Ploder SR Barrington IL Cassidy Cage SO Marist IL *** RIGHT SIDES Georgia Watson JR Huntley IL Riley McCloseky JR Notre Dame Academy KY Jessica Kurpeikis SR Marist IL Emma Barnett JR Assumption KY Eleanor Dorritie SR Penfield NY Mary Claire Deacy JR Mother McAuley IL *** SETTERS Jenna Meitzler SR Barrington IL Gwen Adler SR Barrington IL Peyton Heatherly S Mother McAuley IL Addy Horner JR St. Francis/Wheaton IL Brooke Baldwin SO Hamilton WI Jordan Czajkowski JR DSHA WI Maddie Berry JR Marist IL Sarah Musial SR St. Charles East IL Emilee Fuller JR Assumption KY Adrienne Greschaw SR North Branch MI Jessica Horn SR Joliet Catholic IL *** LIBEROS Julia Grace JR Notre Dame Academy KY Samantha Falk SR Mother McAuley IL Paisley Douglas SR Skutt Catholic NE Olivia Durst JR DSHA WI Kristen Simon JR Assumption KY Reilly Chausse SR Sandburg IL Elayna Davidson SO Marist IL Emily Zgonc SO Hamilton WI

Read More »

Nike TOC Southwest: The All Red Hat Team

October 2, 2023

The Nike TOC Southwest tournament over the weekend in the greater Phoenix area produced a wild ride throughout the two days of competition. It all ended with St. Francis/Mountain View CA topping Cornerstone Christian TX in the final. You can read more about the championship here. We also released our Day 2 Show Stoppers. We wrap up our coverage with our All Red Hat Team. It’s different from the All-Tournament announced by the tournament directors and features our favorite players from two days of play in the National division. ALL RED HAT TEAM OUTSIDESVictoria Marthaler SR La Cueva NMMegan Fitch JR Cornerstone Christian TXAniya Hall JR Cornerstone Christian TXEmily Pruitt SR Sunrise Mountain AZAddison Wiemann SO Sunrise Mountain AZJulie Beckham SO Coronado NVGentry Oblad SO Coronado NVVivian Hickman SO Xavier Prep AZMadisyn Crnjac SO Queen Creek AZTaylor Williams OH St. Francis/Mountain View CAErin Curtis OH St. Francis/Mountain View CALauren Forelli FR Liberty AZMia Radeff SR Sacred Heart Prep CAGeorgi Stein JR Sunnyslope AZZoe Haan JR Sunnyslope AZTeraya Sigler JR Horizon AZDionna Mitchell SR Timber Creek FLEvan Hendrix SR Notre Dame Prep AZReese Shugart SO Dorman SCKate Martin SR Marymount CA MIDDLESSophie Diouf JR La Cueva NMDyBorrah Johnson JR Casteel AZElla Fulton SO St. Francis/Mountain View CAKendall Omoruyi FR Sunnyslope AZJordyn Joppru SO Pinnacle AZElle Vandeweghe SO Marymount CAMadeline Way SR Sierra Canyon CA RIGHT SIDESTea Kalajdzic SR La Cueva NMGrace Carroll SR Cornerstone Christian TXBlaykli Bobik SR Queen Creek AZKamille Scott SO Casteel AZNatalie Harris JR Lake Highland Prep FL SETTERSHannah Maguire SR St. Francis/Mountain View CAIsabelle Marco SR Sacred Heart Prep CATristen Raymond JR Liberty AZKK Green JR Lake Highland Prep FLKaelyn Putz SR Xavier Prep AZKaeley Walz SR Sacred Heart Academy KYHailee Peters SR Liberty AZSade Illawole SR Sierra Canyon CA LIBEROSMarianne Garcia SO Millennium AZHannah Allman SR Sunrise Mountain AZIzzy Mahaffey JR Queen Creek AZWhitney Wallace SR St. Francis/Mountain View CANola Smith JR Hamilton AZErin Clark SO Corona del Sol AZAva Lambert JR Horizon AZ

Read More »