I was going to post on Monday, but it’s been a busy week over here at the pond this June. As always, the players featured aren’t ranked in any meaningful order as we at FrogJump do not rank incoming recruits. However, below are some faces I believe we should get to know, as I feel they’ll make an impact on their teams in the 2026 season (or beyond!). Parents, do not email me asking “why was my athlete not listed”… you will not like my response. Dive into part II!
Max Riter – Outside Hitter – Springfield
Incredibly athletic pin coming from Bay to Bay 18’s all the way to Alden Street, Max can play. I’ve seen enough undersized outsides at Springfield over the years to know he has the potential to be an impact player over the course of his career. The Pride have incredible pin depth, so starting minutes I expect will be hard to come by his first year but after that … woof.
Ethan Gundrum – Setter – Baldwin Wallace
Baldwin Wallace was riding high the first half of the 2025 season before the injury of Owen Huynh, and I have their stock rising with his return. Gundrum will be a welcome addition at a position of need, and Baldwin Wallace should compete for a top 20 spot this year in the greater D3VB landscape.
Charlie Clifford – Outside Hitter/Opposite – NYU
NYU has a loaded class coming in following their most recent graduations, and I’ll start by highlighting Charlie Clifford. Tall pin who can play on the left or the right is exactly what the violets are looking for after the graduations of Osiecki and Boyer. A little bit of a learning curve in the UVC, but he’s talented enough to excel long term.
Mason Rowell – Middle Blocker – California Lutheran
The graduation of Borys Horiuk from Cal Lutheran will leave a big hole at middle, and Mason Rowell seems perfectly suited to fill it. He’ll need to get a little stronger during the offseason, but over time he’ll be a huge addition to the Kingsmen after he gets acclimated to the speed of the collegiate game.
Sam Cook – Outside Hitter – Marymount
The reigning all-metro player of the year (VA) will be taking his talents to Marymount. A 6’5 pin with tons of upside, Cook should see significant minutes for the Saints starting out the gate. He’ll have some growing pains at first, but I could see him develop into one of the top pins in the ODAC.
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