The Land of Lincoln - Illinois Stars

The talent is constantly growing around the country as our sport continues to gain center stage attention. With more athletes competing, the stronger the competition becomes in each state. Next up on our state by state series, we will be looking at the strength that comes from Illinois. Illinois is a true blue blood volleyball state, with many of the top clubs hailing from The Land of Lincoln. While the strength throughout the country has gotten much better, Illinois has done the same and continues to breed some of volleyball’s best.

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This week, let’s take a look at our top 10 PPV athletes who currently have a player profile on our site!

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Tatum Kelly - 2028 Setter, 1st Alliance, PPV 275

We’ve covered Kelly quite a few times over the past year and her trajectory keeps going up. With multiple NTDP team invites and a stacked camp resume for only a Freshman? This setter is one of the top ones to watch over the next year. Her delivery is smooth and consistent, she makes her hitters lives so easy, and she’s decently long and athletic to match. Can’t wait to see this 2028 setter continue to blossom.

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Maizy Agnello - 2027 Outside, Sky High, PPV 239

Agnello came on our radar late last year when she received her first NTDP invite, and boy did she shine. She has all the attributes you look for in a solid 6 rotation outside - crafty, powerful, and defensively minded. She’s so much fun to watch on the court and we are excited to see which program will snatch her up.

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Haven Enselman - 2029 Setter, Adversity, PPV 202

One of the first 2029’s we’ve had on our ‘state’ lists which is incredibly impressive, coming out in the top 3 of your state as an 8th grader! Enselman has all the right tools to become a high level setter, and has time in her favor to get there. Her release is even and consistent, she can run a pretty quick tempo already, she is likely building to being a bit more offensive as a setter and jump setting the ball more - but all will come with time. This journey will be a fun one to watch!

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Maggie Kurpeikis - 2027 Outside, Adversity, PPV 194

Kurpeikis is that girl for her Adversity team, averaging anywhere from 13 up to 19 kills per match! She is successful in her ability to score from basically anywhere on the court. Her shot range is wide and she isn’t afraid to take a big swing.

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Kyla Mitchell - 2027 Middle, Michio Chicago, PPV 192

Mitchell plays for, arguably, a smaller club out of Chicago, but is making a BIG statement in the 2027 class. She is an extremely solid middle. Great blocking footwork, gets off the floor quickly, and can thump a ball straight down. A few impressive P4 names on her camp resume, this one has us excited to watch and see where she lands in a few weeks.

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Alaina Pollard - 2026 Middle, 1st Alliance, PPV 191

This is a no brainer pick up for the Hoosiers. A local kid, 10’6” jump touch, with incredible court vision? She will do great things at Indiana and has been a beast to watch on the court for her 1st Alliance squad.

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Maddie Bryant - 2027 Setter, Sports Performance, PPV 188

Bryant is in the place to train when it comes to mid west setters, Sports Performance has a long standing history in producing some of the top setters year over year. Bryant is already showing some of that promise in her game. She’s an offensively minded setter, who has the technique and strength to push a ball across court with ease. Her release point is great which allows her to create a very fast tempo for her team.

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Ella Rowe - 2027 Middle, 1st Alliance, PPV 180

Although she’s listed on the site as a Middle, she seems to have transitioned to a pin which makes a lot of sense - Rowe is a force at the net and would make a great opposite in the collegiate game. Strong blocking skills with a heavy arm. The pin positions take a little more finessing, but Rowe seems to have a adapted to that mindset wit heast.

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Taylor Berg - 2027 Libero, 1st Alliance, PPV 173

Our first ‘bro on this list, and yet we’ve seen her take some gnarly swings as well ;) Berg may end up being a future libero in the collegiate game but is an offensive threat as well for her 1st Alliance team. She sees the court well and makes some great plays, she’s also crafty in her attacking and finds many ways to score. A jack of all trades, and one we would want battling on our side.

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Kampbell Niepagen - 2027 Outside, Sports Performance, PPV 168

I would put money on Niepagen’s PPV continuing to rise ahead of June 15th. Kampbell looks like a collegiate level outside right now, imagine what another 2 years of training will do before she gets to her future program? She is, again, a typical Sports Performance pin, she hits a high, heavy ball, with great defense to boot. Her camp resume is quite impressive and it’ll be anyone’s bet as to where she will land.