Triple Crown Ballers to Watch: Pin Hitters

This weekend (June 7th-9th)is the 2025 Triple Crown Summer NIT for girls volleyball, at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. Many of the top Southern-based clubs in the nation will compete for the elusive trophy, as the ‘27s congregate for their final tournament, and the ‘26s are eager to share their skills with the world. Here are some of my picks for pin hitters to watch out for going into this event (all matches will be streamed through BallerTV.)

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Riley Riggs – #18 Dynasty (OH): A 6-0 2027 outside of Kansas, Riggs’ has catapulted herself to number one in the state rankings. A member of the elite Dynasty Volleyball Club, and six-rotation varsity player for Mill Valley High School; Riggs’ has already tallied over her two seasons 700 kills with the Jaguars in a high school where it isn’t easy to break the lineup as a freshman. She led her team and her league in kills (416) and aces (72) this year, in addition to leading her team to back-to-back 6A State Titles. Her impressive performances have earned her a mention on the AVCA Phenom Watchlist.

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Tessa Larkin – #3 AZ Storm (OH): A 6-1 pin hitter out of Phoenix, AZ, Larkin is looking to put on one last show in her hometown before June 15th. She has attended several prestigious dream team camps last year in Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and plenty of coaches will have their eyes on her this weekend. The captain of her AZ Storm Elite squad, Larkin has led them to several victories and top finishes; herself earning All-American status along the way, with 4.5 kills per set and 9.4 digs per match. She was a candidate for the PrepVolleyball 2027 Player of the Year Finalists.

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Peyton Kubik – #12 Dynasty (OH): Kubik certainly carries a popular last name in the volleyball world, but she isn’t merely bathing in her sister's shadow. The 6-2 outside is making a name for herself and laying her own path amongst programs; including that of Texas, Louisville, and Florida. Kubik hones all the great qualities of a six-rotation outside; a whip of an arm that knows when to throw in the crafty shots. She can kill the ball deep corner or cut it 4-4, and is bursting with untapped potential. As decision time draws near, she will put on one final show for the eager coaches. 

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Madi Jo Henry – #7 Kairos (OH/DS): An AAU All-American and National Champ, Henry is a 2027 outside that is definitely on several programs' radars. While she is somewhat undersized at 5-11, 

 her 118in approach jump, athleticism, and agility overcompensate in her performance. She has been playing with Kairos since she was four, and began competing on their club teams for 11U since she was nine. She was named first team all-conference all three years of high school, as well as an all-tournament and all-state selection. Henry has lots of high-level experience and a work ethic to match it.

Isabella Stojkovic – #28 Aspire (OPP): A 2027 opposite out of Gilbert, Arizona, Stojkovic has caught the eyes of nearby programs like Arizona State and Arizona, in addition to Northwestern and Duke. Her team were runners-up in the 2025 16 Open MLK Tournament, and she was named all-region first team and 2024 Westwood Tournament MVP. Stojkovic has a really solid approach that always sets her up to succeed, and makes sure to attack the ball from its highest point of contact. She is terminal on either set of the net, and will definitely catch some eyes.

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Tamarria Mitchell – #27 H. Skyline (OH): A 5-10 outside from Pearland, Texas – though undersized – has no trouble killing the ball. In the front row, she is crafty, but aggressive, and has already developed some strong court awareness when it comes to moving the ball. In the back row, she is a solid serve receiver and defensive asset, contributing to her all-around game as a six-rotation player. Mitchell may fly under the radar in this talented class, but she is an undeniable contributor to her team's success and definitely a fun athlete to watch.   

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