Californians that went the distance in Boston
“Just be there,” is often a motivating and guiding comment used in sports. California athletes were there in New England playing in a cross-country event sponsored by a shoe conglomerate that started its come-up on the Left Coast. These athletes were there…
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Continue Reading“Just be there,” is often a motivating and guiding comment used in sports. California athletes were there in New England playing in a cross-country event sponsored by a shoe conglomerate that started its come-up on the Left Coast. These athletes were there in two senses of the word by playing and encouraging to stave off any travel weariness.
Marina Alexander (2024) | MB | Santa Monica Volleyball Club
Middle Blockers being taller can generally provide a wicked line-to-line jump float serve and Marina Alexander is wicked good. Using a physical gift of height is not the only one she has implemented into her game. Alexander has an excellent first step to either outside antenna that will set her up for many solid double blocks.
Nikki Korneff (2023) | L | United Volleyball Club
When the ball does not rebound to Nikki Korneff, she finds a way to stay involved. Her supportive cheering while away from the action surely is indirect energy to her team. Korneff holds her platform upon contact and does not have a lot of wasted movement. That amount of movement is to be taken for activity though as she can often be found reading the play in front of her.
Julia Smith (2025) | S | Santa Monica Volleyball Club
Like Nikki Korneff, Julia Smith is also supportive. This support is found most often after a teammate’s hit that does not rebound to where that hitter setup to hit. With a high contact point, Smith uses all of her arms to set a high, hittable set every time. A hustler, she also is active in moving in the direction that the ball is moving.
London Braithwaite (2023) | MB | United Volleyball Club
London Braithwaite is a cross-court attacker. Knowing strengths and playing to them is a lucky trait. She gets around the ball when approaching to a spot on a quick set to the three zone on the net. Braithwaite additionally has great court awareness, especially during an opponent free ball and a transition slide approach.
Yulyana Kmita (2025) | MB | Santa Monica Volleyball Club
Yulyana Kmita is certainly in a position to disrupt a block as she often approaches close to the net. An assertive play style is consistent in that she steps up to pass eventually after her deep standing float serve. Kmita touches a height of the second white on the antenna.
Regan Gibson (2023) | OH | United Volleyball Club
Regan Gibson is a lefty. She approaches, open and available with a high arm, for a quick set to the seven zone on the net. This six-rotation right side looks to defend before attacking in the back row and also utilizes court space while making her jump float serve.