The Countdown: Southwest Region's Top 15 PPV Performers in the 2028 Class

The Southwest Region continues to be a hotbed for high-end physicality and positional versatility in the 2028 class. With athletes spread across Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada, this region features prospects who stand out for their size, athletic ceilings, and ability to impact the game in multiple phases. Using PPV as our primary evaluation tool, we’ve ranked the top 15 players from the Southwest, a group that includes national team pipeline athletes, elite defenders, and terminal attackers already trending on the national recruiting radar.

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15. Vanessa Gridley, Setter/OPP – Arizona Sky, AZ (Orange)

 With her 6’1” size, Gridley brings versatility as both a setter and attacker. Sets a consistent tempo to the pins, plays strong and balanced, and has the physical tools to impact the game in multiple roles.

14. Makenzie Pears, OPP/MB – Colorado Juniors, CO (Elite Orange)

 Experienced at both middle and right side. Elite size creates a big blocking presence on the right, while her length in the middle allows her to hit sharp angles and score quickly. Continued strength development could unlock another level.

13. Mayala Gibbs, OH – Arizona Sky, AZ (Elite Orange)

 Good size and athleticism for the position with a strong, fluid arm swing. Ball control continues to improve as she gains more six-rotation experience. High-upside outside with room to grow.

12. Allison Veres, Setter – Arizona Sky, AZ (Elite Orange)

 Missed last season due to shoulder surgery and is now working her way back onto the D1 radar. Good athlete with clean footwork, strong balance, and delivers a smooth, consistent tempo to her hitters.

11. Campbell Pieratt, Setter – Arizona Storm, AZ (Elite Orange)

 A gritty, competitive setter who plays with edge. Aggressive mindset allows her to score herself, keeping defenses honest. Fast tempo and strong decision-making have helped her hitters thrive.

10. Audrey Sutherland, OH – NNJ, NV (Elite Red)

 Earns a 9.9 T.O.P.s score for size as one of the tallest outsides in the class. Naturally high contact point and expanding her game as a six-rotation player this season, which is a big step in her development.

9. Anabelle Cummings, Libero – Arizona REV, AZ (Elite Red)

 Relentless defender who plays low and covers a ton of court. Undersized but makes up for it with elite effort, reads, and ball control. Serve receive stands out, she rarely loses posture or fights the ball.

8. Cambel Booth, OPP – Colorado Juniors, CO (Elite Red)

 Physical, high-level athlete with a powerful swing and aggressive approach. Capable of scoring against size and has six-rotation potential at the next level for programs willing to develop that part of her game. NTDP experience has accelerated her growth.

7. Maija Mortensen, MB – Utah Sand, UT (Elite Red)

 A 9.8 T.O.P.s score paired with great size and athleticism. Quick arm, strong jump, and continued growth in her all-around game give her the tools to become a dominant middle. Strong chance to climb into Silver/Gold territory.

6. Amari Frazier, MB – Arizona Storm, AZ (Elite Red)

 Powerful is an understatement. Elite size, strong jump, and a heavy arm make her a true terminal option when she gets an opening. Lands balanced and under control, which really stands out. Borderline Silver with real upward momentum.

5. Norah Hollis, OH – Colorado Juniors, CO (Silver)

 Fully healthy after last year’s back injury and ready to remind Power 4 programs who she is. Tall, long, and powerful, Norah is a true L1 and go-to scorer when teams need a point.

4. Izzie Penrose, Libero – Arizona Storm, AZ (Silver)

 Our No. 2 ranked libero in the class and an NTDP veteran. Elite quick-twitch athlete who simply doesn’t let balls hit the floor. Excellent out-of-system setter and the engine that drives her team’s ball control.

3. Annabelle Ross, MB – Arizona Storm, AZ (Silver)

 Long, rangy, and dynamic middle with a very high ceiling. Playing for one of the top club programs in the country has accelerated her development. A matchup with fellow NTDP vets like Gloessner and Rautenberg would be must-watch.

2. Madlen Gloessner, MB – NORCO, CO (Gold)

 A 9.9 T.O.P.s score with elite size and length immediately draws attention, but her body control, blocking hands, and quick arm are what separate her. No surprise she is our No. 2 ranked middle in the entire class.

1. Taylor Freeland, OPP – SCVC Utah, UT (Gold)

 An NTDP standout with the size, athleticism, and swing to become a shutdown right-side at the next level. Physical blocker, terminal attacker, and firmly on the national radar. Triple Crown will be a fun proving ground against the country’s top outsides.