Previewing 2028’s Top Recruits - California Edition

Our search for the top 2028 recruits continues, and next, we head to one of the most storied volleyball states in the country. California remains a powerhouse for talent and is still, without a doubt, one of the premier breeding grounds for elite prospects.

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Top Evaluated Player Profiles :

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Megan Hodges - MB, Tstreet - Diamond Level

One of our few Diamond level athletes in each class. Megan is not just the top player in California but one of the top in her entire class.  USA Volleyball chose her to compete at the Pan Am Games, in Ontario, this summer with the U19 team. One of only 12 athletes USA selected to be on the team. At 77” and patrolling the middle, she is a BIG reason her Tstreet squad has more big goals ahead.

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Janiah Burrage - OH, Froza 1 - Gold Level 

Janiah is an NTDP veteran and one of the most physically gifted athletes in California. Standing around 72" with a 127" vertical leap, she checks every box for a top Gold level recruit. Her arm swing is explosive, and she consistently contacts at her highest point, allowing her to hit over blockers. But she has more tools in her toolbox, her off speed shots are deceptive catching teams off-guard. She’s incredibly fun to watch, and whoever lands her at the next level is getting an immediate impact player.

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Chayse Courtney - OH, Vision - Silver Level

Chayse is a long, springy athlete with a whip of an arm. Her aggressive approach and attacking mentality make her a true terminator at the net. But she’s not just a front-row threat, she’s equally dangerous from the back row, scoring with power and confidence. Add in her big, physical block, and it’s easy to see why Chayse is yet another top-tier Silver level recruit coming out of Vision.

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Lana Frelix - OPP, San Gabriel Elite - Silver Level

Lana is a true shutdown Silver Level opposite for SG Elite. This 16 Roshambo team is one of the most athletic groups the club has produced since 2018, and Lana is one of the standout reasons why. She’s explosive off the floor, touching over WELL over 120”, and pairs that with an incredibly fast arm. Once the ball enters her hitting window, it’s on the floor in a hurry. She’s also been putting in the work to elevate her back-row game to go along with her D-ball attack that has become a major weapon for this squad. Lana, and the entire 16 Roshambo team, are must-watch prospects for recruiters.

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Summer Tukua - OH, Wave - Elite Red Level

Summer has a complete all-around game, backed up by her NTDP beach invitations. The beach influence is obvious, her ball control is clean, her decision-making is sharp, and she attacks with great vision. She takes big approaches to elevate and her fast arm moves quickly through the hitting zone, allowing her to use her wrist to find seams and open floor. There’s a bit of Brooke Nuneviller to her game in the way she goes after the ball offensively. Summer has the tools to be an Elite Red/Silver level dual-sport athlete, capable of impacting both indoor and beach at the next level.

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Josslyn Jacks - OPP, Tstreet - Elite Red Level

Josslyn is one of several Tstreet standouts on our list, and she’s quickly becoming a name to watch. An Elite Red level OPP, and recent VBAdrenaline “Weekly Riser,” she’s also an NTDP invitee who has boosted her jump touch and drawn significant interest from college programs. A heavy, physical swinger, Josslyn plays a major role in Tstreet’s success and is poised to help lead a team with big goals this season.

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Malie Ogbechie - OH, Sports Academy - Elite Red Level

Malie is an extremely well-rounded athlete and a true six-rotation Elite Red level outside hitter. She is STRONG, when she gets ahold of a ball, it comes off her hand with serious force. But attacking isn’t her only asset. She’s a steady passer, plays disciplined back-row defense, and is someone her team leans on heavily in all phases of the game. At the net, her blocking is physical and imposing. When the ball hits her, it’s like it’s hitting a brick wall. Malie is the kind of complete, dependable player every coach wants on the court.

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Saylor Halvorsen - OH, San Gabriel Elite - Red Level

Saylor is a key emerging piece for SG Elite’s 16 Roshambo squad, bringing a blend of size and athleticism to the pin. At 74” and touching 122", she has the physical attributes coaches look for, but what really stands out is the growth she’s shown since transitioning from middle to outside. She’s invested heavily in improving her serve receive and defense, giving her a much more complete presence on the court. With her strength, jump, and improving ball control, Saylor is quickly carving out her own identity as a high-upside Red level pin hitter.

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Sasha Slaughter - MB, Absolute - Red Level

Sasha was also featured on our list of 2028 MBs to watch this season. She’s a strong athlete with fluid movement and natural front-row instincts. She’s effective attacking in front of the setter on quicks and continues to expand her range offensively. Sasha has clear Elite Orange level upside, with the kind of physical tools that translate extremely well at higher levels. A strong, disciplined blocker, she projects as a highly reliable Red level MB wherever she ends up at the next level

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Other athletes catching our attention (without a profile):

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Carolina Delaney - OH, Absolute - Elite Red Level

Standing at 75” at the pin, this NTDP Summer Invitee has huge upside with her high contact swing. Elite Red Level Athlete with the size to play at the P4 level.

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Allie Charvat - MB, San Gabriel Elite - Elite Red Level

Our 3rd 16 Roshambo player on this list. Allie is a long 71” and jumps over 120”. She brings balance at every position for this team who is exploding with athleticism.

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Piper Coady - OH, Tstreet - Elite Red Level

Multiple NTDP participant and another player from this stacked 16s Tstreet team. Piper is a tall OH who has great all around game. A 6 rotation left who is a high jumper and has the ability to attack above the block.

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Kaleia Zeits - Libero, SC Rockstar - Red Level

Another in a long line of high level Liberos from the former LB Mizuno club. One of the best ball control clubs in the country, Kaleia has been trained very well. A quick twitchy defender that has a high motor to match.

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Abigail Lennon - OH, SC Rockstar - Elite Orange Level

Did we mention this club knows how to teach ball control? Abigail is another super steady passer and 6 rotation OH. She makes passing look easy and when attacking brings some serious heat to terminate.

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Makenna Grieshaber - MB, Coast - Elite Orange Level

Makenna has good size at MB with a balanced first step to close blocks. Offensively she has a fast arm and runs a real nice slide.

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Izabella Slavkov - OH, Tstreet - Orange Level

Yet another Tstreet 16s teammate. Izabella is a very reliable and important piece for this squad. Her steady passing and ability to score makes her the perfect L2 for every team.