My daughter started as an 8th grader on Varsity. She was just about the same size and weight as her teammates. She had older sisters in college so the age thing wasn’t an issue. She didn’t hang out with the older kids on weekends but attended the pasta parties ,it didn’t make her any less of a teammate, knew her role and fulfilled it. Team made it to the County semifinals and lost to the eventual champion. Was fortunate enough to have a friend in 8th grade who was in the same boat join her on varsity. They both had no issues, overall good experience. No jealousy whatsoever.