New Player Profiles: 10 Players to Know From the 2028-2031 Classes

Mia Johnson | 2030 | MB/OH | AVC Cleveland

Mia Johnson is a 2030 middle blocker/outside hitter from Hawken Upper School who is already seeing varsity-level action as a young high school player. Johnson competes with AVC Cleveland and currently holds the highest hitting percentage on her high school team. She also put together a strong showing against South on September 15, recording five blocks in Hawken’s four-set win. At 5-foot-10 with a 108-inch approach touch, Johnson brings good athleticism to the front row and has the versatility to contribute at both middle and outside. She is described as an athlete who makes good choices on the court and has shown the ability to find success through smart play. She has also attended camp at Otterbein, giving her some early exposure to the college level. There is still plenty of room for Johnson to develop as a 2030, particularly in becoming more aggressive offensively and improving her transition speed. Her early varsity production, athleticism and decision-making give her an interesting foundation as she continues to grow into her game.

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Averie Tatko | 2029 | Setter | Pittsburgh Elite

Averie Tatko is a 2029 setter from Pittsburgh Elite and Peters Township High School who brings a polished skill set and strong early recognition to the position. The 5-foot-8 setter has been named to the JVA Watchlist for 2026 and recognized as an AVCA Phenom for 2026. She also has college camp experience at Winthrop. Tatko stands out for her hands and ability to create a good tempo for her hitters. She does a nice job delivering a consistent ball and allowing her attackers to stay in rhythm. As she continues to develop, improving her ability to set effectively when the pass takes her off the net or forces her away from her feet will be an important next step. With her feel for tempo and technical foundation, Tatko is an intriguing setter to watch as she continues through the 2029 class.

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Ella Giuliano | 2028 | LIB/DS/OH | Summit Six Volleyball Club

Ella Giuliano is a 2028 libero/defensive specialist/outside hitter from Manchester Central High School who has built an impressive resume of recognition across New England. Giuliano was selected to the USA Volleyball NERVA New England Region All-Star Team and was named to the All-Tournament Team at the 2026 April Challenge. She was also an NH All-State Honorable Mention selection in 2025 and received her varsity volleyball team's Coaches Award in 2024. At 5-foot-7, Giuliano brings strong athleticism and versatility to the court, with a 118-inch approach touch and 117-inch block touch. Her ability to contribute as both a back-row defender and an outside hitter gives her multiple ways to impact a lineup. She has also gained college exposure through camps at Boston College, Temple and Syracuse. With several years of high-level volleyball ahead of her, Giuliano's combination of experience, athleticism and versatility makes her a player to keep an eye on in the 2028 class.

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Kiyah Kennedy | 2031 | OH/OPP | Dynasty Volleyball

Kiyah Kennedy is a 2031 outside hitter/opposite from Dynasty Volleyball who is beginning to establish herself as a young prospect to watch. At 5-foot-7 with a 117-inch approach touch, Kennedy brings a solid athletic foundation to the front row. As one of the younger players in the 2031 class, Kennedy has plenty of time to continue developing her offensive game and physical tools. Her combination of youth, athleticism and positional versatility gives her an intriguing foundation as she continues to gain experience.

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Brynlee Stitcher | 2029 | MB/OPP | 3DGE

Brynlee Stitcher is a 2029 middle blocker/opposite from Oakland Catholic School who has already earned recognition at both the club and high school levels. Stitcher has been named to the JVA Watchlist and Phenom Watchlist, while also earning WPIAL Section All-Star Second Team honors and a varsity letter. She was also selected for Queens of the Burgh. At 5-foot-11, Stitcher brings good size to the front row and shows particularly well as a blocker. She moves laterally well along the net and has a strong ability to read the game, using good eyes to get herself into position for touches. That combination of movement and court awareness gives her a solid foundation at the net. With her blocking instincts and size, Stitcher is an interesting 2029 prospect to continue following as she develops her game on both sides of the net.

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Makenna Ramsey | 2030 | MB/OPP | Armor Elite

Makenna Ramsey is a 2030 middle blocker/opposite from Casteel High School who brings impressive size and movement to the front row. At 6-foot-1, Ramsey has the physical tools to make an impact at the net and has also gained early college exposure through a camp at Loyola Chicago. Ramsey moves well from pin to pin and shows particularly nice footwork in transition. She also does a good job making herself available in the offense, consistently working to give her setter an option. For a player in the 2030 class, her combination of size, movement and willingness to stay involved in the offense gives her plenty to build on. As she continues to develop, Ramsey's ability to move efficiently and remain available throughout a rally could make her an interesting player to follow in the 2030 class.

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Brooke Baldwin | 2029 | MB/OPP | Velocity

Brooke Baldwin is a 2029 middle blocker/opposite from Hartfield Academy who brings good size to the front row at 5-foot-11. Baldwin has the physical profile to continue developing into an impactful net presence as she gains experience. Defensively, Baldwin showed a good feel for reading the court and made some strong reads when covering tips. Her movement at the net is an area that will be important to continue developing, particularly when it comes to getting into position and executing her blocking moves. With her size and defensive instincts, Baldwin has a foundation to build on as she continues to develop her movement and blocking game.

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Zenaia Gray | 2030 | LIB/DS/OH | Metro Travel

Zenaia Gray is a 2030 libero/defensive specialist/outside hitter from Flint High School who stands out for her ball control and defensive effort. The 5-foot-5 athlete has a 107-inch approach touch and has already gained college exposure through camps at Georgetown, George Washington and Brown. Gray brings a strong defensive presence to the court, showing good ball control and a willingness to make the hustle plays that keep rallies alive. She has a particularly good first step and does a nice job digging balls outside of her typical range, allowing her to cover a lot of court and extend plays. Gray also has a highlight reel available on her VBAdrenaline profile, giving a closer look at her game. With her defensive instincts, quickness and versatility across the back row and outside hitter position, Gray is an intriguing 2030 player to continue following.

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Sarai Nicholas | 2028 | OH/OPP | 407 Volleyball Club

Sarai Nicholas is a 2028 outside hitter/opposite from Olympia High School who has already built an impressive resume at both the club and national levels. Nicholas has been named to the AVCA Phenom Watchlist twice and is an AAU National Champion. At 5-foot-10, Nicholas brings good size and athleticism to the front row, with a 118-inch approach touch and 114-inch block touch. Her physical tools give her the ability to contribute on both sides of the net, while her experience at the national level adds valuable competition experience. With multiple AVCA Phenom Watchlist selections and an AAU National Championship already on her resume, Nicholas is an intriguing 2028 prospect to continue following as she develops.

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Olivia Petersen | 2030 | OH/DS | Livewire

Olivia Petersen is a 2030 outside hitter/defensive specialist from Chaperrel High School who is beginning to make her mark with Livewire. At 5-foot-8, Petersen brings versatility to the court with experience both as an attacker and in the back row. Still early in her development, Petersen has plenty of time to continue expanding her game and establishing herself at the high school and club levels. As more information and game experience become available, she will be a player to keep an eye on in the 2030 class.