Names to Know in 2028: Pins

This group of outside hitters brought a wide range of physical profiles, playing styles, and competitive identities, but what consistently stood out was their ability to score and impact matches in different ways. From high-flying terminal attackers to gritty six-rotation pins and versatile athletes who affect the game beyond just the front row, this class offers college coaches plenty to evaluate. Whether it’s immediate production or long-term upside, each of these athletes showed traits that translate well to the next level and make them intriguing prospects across multiple levels of Division I volleyball.

​

Standout players with a profile:

​

Leah Greeny - 3DGE, West Virginia - Silver level

Leah has Silver-level size with a powerful, explosive arm that immediately stands out. Coming from a true volleyball family and being a coach’s kid, her understanding of the game and competitive approach are well beyond her years. She is a terminal attacker who can score against a well-formed block and does a great job generating pace from both pins. With her physical tools and volleyball IQ, she is going to draw significant interest at the next level and should have no shortage of conversations once the June recruiting window opens.

​

Katherine Mitchell - Metro DC, Maryland - Silver level

Katherine is a true difference-maker and one of the most dynamic outside hitters in the gym. She has an elite vertical paired with a whippy  arm that allows her to score at a high rate from all zones. A regular at NTDP invite trainings, her ability to separate herself physically and offensively makes it obvious why she continues to earn those opportunities. She also brings a proven winning résumé, earning National Division MVP honors at last year’s USAV Nationals while leading her team to a championship. With her athleticism, production, and competitive edge, she is going to have her pick of Power 4 options at the next level.

​

Bryn Walcott - Sudden Impact, Washington - Elite Red level

Bryn is the top-ranked player in Washington and has continued to elevate her game since last season. Her jump and arm swing have taken a significant leap, and when watching her high school film, the focus should be on how she elevates into her attack and takes heavy, aggressive swings regardless of the opponent. She has tremendous upside with her length, athleticism, and ability to score from the back row. That growth is backed up by the data as well, with her PPV jumping 31 points over the past year. With her physical trajectory and competitive edge, she is trending toward being a high-impact pin at the Power 4 level.

​

Mallory Mizell - Stars VBC, South Carolina - Elite Red level

Mallory is a dynamic, high-volume scorer with a special wrist that allows her to attack every angle and score against a block. She carries a heavy offensive load as the go-to option for her team and continues to produce at a high level despite seeing consistent defensive attention. She has a solid vertical and is a physical presence at the net, with blocking upside that will continue to grow as her technique and experience improve. With her scoring versatility and competitiveness, she projects as a very effective six-rotation pin at the next level.

​

Natalie Marciante - Tribe, Florida - Elite Red level

Natalia brings an impressive all-around game with elite Red-level athleticism and jump ability. She has a smooth, efficient arm swing and continues to score more consistently as she develops physically. As she matures and adds strength, she projects to become an even more terminal offensive threat. Defensively, she plays a well-balanced middle back and shows the ability to hold her own in serve receive, making her a true six-rotation pin at the next level. Her combination of athleticism, ball control, and upside makes her a very attractive prospect.

​

Kayleigh Rogers - KiVA, Kentucky- Red level

Kayleigh is the epitome of a KiVA-trained six-rotation pin. She plays with grit and competitiveness, consistently approaching hard and attacking the ball with aggression. Offensively, she finds ways to score and apply pressure, while defensively she is reliable and disciplined. She can pass and defend at a high level and is never a liability in serve receive. Kayleigh has all the foundational tools college coaches look for, and if she continues to increase her vertical closer to the 120” range, she has the upside to elevate into true Elite Red level territory.

​

Lowe Long - Tri-State Elite, Ohio - Elite Orange level

Lowe is a physical, competitive attacker who plays with true Midwest grit. While she may not have the biggest vertical, she makes up for it with Orange-level size, length, and strength that allow her to be effective against the block. She competes in all six rotations and brings a toughness and reliability that translates well to the college game. This upcoming season will be an important one for her to continue to elevate her impact and show just how high of a Division I prospect she can be.

​

Newly evaluated Pins to know (without a profile):

​

Sydney Whisenton - Alamo, Texas - Elite Red level

Sydney has elite red level explosiveness, with a springy athleticism that allows her to cover the back row with calm, reactive defense. She also sets with smooth tempo and clean hands, and her versatility will be a major asset at the next level.

​

Chika Onukwugha - Metro DC, Maryland - Elite Orange level

Chika projects as a legit L2 at the next level. While undersized, she has the vertical ability and power to be an effective 6 rotation L2 at the D1 level, could be a borderline P4 player for the right program.

​

Kate Clegg - Skyline Jrs, Texas - Elite Orange level

Kate is a good jumper who consistently touches 120" (or higher) and has a fast, aggressive arm. An opposite for MadFrog, she does a great job controlling the right side of the net for her team.

​

Ella Mossbacher - OTVA, Florida - Elite Orange level

Ella has a quick, smooth arm that moves efficiently through the hitting window. She has good length with long arms and the versatility to score from either pin, currently playing opposite for her OTVA team.

​

Ashlyn Martin - Alliance, Tennessee - Elite Orange level

Ashlyn is a true gamer with good size and length who embraces big moments and is unfazed by pressure situations. After dealing with injuries last year, she’ll be looking to put together a healthy season and show her full impact.

​

Kinsley Moretti - MoCo Mavs, Texas - Orange level

Kinsley is undersized but brings good athleticism and jump ability, with a quick arm that allows her to score consistently. Her skill set and competitiveness should put her in high demand among mid-major programs.