Hometown Heroes: Alabama and Louisiana Athletes to Watch

The Hometown Heroes series continues with a look at the talented volleyball players making waves in both Alabama and Louisiana. With a mix of emerging talent and established names across multiple graduating classes, these athletes represent an exciting group to keep an eye on as their volleyball journeys continue to unfold.

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Class of 2027 

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Sullivan Lell: Green level libero/DS- Alabama Performance 17 National 

Sullivan Lell has put together a successful season as a libero and defensive specialist for Alabama Performance 17 National. She has continued to gain valuable exposure through the UA Next Camp and college camps at Auburn, Alabama, Rice, Mississippi State, and more. Lell’s defensive game continues to develop through high-level competition and training. With a strong work ethic and experience across multiple settings, she is building a solid foundation for her future at the next level.

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Aubrey Speights: Orange level OH- WD Nation 17 White  

Aubrey Speights brings an explosive presence to the net as an outside hitter for WD Nation 17 White. She earned All-District All-Around MVP honors and was also named the overall varsity MVP at St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School. Speights’ attacking ability and athleticism make her a dynamic option on the court, particularly when she gets into rhythm at the net. With her next chapter already set, she will continue her volleyball career at Southeastern Louisiana University.

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Baylor Cauley: Orange level setter- Infinity 17 Ren

Baylor Cauley has established herself as a standout setter for Infinity 17 Ren, bringing experience and leadership to the position. A two-time UA Next Camp attendee, Cauley has continued to gain exposure while competing at a high level. She was named District MVP in 2025 and earned Bayou Jamb Volleyball Player of the Year honors. With her future already secured, Cauley is set to continue her volleyball career at Southern Miss.

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Skylar Towner: Green level OPP/RS- Red Storm 17 National 

Skylar Towner brings a big presence at the net as an opposite/right-side hitter for Red Storm 17 National. She was recognized on the All-District, All-Metro, and All-State teams last year, showcasing her impact across the season. Towner also finished her club season at USAV Nationals, adding valuable experience on a national stage. With her next chapter already lined up, she will continue her volleyball career at Louisiana Tech.

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Class of 2028 

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Noelle Suellentrop: Green level setter- BVC 17N Haven 

Noelle Suellentrop has continued to make her mark as a setter for BVC 17N Haven, bringing experience and poise to the position. She was part of the 2025 AAU Birmingham Super Regional 15s championship team and earned a spot on the 2026 SRVA 17U HP All-Star Team. Suellentrop was also invited to the SRVA All Stars Selection Camp, adding another recognition to her growing résumé. With college camp experience at Jacksonville State and Chattanooga, she continues to build momentum and develop her game for the years ahead.

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Sasha Agee: OH- Alabama Performance 16 White 

Sasha Agee brings an energetic presence to the court as an outside hitter for Alabama Performance 16 White. She capped her season at AAU Nationals, gaining valuable experience competing on a national stage. Agee stands out for her constant movement and ability to stay active throughout the rally, keeping herself involved in the action. Her positive on-court energy adds another dimension to her game as she continues to develop and take on new challenges.

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Alexandre Liner: MB- WD Nation 16 Black

Alexandre Liner continues to develop as a middle blocker for WD Nation 16 Black, bringing plenty of experience to her position. She has attended the LVCA Player Showcase and gained additional exposure through college camps at Alabama, Tulane, Ole Miss, and more. Liner was also named to the 2026 AVCA Phenom Watch List, adding another notable recognition to her résumé. With continued opportunities to compete and train at a high level, she is a prospect with plenty of potential ahead.

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Marin Price: OH- WD Nation 16 Blue   

Marin Price brings a reliable presence to the outside hitter position for WD Nation 16 Blue. At 6'2", she offers a strong physical foundation while continuing to sharpen her game through plenty of work outside of competition. Price has gained additional experience through college camps at Auburn, Arkansas, Rice, and more. Her consistency and continued development make her an intriguing prospect to keep an eye on moving forward.

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Class of 2029 

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Mikayla Osaji: Green level OH- Bama Elite 15U Owls

Mikayla Osaji has put together an impressive resume as an outside hitter for Bama Elite 15U Owls. She earned All-State and All-Area honors while ranking among the nation’s Top 25 in kills in 2025, surpassing 500 kills during the season. Osaji has also earned recognition on the JVA Watchlist and gained valuable exposure through college camps at Alabama, Mississippi State, Utah, and more. After closing her season at AAU Nationals, she continues to build on a strong foundation and establish herself as a player to watch moving forward.

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Class of 2030

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Liv Gray: Green level setter- WD Nation 15 Blue 

Liv Gray is a promising young setter for WD Nation 15 Blue who continues to gain experience through a variety of opportunities. She has attended the MS UA Next Camp and college camps at LSU and Arkansas, along with additional showcases and clinics. Gray was also selected to the 2026 AAU All-Tournament Team, adding an early accolade to her growing resume. With plenty of room to continue developing her game, she is a young prospect worth watching as her volleyball journey progresses.

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Josie Cauley: Green level OH- Infinity 15 Ren 

Josie Cauley brings an energetic presence to the court as an outside hitter for Infinity 15 Ren. She helped her team capture the 2026 AAU Championship in the Diamond division, adding a major team accomplishment to her résumé. Cauley has continued to develop her game through extensive work as an outside hitter and college camps at LSU, Mizzou, Mississippi State, and others. Her positive on-court energy and commitment to continued improvement make her an exciting young prospect to watch.

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Class of 2031

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Taylor McGhee: MB- NASA 16 Purple T National 

Taylor McGhee has continued to stand out at the middle blocker position for NASA 16 Purple T National. She was named MVP of the Southern Volleyball Tournament in both 2025 and 2026 at the club level, highlighting her impact across multiple seasons. McGhee also earned a spot in the 2026 Alabama All-State Games and has attended the UA Next Camp. With college camp experience at Vanderbilt and North Alabama, she continues to gain exposure while developing into an exciting prospect for the future.