Before They Go: Meet the 2027 Seniors Making One Last Run

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Before They Go: Meet the 2027 Seniors Making One Last Run

Ellery DeBoer | 2027 | S | Minnesota Select | Willmar High School | PPV: 95.9 | Michigan State Commit

Ellery DeBoer enters her senior season with an impressive résumé already behind her and one more high school run before she heads to Michigan State. The 5'11" setter has been a consistent presence in high-level environments, earning six USAV NTDP invites and two UA NEXT invites, while also collecting All-Tournament and All-American recognition at the club level. DeBoer has spent the last several years competing up with Minnesota Select, an experience that has helped prepare her for the level she'll see in college. She brings a strong combination of size, strength and competitiveness to the setting position, along with the kind of work ethic that makes her someone coaches can build around. Her final high school season at Willmar High School gives us one last opportunity to watch that game continue to develop before she makes the jump to East Lansing. Michigan State is getting a setter with experience, physicality and plenty of competitive fire — and we're excited to see how DeBoer finishes her high school career.

Braelyn Patton heads into her final high school season as a player whose development over the past few years has been especially fun to follow. The 6'3" MB/Pin has continued to earn more opportunities at the national level, including USAV NTDP and UA NEXT experience, and recently helped Dallas Premier finish second in the 17 American division at USAV Nationals. Patton's athleticism has always been one of the biggest parts of her profile. She's an explosive athlete who can move exceptionally well for her size, giving her the versatility to make an impact both in the middle and on the pin. As her volleyball experience has grown, so has her ability to turn those physical tools into consistent production. She'll now get one final high school season at North Forney High School before heading to Texas A&M, where her athletic upside and continued development could make her a fascinating college prospect. The Aggies found a special one in Patton, and we're excited to see what she does with one last high school season before heading to College Station. Gig 'em.

Nailah Randle enters her senior season as one of the most accomplished players in the 2027 class, with one final high school run before heading to LSU. Randle has been a major part of Harlan's success, helping the program win back-to-back district championships and reach the 2024 UIL 6A State Semifinals and regional final. Her individual résumé has continued to grow as well. Randle earned 2025 District 28-6A Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-District honors, along with a Vollapalooza All-Tournament Team selection and Pieper Warrior Showcase MVP. She's also been a consistent presence in the USAV NTDP, giving her experience against some of the best players in the country. At 6'1" with a 123" approach touch, Randle brings the athleticism and explosiveness you'd expect from a future SEC outside. Her quick arm and ability to generate power without needing a huge windup make her especially dangerous offensively, while her passing ability gives her the six-rotation potential that makes her even more valuable. LSU landed one of the cornerstone pieces of its 2027 class, and Randle gets one final opportunity to put her stamp on Harlan volleyball before heading to Baton Rouge.

Kaitlyn Herweg heads into her senior season with one final opportunity to leave her mark at Los Alamitos High School before heading to Indiana. The 5'6" libero/DS has already built a strong résumé, highlighted by winning the 2024 Open Junior Olympics U16 Championship and earning a UA NEXT invitation as a libero/DS. Herweg has been on our radar as one of the decorated defensive prospects in the 2027 class, and Indiana saw enough to make her part of its future. Her physical style of play and experience at the highest levels of club volleyball give her a strong foundation heading into the next step. Indiana has become an increasingly interesting destination for defensive talent, and Herweg now gets one final high school season to continue building on the momentum that made her a coveted recruit. Before she heads to Bloomington, we've got one more season to watch Herweg do what she does best: make life miserable for opposing hitters.

Sophia Albaugh enters her senior season with a résumé that reflects just how long she has been competing at a high level. The 6'1" OH/OPP has consistently played up an age group in club volleyball and has been a varsity starter at The Bolles School since eighth grade. Her high school career has continued to produce major results. In 2025, Albaugh earned Bolles School MVP, District Player of the Year and Florida Times-Union All First Coast First Team honors. She's also been a major offensive presence for Bolles, previously leading the team in kills and aces while earning Offensive MVP recognition. Albaugh has represented Team Florida High Performance and earned a 2025 UA NEXT invitation, continuing to gain experience in high-level environments. With a 119" approach touch and 113" block touch, she brings a strong physical presence to the pin. Now, Albaugh gets one final season at Bolles before heading to Boston College. With a 92.5 PPV, she's part of an exciting future for the Eagles — and we're looking forward to seeing how she finishes her high school career before making the move to Chestnut Hill.

Maggie Kurpeikis enters her final high school season with plenty already accomplished — including back-to-back IHSA 4A State Championships in 2024 and 2025 with Marist High School. The 6'1" OH/OPP is a true all-around player who can impact the match well beyond her attacking. Kurpeikis is especially strong in the back row, brings a dangerous serve and has the ability to find ways to score from different situations on the court. Add in a 122" approach touch, and she has the athletic tools to match her versatile game. Kurpeikis also earned an invitation to the 2025 USAV NTDP, continuing to gain experience in high-level environments. While she may not always have received the same national attention as some others in the class, her game has clearly spoken for itself. Now, she gets one final season at Marist High School before heading to Michigan. The Wolverines landed a versatile, high-level volleyball player — and Kurpeikis has one more chance to show exactly why before she gets to Ann Arbor.

Anya Baklenko | 2027 | S/DS | Madfrog Volleyball | Prestonwood Christian Academy | PPV: 92.3 | LMU Commit

Anya Baklenko's path through the 2027 class has been anything but ordinary, but she's continued to find ways to grow through every transition. After moving from California to Texas before her sophomore high school season, Baklenko has adapted to new teams, new environments and different roles on the court — and now heads into her senior year with LMU waiting at the next level. The 5'9" S/DS is a fundamentally sound player whose accuracy, soft hands and court vision stand out in her game. She's also gained valuable experience through the USAV NTDP, earned a UA NEXT Las Vegas Camp invitation, and has been recognized among the PrepVolleyball Top 150 for the Class of 2027. Now she gets one final high school season at Prestonwood Christian Academy before making the move to Los Angeles. LMU is getting a smart, skilled setter with plenty of experience adapting and competing — and Baklenko has one more chapter to write before she gets there.

Kyla Mitchell | 2027 | MB | Michio Chicago | Lockport Township High School | PPV: 91.5 | Virginia Commit

Kyla Mitchell heads into her senior season with one final high school chapter before taking her game to Virginia. The 6'4" middle blocker brings exactly the kind of physical presence that immediately stands out at the net. With a 121" approach touch and 117" block touch, Mitchell is a true member of the 10-foot club, and she knows how to use every inch of her frame. She's a powerful attacker who can be a major presence offensively, but her impact doesn't stop there. Mitchell's combination of size, technique and quick lateral movement allows her to close blocks and take away space at the net. Her résumé also includes All-Tournament Team selections at the LWC Invite, Crimson Classic and STL Presidents Day Classic, along with a 2025 UA NEXT Camp invitation. Now, Mitchell gets one more season at Lockport Township High School before heading to Charlottesville. Virginia is getting a massive presence in the middle, and we're excited to see how Mitchell closes out her high school career.

Sophia Puleo enters her senior season with one final high school chapter before taking her game to Baylor. The 6'2" OPP/OH has been competing at a high level for years and has built a résumé filled with national-level experience and major tournament recognition. Puleo has participated in multiple USAV NTDP sessions, represented USA All-Stars Team Florida, and earned invitations to both UA NEXT middle school and high school events. Her club career has also included multiple All-Tournament performances, including MVP and All-Tournament Team recognition at the 15 Open Big South Qualifier, All-Tournament honors at the 15 Open Sunshine Qualifier, and the MLK Invitational 16 Open. At 6'2" with a 120" approach touch and 116" block touch, Puleo brings a serious physical presence to either pin. Her ability to attack sharp angles and put pressure on defenses is one of the biggest strengths of her game, and she has continued developing the athletic tools that could take her game even higher. Now, she gets one final season at Calvary Christian High School before heading to Waco. Baylor is getting a powerful pin attacker with plenty of experience on big stages — and we're excited to see how Puleo finishes her high school career.

Abbie Hairrell | 2027 | MB | SC Rockstar | Redondo Union High School | PPV: 91.0 | Oregon State Commit

Abbie Hairrell enters her senior season as one of the more experienced middles in the 2027 class, with one final high school run before heading to Oregon State. The 6'4" middle blocker has spent years competing in some of the country's top developmental environments, including multiple USAV NTDP Training Series sessions from U16 through U17, as well as the 2025 NTDP program. Hairrell has also continued to build national recognition, earning spots on the PrepVolleyball Top 150 and Top 50 West Region lists, along with JVA Watchlist, AVCA Phenom Watchlist and UA NEXT recognition. She's also collected All-Tournament honors at the Mira Costa/Redondo tournament. What has consistently stood out about Hairrell is her well-rounded game. She's a player who can contribute in multiple areas without giving opponents an easy place to attack past her. With a 121" approach touch and 115" block touch, she has the physical tools to make her presence felt at the net while continuing to develop every part of her game. Now, Hairrell gets one final season at Redondo Union High School before making the jump to Oregon State. The Beavers are getting a dependable, experienced middle with a lot of high-level volleyball already under her belt — and we're excited to see how she finishes the run.

Natalie Norton heads into her senior season with one final high school run before heading to Gonzaga. The 6'4" OH/OPP has already built an impressive résumé, earning Texas All-State honors in 2023 and 2024, a freshman All-American selection, and multiple club All-American honors. Norton has also been a regular in high-level national environments, including USAV NTDP, the Under Armour All-American events in Dallas and Kansas City, and the USA Volleyball All-Star Championships with North Texas. Her six-rotation ability adds another layer to an already impressive physical profile. At 118" on the block and 124" on her approach, Norton has the size and athleticism to make an impact from the pin. Her ability to contribute in the back row is especially intriguing as she prepares for the college game. Now, she gets one last season at Pantego Christian Academy before making the move to Spokane. Gonzaga is getting a high-level, six-rotation athlete with the size and versatility to make an impact early.

Bailey Lambert | 2027 | MB | AZ Revolution | Canyon View High School | PPV: 90.8 | Washington State Commit

Bailey Lambert heads into her senior season with one final high school run before heading to Washington State. The 6'1" middle blocker has built a résumé filled with both individual production and high-level tournament experience, including First Team All-Region and 5A Region Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2024. Lambert has also earned multiple All-Conference selections, All-Academic recognition, PrepVolleyball Watchlist honors, a 2027 High School Watchlist Spotlight and VBAdrenaline's Class of '27 Best of the West recognition. She has continued to gain experience on big stages as well, including a second-place finish at the 2025 Triple Crown Kansas City event and a 2025 UA NEXT invitation. What makes Lambert particularly interesting is her versatility. She brings a level of production and competitiveness to the middle, but she also does things that aren't always typical for the position, giving her the flexibility to contribute in different ways at the next level. With a 120" approach touch and 116" block touch, she has the physical tools to go with that versatility.Now she gets one last season at Canyon View High School before heading to Pullman. Washington State landed a player who can do a little bit of everything — and that's a pretty valuable piece to add to a college roster.

Lila Green heads into her senior season with one final high school run before heading to Kansas. The 5'5" libero/DS has already established herself as one of the standout defensive players in the San Diego area, earning 2025 CIF San Diego Libero of the Year honors along with All-North County Coastal League recognition. Green has also made her mark on the national club scene, helping WAVE finish 5th in the 2024 15 Open Division and earning First Team All-Tournament honors at GJNC 15 Open. She was also named Torrey Pines' 2024 Defensive Player of the Year and earned 2025 Volleypalooza Best Defender recognition. Her game is built around anticipation and physicality. Green has an extremely quick first read, allowing her to get into position early and make plays that can completely change a rally. Now she gets one final season at Torrey Pines High School before becoming part of Kansas' first official recruiting class under its new staff. The Jayhawks are getting a defensive competitor who has already proven she can anchor the back row at a high level.

Kaelyn Bjorklund enters her senior season with one final high school run before heading to Clemson, and she's already built an outstanding high school career. The 6'1" S/OPP was named Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year for 2025-26 and has helped Lakeville South capture two Minnesota State Championships. Bjorklund was named All-State in both 2024 and 2025, while earning All-Tournament Team honors in each of those seasons as well. Her club résumé includes multiple AAU All-American selections and an All-Tournament Team selection at GJNC Nationals in 15s. As a setter, Bjorklund brings a high volleyball IQ, accuracy and steady floor-general mentality to the court. She's a player who can control a match and make the game easier for the people around her, while her 117" approach touch gives her another dimension offensively. Clemson landed one of the key pieces of its 2027 class, and now Bjorklund gets one final opportunity to lead Lakeville South before taking the next step. We're excited to see how she closes out what has already been a special high school career.

Rylan Keane enters her senior season with one final high school run before heading to Northern Arizona. The 6'0" OH/OPP has already experienced success at both the club and high school levels, helping Club One AZ capture the 2023 GJNC 14U National Championship and helping Seton Catholic Prep finish second at the 2025 AZ Regionals. Keane's game stands out because of her volleyball IQ and attacking intelligence. She may not have the biggest physical profile among the outside hitters in the class, but she makes up for it with excellent shot selection and an ability to find creative ways to score. Her understanding of how to use the block is especially impressive, allowing her to turn difficult swings into points. Her ability to tool the block, see the court and make smart attacking decisions gives Keane a skill set that should translate well to the college game. Now she gets one final season at Seton Catholic Prep before making the move to Flagstaff. Northern Arizona is getting a smart, versatile pin who knows how to score without needing to overpower everyone across the net.

Claire Truluck

8/29/2026