Previewing 2028's Top Recruits - Arizona Edition

Previewing Arizona’s Top Prospects

​

Arizona has steadily become one of the biggest hotbeds for high-quality D1 talent, and the 2028 class is no exception, especially at the MB and Libero positions, where Arizona has a history of producing top-tier recruits. Here are some of 2028’s top prospects - Arizona edition:

​

Top Evaluated Player Profiles:

​

Izzie Penrose - Libero, Arizona Storm - Silver level

All of Izzie’s measurables are Silver level or better for her position. She is a dynamic libero who embodies everything you want in a back-row leader: balanced movement, strong reading skills, a fantastic out-of-system setting touch, and a consistently vocal presence. Her serve-receive angles are effortless, and she is as reliable as any libero in this class. We’re excited to see where she decides to continue her career.

​

Annabelle Ross - MB, Arizona Strom - Silver level

A long, 10'4" jumper, Annabelle carries high Silver upside as a prospect. She uses her length and vertical to attack sharp angles, and she can score off two feet in front (quicks and gaps) as well as off one leg behind (slides), giving her true versatility as an attacker. Her length also provides a clear advantage at the net as a blocker. Annabelle is another high-upside prospect who is sure to draw significant attention from Power 4 programs.

​

Ameri Frazier - MB, Arizona Storm - Elite Red level

Amari is a dynamic Elite Red-level athlete with Silver upside. Her quick first step and strong arm allow her to attack with intent and score efficiently from multiple spots. She moves well laterally and plays with confidence, bringing an edge that elevates her team. She has one of the best press blocks of all MBs, and her strength allows her to be a wall when she is lined up on you. She is drawing attention from plenty of high-powered Power 4 schools, and will have a busy June 15th.

​

Anabelle Cummings - Libero, Arizona Revolution - Elite Red level

Have you heard that big things come in small packages? Anabelle is the definition of that saying. To be a top libero, typically size is one common requirement; of course, there are exceptions to every rule.l Anabelle is definitely an exception. If you are not the prototypical size (for any position) you have to be exceptional in the other parts of your game, and boy does she ever. She has some Laney Choboy to her game: speed, quick first step, ability to read hitters, controlling her digs, and tenacity. If you like high-level defenders, Anabelle is a FUN watch! An Elite Red level prospect with possible Silver level as her game continues to mature and grow.

​

Zoe Anderson - Libero, Club One Arizona - Elite Orange level

Another libero in the top 5?! Yup, 2028 seems to be the year of the libero, and Zoe is another in the state of Arizona that needs to be on everyone’s radar. She has a smooth game that allows her to read and be in good spots. Some defenders have to dive every which way to get the ball up, but then there are some that get in a good position and allow the game to come to them and make it look easy, that is Zoe. A strong and balanced defender that does not have to be constantly diving all over the place to collect 20+ digs a match (but she can if she needs to). I appreciate watching Zoe because of how calm and collected she is while making defense and digging look easy.

​

Vanessa Gridley - Setter, Arizona Sky - Orange level

Vanessa is a tall, strong setter who takes the ball high and delivers with a consistent release. She sets a clean tempo with reliable location, keeping her hitters in rhythm. Her size also allows her to be an effective attacker in the front row, where she shows a strong arm and the ability to score. On the block, when she’s lined up, she is a physical presence who can take away space and make hitters uncomfortable. Vanessa is a high-upside Orange setting prospect with valuable two-way impact.

Ava Martinez - MB/OPP, Arizona Sky - Orange level

Ava has great length and long arms, giving her a natural reach that immediately stands out. She plays with a steady, controlled tempo and shows flashes of what she can become as she continues to grow athletically. With increased quickness and a more dynamic transition pace, she has the physical tools to elevate her impact significantly. Her length provides real blocking and attacking potential, and as her motor and explosiveness develop, Ava projects as an Orange-level prospect with plenty of room to climb.

​

Lila Liimatta - OH, Aspire - Orange level

Lila is the type of player that I love. She will always have the chip on her shoulder and plays a well-rounded game. She’s just a volleyball player, not just an athlete who does some things well. She is a quick-off-the-ground jumper with a fast arm and true versatility in the front row. She can run multiple tempos and finds ways to score from a variety of sets. Defensively, she holds her own and shows strong instincts, adding to her overall impact. With Elite Orange-level athletic ability and a well-rounded skill set, Lila is the definition of an all-around volleyball player with significant upside. And she probably does not get the props she deserves.

​

Gabriella Nucci - MB, Arizona Sky - Orange level

Gabriella has good size and uses it well, contacting at a high point and driving the ball to the floor with pace. On the block, she presses over the net effectively and closes well to the pins. When she’s lined up, she can be a true shutdown presence at the net. She is a solid Orange-level athlete who is on the radar of many conference championship-contending Division 1 programs.

​

Faith Bahun - Libero, Arizona Storm - Green level

Faith is a calm, under-control passer who creates good angles and stays relaxed in serve receive. Defensively, she moves well around the block and consistently controls her digs. Her out-of-system setting is a real asset, she has clean hands and a deceptive second-contact attack that can score when opponents aren’t expecting it. Faith is a steady, reliable back-row presence with valuable all-around Green-level skill.

​

Other athletes catching our attention (without a profile):

​

Nina Tinsley - OH, Arizona Storm - Elite Orange level

Nia brings Silver-level athleticism and a cannon attached to her right arm. She steps to the ball confidently, no matter where it’s set, showing the poise of a seasoned vet. Add in that she’s a true six-rotation player, and she has the potential to be a scary L2 for a lot of programs.

​

Mikaela Lee-Tsosie - MB, Arizona East Valley Jrs - Orange level

Mikela has good size and athleticism, paired with a strong arm and a physical block. She runs a powerful slide and shows clear high-upside potential. With continued development, she is most likely an Orange-level athlete and has the tools to become one of the top recruits in the state.

​

Saydie Vegas - OH, Athletes Only VBC - Green level

Saydie has a quick arm and high-end athleticism. She scores off whatever set she’s given, using a wide variety of shots to find the floor. She’s clearly the go-to option for her team when they need to side out, and she delivers. A Greene level athlete, we look forward to following her journey and where it takes her at the next level.

​

Kallie George - OH/DS, Club Cactus - Orange level

Kallie has one of the fastest arms in the class. She does a great job scoring as an undersized OH, using quick tempo and that fast arm to play at a truly high level. Add in her ability to play six rotations as a high-level pin, and she becomes a major advantage for any team. As an Orange-level athlete, she is going to have some options at the next level.

​

Kennedy Melashenko - Libero, Arizona Rev - Green level

Kennedy has great body control. She makes her movement and serve receive look easy with good angles. Defensively Kennedy is not flashy, which is a good thing, she reads the opposing hitters well and finds herself in good positions to not have to make crazy diving plays. But she has the ability to do so if the play calls for it.

​

Nikolina Djordjevich - OH, Arizona Storm - Green level

Nikolina has nice size at the pin. She does a good job contacting the ball at the high point of her swing and is a strong front row presence. We look forward to seeing more of her and her development this club season.

​

Allison Veres - Setter, AZ Sky

Allision missed most of last club season and this high school season with a tough shoulder injury. She was playing varsity as a freshman the prior season so we are eager to follow her progress this club season now that has been cleared to play. We do not have a evaluation or rating on her but now that she is good to go, stay tuned this club season for it!