Rankings Update: ’24s That Defend
Wrapping up our position-by-position likes in the class of 2024 is the first—and last—line of defense for any team, the defensive specialists. I list all of the DS’s in the rankings as “DS”, simply because it’s easier for me. All…
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Continue ReadingWrapping up our position-by-position likes in the class of 2024 is the first—and last—line of defense for any team, the defensive specialists. I list all of the DS’s in the rankings as “DS”, simply because it’s easier for me. All five of the kids listed here have a bunch of skills that add up to wearing the special jersey somewhere in their volleyball career, whether it be right now on their varsity team or in the future for a lucky college program.
Lola Schumacher Lola Schumacher 5'4" | DS/L Brebeuf Jesuit | 2024 State #60 Nation IN , 5-4, Munciana 16 Ninjas
For me, this is a no-brainer. Similar to Texas commit Emma Halter Emma Halter 5'5" | DS/L Roncalli | 2022 State #60 Nation IN (’22), Lola wore the libero jersey immediately as a freshman last fall, and doesn’t look to relinquish it any time soon. Her serve receive and defense are one in the same, and both at the highest level in this class—or any class, for that matter. Playing up at Munciana gives her access to better, faster play and higher level training, which only makes her better.
Brenna Ginder Brenna Ginder 5'5" | DS/L Carroll Fort Wayne | 2024 State #137 Nation IN , 5-3, Team Pineapple 15 Black
Smooth as siłk, the 15-1 libero at TP is mature beyond her years, and has shown early success on the club scene. She is fast but not hurried, relaxed but not lazy, and exemplary but not arrogant. She stays on her feet more than most defenders in this class, and is a left-back genius. I love this kid, and I hope to see her more once MEQ’s roll around.
Alena Naddaf Alena Naddaf 5'2" | DS/L New Prairie | 2024 State IN , 5-2, Dunes 15 Teal
Another kid who’s already donned the special jersey for varsity is Alena, and like the liberi listed above, she’s already seen a good portion of winning at the varsity level. She stays on her feet well, is a left-back kid (but could play all three), and is well-balanced in both serve receive and defense. This is yet another player I’d like to see more of during a qualifier to see what kind of gains she’s made since I saw her last October.
Camila Adams Camila Adams 5'8" | DS/L Providence | 2024 State IN , 5-8, DS/OH, KIVA 15 White
OK, OK, I’m clearly cheating here. I knew her as a DS when playing at Providence in the fall, but by the end of her first tournament day at KIVA, she was playing all the way around and had no reason to come out. At a smaller school, this is a six-rotation outside, through and through. She has bigger aspirations, however, and could easily be a DS at a larger school in the fall of ’24. Stay tuned, as Camila can do both at an advanced level, and has received the training to do so in both club and high school.
Katie Smith Katie Smith 5'3" | DS/L Roncalli | 2024 State IN , 5-1, Academy 15 Vipers
A spitfire of a defender, Katie chases everything down and keeps plays alive regularly. She stays on her feet well, is smooth on first contact, and is constantly active both physically and vocally. At some point during this club season, I’ve seen her in all three back row positions, all while wearing the libero jersey. The future is bright for this one, and I hope to see more of her in the future.