Separation Weekend: 2028 Prospects Who Elevated at Triple Crown NIT

Triple Crown NIT gave us one of the clearest evaluation weekends yet for the 2028 class. When this much talent is packed into one venue, separation happens quickly. Some players confirmed what we believed from film. Others forced real movement on our board. And a few introduced themselves in a big way.

Here’s who stood out, and why.

The Tribe (FL) Duo That Drove It

Tribe Volleyball Club

It’s impossible to talk about this weekend without starting with Molly Monday and Emmie Hill.

Molly Monday (Setter) is a true difference-maker. I hadn’t seen her for a full match until Triple Crown, and she was every bit as impressive live as she is on film. Her tempo and touch are advanced for her class, but what separates her is decision-making. She actively looks to establish her middles, especially in transition, and understands how to make her team better. She doesn’t just run an offense. She elevates it.

One of the biggest beneficiaries of that connection is Emmie Hill (MB). Elite height and length immediately jump off the court, but she pairs that with legitimate athleticism. She does a great job making herself available in transition, and Molly rewards her. Emmie scored consistently all weekend and looked comfortable against high-level competition. Her performance raised her PPV from 212 to 221, moving her into Elite Red. That’s significant movement in a deep class.

Alamo’s Deep Run Powered by Tempo and Intent

Alamo Volleyball Club

Alamo’s 3rd place finish was fueled by strong, composed leadership from Sydney Whisenten (Setter). She ran the offense with confidence and control, but what really separated her was her topspin jump serve. It was a weapon. Multiple teams struggled to handle it, and she created real scoring runs from the service line.

On the pin, Claire Bolton (OH) was electric. She plays with intent to score every time she leaves the floor. If blockers aren’t disciplined, she’ll sneak in on a two and put it away. Her motor runs hot, and her aggressive nature fits today’s attacking profile.

And on the right, Piper Pease (OPP) immediately passed the eye test. A long, athletic lefty with a heavy swing and real jump, she brings size and terminal ability that projects well long-term.

Houston Jrs Impact Pieces

Houston Juniors Volleyball

Houston finished 11th and had multiple players worth tracking.

Elsa St. Rose (OH) is simply reliable. She scores efficiently, passes well, and plays within herself. She profiles as a strong L2 at any level. Steady, productive, and low error.

We didn’t have much prior data on Oluwamayokun Orundami (OPP), but her athleticism and strength stood out immediately. The physical tools are real, and she looks like a prospect who will continue to climb as we gather more evaluations.

Six-Rotation Opposites Trending Up

The right side depth in this class continues to impress.

Lana Frelix (OPP) of San Gabriel Elite is now playing six rotations, and her ball control has taken a noticeable step forward. She’s still the explosive, terminal scorer her team relies on, but the expanded skill set raises her ceiling.

Avery Minor (OPP) from Minnesota Select was highlighted before the tournament, and she delivered. You can see how much her team leans on her. She has one of the cleanest arm swings in the gym: smooth, explosive, and repeatable. She popped every time I watched her.

At Northern Lights, Mesa Jameson (OPP) continues to look like one of the top right sides in the class. Playing six rotations, her ball control has improved while her offense and blocking remain high level.

Iowa Premier’s Balance and Connection

Iowa Premier Volleyball Club

Elle Hatlevig (OH) is a true six-rotation outside and a go-to option in big moments. Her team looks to her to make plays, and she answers.

Setter Addison Waldorf did a strong job distributing and managing tempo, but what stood out most was her connection with middle Alena Schaack (MB). Addison consistently worked to get her involved, and Alena capitalized.

Alena may be slightly undersized for a traditional middle, but her vertical and arm speed make her extremely effective. Long term, she could project as a pin, but with her athleticism and explosiveness, staying in the middle is absolutely viable.

Elite Middles Holding Firm

Shaun Waller (MB) of Tennessee Performance Volleyball continues to cement herself as one of the top middles in the 2028 class. Dynamic, coordinated, and increasingly dangerous on the slide, she validated her status once again.

At Adversity Volleyball Club, Sophia Polec (MB) introduced herself in a big way. She competes hard, brings great energy, and is a solid attacker. We’re giving her an initial PPV of 179, placing her in the Elite Orange tier.

High-Impact Pins Across the Country

Mya Lee (OH) of KC Power  carries a heavy role for her team and delivers. Her athleticism and all-around game stood out.

At Northern Lights, Cora Thiemann (OH/DS) impacts the match in multiple ways — active, reliable, and capable of scoring off the block.

Nayeli Dragoo-Crawford (OH) from Dallas Skyline Juniors showed clear development since last season. Her impact is tangible when watching her team compete. We are raising her PPV to 177, moving her from Orange to Elite Orange.

Charlotte Patton (OH) of Tri-State Elite Volleyball Club validated her borderline Silver status with her size and performance at the event.

And at Adversity, Kolby Ross (OH) may be undersized, but her jump, explosiveness, power, and ball control were undeniable. She was one of the most impressive all-around performers I saw. Real production. Real impact. REAL DEAL!

Final Take

Triple Crown didn’t just reinforce how deep the 2028 class is, it showed who is beginning to separate. Elite Red movement. New Elite Orange additions. Six-rotation growth. Terminal scoring from every pin.

This class is far from settled, but the gap between tiers is starting to form.

And that’s exactly what Triple Crown is supposed to reveal.