The Future Duos: One School. Two Stars.

Olivia Henry & Nejari Crooks

2027 | OH/OPP | Penn State Commits

Penn State is adding one of the most exciting duos in the 2027 class with Olivia Henry and Nejari Crooks, two high-level athletes bringing different skill sets to the future of the program. Henry, a 6'4" outside hitter from IMG Academy, brings rare size and elite physical tools with a 126" approach touch while continuing to develop into a more complete all-around player. After a strong club career that has included USAV All Star Championships All-Tournament Team honors, USAV NTDP recognition, and AVCA Phenom honors, Henry has established herself as one of the highest-upside prospects in the country. Crooks brings a different type of explosiveness to the duo. The 6'1" opposite from Triad Elite has built one of the most impressive résumés in the 2027 class, including five USA NTDP selections, U19 National Team experience, Pan American Cup Gold Medal, and AVCA First Team All-American honors. After transitioning from setter to opposite, Crooks has emerged as a dynamic offensive threat with a 124" approach touch and the athletic ability to impact the game from anywhere on the court. Together, Henry and Crooks give Penn State a future built around size, athleticism, versatility, and high-level potential. With two of the most intriguing prospects in the class heading to Happy Valley, this is a duo worth keeping an eye on as their college careers approach.

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Keilani Ledaja-Brewer & Elizabeth Bower

2027 | OH/L | Louisville Commits

Louisville is bringing in a dynamic 2027 duo with Keilani Ledaja-Brewer and Elizabeth Bower, two prospects who have taken unique paths while emerging as high-level recruits. Ledaja-Brewer, an outside hitter from Triangle VBC, has been one of the fastest-rising prospects in the class, earning recognition through USAV NTDP, AVCA Phenom, and UA Next Camp appearances. Standing 6'0" with a 125" approach touch, Brewer brings a powerful arm, elite athleticism, and a high ceiling as she continues to develop into one of the top pin hitters in the country. Bower brings a different type of impact to the Cardinals’ future roster as one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the 2027 class. The Idaho Crush libero/DS has earned AAU Club All-American honors and All-State recognition as a freshman and sophomore, while continuing to gain national attention after transitioning into her natural libero role. Her athletic background, volleyball IQ, and aggressive defensive style have helped her stand out. Together, Brewer and Bower represent two different paths to the next level: one through explosive pin play and one through elite defensive instincts. With Louisville adding both a high-ceiling attacker and a potential impact libero, this 2027 duo could become a major part of the Cardinals’ future.

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Mallory Wandel & Cora Bicknese

2027 | OH/OPP & Libero/DS | Michigan State Commits

Michigan State is adding a versatile 2027 duo with Mallory Wandel and Cora Bicknese, two players who bring different skill sets and high-level experience to the future of the program. Wandel, a 6'2" outside/opposite, has established herself as one of the top pin prospects in the class with a powerful arm, athleticism, and the ability to score in a variety of ways. An AVCA All-American, two-time All-Region selection, First Team All-State honoree, and OK-RED All-Conference player, Wandel brings impressive physical tools with a 121" block touch and 124" approach touch. Bicknese gives the Spartans a high-level defensive presence with a résumé built around consistency, instincts, and elite ball control. The Vital Volleyball Club libero/DS has earned recognition through USA NTDP, Under Armour Next, and multiple All-Tournament honors, while surpassing 1,000 career digs during her sophomore season. Her technique, court awareness, and ability to read the game have made her one of the top defensive prospects in the 2027 class. Together, Wandel and Bicknese give Michigan State a balanced future pairing: an explosive offensive weapon and a reliable backcourt leader. With both athletes bringing national-level experience and the ability to make an immediate impact, this is a duo Spartan fans should be excited to follow.

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Allie Hudgins & Ruthie Robinson

2027 | OH/OPP & MB | Creighton Commits

Creighton landed an exciting 2027 duo with Allie Hudgins and Ruthie Robinson, two high-upside athletes who bring size, athleticism, and plenty of potential to the future of the program. Hudgins, a 6'4" outside/opposite from Madfrog, has emerged as one of the top pin prospects in the class with rare physical tools and a powerful offensive game. With a 121" block touch and 124" approach touch, Hudgins has shown the ability to impact matches at a high level, and her continued physical development could make her an even bigger threat at the next level.Robinson represents one of the most intriguing middle prospects in the 2027 class. The Kairos Elite standout has quickly risen through the ranks, earning recognition including Triple Crown Colorado Challenge Most Outstanding Player, All-Tournament Team honors, a JVA Watchlist selection, and NTDP recognition. Standing 6'1" with a 116" block touch and 124" approach touch, Robinson combines athleticism and a high ceiling with the ability to continue making major jumps. Together, Hudgins and Robinson give Creighton a future built around size, athleticism, and upside. One brings a powerful presence on the pin, while the other brings tremendous potential at the net. This is a duo that could make a major impact in the Bluejay program’s future.

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Alexandra Knox & Leilani Lamar

2028 | Setter/Opp & OH | Pittsburgh Commits

Pittsburgh is adding one of the most exciting duos in the 2028 class with Alexandra Knox and Leilani Lamar, two players who have consistently separated themselves through skill, competitiveness, and high-level experience. Knox, a setter/opposite from 3DGE, has built one of the strongest résumés in the class with recognition including  NTDP experience, Under Armour Next recognition, and JVA Girls All National Team honors. Known for her consistency and volleyball IQ, Knox has established herself as one of the most polished setters in the country while continuing to compete among the nation's best. Lamar brings a dynamic presence on the pin as one of the most intriguing outside hitters in the 2028 class. The A5 standout has continued to impress since breaking onto the national radar, earning attention through elite camp performances and consistently showing the ability to make an impact without needing the spotlight. Her confidence, competitiveness, and ability to elevate her team have made her one of the most respected young pin hitters in the country. Together, Knox and Lamar give Pittsburgh a future built around high-level skill, leadership, and competitiveness. One brings elite setting ability and court vision, while the other brings an explosive offensive presence on the outside. This is a 2028 duo that could become a major part of the Panthers’ future success.

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Emmy Garner & Summer Tukua

2028 | Setter/Opp & OH | Auburn Commits

Auburn secured an exciting 2028 duo with Emmy Garner and Summer Tukua, two versatile athletes who bring different strengths and leadership qualities to the Tigers’ future roster. Garner, a setter/opposite from Tennessee Performance Volleyball, has built an impressive résumé through her early high school career, including AAU National Championship success, multiple AAU All-American honors, and over 1,200 career assists as a sophomore. Standing at 5'11", Garner’s biggest strength is her ability to run an offense with elite consistency, earning praise for her exceptional hands and ability to deliver accurate sets from anywhere on the court. Tukua brings a different type of impact as a six-rotation outside hitter from WAVE. Known for her steady play, competitiveness, and ability to contribute in every phase of the game, Tukua has established herself as a reliable and efficient pin player. Her ability to pass, defend, and provide offense makes her a valuable addition to any roster, and her continued development will make her an exciting player to follow at the next level. Together, Garner and Tukua give Auburn a balanced 2028 pairing featuring offensive creativity, all-around ability, and strong volleyball IQ. One brings the ability to control the offense, while the other brings stability and versatility on the pin: a combination that could become a major piece of the Tigers’ future.

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Annabelle Ross & Caitlin Carrizales

2028 | MB/OPP & Libero/DS | Cal Commits

Cal is adding an exciting 2028 duo with Annabelle Ross and Caitlin Carrizales, two players who bring completely different skill sets while sharing the same competitive edge. Ross, a middle blocker/opposite from AZ Storm Elite, has emerged as one of the most intriguing front-row prospects in the class with a rare combination of size, athleticism, and upside. Standing 6'1" with a 119" block touch and 124" approach touch, Ross has earned recognition through USAV NTDP and UA Next, while also helping lead Arizona 6A teams to back-to-back state championships. Her length, explosiveness, and ability to attack from multiple areas of the net make her a high-ceiling prospect to watch. Carrizales brings a different type of impact as a libero/defensive specialist from TAV. Known for her energy, competitiveness, and reliability in the back row, Carrizales has developed in one of the country’s top club environments while consistently showing the ability to control first contact and keep plays alive. Her defensive instincts, serve receive ability, and willingness to make tough plays make her a valuable piece of any team. Together, Ross and Carrizales give Cal a balanced 2028 pairing featuring athleticism at the net and stability in the backcourt. With one bringing high-level physical tools and the other bringing elite defensive consistency, this duo represents an exciting part of the future in Berkeley.

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Mallory Mizell & Brooke Neale

2028 | OH & Libero/DS | South Carolina Commits

South Carolina landed a dynamic 2028 duo with Mallory Mizell and Brooke Neale, two players who have built national recognition through production, competitiveness, and a relentless approach to the game. Mizell, an outside hitter from Stars Volleyball Club, has become one of the most accomplished players in the class despite consistently proving doubters wrong. A 3x AAU All-American, AVCA High School All-American, South Carolina 5A Player of the Year, and 2025 AAU 17 Premier National Champion, Mizell has been a consistent difference-maker at every level. After surpassing 1,000 career kills as a sophomore, her ability to produce, compete, and continue improving has made her one of the most exciting pin hitters in the 2028 class. Neale brings a different type of impact to the Gamecocks’ future roster as a libero/DS from Munciana. A AAU National Champion, UA Next athlete, team captain, and nationally ranked libero, Neale has established herself as one of the top defensive players in the class. Known for her communication, toughness, and ability to keep plays alive, Neale brings the type of competitive mentality that defines elite back-row players. Together, Mizell and Neale represent two players who have earned their way to the next level through consistent performance and a commitment to improving. One brings high-volume offensive production, while the other brings defensive stability and leadership. South Carolina’s 2028 class gets a major boost with this future duo.