Position Battles Heating Up for the Cards

We’ve written about position battles before, but after spending the past week watching the Cards at camp, it’s clear we need to revisit just how good these battles are shaping up to be.

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Let’s start with the obvious: the athleticism on this roster is unreal. From explosive attackers to gritty defenders, this team is loaded. And the incoming freshmen? They’re bringing some serious heat.

Stacked Left Side

The left side is as deep and competitive as it gets, with Payton Petersen, Chloe Chicoine, and freshman Chloe Meester all in the mix.

Chicoine is a competitor through and through. She's skilled, fiery, and hungry to make her final two years count. Petersen saw significant court time as a freshman and hasn’t looked back. Her volleyball IQ and point-scoring instincts are elite.

Then there’s Meester. A true freshman with a rocket of an arm, she made her presence known at camp. While her passing still needs refinement at this level, you can’t ignore the firepower she adds. Will she challenge Payton or Chicoine for playing time? We’ll be watching.

Right Side Powerhouse

On the right, it’s a showdown between Reese Robins and Kalyssa Blackshear.

Reese has already proven she can deliver in the biggest moments. She’s been a consistent force for Louisville and thrives when the pressure’s on. But Blackshear turned heads at camp. The 6'5" freshman was stuffing balls and flashing major potential. She’s still working on timing and connection with the setters, but give her a month of preseason and she could be dangerous.

Backrow Battle

Kam Schrand looks to have the libero jersey locked down, and she’s earned it. But the DS position is wide open.

Ava Utterback, Molly Urban, and Hannah Kenny all showed they can hold their own in serve receive and defense. The big question is who’s going to solidify that spot when it matters most.