Future Duos: A Pairing Built for the Next Level

Future Duo: Ava Lane & Hailey Tinnell

2028 Commits | Kansas

Kansas is assembling an exciting future with the additions of Ava Lane and Hailey Tinnell, two 2028 prospects whose skill sets have the potential to complement each other exceptionally well. Lane is an outstanding all-around athlete whose success extends well beyond the volleyball court. A UA NEXT Athlete, All-State, and All-District performer, she is also one of Missouri's premier track athletes, winning the 400-meter state title as a freshman while placing third in both the 100m and 200m at the state meet. That elite athleticism translates directly to the setter position, where her ability to move, defend, and create opportunities for her hitters makes her an exciting piece of Kansas' future. Tinnell brings a completely different, but equally valuable, presence. The 6'3" Houston Skyline middle blocker combines impressive size with high-end athleticism, posting a 115" block touch and 120" approach touch. She already projects as a difference-maker at the net, with the physical tools to impact matches offensively and defensively. As her game continues to mature, her ceiling remains incredibly high. Together, the pairing gives Kansas an athletic setter capable of running an offense at a high level alongside a long, explosive middle who can finish plays above the net. It's an exciting combination for the Jayhawks, and one that has the potential to develop into a formidable connection at the collegiate level.

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Future Duo: Tatum Kelly & Kolby Ross

2028 Commits | Illinois

Illinois is bringing in a highly talented and athletic duo with the commitments of Tatum Kelly and Kolby Ross, two 2028 prospects who bring elite physical tools, experience, and high-level competitiveness to the future of the program. Kelly, a setter/opposite from 1st Alliance Volleyball Club, has established herself as one of the premier setters in the 2028 class. Standing at 5'11", Kelly brings impressive size and athleticism to the position, giving her the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. With extensive experience at major select camps and a strong foundation built through years in the gym, Kelly has developed into a confident, vocal leader who can run an offense with consistency and control. Ross adds another dynamic piece to the class as an outside hitter from Adversity Volleyball Club. A decorated athlete, Ross has earned recognition including USAV National Champion, USAV All-American, USAV MVP, IVCA Second Team All-State, SWSC Athlete of the Year, and UA NEXT recognition. At 6'0", with a 117" block touch and 122" approach touch, Ross brings the athleticism and explosiveness to be a major offensive presence while also contributing across the court. Together, Kelly and Ross give Illinois a powerful combination of size, athleticism, and skill. Kelly's ability to lead an offense paired with Ross' ability to terminate from the pins creates an exciting future connection for the Illini. Both players have continued to rise through the 2028 class, and Illinois secured two athletes with the potential to make a significant impact at the collegiate level.

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Future Duo: Eliana Koram & Kaniyah Ball

2028 Commits | Tennessee

Tennessee landed an outstanding combination in Eliana Koram and Kaniyah Ball, two Metro VBC players whose games complement each other exceptionally well and give the Volunteers an exciting future on both sides of the net. Koram brings an imposing presence as a 6'3" middle blocker/outside hitter with the size, reach, and quickness to control the net. She has developed into one of the premier blockers in the 2028 class, using her length and athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses while also providing a dangerous attacking option. Her ability to close blocks quickly and play above the net makes her a standout front-row talent. Ball has emerged as one of the top defensive specialists in the class, earning recognition through the 2026 UA NEXT Invite, back-to-back JVA Girls Watch Lists, the 2025 AVCA Phenom Watch List, and 2025 USAV Girls Junior National Championship All-Tournament Team honors. She consistently brings composure, athleticism, and high-level instincts to the back row, thriving in high-pressure moments while anchoring her team's defense. Together, Koram and Ball give Tennessee a future front-row and back-row pairing that should fit together seamlessly. Koram's presence at the net paired with Ball's ability to control the back court creates a balanced combination of offense, defense, and athleticism. The Volunteers added two impact players who know each other's games well, making this one of the more intriguing future duos in the 2028 class.

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Future Duo: Lana Frelix & Jensen Kubik

2028 Commits | USC

USC secured an exciting pair of outside hitters in Lana Frelix and Jensen Kubik, adding two athletic, high-upside prospects who have continued to establish themselves among the top talent in the 2028 class. Frelix, a 6'1" outside/opposite from SG Elite, has continued to build an impressive résumé through multiple NTDP invitations and appearances, a UA NEXT selection, and First Team Gold Coast League honors. With a 123" approach touch, she brings elite athleticism and the ability to score above the net, making her a dynamic offensive weapon with tremendous upside. Kubik arrives from Adidas Dynasty with a résumé highlighted by national-level experience through USAV NTDP and a Kansas 6A State Championship at Blue Valley West. Her athleticism, consistency, and continued development have made her one of the more intriguing outside hitters in the class, and she has continued to prove she can compete against high-level competition. Together, Frelix and Kubik give USC two talented pin hitters with size, athleticism, and experience on some of the biggest stages in youth volleyball. Both have competed against elite competition throughout their careers, and their continued development makes this a future duo with tremendous potential for the Trojans.

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Future Duo: Asia Udo-Ema & Tinsley Welker-Brown

2027 Commits | Arizona

Arizona added an exciting combination of skill, athleticism, and competitiveness with the commitments of Asia Udo-Ema and Tinsley Welker-Brown, two 2027 prospects who have consistently stood out on some of the biggest stages in youth volleyball. Udo-Ema, an outside hitter from Forza 1 North, has built an impressive résumé highlighted by being named USAV Girls Junior Nationals 15U MVP, earning First Team All-State, First Team All-League, and Cen10 MVP honors, while also gaining national experience through USAV NTDP and two UA NEXT appearances. While she may not have the biggest frame for the position, Udo-Ema's explosiveness, vertical ability, and all-around skill set allow her to be a consistent offensive threat. Her ability to score from the service line, attack from behind the 10-foot line, and contribute in multiple areas makes her the type of player every program values. Welker-Brown brings a dynamic presence at setter after an incredible early high school career with Austin High School. She earned 20-6A Newcomer of the Year, Houston Chronicle All-Greater Houston Newcomer of the Year, VYPE Newcomer of the Year, and TSWA Second Team All-State honors while leading all freshmen nationally in assists with 1,117 assists as a freshman. Now going into her senior year, she is even more of  a physical and aggressive setter, Welker-Brown has shown the ability to run an offense with confidence and create opportunities for her teammates. Together, Udo-Ema and Welker-Brown give Arizona a future duo that combines offensive creativity, athleticism, and leadership. With Welker-Brown's ability to run an offense and Udo-Ema's ability to terminate from anywhere on the court, the Wildcats have secured two players who have the potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.

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Future Duo: Chelsea Torrence & Diane Nzoupet

2028 Commits | Georgia

Georgia secured an outstanding future pairing with the commitments of Chelsea Torrence and Diane Nzoupet, adding two players whose games naturally complement one another and project to thrive together at the collegiate level. Torrence's rise has been one of the more impressive stories in the 2028 class. The A5 setter stepped into a larger role when her opportunity came and never looked back, quickly establishing herself as one of the top setters in the country. At 6'0", Torrence combines size, athleticism, and poise while running one of the nation's top club teams. Her ability to stay prepared, lead an offense under pressure, and continue improving has earned her recognition as one of the premier setters in the class. On the defensive side, Diane Nzoupet gives Georgia a libero who consistently stands out with her speed, instincts, and court coverage. The Paramount VBC standout is constantly in motion, reading hitters well, reacting quickly, and making difficult plays look routine. Her ability to cover ground and keep rallies alive makes her one of the stronger defensive prospects in the 2028 class. Together, Torrence and Nzoupet give Georgia two players whose strengths fit perfectly. Torrence provides the leadership and offensive direction, while Nzoupet anchors the back court with elite defensive range and ball control. It's the type of setter-libero combination every program hopes to build around, and the Bulldogs have landed two players with the talent and competitive mindset to make a major impact together.

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Future Duo: Aaliyah Cancellari & Laila Chadwick

2027 Commits | Oklahoma

Oklahoma added one of the most complete duos in the 2027 class with the commitments of Aaliyah Cancellari and Laila Chadwick. Combining elite front-row athleticism with one of the nation's top defensive players, the Sooners have positioned themselves well for the future. Cancellari, a 6'2" middle blocker from OTVA Tampa, has established herself as much more than a traditional middle. Her athleticism, explosive attacking ability, and impact across multiple rotations make her one of the more unique prospects in the class. She is a constant threat above the net and brings the size, speed, and versatility to influence matches on both offense and defense. Chadwick arrives with one of the strongest résumés in the country. The libero/defensive specialist has earned honors including Virginia 6A State Player of the Year, Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year twice , Washington Post First Team All-Metro, Prep Volleyball USAV GJNC 17 Open All-Tournament Team, and is a three-time NTDP invitee while also earning  UA NEXT invitations. Her instincts, consistency, and ability to control the back court have made her one of the premier defenders in the 2027 class. Together, Cancellari and Chadwick give Oklahoma an outstanding combination of athleticism, versatility, and high-level production. Cancellari provides a dominant presence at the net, while Chadwick anchors the defense with elite ball control and court awareness. It's the kind of balanced recruiting class that can make an immediate impact, and the Sooners landed two players with the talent and competitiveness to thrive at the collegiate level.

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Future Duo: Lila Ellsworth & Audrey White

2027 Commits | Utah State

Utah State added an exciting pair of 2027 pin hitters with the commitments of Lila Ellsworth and Audrey White, two athletes who bring athleticism, versatility, and a competitive edge to the future of the program. Ellsworth, an outside hitter/opposite from AZ Storm Elite VBC, is a high-level athlete who plays with the type of energy and confidence that immediately stands out. Known for her quickness, athletic ability, and fiery competitive nature, Ellsworth brings the ability to impact the game offensively while also providing a strong presence in multiple areas of play. Her explosiveness and all-around skill set make her an exciting prospect in the 2027 class. White, an outside hitter from Mountain Peak, brings a well-rounded game that makes her a valuable piece on the court. A high-level player with strong defensive ability, White has the versatility to contribute in multiple rotations and impact the game beyond just attacking. Her ability to pass, defend, and stay involved in all phases of the match makes her a complete pin player. Together, Ellsworth and White give Utah State two dynamic athletes with complementary strengths. Ellsworth brings athletic explosiveness and an aggressive mindset, while White adds versatility and all-around stability. The Aggies have secured two talented 2027 prospects who have the ability to make a major impact as they continue their volleyball journeys.