Friday, May 8, 2026

Audrianna Granatelli is a sophomore at Oaks Christian High School in California. The 5-foot-4 libero and defensive specialist also plays for Sports Academy on their 16 Premier team under head coach Sage McClain.

Granatelli outlined her journey in this Digging Dish.

“I started playing volleyball when I was 7 after signing up for an outdoor grass team with USYVL,” she said. “From there, I transitioned to a local indoor team, where I was immediately scouted by Lava West Volleyball Club. I immediately became enthralled with competitive woman’s volleyball and remained a valuable member of LAVA West for three seasons, 11s to 13s. When the opportunity came, I transferred to Sports Academy Volleyball Club for my 14’s season in the Open Class and I have been there ever since. This journey helped me fall in love with volleyball and develop a strong competitive mindset. Playing at a higher level has motivated me to keep pushing myself and pursue even greater opportunities in the sport.”

Audrianna has played multiple positions.

“During my 11s and 12s years, I played outside hitter and setter,” she said. “Then in my 13s season, I transitioned to libero after my coach, at the time, saw my potential in that role. That was when I realized where I was truly meant to be on the court. Playing libero allows me to use my defensive instincts, leadership and voice to make a bigger impact on the game. In hindsight, I’m glad I played other positions because it helped me understand the game from multiple perspectives.”

She wants to play college volleyball.

“At 7 years old, I was just excited to play my favorite sport.  It was great exercise and truth be told, I have always been competitive, so volleyball suited me”, she said. “As I have grown in the sport, my full-fledge love for the game has made me realize this is something I was meant to do and I want to continue at a much higher level. I am currently going through the recruitment process to play at the next collegiate level.”

She enjoys how quick the matches go.

“My favorite aspect of volleyball is how aggressive and fast-paced the game is,” she said. “I love the thrill and adrenaline of competing and making big plays. I especially enjoy being the leader of the back row, controlling the defensive side of the court and putting my teammates in the best position to succeed during serve-receive.”

What does your typical day off look like? She works on drills that will help her in matches.

“Days off she quipped” “Drills baby, drills!” “Outside of club and school team practices, I train with coach Uchenna Ofoa, a former professional volleyball player with international-level experience, as well as Kyle Saura.  He helps me stay calm when I get hard on myself.  It has helped me enhance my skill set and overall gameplay,” she said. “They push me to train at a high level and focus on the technical details of serve-receive, defensive positioning and ball control. They challenge me every practice and I thrive under pressure because it prepares me to perform confidently in competitive match situations.”

She offered words of wisdom.

“I am often asked to give advice to others that aspire to play at a super competitive Club Level. my advice for younger players is to always work hard and stay consistent,” she said. “Be coachable and don’t be afraid to step into leadership roles. Confidence, grit and a strong mindset are what take you to the next level and allow you to compete against the best. Also, remember that people are always watching, even when you’re on the sideline, so be the best teammate you can be by supporting others, staying engaged and bringing positive energy to your team.”

Its clear Granatelli is going places and won’t stop until she gets there.  In a sea of aspiring young women looking to play at a higher level. This girl is on fire and it’s easy to see why she is so sought after.

Audrianna Granatelli and the powerhouse Sports Academy Volleyball Club of Thousand Oaks put on a commanding display of grit, precision, and high-level execution as they stormed through Round 4 of the USA Volleyball SCSN Regional Tournament: Finishing the day undefeated and leaving little doubt about their championship intentions.

Once again, the “Tiny Titan” of Southern California volleyball rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion. Granatelli was nothing short of electrifying, showcasing elite court awareness, lightning-quick reflexes, and a relentless motor that never quit. If there were ever a question of range, it was answered emphatically – Spider-Man himself couldn’t have covered more ground. Every inch of plastic sports court seemed to belong to her, as she chased down balls others wouldn’t even attempt, turning defensive chaos into controlled opportunity with poise well beyond her years.

As exceptional as Granatelli was, this performance was far from a one-player show. The entire SAVBC squad operated like a well-oiled machine, communicating seamlessly, executing with discipline and playing with a level of cohesion that separates contenders from champions. Serve-receive was sharp, transitions were crisp and the team’s ability to stay composed under pressure proved to be a defining edge throughout the round. – MARC STEILO – Independent Sports Media Today

Energy on the bench mirrored the intensity on the court with every player locked in and contributing to a culture of accountability and belief. This is a group that understands its identity and more importantly, embraces it.

Round 4 wasn’t just another step forward, it was a statement. A statement that Sports Academy Volleyball Club is not here to just participate… they’re here to dominate.

Momentum is building. Confidence is rising. And if this performance is any indication, the rest of the tournament players have officially been put on notice.

Reno, Nevada

 

Sports Academy U16 Builds Momentum as Audrianna Granatelli Leads Charge into 2026 Far Western Girls Nationals Qualifier.

Fresh off an impressive showing at the prestigious Windy City National Championships in Chicago, Audrianna Granatelli and the Sports Academy U16 team are carrying serious momentum into this weekend’s tournament in Reno, Nevada.

Competing against some of the nation’s top-ranked clubs, Sports Academy U16 proved they belong on the big stage. Their performance in Chicago showcased a team that is disciplined, resilient, and built to compete deep into championship brackets. At the center of that effort was Granatelli, whose relentless energy, court awareness, and leadership continue to separate her as one of the most reliable and impactful players on the floor.

Granatelli’s ability to stay composed under pressure and deliver in critical moments was on full display throughout the tournament. Whether extending rallies, making precision passes, or stepping in to stabilize broken plays, she consistently elevated her teammates and set the tone for the team’s competitive edge.

“Chicago was a proving ground,” said a team representative. “Now this group knows exactly what they’re capable of. Audrianna leads by example; she doesn’t take plays off and that mindset is contagious.”

As the team heads to Reno, expectations are rising. With refined chemistry and growing confidence, Sports Academy U16 is poised to build on their recent success. The upcoming tournament presents another opportunity to make a statement and this group is not traveling quietly.

Keep an eye on Audrianna Granatelli and Sports Academy U16 this weekend in Reno. If Chicago was any indication, they’re not just competing—they’re coming to win.

Next up on their schedule— April 3rd – 5th 2026 Windy City Qualifier!!!

Audrianna Granatelli and her 16U Sports Academy Premier team are poised for greatness as they prepare to compete in the prestigious 2026 adidas Windy City National Qualifier, held April 3–5 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Widely regarded as one of the nation’s premier club volleyball events, the Windy City Qualifier draws thousands of elite athletes and top programs from across the country, all vying for national bids and recognition on one of the sport’s biggest stages. Among the standout competitors expected to make a significant impact is Sports Academy’s own Audrianna Granatelli.

A Class of 2028 libero, Granatelli has quickly established herself as one of the most highly scouted defensive specialists in the country. At 5’4”, she brings a relentless motor, unmatched court awareness, and a fearless approach to every rally. Known for her precision passing, defensive consistency, and ability to control the tempo from the back row, Granatelli thrives under pressure and consistently rises in the biggest moments.

Her style of play is defined by speed, agility, and instinct. Whether digging hard-driven attacks or delivering pinpoint passes to keep her offense in system, she transforms defense into opportunity.

Beyond her technical skillset, it is her leadership, poise, and competitive fire that separate her from the pack.

The Sports Academy Premier 16 squad enters Chicago with momentum and confidence, ready to test themselves against the nation’s best. With Granatelli anchoring the defense, the team brings a balanced combination of grit, discipline, and high-level execution that makes them a formidable contender.

As the tournament unfolds inside McCormick Place, all eyes will be on Granatelli—an electrifying presence whose energy and drive embody the future of the game. College recruiters and volleyball enthusiasts alike will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of this rising star.

Come see the energy, the intensity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence as Audrianna Granatelli and Sports Academy Premier 16 take center stage in Chicago!

Whose aggressive mentality and unflinching confidence has made her one of the most exciting defensive prospects in the nation. Audrianna brings a “heart of a lion and the teeth to match” to every match, consistently leaving it all on the court with a “take no prisoners mindset”.

Kansas City, MO — February marks an exciting milestone for Audrianna Granatelli as she travels to Kansas City to compete in the Triple Crown National Invitational Tournament (NIT), the premier girls’ volleyball event held annually in mid-February. Hosted at the Kansas City Convention Center in Bartle Hall, the Triple Crown NIT is an elite, invite-only national tournament that features top teams from across the country competing in multiple age divisions.

 

Widely recognized for its high-level, fast-paced competition, the Triple Crown NIT attracts the nation’s most talented athletes and programs, making participation itself a significant achievement. Known as one of the most competitive stages in youth volleyball, the event showcases elite play and serves as a benchmark for excellence in the sport.

 

Audrianna Granatelli’s selection reflects both her athletic ability and her dedication to the game. What sets her apart is not just her performance on the court, but the way she approaches every aspect of volleyball. With a strong volleyball IQ, relentless work ethic, and natural athleticism, she consistently elevates the level of play around her. Coaches and teammates praise her composure in high-pressure moments and her willingness to lead by example.

 

Audrianna’s commitment extends beyond competition. She is respected for her sportsmanship, positive attitude, and ability to balance academics with the demands of elite athletics. As she represents her team on the national stage in Kansas City this February, Audrianna Granatelli continues to prove that passion, perseverance, and character are just as powerful as skill. Her journey is one to watch.

Kansas City, MO — Day 1 of the prestigious Triple Crown NIT Girls Volleyball Tournament in Kansas City delivered exactly what fans expected: elite competition, high-level intensity, and an overwhelming number of talented athletes battling for national recognition.

With thousands of players competing across a multitude of courts, only a select few truly separated themselves from the pack.

And once again, Audrianna Granatelli, standout libero for Sports Academy Volleyball Club Premier, proved she belongs in that rare category.

Granatelli’s style of play is built for big moments—defined by pure accuracy, relentless hustle, and total court command. From serve receive to defensive coverage, she controlled the back row with confidence and consistency, showcasing the type of leadership and precision that shifts momentum and wins matches.

In a tournament filled with talent, Granatelli didn’t just compete—she dominated.

With Day 1 in the books, all eyes remain on Sports Academy Premier as the tournament continues, and Audrianna Granatelli is quickly establishing herself as one of the premier defensive forces at the Triple Crown NIT.

Once again, #4 Audrianna Granatelli proves to be the heart of the defense this past Sunday at Clava Sports Facility, Lake Forest, CA.  Her ability to cover the court in “Matrix” like fashion never waivers. While her early morning serving struggled, she quickly made adjustments to her step and arm swing mechanics resulting in a slew of multi-point serves in various sets, keeping her SAVBC 16 Premier Team ahead of their competition.  Moreso, what stands out to this observer is Granatelli’s’ grasp of her team while in action.  A true libero’s libero, she leads her team via clear vocal commands that players can hear and react to.  This is what makes her a standout at her position.  Furthermore, Granatelli’s confidence level appears to have a calming effect on the entire team as she conveys input from their head coach, Sage McClain, live and in real time.

– Peter Flemming, Writer

BY INVITATION ONLY

Granatelli Is honored to be invited to the 2026 Under Armor NEXT Series May 22^nd, 2026 in Los Angels, California.

 

Each year, hundreds of aspiring All-American’s contend for a coveted invitation to compete in the “Under Armour Next” Camp Series.  Events are held in key regions across the country. Invited athletes vie against other decidedly skilled competitors in a high-energy environment complete with drills and game action. The chosen few also earn the right to play in the All-America in Orlando, FL.

Competing in the highly competitive 15 Open Division from June 17–20, 2025 she emerged as a consistent standout, solidifying her status as a top libero prospect. On Day 3 of the tournament, Audrianna’s relentless effort earned her the prestigious title of SUPERNOVA, a testament to her exceptional play.

February 5, 2026

Audrianna Granatelli and her SAVBC teammates continued to shine today in the second round of the SCSN Tournament.

Granatelli brought her trademark speed, hustle, and court IQ to every point. With relentless energy and fearless play, she proved once again that she’s built for the big stage. Audrianna is a rising star—making plays, leading by example, and showing everyone exactly what grit and heart look like.

Of equal mention, Karina Urzua (#6), Santa Barbara, continued to be top of her class, delivering pinpoint sets all day long to her outside hitters.

Just as impressive, Malie Ogbechie (#1) smashed volleyballs at the opposition from start to finish with force and authority, while also showing promise as she honed her back-court work.

Together, this dynamic trio helped set the tone for a dominant performance and a strong push forward in tournament play.

These phenoms will be three of the athletes to watch in two weeks at the major girls’ volleyball event in Kansas City—the Triple Crown Volleyball NIT, held at the Bartle Hall Convention Center. The Triple Crown NIT is a premier February event featuring top elite club teams.

In this Round 2 match of the SCSN Tournament, Audrianna showcases her strengths as a libero through consistent serve receive, defensive range, and high volleyball IQ against strong regional competition. She reads hitters well, stays composed under pressure, and delivers accurate first contacts that allow her offense to stay in system. Competing against top club programs in the Southern California–Southern Nevada (SCSN) Tournament, Audrianna’s communication, hustle, and disciplined defense stand out throughout the match. This video highlights her reliability in the back row and her ability to make an immediate impact in fast-paced, high-level play.

Granatelli and Team Sports Academy delivered a strong performance in round three of the SCSN volleyball tournament, showing the grit, discipline, and teamwork that has become their trademark. With relentless hustle, disciplined defense, and smart decision-making at the net, the team battled through every rally and refused to give up an inch.

 

Granatelli helped anchor the effort with high energy and strong court awareness, consistently keeping plays alive and helping maintain the team’s rhythm. Her poise and competitive fire were evident throughout the match, setting the tone for teammates and pushing the squad forward during key moments.

 

With momentum building and confidence growing, the team continues to sharpen its game against tough competition.

 

Next up on their schedule— April 3rd – 5th 2026 Windy City Qualifier!!!