Changing the Map Pt.3: 2029 Prospects Bringing Attention to Their States

Volleyball talent can be found far beyond the states that traditionally dominate the sport. The Class of 2029 features a growing group of prospects from less-recognized volleyball states who are making their presence known and putting their home states on the recruiting map. In this feature, we spotlight several of those athletes and the impact they are already making as they continue to develop and gain national attention

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Olivia Romaniello: Blue level libero/DS- Nova VBC 17-1

Representing Connecticut, Olivia Romaniello is part of a group of athletes helping shine more light on the volleyball talent coming out of the state. She is gaining valuable experience playing up with Nova VBC 17-1, competing against older athletes while continuing to develop her game. Her strong ball control gives her a dependable presence in the back row, and she has also gained college exposure through camps at Marist University and Sacred Heart University. As she continues to grow, Romaniello is helping demonstrate the potential of Connecticut athletes on the recruiting landscape.

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Daniela Hatziiliades: Blue level OH- Smash VBC 16-1

Representing Massachusetts, Daniela Hatziiliades is helping showcase the talent developing in a state that may not always be the first one mentioned in the national volleyball conversation. Her powerful swing gives her an aggressive presence on the outside, while her experience at a Harvard college camp has added to her recruiting exposure. Hatziiliades was also named to the 2026 AVCA Phenom Watchlist, another recognition of her potential. As she continues to develop, she is helping put Massachusetts talent on the radar of coaches beyond the region.

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Savannah Brown: Green level OH- IVC 16-1 Black  

Representing Missouri, Savannah Brown is part of a growing group of athletes helping showcase the volleyball talent coming out of the state. Her versatility gives her the ability to contribute in different areas, while her positive attitude and strong on-court energy make her a noticeable presence for IVC 16-1 Black. She continues to build her experience through showcases and clinics, creating opportunities to develop her game and gain exposure. Brown’s continued growth is another example of the talent Missouri can bring to the national recruiting landscape.

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Raissa Abdul-Malik: OH- Topflight 16-1 National Black 

Representing Nevada, Raissa Abdul-Malik is one of the athletes helping bring more attention to the volleyball talent developing in the state. She has built a reputation as a reliable outside hitter while gaining valuable experience through camps at Texas, Texas A&M, Rice, and other programs. She also continues to pursue clinics and showcases, giving her opportunities to test her game and gain exposure beyond her home state. As her recruiting journey continues, Abdul-Malik is helping show that high-level talent can come from anywhere on the map.

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Stella Kalil: Green level OH- 603 United 16 Open Black

Representing New Hampshire, Stella Kalil is helping bring attention to the volleyball talent developing in a state that is not always among the first states associated with the sport. Her strong volleyball IQ allows her to read the game well and make smart plays for 603 United 16 Open Black. Kalil was named to both the 2026 AVCA Phenom Watchlist and 2026 JVA Watchlist, earning recognition for her potential. As she continues to develop, she is helping put New Hampshire talent on the radar beyond the region.

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Chassidy Galvan: Green level OH- NM Prodigy 17U

Representing New Mexico, Chassidy Galvan is helping showcase the talent coming out of a state that continues to make its mark in the volleyball landscape. She brings a big presence to the net through her confidence and competitive mindset, making her a noticeable contributor for NM Prodigy 17U. Her ability to play with confidence gives her plenty of room to continue growing as an outside hitter. With a promising future ahead, Galvan is another New Mexico athlete helping put her state on the recruiting radar.

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Audre Campbell: Blue level MB- NEVBC 16-1 

Representing New York, Aubre Campbell is part of a talented group helping showcase the depth of volleyball coming out of the state. She has already put together an impressive résumé, including a first-place finish at the 2025 NY Section One Class A State Championship and a first-place finish at the 2026 AAU Top Series Spring Open. Campbell has also attended college camps at Yale, Brown, Georgetown, and other programs while continuing to put in work outside of team training. Her strong work ethic and commitment to development are helping her build a promising future while putting New York talent on the radar.

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Ellery Ames: Orange level MB- Sanford Fargo 15 UA

Representing North Dakota, Ellery Ames is helping put her state’s volleyball talent on the map with an impressive early résumé. At 6'2", she brings a strong presence at the net and has already earned a spot on the 2026 AVCA High School Girls Phenom Watch List. Ames is entering her second year on varsity at Fargo Davies High School and has gained college camp experience at Florida, Michigan State, USC, and more. After finishing the season at USAV Nationals, she continues to build experience that could bring even more attention to the volleyball talent coming out of North Dakota.

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Presley Thorton: Blue level OH- GSJ Coast United 16

Representing South Carolina, Presley Thorton is helping showcase the talent developing in a state with a growing volleyball presence. At 6'0", she brings a strong frame and developing skill set to the outside hitter position while already entering her second year on varsity at Socastee High School. Thorton continues to pursue opportunities through showcases, clinics, and college camps at Duke, High Point, NC State, and more. Her commitment to gaining experience and exposure is helping put another South Carolina prospect on the recruiting radar.

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Julia Masselink: Gold level OH- Kairos Elite 16 Alpha 

Representing South Dakota, Julia Masselink is helping put her state on the national volleyball map with an impressive résumé at both the high school and national levels. She was part of back-to-back state championship teams as an eighth grader in 2024 and a ninth grader in 2025, while also earning six USAV NTDP selections. Masselink has represented the USA U17 National Team and captured a U17 gold medal, while gaining college camp experience at Penn State, Louisville, Texas A&M, and more. Her continued success on the national stage is bringing well-deserved attention to the volleyball talent coming out of South Dakota.

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Avery Gaskell: Blue level OH- Valley Velocity 16 Purple 

Representing Wisconsin, Avery Gaskell is part of a group of athletes helping showcase the talent developing across the state. She brings a positive attitude to the court and continues to build her game through showcases and clinics. Her willingness to seek out new opportunities is helping her gain experience and grow as an outside hitter. With a promising future ahead, Gaskell is another Wisconsin prospect helping put her state on the recruiting radar.