A Few Texas Names to Know

With club season starting up I am excited to see what the state of Texas is going to bring. There is always a ton of top talent out of Texas & this club season will be no different. The 2027 class is one of the best we've seen in a while and this club season is going to be a breakout year for many of those talented 2027’s. Here are a few 2027’s out of the state of Texas I have my eye on:

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Gemma Hopkins- Libero, Houston Jrs, PPV 272- One of if not the best libero in this class. She is so calm, cool and collected on defense and serve receive. She is so in control in the back court and does a great job being such a leader in the back row. I am excited to see her continue to show her poise and control this club season. 

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Nyla Livings- Middle Blocker, TAV, PPV 274- A TOP middle blocker in this class. She is a very strong slide hitter and has great body control to get some crazy kills from behind the setter. She is also really strong in front on 1’s and 31’s and is UP in transition which is half of the battle for a middle. Livings is going to go off this season no doubt and I can't wait to see it!

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Sophee Peterson- Setter, TAV, PPV 265- Really strong back set (helps to have some big time hitters to set). She reads the game really well and sees the court as a whole. She's an overall strong setter that will make some big plays in 2025. I'm thoroughly impressed with her ability!

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Gentry Barker- OH, TAV, PPV 260- Man this TAV team is strong. Gentry Barker is a high flying outside hitter that reminds me of (new) Louisville OH Chloe Chicoine. SHe jumps really well and has a lot of power behind her swing. She has the potential to make a real impact on whatever college team recruits her so I think she will definitely round out this TAV offense this season!

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Allie Hudgins- OH, Austin Skyline, PPV 251- Her tool box is pretty wide, she hits both angle and line very well. Has an arm swing that speeds up as she swings so she ends with a ton of power. She is also very aggressive from the back row. This Texas star is going to help her team this club season no doubt. 

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Anya Baklenko- Setter, Madfrog, PPV 245- This will be a big year for her. I can see her getting much stronger and better at the long string ball. She has great accuracy and sets the middle really well, so when she gets stronger she will see some serious improvement. I am really impressed with her ability and I'm excited to watch her set her club team this year!

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Bynn Stephens- setter, TAV, PPV 234- Really strong setter. She had a really good showing at NTDP this year! I would love to see her improve her accuracy in transition but her first ball side out balls are really strong. She is a talented setter that will have a great year!

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Naomi Livings- Opposite, TAV, PPV 230- This will be a breakout year for her. It seems like she's been improving her contact point and her reach has gotten higher. I am looking forward to watching her play with her very talented club team this year. She is an impact player that will make a change.

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Tinsley Walker Brown- Setter, Houston Skyline, PPV 226- A setter that I think is very underrated. She is talented and strong. I love watching her push a ball from way far in right front easily to the OH on the other side of the court. She is impressive and will make big moves for her team. 

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Ryan Spencer- OH, Skyline Jrs, PPV 223- She has a whip of an arm! Her arm speed carries her on offense. She also pass to attacks really well. Spencer’s angles from her back row attack really set her apart from other OH in the 2027 class. I am really excited to see Spencer make strides this season.

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Ainsley Shafer- Libero, TAV PPV 216- she has a really strong and controlled platform. I like how aggressive she is in the back row and how well she makes moves at balls a step or two outside her body line. I am excited to see her out of system setting game evolve. 

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Lyla Crowder- Middle Blocker, 1United, PPV 221- really long middle blocker. She has a very long arm swing. She is up in transition which is super helpful for her team. I am looking forward to seeing her get stronger and attack in different spots on the court. She will definitely get better this season and I can't wait to watch!

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