The Next Wave: Player Profiles ‘30 and ‘31, Week 8

The Next Wave: Player Profiles ‘30 and ‘31 

Young Standouts Emerging Fast, Week 8

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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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Zoe Unverzagt: libero/DS- Athena 14-1 Gold National

Already earning a spot on the USAV NTDP U16 Training Roster, Zoe Unverzagt is a young defensive prospect gaining valuable experience against high-level competition while continuing to develop her all-around game. She also helped her team capture the CEVA Regional Championship, giving her an early foundation of success as she enters the high school recruiting journey. 

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Kate Jin: libero/DS- A5 14-1 Helen 

Kate Jin continues to establish herself as a reliable defensive presence, helping her team finish as the AAU Nationals runner-up after winning the event in each of the previous two seasons. Her steady ball control and consistency in the back row give her a strong foundation as she continues to develop.

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Olivia Buckley: OH- Southwest 14E

Olivia Buckley has already gained exposure to the college recruiting environment through the USAV Junior Club Championship Showcase, competing in front of college coaches while continuing to sharpen her game. Her commitment to putting in extra work outside of practices and matches has helped lay the groundwork for her continued development.

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Kaidence Seward: libero/DS- Idaho Crush 15 Yett

Kaidence Seward continues to build experience after attending the GCU College Camp, taking advantage of opportunities to compete and learn in a college training environment. Following a successful club season, she helped her team earn a trip to Nationals as she continues to develop her defensive game.

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Eliana Butler: setter- Metro 14 Travel

Eliana Butler continues to gain recognition as a young setter, earning a 2026 UA Next Camp invitation and being named a Prep Dig Top Performer. After competing at the 2026 GJNC, she has continued to build valuable experience while developing her leadership and playmaking ability.

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Lily McAfee: setter- Nebraska ONE 14-1 Apex

Lily McAfee is adding to her all-around experience with time in the USAV NTDP Beach program while continuing to develop as an indoor setter. After helping her team double qualify for Nationals, she gained another valuable opportunity to compete on one of the sport's biggest stages.

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Jordan Fitzgerald: OH- TAV 14 Black

Jordan Fitzgerald has continued to stay engaged in her development while recovering from injury, and her invitations to both the Exact X1 Showcase and UA Next Camp reflect the promise she has already shown. As she returns to full strength, she is a Class of 2030 prospect with plenty of room to continue building her game against high-level competition.

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Lily Powell: libero/DS- Infinity 14 Ren

Lily Powell helped her team put together an impressive 11-1 run at AAU Nationals, capped by a Premier Division Diamond Bracket Championship. She also gained valuable instruction at the Mississippi State Volleyball College Camp as she continues to develop into a dependable back-row prospect in the Class of 2030.

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Class of 2031

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Lelia Bennett: OH/DS- Alamo 14 Premier

Lelia Bennett is a young OH/DS who continues to build her game through extra work outside of team practices. Her powerful swing already stands out, giving her a strong foundation as she continues to develop in the Class of 2031.

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Emma Perez: OH/DS- Texas United 15 Red

Emma Perez is gaining valuable experience by playing up an age division with Texas United 15 Red while also competing on the beach to continue expanding her all-around skill set. After helping her team earn a Nationals bid with an impressive 8-1 performance at the Salt Lake City Showdown, she is continuing to develop against older competition.

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Reagan Bothof: libero/DS- Club 757 14 Elite Black

Reagan Bothof has already begun collecting quality experiences early in her volleyball journey, earning both a UA Next Camp invitation and MVP honors. She also attended the Texas A&M Volleyball Camp, continuing to develop her defensive game while competing in high-level training environments.

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Madison Bush: OH/DS- TAV 14 Elite 

Madison Bush was part of her team's 2026 USA Division National Championship run, gaining valuable experience competing on one of the biggest stages in club volleyball. An explosive vertical and athletic all-around game makes her a young Class of 2031 prospect to watch as she continues to develop.

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Serenity Peeler: OH/MB- LV 13 Avoli 

Serenity Peeler helped her team put together a standout season, highlighted by triple qualifying for Nationals. Her high volleyball IQ and ability to contribute at multiple positions provide a strong foundation as this prospect continues to develop.

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Jessi Duran: setter- Sunshine 13-1 V

Jessi Duran helped her team capture a gold medal by winning their division at the SCSN tournament. Her strong work ethic continues to fuel her development as she gains experience running the offense and competing at a high level.

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Hazel Thier: OH/RS- Kairos 13 Alpha 

Hazel Thier played a key role in her team’s AAU Premier Division National Championship run, competing against top teams from across the country. Her strong serving game consistently puts pressure on opponents and adds another dimension to her impact on the court.