Kicking off the Nike classic Jan 18-20 with some TOP 2027 Talent

Recruiting season is quickly approaching and college coaches will be out on the road before we know it! January 18th is the start of the Nike Classic in Columbus, Ohio and there should be some tough competition in the 16’s division!

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The 2027 class is a tough, gritty class and there is a ton of good volleyball going to be played this club season and I can't wait to kick it off at the Nike Classic! Here are some top teams that I can't wait to see in Columbus next weekend. 

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Legacy 16-1 Adidas: This team is stacked. I have been following these girls through their high school season and cannot wait to see what they do this club season. With Marlie Smith leading their offense at setter, this is a team that will be tough to take on. I am excited to see how Bryn Meyer will impact this team at OH. She is switching clubs from Mintonette sports and I expect her to shine with this Legacy squad. A few other notable players on this team are Kate Kalczynski and Franklynn Ramdell-Washington. Both of these players are top prospects and will be big time in helping this Legacy team go far in the Nike Classic on weekend one!

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AVC 16 National- This is a team with a TON of talent. I think this group has a chance to make a big time run and possibly win some qualifiers and even be in the talks for a national championship at the end of the year! With Avary Brown at setter this group is in great hands. She is another TOP setter in the 2027 class that I can't wait to see run the offense for this AVC squad. Kyla Williams is a 6’4 middle blocker that I know top college coaches will be after. She is one of the best players in this class and will push this team to some top finishes. A couple of other notable names on this team that are getting some serious college attention are Payton Beard, Anne Culkar, and Julia Cernich. All three are OH and have the potential to get this team podium finishes at the Nike Classic and all season.

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Mintonette Sports M.61- The Mintonette M.61’s team will open up their club season in their home city just 20 minutes down the road from their practice facility. This is a team that has had some ups and downs in the past and with losing OH Brynn Meyer will definitely be impacted there. But I can't wait to see how Lilah Laaper runs the offense this year. She has been a setter that I have had my eyes on and one that I could see really having a breakout year in terms of improvement this season. She has a solid OH in Bella Borgio and I can't wait to see who their other OH will be. Kamryn Cocherl is a good option at OH for this team but they also have Marlee Sharps who could find herself in that spot as well. One other notable player is Queen Beard at middle blocker. She has been a dominant player for them in the past and I expect the same from her this season.

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KIVA 16 red- This club always has talented teams and their group of 2027’s is no different. I am looking forward to seeing Reagan Isaac compete with this group. She is one of the top prospects out of Kentucky and I think she could have a really big year this season. Another solid pin hitter in Lilah Anthony is sure to make this team well rounded and with some serious expected success. Another notable name is Cheyenne Reyes in the back court who does a great job keeping this team in system. College coaches have had their eyes on this group as a whole and I can't wait to continue to follow them! 

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NKYVC 16-Tsunami- Led by OH/RS Teagan Kondik, this NKYVC team is going to have a great showing at the Nike Classic. Arianna Furuta in the back court for this group last year covered good ground and will do a great job again this season if she is still in the jersey! Macy Armstrong is a disciplined Middle blocker that should be able to help this group again this season as well as their setter Maria Schulte. 

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These are just 5 teams that I am expecting to make a big push in the upcoming Nike Classic. Some of these teasm will play before the Nike Classic but for a lot of them this is the start to the 2025 season. This is a kick off tournament and the first for a lot of these groups so I am excited to see them compete live! I could see the matchup of Legacy vs AVC in the finals for this tournament in a tough, tough three day competition. Cant wait to follow the rest of the teams in the Nike Classic as well!

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