New Player Profiles: 2028–2031 Prospects on the Rise

Sierra Thomas – Outside Hitter – Maryland Jrs – Class of 2029 – PPV Level: 172

Thomas is a dynamic outside hitter with a 125" approach touch and a naturally strong arm that makes her a scoring threat. She’s gained exposure at camps with Alabama, Miami, and Maryland, showcasing her athleticism and offensive skill. With continued development, Thomas has the tools and upside to become a versatile, impactful pin for her club and at the next level.

​

Rachel LaForge – OH/OPP – Pacific Coast VB – Class of 2029 – PPV Level: 118

LaForge is a tall outside/opposite at 73" with a 100" block, giving her a strong physical foundation to build on. She’s early in her development but shows the tools and frame that, with continued training and experience, can translate into a more complete offensive and defensive presence. As she gains reps in high-level competition, LaForge has the opportunity to refine her jump, arm swing, and overall skill set, making her a player to watch as she grows into her potential.

​

Katie Mitchell – Outside Hitter – METRO DC – Class of 2028 – PPV Level: 252

Mitchell is a high-impact outside hitter in the 2028 class with elite athleticism and a proven ability to score from the pin. A NTDP participant, she plays above her height with a strong vertical and efficient attacking mechanics that allow her to terminate against quality competition. Her résumé includes camps at Pitt, Virginia, and Maryland, highlighting early Power-level exposure. As her game continues to develop, Mitchell’s explosiveness and offensive reliability give her clear upside at the highest collegiate levels.

​

Lexi Rushton – Outside Hitter – Club V – Class of 2028 – PPV Level: 128

Rushton brings a deep résumé and proven leadership to the 2028 class. As a freshman, she earned First Team All-Region honors, led her varsity team in kills and aces, finished second in digs, and served as court captain. Her leadership extends to the club level as well, where she has been a team captain for three consecutive seasons. During the 2025 club season, Rushton was a true all-around contributor for Club V’s 15s Nationals team, leading in kills, digs, blocks, hitting percentage, and total points. She has expanded her exposure through camps at Utah, Utah State, and CSUN, and her competitive edge and skill set continue to drive her development as she defines her path at the next level.

​

Nalani Caitlin – Outside Hitter – San Diego VB Club – Class of 2029 – PPV Level: 108

Caitlin is a left-handed outside hitter in the 2029 class who brings an intriguing developmental profile. Playing with San Diego VB Club, she shows natural athleticism and bounce, giving her a solid physical base to build from as her game continues to evolve. As a younger prospect still early in her skill development, Caitlin’s upside will come through continued reps, technical refinement, and increased competition. Her left-handed attack and athletic foundation make her a player worth tracking as she grows into her role over the next few seasons.

​

Presley Johnson – Libero – OTVA – Class of 2029 – PPV Level: 148

Johnson is a steady libero in the 2029 class who has built a strong early résumé through both performance and exposure. She earned FACA Player of the Year honors and was named All-County First Team while competing for McKeel Academy, highlighting her consistency and reliability in the back row. Johnson has also gained college exposure through camps at South Carolina, Florida, and FIU, putting her in front of a wide range of coaching staffs. With her physical strength, competitive mindset, and growing experience, she remains a solid defensive prospect to track as her game continues to develop.

​

Hartley Mueller – Outside Hitter – Triangle VB – Class of 2029 – PPV Level: 239

Mueller is a high-ceiling outside hitter in the 2029 class with a résumé that already reflects national-level recognition and exposure. She is a four-time NTDP participant, a two-time Under Armour Middle School MVP, a Prep Volleyball Club All-American, and an AVCA Phenom, signaling consistent evaluation at the highest youth levels. Her college camp experience spans Penn State, Minnesota, Vanderbilt, UNC, and Miami, underscoring broad Power-level interest. On the court, Mueller combines a strong arm, solid jumping ability, and clean passing angles with good size and physical strength, giving her a complete foundation as she continues to develop into a top pin in her class.

​

Kalenna Thielle – Libero – AZ Storm – Class of 2030 – PPV Level: 228

Thielle is a standout young libero in the 2030 class who is already competing up with 15s TDP in both indoor and beach play. She brings an impressive résumé for her age, including being a six-time Junior Beach National Champion, a three-time Arizona State Court Champion, and a 2025 Summer NIT Champion. On the court, she shows advanced ball control, a quiet and efficient platform, and excellent body control, especially for an eighth grader. With good size for the position and a mature defensive skill set, Thielle carries very high upside as she continues to progress through the pipeline.

​

Emmie Hill – Middle Blocker – Tribe – Class of 2028 – PPV Level: 212

Hill is a long, high-upside middle blocker in the 2028 class whose physical profile and résumé point clearly upward. She participated in the 2025 NTDP Indoor Experience and earned Sun Sentinel Palm Beach County First Team and Palm Beach Post Second Team honors during the 2025 season. She was also named to the 2025 AVCA Watch List and received an invitation to the NTDP 2026 Kansas City Training Series, reflecting continued national-level evaluation. Hill has expanded her exposure through camps at Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Virginia, Auburn, Miami, UCLA, and Colorado. With her length, fast arm, and developing physicality, she projects as a long middle with significant upside as her strength continues to come along.

​

Eva Cat Bower – Setter – Idaho Crush – Class of 2031 – PPV Level: 256

Bower is an exceptionally advanced setter for the 2031 class, already showing impressive size and jumping ability as a seventh grader. She has gained early exposure at camps with Louisville, Auburn, and AM, and was the youngest player at NTDP, underscoring her early recognition at the national level. With her advanced skill set, physical tools, and court awareness, Bower is on track to be one of the top setters in her class, and her development will be exciting to watch over the coming years.

​

Paislee Terry – Setter – Munciana – Class of 2028 – PPV Level: 152

Terry is a highly skilled setter in the 2028 class with a résumé that includes two-time AAU All-American honors and an AAU National Championship. She has gained exposure at a wide range of camps, and her court vision and feel for tempo stand out — she runs a fast-paced offense with consistent touch and decision-making. Her ability to control the flow of the game and execute with precision makes her a setter to watch as she continues to develop.

​

Cali Hamilton – Libero/DS – Team Pineapple – Class of 2028 – PPV Level: 143

Hamilton is a defensive-minded libero/DS in the 2028 class who has already earned recognition on both the 2025 JVA Watchlist and 2025 AVCA Phenom Watchlist. She has contributed at the varsity level as a letterwinner and starter, gaining experience against strong competition. While video is limited, Hamilton’s early accolades and experience at the club and varsity levels demonstrate a foundation for continued growth and development in her defensive role.

​

Kenleigh Smith – Setter – Houston Skyline – Class of 2030 – PPV Level: 221

Smith is an advanced 8th-grade setter in the 2030 class with significant exposure, attending camps at SMU, UH, TCU, Baylor, LSU, and LBSU. At 5'6", she pairs athleticism and jumping ability with a strong, clean release, allowing her to run a dynamic offense. Aggressive and confident on the court, Smith shows advanced decision-making and tempo for her age, making her a setter to watch as she continues to develop and refine her game.

​

Che Tachibana – Outside Hitter – Spike and Serve – Class of 2028 – PPV Level: 209

Tachibana is a physically gifted outside hitter in the 2028 class with strong size, body control, and advanced measurables. She has already gained national exposure through UA NEXT, NTDP, and camps at BYU, Hawaii, Nevada Zona, and UCLA, and demonstrates a good feel for her hitters and tempo on the court. With her athletic profile and continued development, Tachibana has the tools to make a significant impact at both the club and next-level stages.

​

Kierslyn Cattau – Outside Hitter – VCNebraska – Class of 2030 – PPV Level: 139

Cattau is an offensively skilled outside hitter in the 2030 class, recently recognized on the Great Plains All-Star Team U15 in both 2024 and 2025. She shows a clean swing with good contact point and solid power, giving her a strong foundation as a developing pin. While still early in her growth, Cattau has the tools and athleticism to continue improving and make an impact at the club and next-level stages.

​

Emersyn Borgen – Setter – Inspire Athletics – Class of 2029 – PPV Level: 122

Borgen is an up-and-coming setter in the 2029 class with plenty of room to grow and develop her game. Playing with Inspire Athletics, she’s gaining early exposure to club competition and building a foundation in court awareness, tempo, and decision-making. With continued reps and experience, Borgen has the potential to refine her skills and make a greater impact as she progresses through to higher age groups.