Can You Dig This? Class Of 2031 Defensive Players To Watch Out For

1.Reagan Bothof | 2031 | LIBERO/DS | Virginia | PPV 90.0

Reagan Bothof is a class of 2031 libero/defensive specialist from Virginia whose early evaluation progress has earned her a place on our 2031 Watch List. Her PPV increased from 80.00 in July to 90.00 in September 2026, marking a notable 10-point improvement and providing an encouraging indication of her developing player profile. Bothof's athletic evaluation includes an 8.60 T.O.P. Height Score and a 7.80 Block Touch Score, establishing initial benchmarks as her assessment continues to take shape. While her current profile offers a preliminary look at her potential, additional information regarding her high school and club experience will be important in developing a more comprehensive understanding of her defensive abilities and competitive background. Currently uncommitted, Bothof remains a prospect under observation as further film review and competitive evaluation help determine a more accurate assessment of her game within the 2031 recruiting class.

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2.Lexi Rodriguez | 2031 | LIBERO/DS | Texas | PPV 80.0

Championship experience and individual tournament recognition have helped Texas libero/defensive specialist Lexi Rodriguez establish an early foundation within the class of 2031. Rodriguez earned All-Tournament Team honors at the 2026 St. Luke Volleyball Tournament, contributing to her team's championship finish. Her experience extends beyond the back row, with setter listed as her secondary position, providing opportunities to strengthen her ball-handling skills and understanding of offensive organization. Rodriguez's athletic evaluation features an 8.20 T.O.P. Height Score and an 8.00 Approach Touch Score, establishing measurable benchmarks as her development continues. Her initial PPV of 80.00 was recorded in May 2026, with future evaluations expected to provide further insight into her defensive capabilities and overall progression. Currently uncommitted, Rodriguez brings early competitive success, positional versatility, and individual recognition to her recruiting profile as she continues establishing herself within the 2031 class.

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3.Autumn Francois | 2031 | LIBERO/DS | California | PPV 80.0

Versatility across the back row and setting position provides California's Autumn Francois with an early foundation as she develops within the class of 2031. Primarily a libero/defensive specialist, Francois also lists setter as her secondary position, offering opportunities to strengthen her ball control, court awareness and understanding of offensive responsibilities. Her athletic evaluation includes an 8.00 T.O.P. Height Score and a 7.80 Block Touch Score, establishing initial measurements for her developing player profile. Francois recorded her first PPV of 80.00 in May 2026, providing a starting point for future assessments of her defensive abilities and overall progression. With additional competitive experience and evaluation, a clearer picture of her strengths and potential contributions in the back row will continue to emerge. Currently uncommitted, Francois remains an emerging defensive prospect as she builds her competitive résumé and develops her skill set within the 2031 recruiting class.

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4.Eva Bautista | 2031 | LIBERO/DS | Florida | PPV 78.0

Florida's Eva Bautista joins our class of 2031 defensive Watch List as an emerging libero/defensive specialist whose player evaluation remains in its early stages. With an 8.60 T.O.P. Height Score and a 7.80 Block Touch Score, Bautista has established initial athletic benchmarks as further assessment of her defensive abilities continues. Her PPV was first recorded at 80.00 in August 2026 before adjusting to 78.00 in September, reflecting an evolving evaluation as more information becomes available. Additional competitive observation and film review will be important in assessing her ball control, defensive consistency, and overall contributions in the back row. Bautista remains on our Watch List, with a college-level PPV assessment planned once sufficient information about her game and competitive background has been gathered. Currently uncommitted, she has opportunities to further develop her recruiting profile as her progress is monitored throughout the year.

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5.Layla Bain | 2031 | LIBERO/DS | Kansas | PPV 84.0

National tournament success and early competitive recognition have positioned Kansas libero/defensive specialist Layla Bain as a developing prospect within the class of 2031. Her accomplishments include a 2026 NIT Championship, a second-place finish at USAV Nationals in 2025, and a 2025 AAU Championship, highlighting her experience in competitive tournament environments. Bain has also attended the UA Next program, adding another development opportunity to her growing volleyball résumé. Primarily a libero/defensive specialist, she lists setter as her secondary position, providing additional experience in ball handling and offensive responsibilities. Her PPV increased from 80.00 in May to 84.00 in September 2026, while her athletic evaluation features an 8.60 T.O.P. Block Touch Score and an 8.50 Height Score. Currently uncommitted, Bain remains on our 2031 Watch List, with further evaluation planned as she continues developing her game and building upon her early competitive achievements.

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6.Gabriella Sofia Comey | 2031 | LIBERO/DS | Florida | PPV 83.6

Defensive recognition at the Florida All-State Game has helped Gabriella Sofia Comey establish an early presence among class of 2031 libero/defensive specialist prospects. Comey earned both the Top Defender and Top Serve Receive/Defender awards, highlighting her contributions in two key areas of back-row play. Her experience also extends to setter, providing additional opportunities to develop ball control, court awareness, and offensive responsibilities. Comey's athletic evaluation features an 8.80 T.O.P. Height Score and an 8.20 Approach Touch Score, while her latest PPV stands at 83.60 following an earlier assessment of 83.80 in March 2026. These evaluations provide a foundation for tracking her development as she continues gaining competitive experience. Currently uncommitted, Comey brings individual defensive recognition and positional versatility to her recruiting profile as she progresses through the 2031 class.