Big 12 26's Who Showed Out at Nationals

Nadiya Johnson (Baylor): A 6-2 opposite for Metro Volleyball Club, Johnson was a critical piece toa dominant front line that led them to finishing third in the nation. With a long, extended reach, a 10 '8 approach touch, and whip of an arm swing – Nadiya was a force on the right pin. She has all of the shots, and adjusts her swing in accordance with the opposing defense; placing the ball in the spot most likely to score. However, when she goes up full force on the attack – it’s a kill almost every time, overpowering the defenders with pure power. Johnson will be taking her talents to Baylor, where her raw athleticism could earn her a starting role almost immediately and become a game-changer. 

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Avery Poulton (Kansas): A 6-1 outside hitter for Club V, Poulton was a standout attacker in her 17 Black Reed squad’s Elite 8 run – where they finished fifth. She caught my attention immediately with a thumb-down 4-4 rip in front of the opposing libero, and maintained it with her steadily efficient game. Her setters could simply throw up a high four ball, and Poulton would find a way to get a kill. She is a long, quick and bouncy attacker, often hitting unexpected shots that catch the defense off guard. Avery has the court vision to match her dynamic athleticism; aware of when to use the block and really good at finding the high-hands or fingertips – a maturity that will translate very well to the collegiate game. 

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Kinsley Young (TCU): A 6-4 middle blocker for TAV, Young’s imposing blocking made her a game-changer at the net for the runners-up. She reads the opposing hitter so well, lining up against their dominant arm and shutting down the attack. Her blocks are so commanding that they seem to fully snuff out the opposing team's energy and inject it onto her side of the net, draining them through her consistent presence. On the offensive end, she is just as impressive – making it look effortless as she hammers bounce kills through a double block. Kinsley makes the court look like her own playground and is on another level than her age would reveal, the Horned Frogs are getting a burgeoning star.

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Elle Mottola (Arizona State): A 5-11 setter for WPVC, Mottola led her team to a top ten finish – tying for fifth – with her masterful conduction and leadership abilities. A captain for both her club and high school teams, Elle is a natural-born commander on the court who is able to draw the best qualities out of her teammates, able to facilitate and adjust to their needs while also choosing what's best for the team. She is always looking for ways to be more creative and throw the defense off-guard, running a dynamic and diverse offense. She is not just a great setter, but all-around player; strong ball control while digging, a blocking presence at the net, and not afraid to call her own number as well. 

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Julianna Hernandez (Baylor): A 5-6 libero for TAV 17 Black, Hernandez and her team’s outstanding performance carried them just short of a National Championship, receiving silver after falling short to Houston Skyline. In the championship match, Julianna suited up as libero for the second set; coming through with some key digs and establishing herself as a leader in the back court through her communication and consistency. She is a scrappy defender in left back, but is a steady and reliable passer on serve receive – always stopped and stable. Even against the top hitters in the country, Hernandez was able to hold her own and get some impressive ups and opportunities for her team.