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:
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 with next-level potential and with it makes the move from 3 to 5-stars. This past club season Sellman was part of an unbelievable outside duo that included Class of 2025 5-star recruit Macaria Spears. Sellman’s height is a major advantage attacking as her length allows her to go over the top of blocks. Combined with a whippy arm she’s the real deal on the left.
CLASS OF 2023
Brooke Bultema, MB, Ursuline Academy, (Elevation) – A 6-3 Kentucky commit, Bultema is part of the group moving up in our rankings going from 4 to 5-stars. She’s long and has all the tools required of a middle needing to perform well at the next level. She runs the slide exceptionally well and shows good timing on her blocking. She was also selected to be part of the Under Armour All-American game in December in Orlando.
Kennedy Phelan, S, Fayetteville HS, (Ozark Juniors) – A Florida State commit and another Under Armour All-American game selection, Phelan joins those moving up to 5-stars in our latest update. Phelan’s speed is one of her assets as she gets around the court quickly. She has soft hands and a tremendous touch and can reverse the flow effortlessly.
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CLASS OF 2026
Rayna Christianson, S/RS, Lakeville North HS, (Northern Lights) – Christianson impressed this past club season with both her setting and hitting. She played middle at Lakeville North as an eighth-grader, so she has a well-rounded understanding of the game which helps with her versatility. She’s 6-2, has a high contact point and can put up a big block. All of those contributed to her initially being a 5-star recruit.
Kayla Nwabueze, MB, Bloomfield Hills HS, (Legacy) – Nwabueze appears to have a bright future. She’s already showing signs of next-level ability. Watch out if she keeps growing! She’s already 6-0 and gets up well. Even at a young age she was showing her power at times when attacking. She moves well too and should be on everyone’s radar moving forward.
Riley Malloy, OH, Austin HS, (Austin Skyline) – Like most others featured as a 5-star recruit on this list, Malloy is tall. She’s a 6-4 outside with plenty of length to hit high over the block. The main thing for her is adding strength to get stronger, which should come with time as she continues to develop. She has tons of upside to excel at the next level.
Kinsley Young, MB, Southlake Carroll HS, (TAV) – The projections for Young indicate she’s going to make a big impact at the collegiate level. She’s 6-3 with a big arm. She’s one to keep tabs on as she continues moving up the ranks.
Keoni Williams, MB, (Skyline) – While there was intense debate as to what ranking to assign to certain players, there was only consensus on Williams. She was an easy 5-star pick as she shows every sign of excelling at whatever college program she becomes a part of. There will be plenty coming for her, as Williams is a 6-4 middle who is already touching 10-5! She spent this past club season playing for Frisco Flyers but is making the switch and will join Skyline for the upcoming club season.
Finley Krystkowiak, OH, Torrey Pines HS, (Wave) – Moving from Utah to San Diego, Krystkowiak shined for Wave this past club season. She’s a 6-3 outside with a great snap and ability to hit deep and hard. Like the others on this list, her upside is tremendous and it’s going to be fun watching her develop and continue to improve on her way to the next level.
Ella Florez, S, Mill Valley HS, (Dynasty) – Florez played up a year on Dynasty 15 Black this past club season and is lined up to play for Dynasty 16 Black next year. She’s a smooth handler and has a soft, accurate touch. She’s the only true setter to receive a 5-star ranking in our initial release for the Class of 2026.
Danielle Whitmire, S/RS, Prosper HS, (TAV) – A 6-1 setter/right side, Whitmire was a key cog in the TAV lineup this past club season. She has a great, consistent delivery and locates well as a setter. She also makes an impact hitting across the front row. She’s a versatile player though odds are she ends up being a setter at the next level.
Bennett Raterman, MB, St. Pius X, (HPSTL) – Raterman is another middle with tremendous potential and rounds out our initial 5-star recruits for the Class of 2026. She’s a physical presence at the net and can leave a mark on both sides of the ball. Like the rest, she’s one to follow as she progresses through the ranks.
