The Prospect Report: Show Me Qualifier

June is coming fast for programs and prospects. Both College Staff and 2026 Prospects are starting to narrow their Target Lists and zone in on plans of attack, still so much is left to figure out and hundreds of names move up and down every week. We are starting to see and hear some consistencies when it comes to possibly landing spots and good “school fits” for many in the class.

The Smoke:

Here are the athletes that seem to have the most “chatter” surrounding them lately.

Sarah Hickman-OPP-Houston Jrs

Yes, it does seem like we mention her in nearly every update because she gains more and more attention every week. Huge upside to an already high level game. Frame to grow. High Academic aspirations make her a “sure target” for any Top 10 program wanting an OPP in 2026. We are so impressed by her character and attitude as much as her game. I think she’s solidified #1 OPP target for the class.

Ayanna Watson-OH-Vegas Aces

When you keep hearing more and more about an athlete not even at the tourney you know there is high interest. I think coaches have always seen the physical upside to Watson, but her consistency and extremely high-level of play have put the Las Vegas star in some rare-air convos for mid-June. “High-ceiling” is another term used with Ayanaa and we can’t wait to watch her in person again soon.

Rayna Christenson-Setter-Northern Lights

The Minnesota Setter/OPP drew many spectators this weekend as coaches try and evaluate her game. One reason for their interest is her height. 6’2” in a class of shorter setters draws immediate interest for programs used for taller floor generals. The fact that she can and does often need to attack for her club team also is drawing attention as schools look at her position flexibility at the next level.

Keoni Williams-MB-Dallas Skyline

The Big-Time Programs love those kids that pass the eye test and Williams does just that. You saw every Top 5 Program in the USA at her court as the most physical MB in class continues to dominate at the highest level.: It appears that she will have her pick of power programs looking for an MB (and a couple of Big Ten red schools could battle it out for her??).

Names to Know:

Macie Smith-OH-The Academy

“She is the exact kind of kid that gets looked over all the time. 6’1” with a frame the shouts potential. She does the little things right. Those are kids who can be patient and they have. She may wait until next season to commit and could get some bigger offers.”

Grace Martin-OH-Pohaku

I can’t like her game enough. She fits the category of “undersized OH’s” with a ton of games. She’s as good in the back row as the front and already is a pro at finding ways to score vs. taller blocks. I just feel there is ALWAYS a need on Power 5 programs for a solid player, solid character, and solid student/athlete.

Brooke Lacewell-OPP-Dallas Skyline

“You see this all the time. A very good volleyball player goes overlooked because they play with some Top 5 kids on their team who everyone talks about. Lacewell is a very good volleyball player and can go to a big school and have a very successful career.” She caught our eye several times making plays in Skylines successful two days.

Recruiting News/Notes/Thoughts:

I heard several coaches advocate for Official Visits to be allowed on June 15th. “Why do we make families foot the bill to pay to attend a Select Camp and then many never get to take an Official?” If schools want them let them host them on an official so it’s on the school’s dime and saves families $”

Another suggestion is to move the “Open Period” to May.

“Club season slows way down, let PSA’s start taking officials in May. Then they can go to Select Camps in June if they are still open or still looking at schools.”

Hearing differing opinions from coaches on how vital “attending camp” is.

Some schools say they won’t offer a kid who doesn’t attend camp.

Others say that they understand there just aren’t enough free days on kids’ calendars and many camps are on the same days so it’s tough.

How important are Club Run College Camps?

Yes, it’s great to get colleges in your gym to see athletes, but aren’t many schools already attending large club practices? Also, don’t coaches get to see athletes at tournaments to evaluate? Some athletes have to choose between attending their club’s college invite camp or going to a college invite camp on their own.

Piecing the Puzzle Together:

We will do an article soon that breaks down the “College Volleyball Pecking Order” when it comes to recruiting, but we are starting to get some ideas of kids that will. Be choice A, B, C, etc for certain schools.

Is this the year a Top 5 bucks the trend and says “No” to one of the Big 3? Hasn’t happened very often.

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