The high school volleyball season is in full swing around the country, but seniors are also preparing for their next step when they arrive at their college campuses. Arizona Wildcat commit Asia Udo-Ema has made an impression as she completes that preparation. The 2027 commit has been invited to the Under Armour Next All-American game.
Udo-Ema is averaging 5.2 kills per set on .402 hitting this season for Centennial High in Corona, Calif. Those numbers blow by the previous career high of 4.4 k/s that
she set her freshman season. She also has a career high in digs (2.9) per set. She just passed 1,500 career kills. The Huskies are 20-6 overall and 5-0 in conference play this season behind the big numbers from the 6-foot outside.
The production has gotten Udo-Ema noticed. In early August, Claire Truluck of Volleyball Adrenaline highlighted the outside hitter and fellow Arizona commit Tinsley Welker-Brown as a pair of stars who can help the Wildcats take the next step when they arrive on campus in 2027.
Udo-Ema’s explosiveness, vertical ability, and all-around skill set allow her to be a consistent offensive threat. Her ability to score from the service line, attack from behind the 10-foot line, and contribute in multiple areas makes her the type of player every program values. Welker-Brown brings a dynamic presence at setter after an incredible early high school career with Austin High School. She earned 20-6A Newcomer of the Year, Houston Chronicle All-Greater Houston Newcomer of the Year, VYPE Newcomer of the Year, and TSWA Second Team All-State honors while leading all freshmen nationally in assists with 1,117 assists as a freshman. Now going into her senior year, she is even more of a physical and aggressive setter, Welker-Brown has shown the ability to run an offense with confidence and create opportunities for her teammates.
Under Armour is the latest to honor Udo-Ema with her selection to the All-American game.
The UA Next All-American game features 28 top players from around the country. It is held in Orlando, Fla. on New Year’s Day.
Arizona currently has three players who were part of the UA Next All-American festivities their senior years, although only one committed to the Wildcats out of high school. Both Carlie Cisneros and Kennedy Osunsanmi were included in the 2024 honorees. Harmony Sample attended in 2022.
Udo-Ema will sign with Arizona in November and suit up for the Wildcats for the 2027 season.
