10 Must Know Outside Hitters

Kari Knotts

2029 | OH | A5 Volleyball | PPV: 99.9

You simply can't have an outside hitter spotlight without mentioning Kari Knotts. She has already established herself as one of the premier young volleyball players in the country, combining elite athleticism with a level of polish and competitiveness rarely seen at her age. Whether she's attacking from the pin, taking over in transition, or elevating the play of those around her, Knotts consistently performs like a player well beyond her years. Her résumé already speaks for itself. Knotts has been named AVCA National Player of the Year, Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year, and helped lead the Lions to a GHSA Private Division State Championship after a dominant 42-3 season. Internationally, she made headlines by earning U19 National Team MVP, proving she could excel against older, more experienced competition on one of the sport's biggest stages. What separates Knotts isn't just her list of accolades—it's the complete package she brings to the court. She possesses rare explosiveness, elite body control, and the ability to impact every phase of the game while maintaining a competitive edge that shows up in the biggest moments. Her physical gifts are matched by advanced volleyball instincts, making her a true six-rotation talent with the ability to change a match in multiple ways. As she continues to develop, Knotts remains one of the defining players of the 2029 class and a prospect who has already earned national attention. She is the type of athlete capable of shaping the future of the game, making her one of the first names that comes to mind whenever the conversation turns to the country's top young outside hitters.

​

Lexi Coleman

2029 | OH | Legacy Volleyball Club | PPV: 99.3

When the conversation turns to the country's top young outside hitters, Lexi Coleman is a name that belongs near the top. The Legacy standout has consistently excelled on every stage available to her, combining elite physical tools with a polished all-around game that makes her one of the most complete prospects in the 2029 class. Coleman's résumé is already one of the most impressive in the country. She is a 2026 JVA All-American, AAU 15 Open National Champion, AAU All-American and MVP, Triple Crown 15U All-Tournament Team selection, and earned a spot on the 2026 USA U17 World Championship roster. Her international success began even earlier as a 2025 USA U17 National Team Captain, helping Team USA capture NORCECA Gold while earning recognition as the tournament's Second Best Attacker. Add in multiple national championships, All-American honors, and consistent success against the nation's best competition, and it's clear Coleman has established herself as one of volleyball's premier young stars. What makes Coleman so dangerous is her ability to impact every aspect of the game. She attacks with power and confidence from both the front and back row, plays with outstanding defensive discipline, and possesses the shot selection and volleyball IQ to score in a variety of ways. Her strength, explosiveness, and competitive drive allow her to compete comfortably against older athletes, while her complete skill set gives her the versatility to shine in every rotation. Coleman continues to raise the bar every season, and her combination of production, leadership, and international experience makes her one of the defining players in the 2029 class. As she continues her development, she remains a prospect capable of making an impact on any court she steps onto.

​

Trinity Johnson

2028 | OH/OPP | TAV Volleyball | PPV: 97.2

Trinity Johnson is the definition of a high-level pin prospect, bringing the versatility to impact the game from either side of the net. A standout for TAV Volleyball, Johnson has developed into one of the more complete attackers in the 2028 class, with the ability to create offense as both an outside hitter and opposite. Her all-around skill set and physical presence have made her a player capable of taking over matches in multiple ways. Johnson has built an impressive résumé through both club and high school success. She earned All-Tournament Team honors with TAV, was a First Team District 6-6A selection at McKinney Boyd, and has gained additional exposure through opportunities like UA NEXT Camp and the North Texas USAV All-Star Championships. She has also been part of championship-level teams, including squads that captured the Triple Crown Summer NIT 16U Championship and the 2026 National Open Championship. What separates Johnson is her ability to score from anywhere on the court. She brings a powerful arm, strong shot selection, and the ability to attack in transition while also being a force defensively. Her quick reads and reactions at the net allow her to make an impact as a blocker, adding another dimension to her game as a complete six-rotation option. Committed to TCU, Johnson gives the Horned Frogs a versatile pin who has the tools to make an impact at the next level. With her combination of power, athleticism, and positional flexibility, she remains one of the must-know outside hitters in the 2028 class.

​

Janiah Burrage

2028 | OH | Coast Volleyball Club | PPV: 98.5

Few athletes in the country possess the combination of size and explosiveness that Janiah Burrage brings to the outside hitter position. The Penn State commit has quickly established herself as one of the most physically gifted players in the 2028 class, using her elite athleticism and ability to play above the net to create problems for opponents. Standing at 6'0" with a 128" approach touch, Burrage has the type of attacking ability that immediately changes the way teams defend. She can score at a high contact point, generate power from multiple areas of the court, and use her athleticism to make plays that few players her age can make. Her ceiling is among the highest in the class, and her physical tools are a major reason why she continues to draw national attention. Burrage has already gained valuable experience competing on some of the biggest stages in USA Volleyball, earning selections to the USA Volleyball NTDP U15 and U16 programs as well as the U17 National Team. Those opportunities have allowed her to train and compete alongside the best athletes in the country while continuing to grow her overall game. Her combination of athletic ability, competitiveness, and long-term potential makes her one of the most exciting outside hitters to follow as she prepares for the next chapter at Penn State.

​

Francesca Sales

2030 | OH | Triangle Volleyball Club | PPV: 90.5

Francesca Sales is already proving she belongs among the top names in the 2030 class. The 6'1" outside hitter from Triangle Volleyball Club brings a rare combination of size, athleticism, and all-around skill that allows her to impact the game in every rotation. Sales has built valuable experience through some of the highest levels of competition, including being a 2025 NTDP Participant across the Spring, Summer, and Winter sessions as well as a 2026 NTDP Experience participant. She has also competed as a two-time national qualifier in indoor volleyball and a two-time sand volleyball national qualifier, showcasing her versatility and ability to succeed across different environments. What makes Sales such an exciting prospect is her ability to truly do a little bit of everything. As a six-rotation outside hitter, she brings stability in serve receive and defense while still possessing the physical tools to be a scoring threat at the net. Her back-row ability stands out, allowing her to handle tough serving pressure while continuing to contribute offensively. Sales has already shown she can compete comfortably against some of the best athletes in the country, and her continued development will be one of the most interesting storylines to follow in the 2030 class. With her size, versatility, and high-level experience, she is a prospect who is positioned to remain in the national spotlight for years to come.

​

Kierslyn Cattau

2030 | OH | VC Nebraska | PPV: 83.9

Kierslyn Cattau is a rising 2030 outside hitter who brings a competitive edge and a strong mentality to the court. Competing for VC Nebraska, Cattau has continued to gain valuable experience against high-level competition while developing into a dynamic pin option. At 5'10", Cattau brings solid length and athleticism to the outside position. She has earned recognition through achievements including a USAV Open Bid in 2026, All-Tournament Team honors at the GPR Bid Tournament, and a 9th-place finish in Open at Northern Lights. She has also represented the Great Plains All-Star Team in 2024 and 2025, showcasing her ability to compete among the top athletes in her region. What stands out about Cattau is her competitiveness and ability to play with a high level of intensity. She brings a strong attacking mindset, including a dangerous line shot, and has the tools to continue growing into a more complete outside hitter as she gains experience. Still developing and refining her game, Cattau is a prospect to keep watching in the 2030 class. Her work ethic, fiery playing style, and continued progression make her an intriguing player to follow as she takes the next steps in her volleyball journey.

​

Gentry Barker

2027 | OH | Austin Performance | PPV: 95.0

Gentry Barker has spent the last several years proving that production speaks louder than hype. One of the most accomplished outside hitters in the 2027 class, Barker has consistently delivered at both the high school and club levels, building a résumé that reflects winning, versatility, and the ability to perform when the stakes are highest. Her list of accomplishments is extensive. Barker is a MaxPreps Freshman All-American, First Team All-American, and Sophomore All-American, while also earning First Team Texas UIL All-State honors in both 2023 and 2024. She was named the Texas Sports Writers Association 5A Player of the Year, and was named Tournament MVP at  2025 Nationals. She also earned First Team All-American recognition, cementing herself as one of the nation's premier outside hitters. Barker's game is built on consistency and versatility. She is the type of player who impacts every phase of a match, filling the stat sheet as both an offensive weapon and dependable six-rotation contributor. Whether she's scoring from the pin, handling first contact, or stepping up in key moments, Barker has repeatedly shown she can be the player her team leans on. Now committed to San Diego State, Barker gives the Aztecs a proven winner with the experience and mentality to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. Her competitive edge, complete skill set, and history of rising to the occasion make her one of the must-know outside hitters in the 2027 class.

​

Ellyson Randolph

2027 | OH | NC Academy | PPV: 94.0

Ellyson Randolph has established herself as one of the premier outside hitters in the 2027 class through a combination of elite athleticism, high-level production, and success on some of the biggest stages in the country. The Kentucky commit continues to build on an already impressive résumé, bringing an explosive offensive presence that has made her one of the nation's most exciting pin prospects. Randolph has earned NCVBCA All-State honors, was named to the 2024 AVCA All-Region Team, received AVCA Third Team All-American recognition, competed multiple times in NTDP environments, and took home UA NEXT MVP honors. Those accomplishments reflect her ability to consistently perform against elite competition while continuing to separate herself as one of the top players in her class. What immediately stands out is Randolph's explosiveness. She attacks with exceptional elevation, generating power and range that allow her to score from virtually anywhere on the court. Her ability to elevate above the block, create offense in transition, and finish points with authority makes her one of the most dangerous attackers in the 2027 class. With her commitment to Kentucky, the Wildcats are adding an outside hitter who brings elite athleticism, proven production, and the ability to impact matches from day one. Randolph continues to trend upward and remains one of the must-know outside hitters in the country.

​

Riley Walker

2031 | OH | A5 Volleyball | PPV: 88.0

It is rare to see a 2031 prospect already making this much noise on the national stage, but Riley Walker has quickly become one of the brightest young stars in the country. Competing for A5 Volleyball, Walker has combined elite physical tools with high-level production, making her one of the defining players in her class. Standing at 6'0", Walker possesses remarkable athleticism for her age, highlighted by a 120" block touch and an incredible 124" approach touch. Those numbers are exceptional for a player this young and give her the ability to attack well above the net while creating matchup problems for opposing defenses. Her combination of size, explosiveness, and coordination makes her one of the most exciting long-term prospects to watch. Walker has already built an impressive résumé, helping lead A5 to the 2026 USAV 13 Open National Championship while also earning 2025 AAU All-American honors. She was named UA NEXT Camp MVP as a sixth grader and continues to gain valuable experience through the NTDP pipeline, competing across the Spring, Summer, and Winter training series. The foundation is already in place for Walker to become one of the next great outside hitters in the country. With her elite athletic profile, championship experience, and continued development, she is a player whose name volleyball fans will be hearing for years to come. 

​

Rhylie Fairley

2032 | OH | Surfside Volleyball | PPV: Watch List

It is hard to believe that the 2032 class is already old enough to start entering the spotlight, but Rhylie Fairley is the type of player who makes it impossible not to pay attention. At this stage of development, the players who separate themselves are often the ones who consistently put in the work, seek out opportunities, and truly love the process, and Fairley checks all of those boxes. The 2032 standout has already shown a commitment to growth through constant training, competing, and attending camps, including the UA NEXT Middle School Camp. While she is still early in her volleyball journey and has plenty of time to continue developing her game, her dedication and willingness to challenge herself are already noticeable. At 5'6", Fairley’s current story is less about where she is today and more about the foundation she is building for the future. Her motivation, work ethic, and passion for the sport are the traits that stand out most, and those qualities often become the difference-makers as young athletes continue to grow. The 2032 class is just beginning to emerge, but Rhylie Fairley is a name worth keeping an eye on as she continues to develop and take the next steps in her volleyball journey.