State Spotlight Part 2: 17 More States. 17 More Players You Need to Know

State Spotlight Part 2: 17 More States. 17 More Players You Need to Know

Louisiana: Baylor Cauley

2027 | S/OPP | Infinity Volleyball

Baylor Cauley has established herself as one of Louisiana's most accomplished players, bringing a unique combination of playmaking ability, offensive versatility, and proven production. Whether she's running an offense as a setter or creating points herself, Cauley has consistently shown why she has become one of the state's premier 2027 prospects. Her résumé is filled with accomplishments, including Bayou Jamb Volleyball Player of the Year, District MVP, District Offensive Player of the Year, District Newcomer of the Year, First Team All-Region, and AVCA Phenom recognition. She has also been a multiple time UA NEXT attendee, while helping lead Infinity Volleyball to 2026 Ragin' Cajun Champions and Mississippi Gulf Coast Open Champions titles. At Ruston High School, Cauley made an immediate impact, recording 847 assists as a varsity freshman before surpassing 1,000 career assists as a sophomore, while also totaling 85 aces. Committed to Southern Miss, Cauley gives the Golden Eagles a dynamic athlete capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. Her experience, leadership, and ability to contribute both as a setter and attacker make her one of Louisiana's standout prospects as she enters the final stages of her high school career.

Maine: Nadalee Light

S/OPP | Maine Juniors Volleyball Club

Maine isn't a state that receives the same level of national volleyball exposure as some of the country's traditional hotbeds, but that doesn't mean talent isn't there. In fact, after taking a deeper look into Maine Juniors Volleyball Club, it became clear there are several quality athletes developing in the program. One player who stood out the most, however, was Nadalee Light. While we don't yet have the same depth of information available on her as we do for many of our featured prospects, the film tells a promising story. At 5'7", Light is a lengthy setter with a strong foundation and plenty of upside. She plays with precision, delivers a consistent ball, and shows good defensive instincts, giving her the versatility to impact the game beyond simply running an offense. Her decision-making and mechanics already provide a solid base to build from. Like many young players from smaller volleyball markets, Light still has plenty of room to grow, but that's exactly what makes her an intriguing prospect to follow. She represents the type of athlete who reminds us that talent can be found anywhere if you're willing to look for it. We're excited to continue following Nadalee's development and hope this is just the beginning of hearing more about Maine Juniors Volleyball Club and the players coming through its program.

Maryland: Caroline Conroy

2029 | MB | Metro Volleyball

Caroline Conroy is one of those players whose best volleyball is still ahead of her, and that's exactly why she continues to attract attention from some of the sport's top evaluators. The Metro Volleyball middle blocker has steadily built momentum through high-level training opportunities, showing the type of long-term upside that college coaches love to invest in. Standing 6'3" with a 115" block touch and 120" approach touch, Conroy already possesses the physical tools to become a dominant presence at the net. She has earned opportunities with the USA Volleyball NTDP while also attending camps at programs including North Carolina, USC, Virginia, and several other major Division I schools. Those experiences have allowed her to continue refining her game against elite competition while accelerating her development. What makes Conroy so intriguing is her ceiling. She is a strong player today, but her combination of size, athleticism, and willingness to learn suggests there is another level still waiting to be unlocked. As she continues to develop physically and technically over the next few years, expect her name to become more common in conversations surrounding the nation's top middle blockers. She is undoubtedly one of Maryland's rising stars to keep an eye on.

Massachusetts: Sasha Selivan

2027 | S | SMASH Volleyball

Sasha Selivan has quickly become one of the top setters in Massachusetts, building an impressive résumé while proving she can lead an offense at a high level. The SMASH Volleyball standout has earned recognition for both her playmaking ability and her consistency, establishing herself as one of the state's premier 2027 prospects. Selivan's list of accomplishments is extensive. She was named Athlete of the Year as a freshman, earned All-Scholastic honors, was selected to the MAVCA All-State Team, and received Bay State All-Conference recognition. She has also expanded her game beyond the indoor court with an invitation to the USA Volleyball NTDP Beach Training Camp, showcasing her versatility as an athlete. Most notably, Selivan captured Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons, an achievement that speaks to both her production and impact on the court. Committed to Colgate, Selivan gives the Raiders a proven floor leader who understands how to elevate the players around her. Her volleyball IQ, leadership, and ability to control the tempo of a match make her one of the most accomplished setters to come out of Massachusetts in recent years.

Michigan: Kaelyn Easton

2029 | S | Legacy Volleyball Club

Michigan continues to produce some of the nation's top setters, and Kaelyn Easton is carrying that tradition forward in a big way. The Legacy Volleyball standout has already built one of the strongest résumés in the 2029 class, pairing championship experience with the confidence and leadership expected from an elite floor general. Easton's accomplishments speak for themselves. She helped Team USA capture gold with the U17 National Team at the 2025 NORCECA Championship, earned Triple Crown NIT 15U All-Tournament Team honors, is both a GJNC and AAU All-American, and has been part of multiple national championship teams, including AAU National Champion and 13 Open USAV National Champion. She has also trained through the USA Volleyball NTDP, attended UA NEXT, and has earned invitations to camps at programs including Nebraska, Kentucky, Penn State, and several other top Division I schools. What separates Easton is the way she commands an offense. She plays with confidence, isn't afraid to be aggressive, and has a natural ability to connect with hitters regardless of who is on the court. Her decision-making, accuracy, and leadership have consistently stood out in high-level training environments, while her physicality allows her to be a true offensive weapon from the setter position. Coming from a Legacy program known for developing championship-caliber players, Easton has embraced that standard and continues to prove she belongs among the nation's top young setters. She is undoubtedly one of Michigan's must-know prospects in the 2029 class.

Minnesota: Mesa Jameson

2028 | OPP | Northern Lights

Mesa Jameson has developed into one of the premier opposites in the 2028 class, combining physicality, versatility, and international success into an already impressive résumé. The Pitt commit continues to prove she belongs among the nation's elite after excelling in both USA Volleyball and club competition. Jameson has spent significant time training through the USA NTDP pipeline, and that experience has translated directly to her game. Most recently, she helped lead the USA U17 National Team to NORCECA gold, earning both Tournament MVP and Best Receiver honors—an impressive accomplishment for an opposite hitter and a testament to the complete nature of her game. What makes Jameson so difficult to defend is her ability to score in multiple ways. She attacks with power from either antenna, can hammer balls down the line or crosscourt, and has the vision to tool blockers or find open space when the defense adjusts. Beyond her offensive production, her passing and ball control continue to separate her from many players at the position, making her a true six-rotation threat when needed. Committed to Pitt, Jameson gives the Panthers another high-level attacker with international experience and a polished all-around game. She has established herself as one of Minnesota's top volleyball talents and remains one of the must-watch opposites in the 2028 class.

Mississippi: Kinsley Ables

2028 | MB | Infinity Volleyball Club

Kinsley Ables has quietly built one of the strongest résumés in Mississippi, pairing impressive physical tools with consistent production on the court. The Infinity Volleyball Club middle blocker continues to add to her list of accomplishments while developing into one of the state's premier front-row talents. Ables has earned AVCA All-Region honors in both 2024 and 2025, competed in the MAIS Futures Match, helped Jackson Academy finish as the 2024 MAIS Division I Runner-Up, and was part of the 2023 MAIS Division I State Championship team. Along the way, she has led her team in hitting percentage, been recognized as a Clarion Ledger Player of the Week nominee, and continued to establish herself as one of the most productive middle blockers in her class. What immediately stands out is Ables' physical presence. She possesses the size and athleticism to impact the game on both sides of the net, whether she's closing blocks or finishing attacks at a high point. As she continues to gain experience and add more reps against top competition, her game continues to trend upward. Mississippi may not always receive the same national attention as larger volleyball states, but Ables is the type of player capable of changing that. With her combination of athletic ability, production, and continued development, she is undoubtedly one of the state's top prospects to follow.

Missouri: Rilynn Wingenbach

2028 | MB | Next Level Volleyball Academy

Missouri has no shortage of talented middle blockers, and Rilynn Wingenbach has firmly established herself at the top of the conversation. The Creighton commit has continued to elevate her game through relentless development, transforming herself into one of the nation's most intriguing middle blocker prospects. Standing at 6'4", Wingenbach has put together an impressive résumé that includes being named to the JVA Class of 2028 All-National Team, earning First Team Club All-American honors, making the GJNC All-Tournament Team, and collecting All-State, All-District, and All-Conference recognition during her sophomore season. She has also been heavily involved with USA Volleyball NTDP, participating in six training series and events, while being recognized as the No. 1 player in Missouri's 2028 class. What has made Wingenbach's rise especially impressive is her commitment to development. Over the past year, she has made significant strides in her movement, footwork, and overall athleticism, allowing her physical tools to translate even more effectively on the court. Combined with her size and work ethic, those improvements have positioned her as one of the fastest-rising middle blockers in the country. Creighton is adding a player whose trajectory continues to point upward. If Wingenbach maintains the same dedication to improvement that has fueled her recent growth, she has all the ingredients to become one of the premier middle blockers in the 2028 class.

Montana: Kennedy Varda

2027 | MB | College Preparatory Academy | Kentucky Commit

Montana may not always be one of the first states mentioned when discussing volleyball talent, but Kennedy Varda is a perfect example of why every state deserves a closer look. The Kentucky commit has emerged as one of the top players from the state, combining championship experience, national-level training, and the physical tools to compete at the highest levels. Varda has built an impressive résumé, including winning two state championships at Gallatin High School and earning opportunities through the USA Volleyball NTDP Pipeline. Her success has come from years of competing in high-level environments and continuing to develop as one of the most promising middle blockers in the 2027 class. At the net, Varda brings the combination of size, power, and quick lateral movement that separates high-level middles. She can create problems offensively while also providing a strong presence defensively, giving Kentucky a dynamic athlete who can impact the game in multiple ways. Montana continues to prove that elite volleyball talent can come from anywhere, and Varda is one of the state's best examples. With her commitment to Kentucky and her continued growth, she is a player who represents the future of volleyball in the Treasure State.

Nebraska: Makinley Ramsey

2029 | Lib/DS | VC Nebraska

Nebraska is known for producing some of the country's best defensive specialists, and Makinley Ramsey is already proving she belongs in that conversation. The VC Nebraska standout has quickly gained recognition through her consistency, work ethic, and ability to compete at a high level from the back row. Ramsey made a major statement by earning an invitation to the Nebraska Dream Team Camp as a freshman, an opportunity reserved for some of the top young talent in the region. She has also helped lead Norris High School to a state championship while continuing to expand her experience through camps at Colorado State and Arizona. What stands out about Ramsey is the way she plays the libero position: with confidence, toughness, and a willingness to take on the toughest defensive responsibilities. Her game has drawn comparisons to high-level defensive specialists because of her instincts, consistency, and ability to make plays when her team needs them most. Playing in a state loaded with talented defenders, Ramsey understands the standard required to continue separating herself. With her early success, competitive mindset, and commitment to improving, she is a player to keep watching as the 2029 class continues to develop.

Nevada: Audrey Sutherland

2028 | OH | Northern Nevada Juniors | Clemson Commit

Nevada continues to produce talented volleyball players outside of the traditional national spotlight, and Audrey Sutherland is a perfect example of a player who has continued to climb through consistent development and high-level competition. The Clemson commit has built a strong foundation as an outside hitter while continuing to expand her all-around game. Sutherland has earned All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition in the NIAA 5A Northern Nevada Volleyball Conference, was part of the All-State Academic Team Champions, and was nominated as a local Athlete of the Week during her high school season at Bishop Manogue Catholic High School. At the club level, she earned West Coast Volleyball Association President's Day Weekend All-Tournament Team honors in 16 Open while competing with Northern Nevada Juniors. One of the biggest storylines in Sutherland's development has been her growth as a six-rotation outside hitter. Her passing has continued to improve, adding another layer to her game and increasing her value as a complete player. With her attacking ability and willingness to develop in every area, she continues to show why Clemson identified her as a future impact player. Sutherland represents the type of prospect that makes state-by-state features so important: a talented athlete continuing to emerge from a growing volleyball region. With her commitment to Clemson secured and her game continuing to evolve, she is a player Nevada volleyball fans should be proud to see representing the state at the next level.  

New Hampshire: Stella Kalil

2029 | OH | 603 United Volleyball Club

Much like neighboring states that don't always receive national attention, New Hampshire is home to talented volleyball players who are continuing to develop outside of the traditional spotlight. While we don't currently have the same depth of player information from the state, a deeper look into 603 United Volleyball Club made it clear there is talent worth following — and Stella Kalil was the player who immediately stood out. While we wish we had a full profile on Kalil, the film tells a promising story. The 2029 outside hitter is an exciting player to watch because of her raw potential, competitive energy, and continued growth. She shows strong defensive instincts, makes smart attacking decisions, and has the ability to place shots effectively rather than simply relying on power. What has been especially impressive is the progression from last season to this season. Watching her film, Kalil looks noticeably more comfortable as an outside hitter, especially in serve receive and the passing responsibilities that come with playing six rotations. Her confidence and consistency have taken a major step forward, and that continued development is exactly what makes her such an intriguing prospect. New Hampshire may not always be the first state mentioned in volleyball conversations, but players like Stella Kalil are reminders that talent is everywhere. We are excited to continue following her journey and hope to hear much more from 603 United Volleyball Club and the athletes coming through their program.

New Jersey: Caitlyn McBride

2030 | Libero/DS | Ocean Volleyball Club

New Jersey is a state we simply haven't had enough opportunities to cover. We know there's talent there, but without the same volume of film and information that we receive from some other regions, there are still plenty of players waiting to be discovered. That's exactly why we wanted to dig a little deeper, and that search led us to Ocean Volleyball Club and 2030 libero Caitlyn McBride. McBride immediately caught our attention. She plays with the kind of relentless defensive mentality that jumps off the screen. She is scrappy, instinctive, and incredibly consistent, routinely putting herself in the right position and making plays that keep rallies alive. Her reads are advanced for her age, and she has a calm, steady presence that gives confidence to the players around her. While we're still learning more about both McBride and Ocean Volleyball Club, she's exactly the type of player these state spotlights are designed to find. We look forward to continuing to follow her development and, hopefully, learning much more about the athletes coming through Ocean Volleyball Club in the years ahead.

New Mexico: Chassidy Galvan

2029 | OH/DS | NM Prodigy

New Mexico isn't a state that often receives national recruiting attention, which is exactly why players like Chassidy Galvan deserve a closer look. Representing NM Prodigy, Galvan is one of the emerging young prospects helping bring more visibility to volleyball in the state. Standing around 5'7" with an approximately 105" approach touch, Galvan has a strong athletic foundation for her age and the physical tools to continue developing into an impactful pin hitter. She attacks with confidence, competes on every ball, and has shown the ability to contribute on both sides of the game as an outside hitter and defensive option. What makes Galvan especially intriguing is the opportunity ahead of her. As she continues to gain experience against stronger competition and build her résumé at regional and national events, she has the potential to become one of the next standout players to emerge from New Mexico. She's a reminder that volleyball talent can be found in every corner of the country, and she's certainly a player we'll be keeping an eye on in the years to come.

New York: Halima Watkins

2028 | OPP | NYC Volleyball Academy | Oregon Commit

Halima Watkins has emerged as one of the most physically gifted opposites in the 2028 class, combining elite size with the athletic tools to become a matchup problem at every level. The Oregon commit continues to build on an already impressive foundation through national-level training and steady development. Standing 6'4" with a 120" block touch and 123" approach touch, Watkins possesses the length and explosiveness that immediately stand out. A true left-handed opposite, she brings a unique offensive presence while also creating a formidable block at the net. Her physicality allows her to score in a variety of ways and gives her tremendous long-term upside as she continues to refine her game. Watkins has been heavily involved with USA Volleyball NTDP, participating in five training series and events, while also earning selection to the 2024 GEVA High Performance All-Star Team. At Chapin School, she received the 2025 Most Improved Award and was recognized as a High School League All-Star, reflecting the strides she has made in her overall game. With her commitment to Oregon, the Ducks are adding one of the most intriguing front-row athletes in the 2028 class. Watkins' combination of size, athleticism, and continued growth makes her one of New York's premier volleyball prospects and a player with tremendous potential at the next level.

North Carolina: Brady Collins

2030 | S | Triangle Volleyball Club

North Carolina continues to produce elite setter talent, and Brady Collins is quickly establishing herself as one of the brightest young floor generals in the country. Despite being a member of the 2030 class, Collins already plays with a maturity and command well beyond her age, making her one of the most exciting young setters to follow. Collins has built an impressive résumé early in her career, participating in the 2026 Spring and Summer USA Volleyball NTDP, while also earning five NTDP Training Series invitations and an NTDP Experience selection. She is a JVA Class of 2029 Watch List athlete, a two-time indoor national qualifier, and a two-time sand volleyball national qualifier, showcasing both her versatility and commitment to developing her game. She has also gained valuable experience through camps at programs including Nebraska, North Carolina, Penn State, and several other top Division I schools. What separates Collins is her poise. She runs an offense with confidence, processes the game quickly, and consistently makes smart decisions with the ball. For such a young setter, her feel for tempo, leadership, and ability to connect with hitters stand out, allowing her to compete comfortably against older athletes in high-level environments. As she continues to develop physically and gain experience, Collins has all the tools to become one of the premier setters in her class. She is another reminder that North Carolina's pipeline of setter talent remains as strong as ever.

North Dakota: Baylor Dinger

2028 | Lib/DS | VOLT Volleyball | Utah Commit

North Dakota has produced one of the nation's premier defensive specialists in Baylor Dinger. The Utah commit has put together an extraordinary high school career already, rewriting record books while establishing herself as one of the top liberos in the 2028 class. Dinger has been a model of consistency and production. She owns her school's career digs record (1,540), single-season digs record (798), and single-season aces record (67), while leading North Dakota's Class AA in digs in both 2024 and 2025. She also set the Class AA State Championship match record for digs with 49 in 2025 after previously setting the mark with 40 the year before. Her résumé includes North Dakota All-State, AVCA All-Region, All-Conference, UA NEXT High School Invite, multiple UA NEXT camp appearances, and USA Volleyball NTDP opportunities. She has also been recognized as the No. 1 player in North Dakota's 2028 class in consecutive seasons. What makes Dinger special isn't just the numbers—it's the consistency behind them. She covers an incredible amount of court, reads the game exceptionally well, and has the confidence to anchor a defense against top competition. Her ability to turn difficult plays into controlled touches has made her one of the most dependable liberos in the country. With her commitment to Utah, the Utes are bringing in a defensive leader who has consistently produced at an elite level. Dinger has become the standard for libero play in North Dakota and is a player volleyball fans across the country should continue to watch closely.

Claire Truluck
8/5/2026