The Tarheel State - North Carolina Stars

The talent is constantly growing around the country as our sport continues to gain center stage attention. With more athletes competing, the stronger the competition becomes in each state. Next up on our state by state series, we will be looking at the strength that comes from North Carolina. While North Carolina has been a sleeper state in the volleyball circuit for much of its history, the 2027 class can’t go unnoticed as many prospects are gaining attention from the top Power 4 programs.

​

This week, let’s take a look at our top 10 PPV athletes who currently have a player profile on our site!

​

Genevieve Harris - 2026 Setter, NC Volleyball Academy, PPV 289

Harris has been on our radar since last Winter’s NTDP, a fiery competitor and unmatched quarterback in the setter position. She’s not only top of the PPV charts in North Carolina, but stands alone amongst her class in her position. This Texas commit has U19 team experience, was named the Best Setter in the NORCECA games late last summer, and rounded out her Sophomore year gaining NC Gatorade player of the year accolades. This Carolina native is a force to be reckoned with and will be a fun one to watch for the Longhorns.

​

Nejari Crooks - 2027 Opposite, Triad Elite, PPV 266

Crooks flew under the radar for a while in the 2027 class, playing for a smaller club she didn’t gain the national attention she truly deserved. That is until the NTDP program took notice, and ever since she’s been a stand out in the opposite position for the 2027 class. While there happen to be many opposites on this NC roster, Nejari stands atop due to her length and whip of an arm swing. She’s a terror to opposing defenses and with her focus on strictly Opposite this year, power 4 programs will be battling to land this one come June.

​

Ryan Hunter - 2025 Opposite, Triangle, PPV 253

The second Nebraska commit in the past few years coming from the Tar Heel State, Hunter was incredible to watch during her club career. A whip of an arm and an approach jump of 10’4”, she had her way at the net. An unfortunate ACL injury took her out of competing most of her 18U season, but she is rehabbing well and it will be fun to see how she looks added to the already stacked Husker squad.

​

Keilani Ledaja-Brewer - 2027 Outside, Triangle, PPV 228

Ledaja-Brewer is a favorite of our staff, an under the radar kid playing for a smaller club last year and in an entirely different position, she’s playing up this year and is finding her way as an outside in a tough 17 Open field. A stacked camp resume from past years keeps us wondering, which Power 4 program will pick up this power attacker.

​

Taylor Bruce - 2026 Opposite, NC Academy, PPV 215

Bruce while ‘undersized’ is a jumper and her quickness off the floor matches her swing. This Georgia commit was named as the Big South Qualifier ‘MVP’ when her 16’s team took home the title in 2024.

​

Hailey Mueller - 2027 Outside, Triangle, PPV 210

Mueller, another ‘27 outside from the Carolinas, shines in her power. Another pin with power, while she may not jump as high as some others in this class she muscles through blocks like the best of them. Her arm is what’s getting her noticed and it will be fun to see her path come June.

​

Maggie Jewell - 2028 Middle, NC Academy, PPV 172

Jewell is our first and only 2028 on this list, she garnered national recognition as one of the top freshman middle blockers in the entire country - finishing 5th overall per MaxPreps. She stands out with her ability to get up and close the block quickly due her long wingspan.

​

Hadley Lichty - 2027 Setter, Triad United, PPV 168 

Lichty is a setter the passes the eye test, 6’ QB with a high contact point? Those are the bones for a solid setter in the ‘27 class. She is able to find options for her hitters and sets a reliable ball each time. Good off of one foot and an offensive weapon for her club team as well.

​

Graceyn Shepard - 2027 Libero, Triangle, PPV 168

Shepard is your typical scrappy libero, she shows well and is creating options for her team out of defense. As a sophomore, she already has quite an impressive resume - state champion as a freshman, rookie of the year, and many local P4 camps under her belt.

​

Ali Burgess - 2027 Outside, Triad Elite, PPV 152

Burgess while ‘undersized’ in the outside position has already reached the impressive 10 foot jump touch mark.  An offensive threat from the front and the back, she has a wide variety of shots which leaves defenses constantly guessing.