The Next Wave: Player Profiles '30-'31, Week 1

While we don’t rank the Classes of 2030 and 2031 due to their early stage of development, there is no shortage of standout talent from these young athletes worth recognizing. We’re excited to highlight these prospects and look forward to tracking their growth and sharing their journeys.  

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Class of 2030

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Madison Middleton: MB- A5 15- Kelly 

This star-studded athlete shows her elite athleticism and advanced court awareness as she competes beyond her age division with A5 15-Kelly. As an 8th grader and USA Volleyball 17U gold medalist, she is already on the radar of top college programs and will be a key prospect to watch in the coming years. 

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Brady Collins: setter- Triangle 15 Black 

Brady Collins, a 2030 setter out of Raleigh, earned three NTDP invites in her 8th grade year and impressed against older competition at major camps, including Nebraska Dream Team. With early attention from USA Volleyball, she is emerging as a top young setter to watch in the national pipeline. 

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Kalenna Thiele: libero/DS- AZ Storm Elite 15 Thunder 

Playing up an age division with AZ Storm Elite 15 Thunder, this remarkable player shows versatility and impacts momentum in every court she steps on. With an already long list of achievements including the 2025 Indoor Winter NTDP, 2026 NIT NTDP Experience, and spring and summer 2026 NTDP invites, Thiele has established herself as a promising prospect to keep an eye out for. 

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Peyton Barclift: OH: Mode 15 National 

As an attendee of the 2025 Summer NTDP and NTDP Winter Training Experience, high-level OH Peyton Barclift continues to separate herself with her explosive athleticism and strong arm at the net. Barclift uses her 6'0 stature to show out in an age division up, making her a premier prospect for top programs in the coming future. 

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Kenleigh Smith: setter- Houston Skyline 14 Royal

This talented setter out of the lone star state has already built up an impressive college camp portfolio, including elite schools like SMU, LSU, Baylor, Houston, and Tennessee. After earning two NTDP invites and 2025 UA Next Middle School MVP, Kenleigh Smith has solidified herself as a prodigy not to sleep on. 

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Flynn Peterson: libero/DS- Kairos 14 Alpha 

Flying around the court and not letting a ball touch the ground, Peterson has gained the attention of many through opportunities such as the 2026 Nebraska Dream Team Camp and other college camps from names like UCLA, LSU, and South Dakota. As an AAU National Champion and AAU All American, Peterson’s ball control and quick reads ensure her a bright future within the sport. 

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Nadia Wooten: OH- Metro 14 Travel

The competitive drive and explosive attacks of OH Nadia Wooten have led her to a number of successes, including being a spring NTDP invitee. Wooten has used her defensive range and on-court energy to show she is not an athlete to overlook and attract the eyes of many, including at college camps hosted by power programs like Kentucky, Penn State, U Miami, and UNC. 

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Francesca Sales: OH- Triangle 15 Black

With four NTDP experiences under her belt, OH Francesca Sales out of North Carolina competes up an age division with Triangle 15 Black. She’s attended college camps from both her home state powerhouse of UNC and the premier program of Nebraska, showing that she is quickly emerging as a name to know. 

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Class of 2031

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Liv Button: OH- TAV 13 Black- Johnny 

Competing at high-level competitions with TAV 13 Black- Jonny, Liv Button continuing to elevate her game while gaining valuable experience. As she uses her vocal leadership on the court and big presence at the net, we are sure to see more of Button in the years to come. 

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Lexi Sorden: setter- MADFROG 13 Green 

Setter Lexi Sorden uses her strong hands and transition speed to lead MADFROG 13 Green to a number of successes, including their recent gold medal performance at the Show Me Qualifier. Her steady growth and court leadership point to a promising future as she continues to develop.

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Aubrey Davis: libero/DS- AZ Sky 13 Gold

Being Nationals bound after leading AZ Sky 13 Gold to a 3rd place finish at the Pacific Northwest Qualifier, libero/DS Aubrey Davis uses her relentless ball pursuit and controlled platform to make an impact on the court. Her consistency and steady improvement position her as a young athlete with strong long-term potential in the game. 

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Nora Cabell: libero/DS- Alliance 14-1 

Housing her talents with Alliance 14-1 and competing at elite-level tournaments, libero Nora Cabell is steadily raising her level of play. Her quick reads in the back row and reliable defensive work make her a player to follow as she continues to grow.  

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Bradlee Hayes: setter- EMV 13-1 

With her high volleyball IQ and vocal communication, setter Bradlee Hayes aids EMV 13-1 to their many victories, recently taking 3rd place at the Northeast Qualifier in Philadelphia. Her ability to run an offense and control the ball make her a valuable leader on the court as she continues to develop in her role. 

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Violet Fa’amafoe: OH- SC Rockstar Volleyball 13- Lance

This OH out of California is an athletic wonder and always exciting to watch on the court. Violet Fa’amafoe’s smart shot selection and resilience under pressure have helped lead SC Rockstar Volleyball 13-Lance to receiving two bids for nationals, and have solidified her name as one to remember as she keeps advancing. 

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Sahej Ahluwalia: setter/RS- A4 14- Lolo 

Sahej Ahluwalia, a setter/RS out of California, brings leadership and tempo control to A4 14- Lolo. As an invitee of the LA Middle School UA Next Camp, she continues to gain exposure and experience, positioning herself as a rising prospect.