Weekly Risers: 12 Players Showing Major Growth

Saylor Halvorsen | 2028 | OH | SG Elite | PPV: 222

Saylor Halvorsen continues her steady climb, recently earning her first NTDP Invite (Spring 2026)—a strong indicator of her upward trajectory.An underrated outside hitter in the Class of 2028, she brings a well-rounded, all-around game, contributing effectively in both the front and back row. Her consistency and versatility continue to separate her as a reliable presence on the court. With her game trending upward, Halvorsen is firmly establishing herself as a name to watch in the 2028 class.

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Alex Knox | 2028 | S | 3DGE | PPV: 288

Alex Knox continues to stand out in the Class of 2028, recently being invited to another NTDP, reinforcing her presence at the national level. Ranked as the #3 setter in the class, Knox brings a high-level combination of decision-making and physicality to the position. With an approach touch of 118” and a block touch of 116”, she offers an athletic edge that translates on both sides of the ball. Her continued recognition and performance solidify her status as one of the top setters to watch in the 2028 class.

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Annie Lum | 2030 | OH | Infinity VB Club | PPV: Watchlist

Annie Lum continues to make progress, recently participating in the UA Next Camp, where she showed measurable development. She now has an approach touch of 113” and a block touch of 110”, reflecting her continued physical growth and work ethic. An outside hitter in the Class of 2030, Lum is trending upward and remains firmly on our watchlist as she continues to develop her game.

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Anela Wailani | 2027 | Libero/DS | Revolution VB | PPV: 200

Anela Wailani has cemented herself as a standout defensive presence in the Class of 2027. As a libero/defensive specialist, she combines quickness, anticipation, and consistent ball control, making her a reliable anchor in the back row. Her recent commitment to West Point Army Academy highlights not only her athletic talent but also her discipline, work ethic, and leadership both on and off the court. Wailani’s fundamentals, court awareness, and ability to read the game continue to set her apart from her peers. With steady growth and a focus on excellence, Anela remains a player to watch as she continues to make her mark nationally.

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Kaniyah Ball | 2028 | Libero | METRO DC | PPV: 188

Kaniyah Ball is making waves in the Class of 2028, recently jumping 46 points in PPV; a testament to her rapid development and performance on the court. She has participated in multiple high-level camps, including Pitt, MD, Baylor, ASU, as well as All-American and UA camps, gaining valuable experience against top competition. As a libero, Ball demonstrates exceptional court awareness, quickness, and consistency in the back row. Her growth and performance at these elite opportunities highlight her as a rising defensive force nationally, and she continues to trend upward as one of the top players to watch in her class.

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Sydney Walburn | 2029 | OH/RS | Mintonette Sports | PPV: 165

Sydney Walburn has continued her upward momentum in the Class of 2029, earning an invite to the Ohio State camp and further exposure against elite competition. As a versatile outside hitter/right side with Mintonette Sports, she brings length, power, and defensive versatility to her role on the court, helping her stand out in Ohio’s deep talent pool of hitters. Walburn also carries the distinction of being a USAV National Champion, an experience that reflects her ability to contribute at high‑stakes, top‑level events. Her combination of experience, athletic tools, and continued growth keeps her trending upward and on the radar as a player to watch in the 2029 class.

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Olivia Buckley | 2030 | OH | Southwest VB Club | PPV: Watchlist

Olivia Buckley continues to make major strides in the Class of 2030. In her most recent testing, she increased her approach touch by 5”, a significant improvement that reflects her hard work, athletic growth, and dedication to developing her game. As an outside hitter, Buckley is showing increasing power, explosiveness, and consistency, making her a more dynamic threat on both the front and back row. Her continued growth and measurable progress make her a player to keep an eye on, and she remains firmly on our watchlist as one of the rising talents in her class.

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Loretta Duby | 2028 | Libero/DS | Tennessee Performance VB | PPV: 159

Loretta Duby continues to make her mark in the Class of 2028 as a dependable libero/defensive specialist with Tennessee Performance VB. Known for her consistent platform and defensive awareness, Duby provides stability and composure in the back row, two traits that separate strong defenders at the national level. She will be attending the Virginia Select Camp this June, offering valuable exposure and the opportunity to compete against a top tier of talent, broaden her experience, and further showcase her game. With a PPV of 159, Duby sits in a range that reflects both her current impact and potential growth as she continues to develop physically and technically. Her combination of defensive instincts, platform control, and increasing collegiate camp exposure keeps her trending upward and a player to watch in the 2028 class.

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Mandela Masimini | 2028 | MB | VA Juniors | PPV: 203

Mandela Masimini continues to show growth and promise as a middle blocker with VA Juniors. She will be attending the Spring NTDP training session, an opportunity that reflects her rising profile and ability to compete at the next level. Masimini’s performance has moved her PPV up to 203, highlighting measurable progress in her skills and athletic development. With her size, timing, and continued improvement at the net, she remains a player to watch as she strengthens her presence in her club and nationally.

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Josalyn Samuels | 2028 | S | Kairos VB | PPV: 294

Josalyn Samuels continues to make a strong impact in the Class of 2028, recently moving up to tie for the #1 setter in her class. Her performance at Kairos VB demonstrates a combination of court vision, decision-making, and athleticism that sets her apart. Samuels boasts an approach touch of 10’4” and a block touch of 9’11”, showcasing her physical tools and versatility at the net. With continued development and consistent high-level performance, she is firmly establishing herself as a setter to watch on the national stage.

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Brady Collins | 2030 | S | Triangle VBC | PPV: 235

Brady Collins continues to make significant strides in the Class of 2030 as a talented setter with Triangle VBC. She has recently been invited to the Spring NTDP session, highlighting her rapid development and potential to compete at the highest levels. With a PPV of 235, Collins demonstrates strong court awareness, decision-making, and leadership, effectively running the offense and creating opportunities for her teammates. Her combination of athleticism, technique, and work ethic makes her a rising standout, and she continues to trend upward as a player to watch in her class over the coming seasons.

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Chandler Short | 2029 | S | WAVE | PPV: 184

Chandler Short continues to rise in the Class of 2029 as a talented setter with WAVE. She participated in select camps in Colorado, Tennessee, and Minnesota, earning TOPs of 8.4, 9.1, and 8.4, showcasing her skill and consistency against high-level competition. Short has added notable balance and leadership to her game, and her increased leadership on the court contributed to a significant PPV jump to 184. With her vision, composure, and command of the offense, she continues to trend upward as a setter to watch in her class, combining athleticism with a high volleyball IQ.