UA Dallas Preview Pt. 1: Top 2026s and MVP Predictions

UA Dallas Preview Pt. 1: Top 2026s and MVP Predictions

Dallas UA Camp - Previewing the Top 2026s

We have hinted at this lineup for a while now and can’t believe it’s finally here.  So much talent we had to break our predictions down into two articles.  We will start with some f the top 202s who will be looking to make an impact on UA Staff for NEXT year’s All-American selection, while competing and with some of the best in the entire country.  What makes these so enjoyable for us is that you mix well-known names ie: Anderson, Thompson, andWilliams with other up-start prospects who may not get the same opportunities to compete at this level ie: Stitzr, Natajarian, Bello, etc.  Great time for the Class of 26 to show out and move up rankings and maybe even some college prospect lists for schools that attend.  So here is our list of 2026s that could be in the running for an MVP Award.

  1. Erin Clark Libero Arizona Storm Volleyball 

Clark is a consistent defender in the back row, she works hard to put herself in a position to read the hitter and controls the backcourt with her aggressive defense. Her ability to cover the court in serve-receive makes her an elite libero who has found success playing against the top teams in the country.  She will be out of her element a bit and that is good to see how top players react in those situations.

  1. Morgan Stitzer Libero Colorado Elite 

Stitzer is relentless on backcourt defense, she puts her body on the line and controls the backcourt defense with her voice. She works hard to get her angles out early and create space from her body on serve receive to make her an efficient passer.   Morgan came on our radar when she reached out to volunteer to be a content creator for our site.  We had no idea she was such a baller until later when we watched her film in prep for this event.

  1. Aubree Fernandez Libero Dallas Skyline 

Fernandez is an unsung hero for this Dallas team, as a defensive specialist she does more than her job on the court. She makes plays off the block on defense and digs in on an open net against the best players in the country.   Again to excited to see Fernandez battle with this entire group of bros in a unique setting.

  1. Jules Hernandez Libero TAV

Hernandez is a high-level libero on one of the best teams in this age group, she is the glue in serve receive that keeps her team winning. She covers a lot of court on defense and reads attackers' hand contact very well, allowing her to make some incredible plays.   Hernandez has been one of our faves since early on in this process.  She has that energy that the UA staff loves and the game to match.

  1. Kinsley Young Middle Blocker TAV

Young is a go-to player in the middle for her team, she is a powerful attacker behind the setter and takes up space at the net as a blocker. She is an emotional leader on the court and works hard in transition to be an option for her setter.  Since our recent interview with Young, we have watched a bit of film on her and going to be great watching her battle with Williams especially.  Her high-energy game will be a plus for UA staff who love athletes like that.

  1. Keoni Williams Middle Blocker Dallas Skyline

Williams is an all-around middle blocker, she is a big presence at the net on the blocking end and is an effective attacker behind or in front of the setter. Her versatility as an attacker and experience playing at a high level set her apart from other middles in this class. In the running for #1 MB in the class so showing out here would help to cement that.  If she can dominate in this gym she can dominate at any program in America.

  1. Jayden Robinson Outside Hitter Houston Skyline

Robinson continues to develop her game as a six-row outside hitter, as a natural athlete she excels in the front row as a go-to attacker for this skyline team. Her growth in serve receive and defense has made her a contender for the top recruit in this class.  We haven’t seen Robinson up close since Triple Crown so excited to witness her growth.  We call her a “stock riser” because of where she ended last season and where she’s being talked about now.  This is another athlete who will do well being in a gym with new teammates and no names on the jerseys.   Think coaches will get to see a lot of upside depending on how she plays.

  1. Halle Thompson Outside Hitter Houston Skyline 

Thompson takes on a large role for the Houston team, as a six-row outside she dominates as an attacker in every position and is a reliable defender in the back row. When the moment gets big, Thompson gets better.  #1 Halle’s energy and communication will stick out big-time (in a positive way) it’s such an intangible strength for her and really does separate her from others with similar skill levels.  She’s as powerful as anyone attending and will get to show off her all-around game.  Every time we have seen her in a setting like this she has more than helped her own.

  1. Riley Malloy Outside Hitter Austin Skyline

Malloy leads her team on the court with consistent attacking and a calm presence. Her height proves to be an advantage for her to swing well above the block and take up space at the net when blocking.  Interested to see the speed that Malloy plays on Thursday, as the tempo in this gym will be at another level.  Great opportunity for Malloy to stand out on her own, defensively she should, and offensively she has a big opportunity to impress.

  1. Joy Udoye Outside Hitter Austin Skyline

Even when she’s playing in an older division, Udoye finds success as a powerful outside hitter who remains confident under pressure and rises to the occasion. She is impressive to watch as a six-row outside with her ball control and ability to hit out of the back row. It’s always interesting to watch, athletes that have been playing up an age group, come back and compete with their own class.  Udoye will get that chance in Dallas.  We have been high on her since December’s NTDP and can’t wait to watch her go swing for swing with some of the big guns in the ‘26 recruiting class.

  1. Henley Anderson Outside Hitter Austin Skyline 

Anderson is arguably the most physical athlete in this class, her height combined with her approach jump makes her a threat from any position on the court. She is a dominant player that can take over a match and her ceiling as a player continues to grow. This is another chance for Henley to show why many consider her #1 in the Class.  She won’t be flashy, but her game will make her stand out to coaches in attendance.

  1. Sarah Hickman Opposite Hitter HJV

A player that doesn’t get enough recognition for how she impacts the game, as a lefty she is deceptive at the net on the attack and proves to be a challenge for the defense. Her blocking continues to get better, her height at the net and vision of the hitter's approach make her a block no one wants to face.  We may be more excited to watch Hickman in this gym than anyone else.  Her block vs. the heavy arms attacking should be entertaining.  Not to mention her attacking game which has become so lethal.  

  1. Nadi’ya Shelby Opposite Hitter Houston Skyline 

Shelby creates opportunities to score for herself on offense with multiple shots on the right side and she becomes unstoppable when she gets her feet to the ball. She has great vision to read the opposing outside hitters which allows her to make an impact on the defensive end as a blocker. Shelby is another we haven’t seen up close since February.  Interested to watch what pin she works from and how she compares to Hickman on the right side.  I feel like this is another who could really raise some eyebrows being a brand new environment.  See how she steps up to the challenge.

  1. Levariya Pinder Outside/ Opposite Hitter Dallas Skyline

An underrated athlete on this Dallas team with so many big names, Pinder does more than pull her weight in the front row. Her explosive approach jump paired with her vision of the block allows her to excel as a leftside attacker with multiple different shots.  Another who has a chance to really step up her game in an unfamiliar setting.

  1. Madison Victoriano Setter Dallas Skyline

Even as an undersized setter, Victoriano is a competitor on the court and runs a high-level offense that has gained her attention from many coaches. She contacts the ball at a high point to make her deceptive to the defense and her leadership skills will help her compete for a position at the next level.  

  1. Kareena Natarajan Setter Drive Nation 

A name that has gained some recognition over the season, Natarajan is an athletic setter who can feed the middle out of the system. She gets her feet to the ball every time to give her hitters a consistent ball and brings the energy to her teammates. 

  1. Zora Bello Setter HJV

Bello is a strong setter who can set against the flow to put her hitters one one-on-one and utilizes all of her attackers on offense. She is an all-around setter who can impact the game from the defensive end as well.

  1. Blair Thiebaud Setter Houston Skyline

Thiebuad brings height to the setting position where she can set tight balls and put up an effective block on the right side. With a high volleyball IQ, she puts her hitters in positions to score and utilizes the setter dump as an offensive threat. 

  1. Danielle Whitmire Setter TAV 

A dominant all-around player who has the skill set to play multiple positions in college. Whitmire has a powerful arm on the right side as an attacker and can set with great location and tempo to her hitters. 

In a way, this could be a bit of a tryout for the 2026 Setters group, with many schools trying to completely decide their ranking order for this class.  Stepping up here could show a lot, but it will also show how they can adapt, work with, and communicate with elite attackers.  Much to watch for with this position group.

How can you not be excited about some of these matchups and how many balls may get busted open in hitting lines!!  Kids act differently when they are in “new and/or uncomfortable situations” it’s always a psychological and physical evaluation of how they react.  As we have said before, a great thing about the UA Camp is there is no club name on the front or last name on the back of the jerseys, so the athlete's game does the talking.

MVP Predictions:

I could see 7-8 All-Americans come from this group a year from now, but for MVP this year it’s so tough.  First off because I think the 2025s have 15 legit MVP candidates so not sure how many the UA Staff will give to younger athletes.  But, for the sake of debate, I’ll choose 3 and a Wildcard….

Halle Thompson:  Her attitude and energy just fit what the staff loves.

Sarah Hickman:  Again she plays with positive energy around her and will more than impress with her block and attack.  Just think she shines as the Top OPP

Henley Anderson: I really wanted to be all controversial and leave her off and pick someone else, but Henley is so good.  Reminds many similarities to Hickman, but probably the best passing OH in the field.  Her quiet confidence and competitiveness get her a hoodie.

Wild Card Picks:

Jaden Robinson: In any other camp in the country I think she gets an MVP vote and still may be here.  Think coaches are going to walk away talking about her game like so many others have this year.  She is another that will compete with high energy for sure!

Erin Clark:  I love the fact Clark is coming here to compete basically on her own.  Not coming with a bunch of teammates and that can be intimidating.  The UA Staff loves great defenders and think Erin will settle right in and play with confidence and energy.

Samantha Campion
4/16/2024