16s Spotlight: Sunshine Classic Days 2 & 3

The Stars from the SUNSHINE: 16s Stars from Days 2&3

Hartley Mueller (2028, Triangle 16 Black, Outside Hitter)

Hartley takes assertive, high-IQ swings - understanding when to challenge the block and when to extend rallies. ​Whether in serve receive or defensive transition, she was controlled and reliable, turning digs into quality touches that kept her team in system and able to run their full offense. Her platform was steady, she read hitters well, and she showed the ability to absorb pace while still directing the ball to the target. That consistency on first contact makes a huge difference at this level. When rotating to the front row, she remained just as productive. What stands out most is the trust her team clearly has in her. In big moments, the ball finds Hartley - and she embraces it. There’s no hesitation in her approach; she wants the responsibility. As she continues to develop physically and add strength to her frame, her range and power will only expand. With that steady growth, her overall impact continues to rise - and her Player Performance Value (PPV) is trending in the right direction.

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Allison Stakoe (2028, Legacy 16-1 Adidas, Outside Hitter)

Stakoe steps in as the perfect counterpart to explosive pin hitter Quinn Nelson 7, and together they embody what it means to take control of a match. When she enters a rotation, there’s an immediate offensive presence. The precision and power she brings on every swing is exactly what you want from a go-to attacker. She’s not just a terminal option - she’s an efficient one. Stakoe attacks with heavy pace, clean arm mechanics, and the ability to see the block. Her fluidity in transition is what truly elevates her game. She moves well off the net, adjusts to imperfect sets, and maintains a consistent contact point. There’s a level of trust that comes with setting her the ball. You know she’s going to take a confident, aggressive swing and do everything she can to put it on the floor. That combination of composure, physicality, and shot selection makes her a reliable offensive weapon and a difference-maker in high-level matches. 

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Rachel Bower (2028, Idaho Crush 16 Bower, Outside Hitter)

Bower was a driving force for her team after day two, helping propel them into the Gold Bracket to start the final day. At 6’0”, she consistently generated offense and proved to be a reliable scoring option in key stretches. When the setter delivers a hittable ball, she terminates at a high rate - whether that’s swinging high hands, tooling the block, or attacking from any point along the net. What elevates her overall impact is that she’s a true 6-rotation presence. She’s composed in serve receive, disciplined with her platform, and capable of defending her zone while still being an offensive threat in transition. As she continues to develop physically, Bower projects as the type of dynamic, multi-positional pin who can compete at the next level and thrive in a faster tempo system.

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Bethany Benjamin (2028, A5 16 Gabe, Libero)

Commanding the back court for a very strong and well-rounded A5 16 Gabe team, Benjamin played a huge role in securing the 16 Open Division championship. At this level, defense wins matches - and she was everywhere when her team needed her most. What stood out the most was her ability to keep rallies alive on balls that looked like guaranteed points for the other side. Time and time again, she found a way to dig, sprawl, or extend just enough to give her team another chance. Benjamin truly embodies what it means to relentlessly pursue every ball. Her presence in the back court gave A5 confidence. When hitters know someone like that is behind them, they can play more aggressively at the net. That kind of defensive energy shifts momentum and frustrates opponents. As she continues to succeed at this level, don’t be surprised to see her Player Performance Value (PPV) climb as she gains increased exposure in high-level training environments.

Sadie Williamson  (2028, Carolina Rouge, Middle)

As a middle, your first responsibility is establishing yourself as a blocking presence - and Williamson does exactly that. She makes her impact known at the net, getting hands on a high percentage of swings in her zone and consistently sealing space. Whether she’s closing to the pin or taking away the seam, she’s active and disciplined with her hands, which forces opposing hitters to adjust. Offensively, she’s just as dynamic. Williamson is effective both in front of and behind the setter, running a true first-tempo attack that keeps defenses honest. That movement is what elevates her value. By committing the opposing middle and pulling them with her routes, she creates cleaner one-on-one opportunities for her pin hitters. Even when she’s not the one getting the kill, she’s influencing the block and opening up the court for her teammates - a key trait for any high-level middle.

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