With the 2022 version of MEQ in the books, we take a look back at some of the talented players who caught our attention during the three days of action in Indy. These are players we noticed and who were playing well while we were observing them. We put a heavy, heavy focus on the younger groups in 15-17 Open, though a few are mentioned from 18 Open. Below is Part 1 of the outside hitters who impressed us.
15 OPEN
Gabriella DiVita, Outside, Legacy 15-1 Adidas – It’s hard to believe DiVita is an eighth-grader! This 6-0 outside already possesses a whippy arm and is aggressive on the attack with it. Watch out for her making her way through the ranks!
Abby Vander Wal, Outside, 1st Alliance 15 Gold – This 6-3 outside is on everyone’s radar. The sky is the limit with her seemingly endless frame and ability to put it to good work with a strong attack that blockers have trouble slowing down. Definitely a rising star!
Mariah Gaines, Outside, OPVC 15 Wagner – OPVC didn’t break pool but did push OT 15 Randy to three games with Gaines doing her thing. She can explode off the ground with her springy legs, brings a strong attack and can hit out of the back. Glad we didn’t miss her!
Zoe Baliva, Outside, HPSTL 15 Royal – Part of a strong outside combo for HPSTL, Baliva looks like an up and comer. Her jump on her attack looks effortless, her swing is solid and she can score consistently.
Hannah Leftridge, Outside, HPSTL 15 Royal – A bit undersized at 5-9, Leftridge is a scrappy gamer who is just a solid player in lots of areas. She can hit front and back row and has sound ball control skills. Every team could use a player like her.
Kennedi Rogers, Outside, HJV 15 Elite – Rogers, who is 5-10, plays with tons of energy and effort. She can get up and blast off on balls. She’s also a scrapper on defense who can keep rallies alive with her defense. Pay attention to her as she continues her career!
Taylor Cripe, Outside, Boilers Jrs 15 Gold – A fiery outside, Cripe is a gamer. She’s an aggressive attacker who isn’t afraid to let loose and go for it. She’s the go-to outside and doesn’t back down.
16 OPEN
Cayla Cogan, Outside, Legacy 16-1 Adidas – Listed at 5-9, Cogan is the smallest offensive player listed on Legacy’s roster but don’t let that size fool you. She gets off the ground and up in the air with ease! She fits in nicely in the Legacy attack.
Audrey Geer, Outside, Legacy 16-1 Adidas – Another outside with a nice bounce to her step. Geer gets up and at it with her lively arm. Defenses better be on their toes!
Grace Nelson, Outside, 1st Alliance 16 Gold – Looking at Nelson with her slender frame and thinking she’s not a threat is a big mistake. This girl has an explosive attack! She gets up and bangs it with her lively arm and aggressive swing. She’s a fun one to watch!
Melia Johnson, Outside, MKE Sting 16 Gold – Sting has some size on the roster, including this 6-2 outside. Johnson has a powerful arm and can go boom!
Morgan Gaerte, Outside, Team Pineapple 16 Black – We can’t wait to see Gaerte at the next level. At 6-5, she’s a coach’s dream. She carries a smooth swing and is only going to get better and better. Make sure she’s on your radar!
Alea Goolsby, Outside, KC Power 16-1 – It’s hard to believe Goolsby is just a freshman! Talk about power, she’s an absolute slugger with a hammer for an arm. It’s going to be fun to see where she’s at four years from now!
Rachel Van Gorp, Outside, KC Power 16-1 – A state qualifier in long jump you can see it in Van Gorp’s game. At 5-9 she’s not as tall as other outsides. But she can get off the floor and has a deceptive cannon for an arm. Don’t underestimate her!
17 OPEN
Makya Clayton, Outside, PVA 17 Elite – We really appreciate Clayton’s game. She’s listed at 5-6 but has as much heart as anyone! A six-rotation outside, she passes well out of serve receive. She also just explodes on the attack when called for. She’s a smart attacker, who not only can let it rip but can swipe balls of the block and frustrate blockers who think they have the advantage.
Olivia Swenson, Outside, MN Select 17-1 – One of three sophomores playing up for MN Select, this 6-3 outside is going to be a score for some future collegiate program!
Cassidy Hartman, Outside, Six Pack 17 – It looked like to us that Hartman was a glue piece for Six Pack. She’s a 6-0 hustler with all-around game.
Ella Durham, Outside, Mintonette Sports m.71 – Durham is listed as uncommitted but is going to eventually make some program happy to have landed her. At 6-3, she has a powerful arm and is only improving in her first year with Mintonette.
Chloe Chicoine, Outside, Circle City 17 Purple – One could go on and on about this Purdue commit. There isn’t anything she can’t do at a high level. She ridiculously explosive and insanely quick. There’s only a handful to watch who are as entertaining as she is!
18 OPEN
Cheridyn Leverette, Outside, A5 Mizuno 18-Marc – Originally a member of A5 South, Leverette joined A5’s main club her 16s season and made an immediate impact. She’s a consistent scorer with her 6-2 frame and touching 10-3. She’s headed to the West Coast to play for UCLA.
Ella Demetrician, Outside, FC Elite 18 Elite – It’s hard to believe Demetrician is only a sophomore! This Class of 2024 recruit is 6-2 and is almost touching 10-0. She can bring the heat already and is one to watch out for!
Beth Bayless, Outside, OP2 18-1 – Bayless hasn’t been playing as long as most others in the 18s division and with that comes plenty of upside. She moves well and has decent timing with her blocking. She’s not afraid to go for it when she gets set and can hit with good pace.
