State Spotlights, Part 3: Hidden in Plain Sight

Ohio

Lucy Waleskowski | 2029 | S/OH/OPP | NKYVC | PPV: 93.6

Ohio is one of those states where the depth of volleyball talent can make it easy for individual players to get lost in the shuffle, but Lucy Waleskowski is a name that immediately stands out. The 6'0" 2029 prospect from NKYVC has already built a strong résumé through the NTDP pipeline and high-level competition. Waleskowski has multiple NTDP experiences under her belt, including the 2025 Kansas City Experience, 2025 Winter Training Series, and 2026 Kansas City Experience, along with a 2025 Big South Supernova appearance. She has also earned a spot on the AVCA Phenom Watch List, another indication of the attention surrounding her game. At St. Ursula Academy, Waleskowski has continued to establish herself as a standout, earning GGCL First Team, All-District Division 1 Third Team, and All-City Division 1 Honorable Mention honors. Her ability to contribute as both a setter and pin gives her valuable versatility, while her 6'0" frame and 93.6 PPV make her one of the more intriguing prospects in the class. Ohio has no shortage of volleyball talent, but Waleskowski is a player we believe deserves to be firmly on the national radar as she continues to develop.

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Oklahoma

Sloane Rattay | 2028 | OH | Oklahoma Peak | PPV: 89.7

Oklahoma may not receive the same national attention as some of the traditional volleyball hotbeds, but Sloane Rattay is exactly the type of player who deserves to change that conversation. The 2028 outside hitter has been on our radar for some time, and her résumé continues to validate that early belief. Rattay has collected recognition at nearly every level, earning a spot on the AVCA Phenom Watch List, AVCA All-Region honors, and AVCA All-American Honorable Mention recognition. She has also been named First Team All-Conference and earned All-Tournament honors at the 2023 USAV National Championship, building a track record of production that has followed her throughout her career. That consistency has now translated into the next chapter of her recruiting journey. Rattay committed to Utah State, giving the Aggies one of Oklahoma's most accomplished and intriguing 2028 outside hitters. We've liked Rattay for a long time, and that hasn't changed. Her game continues to develop without losing the consistency and competitive presence that first caught our attention. With an 89.7 PPV, a decorated résumé, and plenty of volleyball still ahead of her, Rattay is a player who deserves to be on the national radar.

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Oregon

Lena Smith | 2029 | OH/DS | NPJ | PPV: 85.1

Lena Smith is a 2029 prospect who caught our attention out of Oregon, bringing the kind of size and versatility that makes her an intriguing player to follow as this class develops. At 5'11", Smith has already established herself among the top players in her state and continues to build a résumé that suggests there is plenty more to come. Smith has earned First Team All-League honors, was named a UA NEXT Middle School Player of the Week, and received a UA NEXT High School Invite. She is currently ranked No. 2 in Oregon and No. 1 at her position for the 2029 class, giving her a strong foundation of recognition both locally and nationally. What makes Smith particularly interesting is the versatility of her game. As an OH/DS, she has the physical presence to be a factor at the net while also bringing value in the back row. That combination gives her multiple ways to impact a match and plenty of room to continue expanding her game. With an 85.1 PPV and a strong early résumé, Smith is a player we're excited to keep watching as she continues to develop.

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Pennsylvania

Stella Cawley | 2028 | Libero/DS | 3DGE | PPV: 90.3

There is a lot to like about Stella Cawley, a 2028 libero/DS who has quietly built one of the stronger defensive résumés in her class. The 3DGE standout has been a consistent presence for State College Area High School, where her ability to control first contact and stabilize the back row has translated into significant recognition. Cawley has earned Pennsylvania Coaches Association All-State, Mid-Penn First Team All-Conference, and District XI All-District honors. She has also continued to gain national exposure through the NTDP pipeline and a UA NEXT invitation, putting her in some of the country's top developmental environments. Her passing numbers reinforce what makes her such a dependable defender. Cawley posted a 2.4 passing rating during her high school season, reflecting the consistency and precision she brings to serve receive. With a 90.3 PPV, strong high school résumé, and experience in national-level environments, Cawley has established herself as a legitimate 2028 prospect. Her recruiting process ultimately led her to Miami, where the Hurricanes landed a proven back-row presence with plenty of experience to bring to the next level.

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Rhode Island

Shayla Pelletier | 2028 | Libero/DS | SC Elite

Rhode Island is another state where we're still getting to know the talent, and Shayla Pelletier is one of the newest names to catch our attention. In fact, she's so new to our radar that she hasn't even received a full player profile yet — but we couldn't leave her out of this feature. We don't have the depth of information on Pelletier that we have on some of the more established names in this series, but the film gives us plenty to work with. The SC Elite libero/DS is a steady, precise defender who looks comfortable reading the court and making the plays she's asked to make. She doesn't seem rushed, and that composure stands out when watching her defensive sequences. There is still plenty for us to learn about Pelletier as she continues to develop and gain more high-level experience. But sometimes a player catches your attention before the résumé catches up, and that's exactly where Pelletier is right now. We're excited to learn more about her and hopefully hear more from SC Elite as the 2028 class continues to take shape.

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South Carolina

Lauren Rivers | 2028 | Setter | Carolina Union Volleyball Club | PPV: 86.3

South Carolina has produced plenty of talented setters, and Lauren Rivers has the résumé of a player who has been making an impact for a long time. The Carolina Union Volleyball Club standout has already established herself as one of the more accomplished setters in the 2028 class, combining sustained production with a remarkable amount of championship experience. Rivers has been a major part of a dominant run at the high school level, helping Cardinal Newman capture three SCISA 4A State Championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025. She was named 2025 SCISA 1-4A Player of the Year, adding to two SCISA All-Region selections and three Palmetto Region All-Region honors. Her production as a setter is just as impressive. Rivers has reached both 1,000 and 2,000 career assists, while also earning North/South All-Star selections and back-to-back Palmetto Region USAV High Performance selections. She was also a Class of 2028 High School Player of the Year finalist, another reflection of the impact she's had throughout her high school career. With that combination of longevity, championship experience, and consistent production, it's no surprise that Rivers' recruiting journey ultimately led to VCU, where the Rams landed a proven setter with a substantial résumé and plenty of experience running an offense.

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South Dakota

Julia Masselink | 2029 | OH | Kairos Volleyball | PPV: 97.6

Julia Masselink is one of those players who makes you stop and take a second look. The 2029 outside hitter from Kairos Volleyball has quietly built an elite résumé and has already proven that her game belongs in some of the biggest volleyball environments in the country. Masselink has established herself within the USA Volleyball NTDP pipeline, with six NTDP attendances and two Kansas City selections. That progression led to the USA U17 National Team, where she helped earn a gold medal, as well as a spot on the U17 World Championship National Team. She is currently competing with the U17 National Team again, adding another impressive chapter to an already remarkable résumé.  She has also been part of back-to-back state championship teams, winning as an eighth grader in 2024 and again as a ninth grader in 2025. At 6'2", Masselink has the length and physical tools you'd expect from an elite outside hitter, but what stands out on film is how naturally she plays. There is very little wasted movement in her game. She is smooth, composed, and capable of producing without needing to make herself the center of attention. That same approach has carried into the biggest environments, where she has consistently held her own against the country's best. What makes Masselink especially interesting is that she doesn't need to be the loudest name in the gym to make an impression. Her game speaks for itself. Coaches who have watched her through NTDP, USA Volleyball, and other high-level environments have already seen what she can become. At a 97.6 PPV, Masselink is not simply a player to watch out of South Dakota — she is a legitimate high-level prospect in the 2029 class.

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Tennessee

Loretta Duby | 2028 | Libero/DS | Tennessee Performance Volleyball | PPV: 85.9

Loretta Duby is building her reputation the right way: by continually putting herself in competitive environments and making the most of them. The Tennessee Performance Volleyball libero/DS has steadily gained traction within the 2028 class, with her defensive consistency and competitive approach making her a player worth tracking. This year Duby earned a place on the 2026 JVA Watchlist and was part of an AAU Premier National Championship team. Her recruiting exposure has also continued to grow, with opportunities to compete in front of staffs from programs across the country. Rather than simply collecting camp appearances, Duby has used those environments to test herself against high-level competition and continue sharpening her game. As a libero/DS, her defensive presence is what immediately stands out. She brings energy to the back row, handles pressure well, and consistently looks comfortable in fast-paced play. There is also a noticeable competitiveness to her game — she doesn't appear intimidated by strong competition and seems to actively seek out opportunities that challenge her.  With her résumé continuing to grow and her game developing through more high-level experiences, Duby is becoming an increasingly interesting name in the 2028 class. Be sure to check out Duby's highlight reel on the site for a closer look at the defensive instincts and energy that have helped put her on our radar.

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Texas

Jocelyn Bridie | 2030 | S/OPP | Dallas Skyline | PPV: 91.0

Texas is overflowing with volleyball talent, with no shortage of established names already drawing national attention. For this spotlight, though, we wanted to look a little further ahead, and Jocelyn Bridie is exactly the type of young player who makes that worthwhile. The 2030 Dallas Skyline standout has already experienced significant success, winning a 13 Open National Championship and finishing as the 14 Open runner-up. She has also been named 7th and 8th Grade MVP, giving her an early track record of producing at a high level. At 5'11", Bridie has impressive size for a setter, but her physical presence is only part of what makes her intriguing. She has a particularly strong connection with her hitters, showing the ability to understand what her attackers need and deliver the ball accordingly. There is also a noticeable intelligence to the way she runs an offense — she sees the court well and makes smart decisions rather than simply distributing the ball. With a 91.0 PPV, national championship experience, and plenty of room to continue developing, Bridie is a name we're excited to follow early in the 2030 class. Texas may have an endless list of established stars, but the next wave is already starting to make itself known.

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Utah

Alexis Tien | 2033 | Libero/DS | Minoi

It is almost hard to believe we're already spotlighting a 2033 prospect, but Alexis Tien is the kind of young player who makes it difficult not to. Even this early in her career, she already shows a level of instinct and comfort on the court that makes her one to keep an eye on. Tien recently attended Cornell's camp, where her older sister Nevaeh currently plays, and her other sister, McKenzie, just announced her commitment to. That gave Alexis an opportunity to experience the environment of a program that is already a meaningful part of her family's volleyball story. On film, Tien is advanced for her age and plays well beyond her years. She is a scrappy little defender with strong instincts, a steady presence in the back row, and a willingness to chase down just about anything. She already has a natural feel for defense and brings the kind of energy that makes her fun to watch. There is obviously a lot of time for Tien to grow, but that is what makes this one so interesting. A 2033 prospect is incredibly early, and we're excited to see where that natural ability takes her over the next several years.

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Vermont

Morgan Campbell | 2027 | OH/MB | Fusion VBC

Vermont is a smaller volleyball market, but that doesn't mean there isn't talent worth finding. Morgan Campbell is one of the players who caught our attention while taking a closer look at the state and, more importantly, gives us a reason to keep looking at what is coming out of Fusion VBC. At 6'0", Campbell brings good size to the OH/MB position and has developed into a steady contributor for Mount Mansfield Union High School, where she earned 2025 First Team All-State honors. She has also committed to Kean University, giving her the opportunity to continue her career at the collegiate level. Campbell is still developing, but there is a solid foundation to work with. Her size, consistency, and ability to contribute in multiple positions make her an interesting player to follow as she continues to grow her game. For us, this spotlight is also about getting a closer look at Fusion VBC. Campbell was the player who initially caught our eye, but we're interested in learning more about the club, the players around her, and the next group coming through Vermont. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of hearing more from Fusion.

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Virginia

Carolyn Maria | 2029 | S/OPP | Metro | PPV: 94.4

Some players have a résumé that tells you they're good. Carolyn Maria's résumé tells you she's moving fast. The 2029 S/OPP from Metro has packed an impressive amount of development and recognition into a short period of time, and her trajectory is what makes her particularly exciting. Maria has already been a USAV Nationals 15 Open All-Tournament Team selection, a JVA All-National Team member, and an NTDP multi-time invitee. Her club résumé is just as strong, with the team qualifying three times in 15 Open, winning the 2026 Sunshine Qualifier, and earning multiple qualifications in 14 Open. She was also named MVP of the 2026 Capitol Hill Classic, while earning Best Setter honors at the 14 Open level. Her high school résumé is equally loaded. Maria has earned First Team All-State, AVCA First Team All-Region, and First Team All-WCAC honors, along with MaxPreps Freshman All-American recognition. She was also named AVCA Breakout Player of the Year in Virginia, Bishop O'Connell's Rookie of the Year, and received the school's Most Outstanding Player award. At 6'1", Maria has the physical profile to match the production, but her versatility is what makes her especially interesting. She can run an offense as a setter while also giving Metro another option on the pin, and she has already shown she can perform in high-level tournament environments. The trajectory here is hard to ignore. The NTDP exposure is increasing, the résumé keeps getting stronger, and the performances are backing it up. Maria is one of the 2029 setters we're watching very closely, and there is a legitimate chance she becomes one of the names at the forefront of this class before long.

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Washington

Bryn Walcott | 2028 | OH | Sudden Impact Volleyball | PPV: 96.3

Bryn Walcott is a player whose future may be even more intriguing than her résumé already is. The 6'1" outside hitter from Sudden Impact Volleyball has the physical tools, raw ability, and developing skill set that make her one of the more interesting 2028 prospects to follow. Walcott has already put together a strong high school résumé at Issaquah High School, earning KingCo Crest First Team All-League, Varsity Co-MVP, and WSVCA 4A Second Team All-State honors. She was also named to the 2025 WSVCA 4A All-State Tournament Team and finished No. 4 in Washington State in kills with 505. What makes Walcott especially compelling is the amount of development still in front of her. At 6'1", she has a long frame, a quick arm, and an approach that is still coming together. Her passing is already a strength, giving her a foundation beyond simply being a physical pin. There are also certain pieces of her athletic profile that evaluators believe could separate her as she continues to mature. This is a player where projection matters. Walcott may not be the finished product today, but the ceiling is significant, and that is exactly what has drawn attention from multiple programs. Walcott is one of the more fascinating development stories in the 2028 class, and we're very interested to see what happens when all of those tools start coming together.

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West Virginia

Leah Greeny | 2028 | OH/OPP | 3DGE | PPV: 94.3

Leah Greeny already looks the part of a college player. The 6'2" 2028 OH/OPP from 3DGE combines a strong physical presence with the kind of all-around game that has made her one of the most accomplished players in West Virginia. Greeny was named the 2025 West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year, adding the state's top individual honor to an already impressive résumé. She also earned West Virginia All-State Honorable Mention recognition at Morgantown High School. On the court, she does the little things well, can score with a variety of shots, and plays with a level of strength and polish that translates naturally to the next level. Her recruiting process drew interest from a wide range of programs, but ultimately West Virginia won out, giving the Mountaineers a standout from their own state who has already proven she can perform at a high level. At 6'2" with a 124" approach touch, the physical upside is obvious. Pair that with her shot-making, versatility, and well-rounded game, and Greeny has the profile of a player who can make an impact at the Power Four level. With a 94.3 PPV, Greeny is one of the stronger prospects in the 2028 class, her next chapter continuing in Morgantown should be one to watch closely.

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Wisconsin

Blake Doehla | 2030 | S/OPP | Madtown Volleyball | PPV: 80.0

Blake Doehla is one of those young players whose consistency makes you want to keep watching. The 2030 S/OPP from Madtown Volleyball is already showing an advanced understanding of the game for her age, and at 5'11", she has plenty of physical upside to continue developing. Doehla has already competed in the HP All-Stars 17U environment, reaching the 17U finalist stage and earning recognition as a 17U HP All-Star prospect. Competing in an older age environment this early is notable on its own, but what stands out most is how comfortable she looks doing it. As a setter/opposite, Doehla brings versatility, but her consistency may be her biggest asset right now. She plays a steady game, makes reliable decisions, and doesn't seem overwhelmed by the pace or physicality around her. For a 2030 prospect, that foundation is particularly encouraging. Her 80.0 PPV lands her in our Watchlist range, but context matters here: this is a very young player with years of development ahead of her she will be reevaluated once we get more info. The combination of her age, size, versatility, and early high-level experience makes Doehla someone we're happy to have on the radar now and continue tracking as she grows into her game.

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Wyoming

Gia Ireland | 2027 | S/OPP | NORCO

Wyoming may not have the deepest pool of players on our current radar, but Gia Ireland is a strong reason to take another look. We don't have a full player profile on Ireland yet, but after watching her play, it was clear she belonged in this feature. Ireland has been part of a back-to-back state championship run at Kelly Walsh High School, helping establish herself as a proven winner at the high school level. She also competes with NORCO, where she was part of the 17 Black team that won USAV Nationals this season, alongside Madlen Gloessner. As a setter/opposite, Ireland brings a strong overall game and looks comfortable competing in high-level environments. Her experience with NORCO has given her the opportunity to play alongside and against some of the country's best, and that level of competition shows up in her game. Her recruiting journey has also reached its next chapter, with Ireland committed to Cal State Northridge. We're looking forward to getting a closer look at her as she continues through her final club seasons — and hopefully getting more info on her soon.