Duo Spotlights: Core Pieces in the 2029 Class

Lily Seabolt & Courtlyn Richard | 2029 | A5 15 Kelly

A5 15 Kelly continued its impressive season with a third-place finish in the 15 Open division at AAU Nationals, and two players who helped fuel that success were Lily Seabolt and Courtlyn Richard. While they often contribute in different rotations, both have become key pieces for one of the nation's top 2029 teams and continue to trend upward individually. Seabolt, a 5'11" setter, brings a versatile game to the court. She has a defensive-first mentality but isn't afraid to become an offensive weapon when the opportunity presents itself. She plays tall at the net, blocks exceptionally well for her position, and has a great feel for managing the offense. She also recently attended Auburn's camp, continuing to gain valuable experience against high-level competition. Richard gives A5 a powerful presence on the attack. The 6'0" hitter has developed into one of the team's primary offensive options, and that production has carried over to the high school season, where she earned First Team All-Region honors along with her team's Best Offensive Player award. Her ability to score consistently makes her a difference-maker whenever she's on the floor. Together, Seabolt and Richard showcase the depth of talent within A5's 2029 class. Their individual strengths have helped A5 compete with the nation's best, and both continue to establish themselves as names to follow moving forward.

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Piper Hudson & Alaina McGuire | 2029 | KC Power 15-1 Johnson

KC Power 15-1 Johnson features one of the more complete duos in the 2029 class with Piper Hudson and Alaina McGuire. While each player brings a different strength to the lineup, together they give the team a balanced offensive identity that's difficult to defend. Their ability to elevate the play around them has been a major reason this KC Power team continues to compete at a high level. Hudson, a 5'11" left-handed opposite, is an absolute powerhouse on the right side. She attacks with confidence and physicality, making her one of the more dangerous offensive weapons in the class. She has also stayed busy on the camp circuit, gaining experience at North Carolina, Arizona State, Kentucky, Kansas, Florida, Texas, and Texas A&M, continuing to put herself in front of some of the nation's top programs. McGuire is a high-level setter whose volleyball IQ immediately stands out. She does an excellent job reading the game, staying in sync with her hitters, and making smart decisions that keep the offense operating at a high level. She has also taken advantage of numerous camp opportunities this year, continuing to refine her game while competing in front of Division I coaches across the country. Hudson's offensive firepower paired with McGuire's ability to run an efficient, intelligent offense gives KC Power 15-1 Johnson a true one-two punch. As both continue to develop, they're establishing themselves as one of the standout 2029 duos to keep an eye on.

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Jayla Green & Whitney Mertens | 2029 | Premier Nebraska 15 Gold

Premier Nebraska 15 Gold features one of the more dependable defensive duos in the 2029 class with Jayla Green and Whitney Mertens. Together, they anchor the back row and provide the kind of consistency that allows their team to stay in system and extend rallies. Their defensive presence has become a major strength for Premier Nebraska. Green, an OH/DS, is an extremely versatile athlete who brings quick reactions and outstanding defensive range. She covers a lot of court, reads attackers well, and has the ability to step into multiple roles when needed. Her all-around skill set and defensive instincts make her an impactful player well beyond just the front row. Mertens, the team's libero, is the steady force that ties everything together. She has an exceptional feel for reading the ball, gets herself into great positions, and consistently delivers quality first contacts. Her pass placement is outstanding, allowing the setter to stay in rhythm and keep the offense running efficiently with minimal movement. Together, Green and Mertens give Premier Nebraska 15 Gold a back row that is difficult to break down. Their athleticism, defensive instincts, and ability to control first contact make them a duo that plays a major role in the team's success.

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Mia Avelar & Emma Nance | 2029 | AZ Revolution 15 Premier

AZ Revolution 15 Premier features an exciting 2029 pairing in Mia Avelar and Emma Nance. Both bring size and athleticism to the lineup, but what makes this duo stand out is how their games continue to evolve. As they develop, they've become increasingly complete players and key contributors on both sides of the ball. Avelar, a 6'2" middle blocker, already possesses outstanding size for the 2029 class and makes excellent use of it at the net. She plays well above the tape with a quick arm swing that allows her to finish points efficiently. As she continues to build more explosiveness, her ceiling only gets higher. One of the more impressive parts of her game, though, is her comfort in passing and ball control: skills that are uncommon for many middles her age but make sense given her beach volleyball background. Nance, a 6'0" outside hitter, has taken noticeable strides this season, particularly in the back row. Her improvements in defense and serve receive have added another dimension to an already athletic game, making her a more complete six-rotation player. She continues to use her length and athleticism effectively while expanding her impact beyond attacking. Together, Avelar and Nance give AZ Revolution 15 Premier a pair of long, athletic front-row players whose all-around development continues to trend in the right direction. They're a duo with plenty of upside and one worth following closely in the 2029 class.

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Baylee Wilson & Chandler Short | 2029 | Wave 15-1

Wave 15-1 features one of the top 2029 duos in the country with Baylee Wilson and Chandler Short. Both players bring high-level experience and a mature approach to the game, and together they give Wave a balanced and efficient offensive identity. Their connection and consistency have made them a major reason for the team’s success. Wilson is one of the top-rated outside hitters in the 2029 class and continues to separate herself as a true six-rotation presence. At 6'3", she brings elite size to the pin and plays with the tools of a high-level outside—able to score in a variety of ways while also contributing across all six rotations. Her recognition as an UA Next MVP highlights the level she has already reached and the impact she brings in top competition. Short runs the offense with control and confidence. She is a high-level setter who consistently stays in tune with her hitters and makes smart, efficient decisions. She also shows strong versatility as an opposite, giving Wave additional offensive options while maintaining a composed, intelligent approach to the game. Her mindset stands out, allowing her to keep the offense organized in key moments. Together, Wilson and Short form a strong setter–outside combination that blends size, intelligence, and consistency. Their connection and ability to elevate each other’s play make Wave 15-1 one of the more dangerous teams in the 2029 landscape.

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