Skylar Lee Commits to Stanford: Top Volleyball Prospect Ushers in New Era for Cardinal Volleyball… See more…
July 28, 2025 – Seattle, WA – In a decision that’s already sending shockwaves across the high school and collegiate volleyball communities, Skylar Lee, the No. 1-ranked setter in the Class of 2025, officially announced her verbal commitment to Stanford University on Monday morning. The 17-year-old standout, known for her precision, court IQ, and quiet intensity, made the announcement via a heartfelt Instagram video that quickly went viral within the volleyball world.
“Stanford felt like home—from the first visit to every conversation since,” Lee said in the post. “I want to grow as a player and a person, and I believe Stanford is where that happens.”
With her commitment, the Cardinal gain one of the most coveted prep volleyball players in recent memory—a setter often compared to Olympic medalists and already seen as a future USA Volleyball mainstay.
Skylar Lee: A Star on the Rise
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Skylar Lee began turning heads by age 13, competing on the national club circuit with maturity beyond her years. By 15, she had already played up in U18 championships, leading her team to a Junior Nationals silver medal. In 2024, she captured the AAU Player of the Year honors and was named MVP at the Nike Invitational in Chicago.
Now a rising senior at Roosevelt High School, Lee’s ability to control tempo, deliver pin-point sets, and defend with poise has elevated her to the top of virtually every national recruiting list. Her highlights include:
- 3x All-State First Team Selection (WA)
- 1,400+ assists in her junior season alone
- Top setter at the 2024 USA Volleyball High Performance Camp
- National club title with Puget Elite 18U team
“Skylar sees the game like a veteran setter in the pros,” said her high school coach, Elena Campos. “She doesn’t just play the position—she leads it.”
Why Stanford? The Fit Beyond the Stats
While top NCAA programs like Texas, Wisconsin, and Nebraska reportedly made strong pushes for Lee, her decision to choose Stanford was based on more than just athletics.
In interviews over the past year, Lee has consistently highlighted her academic ambitions. A National Honor Society member and STEM enthusiast, she intends to study human biology or biomedical engineering—two fields in which Stanford offers unmatched opportunities.
“Stanford was a natural choice,” her father, David Lee, said on Monday. “She wanted world-class volleyball and a world-class education. She gets both.”
Stanford, known for its balance of academic prestige and athletic excellence, has produced multiple NCAA champions and Olympians in women’s volleyball, including Foluke Akinradewo, Kerri Walsh Jennings, and Morgan Hentz.
Rebuilding Stanford’s Legacy With Lee at the Helm
After a brief rebuilding stretch following their 2022 Final Four run, Stanford has been retooling its roster with elite young talent. Head Coach Kevin Hambly praised Lee’s commitment in a short press release Monday:
“Skylar is a generational talent. She makes everyone around her better and leads with humility and purpose. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Cardinal family.”
With Lee joining Stanford’s 2025 recruiting class, which already includes outside hitter Talia James (No. 8 overall) and libero Mira Huang (No. 14 overall), the Cardinal now boast what analysts are calling the strongest incoming class in the nation.
Volleyball recruiting analyst Dana Shaw added:
“Lee’s commitment puts Stanford back in national title conversations for 2026 and beyond. She’ll start as a freshman—no question.”
What Sets Lee Apart: The Intangibles
While Skylar Lee’s stats and awards are impressive, coaches and analysts often point to her intangibles as her most defining trait.
- Court vision: Lee consistently anticipates blockers and defenders, creating 1-on-1 opportunities for her hitters.
- Calm leadership: She rarely shows emotion during play, but teammates call her one of the most motivating presences off the court.
- Servant leadership style: She’s known to carry equipment, assist trainers, and lead post-practice film sessions.
USA Volleyball coach Megan Haines, who worked with Lee during the 2024 Youth National Training Team camp, said:
“Skylar is coachable, clutch, and compassionate. She has everything we look for in a future captain.”
The NIL Era: Skylar’s Brand Potential
Skylar Lee’s commitment also comes at a time when high school and college athletes are navigating a new world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Already, she has more than 200,000 followers on TikTok and 75,000 on Instagram, where she shares training tips, highlights, and lifestyle content.
Multiple brand scouts have identified her as a future “face of volleyball” for companies seeking authentic, empowered female athletes. Though she has yet to sign any endorsement deals, her college commitment will likely open the floodgates for offers once she enrolls.
Marketing consultant Rachel Tan of Sportfluence noted:
“Skylar Lee is Gen Z’s ideal athlete—disciplined, relatable, and digitally fluent. Her brand value could rival that of top NCAA basketball and soccer athletes within two years.”
Reaction From the Volleyball World
News of Lee’s commitment lit up social media Monday, with pro players, coaches, and volleyball influencers congratulating her:
- Jordyn Poulter, Olympic setter: “Huge congrats to @skylar_lee! Can’t wait to see her at the next level.”
- Kathryn Plummer, former Stanford star: “Skylar’s a Cardinal now? Huge win for the Farm. #StanfordStrong”
- PrepVolleyball.com: “The #1 setter is off the board, and she’s headed west. Skylar Lee to Stanford!”
Fans are already projecting her impact, with hashtags like #SkyToTheFarm and #CardinalCrowned trending Monday afternoon.
Looking Ahead
Skylar Lee still has one more high school season to play, and she’s made it clear that her focus remains on winning a state title for Roosevelt. But with her college future now secured, she enters her senior year with freedom—and fire.
Whether it’s lifting trophies, setting records, or building a personal brand, Skylar Lee’s journey is only just beginning, and her decision to wear Cardinal red signals a new era for both Stanford and American volleyball.
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