North Carolina Athletes Joined National Volleyball Program
Two rising high school freshmen were named to the U.S. Volleyball National Team Development Program this summer.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Volleyball
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Millbrook High School setter Brady Collins and Cardinal Gibbons High School hitter Francesca Sales earned spots on the USA Volleyball U15 National Team Development Program roster in summer 2026. Both athletes are currently competing during their first high school season in North Carolina.
Why it matters
Selection to the National Team Development Program marks a significant milestone for young players, providing elite training and exposure within the national volleyball pipeline. These honors recognize the high level of competition currently seen across North Carolina high school programs.
Brady Collins records 3.5 assists and 2.4 kills per set for a 12-5 Millbrook squad, while Francesca Sales maintains a 41.0 hitting percentage at Cardinal Gibbons. Cardinal Gibbons is currently ranked second in the HighSchoolOT statewide top 25 rankings.
The players
Brady Collins
She is a 5-foot-11 setter representing Millbrook High School who was selected for the U.S. Volleyball National Team Development Program.
Francesca Sales
She is a 6-foot-1 outside hitter at Cardinal Gibbons High School who earned a position on the U.S. Volleyball National Team Development Program roster.
The details
Brady Collins, a 5-foot-11 setter, facilitates the Millbrook offensive attack, while 6-foot-1 outside hitter Francesca Sales contributes as both a primary attacker and a back-row defender for the undefeated Cardinal Gibbons team. Both players have transitioned successfully to the high school level during the fall 2026 season.
Timeline
The athletes were named to the national roster in summer 2026.
The high school volleyball season is taking place throughout fall 2026.
The Big Picture
The participation of these students reflects the ongoing expansion of the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program to capture and foster talent at the freshman level. This centralized approach standardizes coaching and skill acquisition for players long before they reach collegiate or professional play.
With Cardinal Gibbons holding an undefeated record and a second-place statewide ranking, the performance of Francesca Sales remains a critical variable for their postseason trajectory. Similarly, Brady Collins continues to anchor the offensive rotation for Millbrook, impacting their 12-5 season standing.
The takeaway
These selections highlight the high level of athletic development occurring within North Carolina high school athletics. Young athletes aiming for national consideration should focus on consistent performance and participation in verified development programs.
Further reading
For more information on the sport in the state, visit the Volleyball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WRAL TV.
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