My last list is the top five returning outside hitters for 2024. You may have guessed this one Maddie Skinner, the three time national champion, is back for her last go around at Texas after leading them to the title for the second straight season and winning Most Outstanding Player. Skinner is one of the best to do it, has the ability to take over a match, and is one of the best competitors I’ve ever seen, especially in the big moments. She averaged over 5.5 points per set last season and can quite literally do it all as a six rotation player. Next, Sarah Franklin. You also may have guessed the reigning national player of the year at Wisconsin. Another lethal attacker that can do it all and really control a game when she heats up. She hits so well at a system and can terminate pretty much any ball. The court vision and sharp angle shots she makes are so hard to defend. Next, Jess Merrick at Penn State. Merrick averaged almost five points per set for the Nitney Lions and has a cannon for an arm. And another one of the best six rotation players in the country. She tallied 270 digs last season. Anna De Beer returns for her fifth season as the hometown hero at Louisville. She LED the cards in kills and points and is a steady leader for the program on top of her offensive production and ability to jump out of the Gym. Her defense is unreal. 275 digs last year and the ACC Player of the year. And finally produce Eva Hudson, who became the fastest player in Purdue history during the rally scoring era to reach 1,000 career kills. She put together a very productive sophomore season with 560 kills, 255 digs, and 55 blocks. This list could go on forever, so here’s some more names to know Melanie Para at TCU, Elia Rubin at Stanford, Norris at Creighton, Harper Murray at Nebraska, Rainey at Illinois, Brooklyn delay at Kentucky, and so many more. Thanks for following along with my top five players at every position. Would love to know all of yours in the comments!