New Player Profiles: The Names Shaping the Future of Volleyball

Hazel Lovins | OH | 2027 | SMASH | Massachusetts

Hazel Lovins has built an impressive high school career at Winchester High School, and her senior season is shaping up to be another standout chapter. The 6'0" outside hitter has already broken Winchester's all-time kills record and is closing in on 1,000 career kills, 200 aces, and 500 digs. Named a Boston Globe Players to Watch headliner and a two-time Boston Globe Player of the Week in 2026, Lovins is helping lead her team through a dominant season, with a 14-1 overall record and an undefeated 10-0 league mark. Her performance has also earned her a place on the AVCA All-America Watch List. Lovins' impact extends well beyond her latest numbers. In 2025, she earned Division 1 All-State honors, was voted League MVP by coaches across the 12-team league, and received All-Conference recognition. She also appeared on the Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic teams while helping lead Winchester to an undefeated league championship and a 21-2 season. Her résumé includes multiple AVCA Phenom and JVA Watch List selections, USAV High Performance Team recognition for New England, and leadership roles as captain, floor captain, and member of the Leadership Council. A six-rotation starter since her freshman year, Lovins has consistently paired high-level production with leadership, making her one of the names to know in the 2027 class.

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Abigail Koelling | Lib/DS | 2029 | No Coast Volleyball Academy | Missouri

At 5'5", Abigail Koelling is making her presence felt through defensive consistency and experience on the national stage. The 2029 libero/defensive specialist from No Coast Volleyball Academy and Incarnate Word Academy is a two-time AAU All-American, recognition that highlights her ability to compete against top talent. She has also helped earn a third-place finish in the USAV 15 National Division and received All-Tournament Team honors. Koelling's accomplishments extend beyond the court, with Academic All-State recognition adding to her growing résumé. As she continues developing in the 2029 class, her combination of national-level experience, tournament success, and academic achievement makes her a defender to keep an eye on.

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Ava Young | S/OPP | 2030 | Master's Volleyball Academy (MVA) | Maryland

Ava Young brings positional versatility to the 2030 class, developing as both a setter and opposite for Master's Volleyball Academy and Garrison Forest School. At 5'7", Young offers a multi-dimensional skill set, with experience across two roles that demand both court awareness and offensive contribution. Her participation in a UA NEXT camp at a young age also gives her experience in a competitive development environment as she continues building her game. With a 100-inch block touch and a 109-inch approach touch, Young is continuing to develop her physical tools alongside her positional flexibility. As she progresses through her high school and club career, her ability to contribute in multiple roles makes her a young player worth following.

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Gabriella Boyers | OH/OPP | 2029 | SMASH | Massachusetts

Gabriella Boyers is putting together a résumé that stands out well beyond her years. The 6'0" outside hitter/opposite with SMASH and Shrewsbury High School is a high-level athlete who isn't afraid to take big, aggressive swings. Her ability to stay available and ready to attack in transition makes her especially dangerous, allowing her to remain an offensive option even as the play develops. That aggressive approach has translated into record-breaking production, as Boyers has broken her school's varsity single-season kills record twice, first as a freshman and again as a sophomore. She also set a personal best with 30 kills in a single game and led the Massachusetts Class of 2029 in kills, kills per set, and hitting percentage, while ranking fifth in digs. Boyers' recognition reflects her impact on the court. She earned a spot on the 2026 JVA All-National Team and JVA Watchlist, is a three-time NERVA All-Star, and has been named an AVCA Phenom twice. Her résumé also includes First Team All-Conference and MidWach A All-Star honors, along with an All-Star selection in Wisconsin in 2025. At just 13, she was named MVP of the 16 Open Claim Your Crown Tournament, an early sign of her ability to compete against older talent. With experience at camps including Florida, Tennessee, and Boston College, Boyers continues to establish herself as a standout in the 2029 class.

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Shasta Ackerman | Lib/DS | 2029 | MODE | Idaho

Shasta Ackerman brings relentless effort and defensive awareness to the court for MODE and Lakeland Senior High School. At 5'5", the 2029 libero/defensive specialist makes her presence felt through hustle plays, working hard to cover attackers and keeping rallies alive when opponents look ready to finish a point. Her willingness to stay active and involved in every play gives her team an added layer of defensive support. Ackerman also makes an impact from the service line, using her serving to keep pressure on opposing teams and disrupt their rhythm. Combining a hardworking defensive approach with the ability to challenge opponents from the line, Ackerman is a player whose contributions go beyond the stat sheet as she continues to develop in the 2029 class.

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Collins Molloy | OH/S | 2031 | Oklahoma Peak | Oklahoma

At 5'10", Collins Molloy is an exciting young talent in the 2031 class, bringing both size and positional versatility to Oklahoma Peak as an outside hitter and setter. Molloy already has national-level success on her résumé, helping capture the 2026 USAV 13 USA Championship after previously earning a U13 All-Star championship in 2025 and finishing as the runner-up in 2024. That progression reflects a young player who has continued competing at a high level through multiple stages of her development. Molloy's physical tools add another dimension to her potential, with a 108-inch block touch and a 110-inch approach touch. Her ability to contribute in both the front row and as a setter gives her multiple ways to influence the game. With championship experience already behind her and several years of development ahead, Molloy is a young player to watch as she continues building her game.

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Olivia Burkett | Lib/DS/OH | 2030 | Legacy Volleyball | Michigan

At 5'10", Olivia Burkett brings an unusual combination of height and defensive range to the 2030 class. Competing with Legacy Volleyball and Milford High School, Burkett contributes across multiple roles as a libero and outside hitter. Her defensive game is built around extending her range, getting touches on difficult balls, and finding ways to keep rallies alive when opponents appear to have the advantage. Burkett's willingness to pursue the ball and make plays on defense gives her team another opportunity to reset and stay in rallies. With the versatility to contribute in the back row and as an outside hitter, she offers flexibility that can be valuable as she continues to develop. Burkett is a player to watch as she builds on her defensive instincts and all-around skill set.

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Isabella Hargis | S/OPP | 2029 | Rhythm Volleyball | Tennessee

At 5'11", Isabella Hargis brings size and positional versatility to the 2029 class as a setter/opposite with Rhythm Volleyball and Mount Juliet High School. Her ability to develop across two roles gives her multiple avenues to contribute, combining the playmaking responsibilities of a setter with the attacking opportunities of an opposite. Hargis has recorded a 110-inch block touch and a 113-inch approach touch, providing a glimpse of her physical tools at the net. As she continues developing her game with Rhythm Volleyball and Mount Juliet, Hargis is a versatile young player to keep an eye on in the 2029 class.

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Peyton M. Lee | Lib/DS | 2029 | Metro VBC | Maryland

Peyton M. Lee brings a team-first mindset and plenty of hustle to the back row for Metro VBC and Southern Maryland Christian Academy. The 5'4" libero/defensive specialist does a great job covering her teammates and staying engaged throughout rallies, working to keep balls alive and giving her team opportunities to continue the play. Her determination and willingness to pursue the ball make her a valuable defensive presence.As Lee continues developing her game, building consistency in serve receive will add another layer to her defensive skill set. With her coverage instincts and relentless effort already on display, Lee is a player to watch as she progresses through the 2029 class.

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Sophia Shafer | OH/DS | 2029 | RULU Volleyball Club | Florida

At 5'11", Sophia Shafer brings size and athletic potential to the outside hitter position for RULU Volleyball Club and Sunlake High School. The 2029 standout contributes as an attacker while also taking on defensive responsibilities, giving her opportunities to impact rallies on both sides of the ball. With a 114-inch approach touch and a 108-inch block touch, Shafer has promising physical tools to continue building her game at the net. Shafer has also attended camp at the University of Tampa, gaining experience in a collegiate training environment. As she continues developing her attacking game and defensive presence, she is a player to keep an eye on in Florida's 2029 class.

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Kelbie Giberson | OH/OPP | 2029 | Idaho Crush | Idaho

At 5'11", Kelbie Giberson brings an attacking presence to Idaho Crush and Rocky Mountain High School as an outside hitter and opposite. The 2029 prospect has recorded a 119-inch approach touch and a 111-inch block touch, giving her a strong physical foundation to build on at the net. With experience on both the left and right sides of the offense, Giberson has opportunities to develop her attacking game from different areas of the court. Giberson has attended camps at San Diego State and the University of San Diego, gaining exposure to collegiate-level training and competition. As she continues to develop her offensive game and refine her skills, Giberson is a name to watch in Idaho's 2029 class.

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Sophia Hornby | OH/OPP | 2029 | Sunshine | California

Sophia Hornby is building a strong résumé as an OH/OPP in the 2029 class. Competing with Sunshine and Oaks Christian High School, Hornby has already earned recognition on the national stage, making the All-Tournament Team at the 2026 Girls Junior National Championships. She also received All-Tournament Team honors at the 2025 Redondo Union/Mira Costa JV Invitational, demonstrating her ability to make an impact in competitive tournament settings. Hornby's progress has earned her a place on the 2026 AVCA Phenom Watch List, adding to her growing recognition as she continues developing her game. She has also attended camps at Yale, the University of San Diego, Georgetown, and other programs, gaining experience in a range of collegiate training environments. With tournament accolades and continued exposure to high-level coaching, Hornby is a player to follow as she progresses through the 2029 class.

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Laurel McElrath | OH/OPP | 2029 | Alliance | Tennessee

Laurel McElrath brings a physical, aggressive style of play to the 2029 class. The 6'0" outside hitter/opposite with Alliance and Brentwood High School stands out for her powerful arm swing and ability to make smart attacking decisions. Rather than relying on power alone, McElrath does a strong job reading the opposing block and finding ways to work around it, making her a difficult attacker to defend. That combination of physicality and court awareness gives McElrath an edge at the net. Her ability to recognize blocking schemes and adjust her shots allows her to stay aggressive while making thoughtful decisions in attack. As she continues to develop, McElrath is a high-level prospect to watch in the 2029 class.

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Carmen Ward | OH/OPP | 2029 | MASS Impact | Massachusetts

Carmen Ward is continuing to build her game as an outside hitter and opposite with MASS Impact and Arlington Catholic. As a member of the 2029 class, Ward has gained experience in both club and high school volleyball while exploring opportunities to develop her skills in collegiate training environments. Ward has attended camps at the University of New Hampshire and Endicott College, adding to her exposure to different coaching styles and training settings. As she continues to gain experience and refine her game, Ward has room to build on her foundation and take the next steps in her volleyball development.

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Julianna Peduto | S/OPP | 2031 | TRIBE TC | Florida

Julianna Peduto is a young player to watch in the 2031 class, developing as a setter/opposite with TRIBE TC in Florida. At 5'8", Peduto is building her game across two roles, combining the decision-making and distribution involved in setting with opportunities to contribute offensively as an opposite. She recently earned a runner-up finish at the 2026 Middle School Regional level, gaining valuable competitive experience early in her volleyball journey. Peduto has also attended camp at Florida Atlantic University, giving her an opportunity to learn in a collegiate training environment. With a 107-inch block touch and a 110-inch approach touch, she has a foundation of physical tools to continue developing. As she gains more experience and refines her skills, Peduto is a young prospect to follow in the 2031 class.

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Riley Kinney | S/OPP | 2029 | Just A Game Volleyball | Wisconsin

Riley Kinney has established herself as a multi-dimensional player in the 2029 class, competing as a setter/opposite with Just A Game Volleyball and Riverdale High School. At 5'10", Kinney brings an attacking presence to her position, supported by a 118-inch approach touch. Her ability to contribute as both a playmaker and an offensive option gives her multiple ways to influence the game. Kinney's high school success includes First Team SWAL All-Conference honors as both a freshman and sophomore, demonstrating consistency early in her career. She has also earned All-Tournament Team recognition at the 2026 Friendship Tournament in Wisconsin Dells and the 2026 JustAGame Tournament, along with a place on the AVCA Phenom Watch List. With conference honors and tournament recognition already on her résumé, Kinney continues to build momentum as she progresses through the 2029 class.

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Emma Luehrs | S | 2030 | TRIBE | Florida

Emma Luehrs is already putting together an exceptional résumé as a setter, pairing high-level playmaking with remarkable success at a young age. Standing 6'0", the TRIBE and North Broward Preparatory School standout has surpassed 2,000 career varsity assists and averages 9.6 assists per set, ranking No. 1 in Florida. A high school team captain and honors student with a 4.4 GPA, Luehrs has established herself as a leader both on the court and in the classroom. Her accomplishments began early. At just 12 years old, Luehrs served as setter for North Broward Prep's district championship team and ran a 5–1 offense at the 2024 USAV National Championship. In 2025, her TRIBE 13s team finished in the top three at both USA and AAU Nationals. At 14, she became the first eighth-grade setter to win a Florida state championship, adding another milestone to an already impressive career. With her combination of size, court leadership, and elite assist production, Luehrs is a standout young setter to watch in the 2030 class.