USD Commit’s Mentorship: Six Volleyball Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7% of high school athletes, or approximately 1 in 13, pursue their sports careers in college. Less than 2% of high school athletes, or only 1 in 57, have the honor of competing at NCAA Division I schools. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meet [player_tooltip player_id='159533' first='Isabel' last='Clark'], an impressive 6'2" Outside hitter from Mater Dei in Santa Ana. Isabel is one of those exceptional 2% athletes who will be playing at the University of San Diego. We had the chance to chat with Isabel, and she graciously agreed to share her advice with our readers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["159533"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":475040,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='159533' first='Isabel' last='Clark'], 2024: 6'2” Outside for Mater Dei (Santa Ana) and committed to University of San Diego.rnrnIsabel is an exceptionally well-rounded volleyball player who exhibits a natural grace on the court. She's a versatile athlete, capable of excelling in various aspects of the game. With a remarkable volleyball IQ, she possesses the strategic insight to switch between powerful swings and well-timed, strategic plays.rnrnIsabel's hitting technique is finely tuned, making it appear effortless and natural. She seems to possess an innate ability to read the game, identifying when to exploit openings, split the block, or finesse a line shot. She consistently finds ways to score kills and break through defensive blocks. Even when faced with a block, her intelligence allows her to adapt for more successful subsequent attempts.rnrnOn the defensive front, Isabel's blocking skills are marked by discipline. Her proficiency in lining up against opposing hitters and reading their movements is truly remarkable. She brings both consistency and confidence to the court, and her hard work to enhance her passing skills is evident.rnrnEven on those occasional days when her performance isn't at its peak, Isabel's unwavering positivity and focus keep her constantly looking ahead to the next point. It's no surprise that she's highly ranked, with PrepDig ranking her at #24 in the state, #8 in her position, and #63 nationally.rnrnWhen I inquired about her college choice, Isabel enthusiastically shared her motivations. She expressed her deep admiration for Coach Jen Petrie, praising her as both an exceptional coach and an outstanding individual. Isabel cited the program's enduring strength, underpinned by Coach Petrie's impressive 25-year tenure, as a major draw. She also commended the entire coaching staff for their excellence.rnrnIsabel's decision to stay in California was driven by her fondness for the picturesque beauty of the San Diego area. She found it to be a perfect fit for her. The allure of the stunning campus further solidified her choice, as she fell in love with every aspect of San Diego.rnrnI asked Isabel to share her wisdom with those beginning their recruiting journey. She responded with insightful advice, emphasizing the importance of engaging with coaches and schools that genuinely align with one's aspirations. Isabel stressed the value of establishing a meaningful dialogue with coaches to ascertain their level of interest and to seek clarification through questions. She highlighted that this is precisely the purpose coaches serve—to provide answers and build a connection. She encouraged getting to know the coaches and understanding their coaching style, particularly when considering a four-year commitment to the program.rnrnShe acknowledged that the recruiting process could unfold at varying paces, depending on individual preferences and goals. Isabel advised aspiring athletes to exercise patience, as each person's journey to commitment unfolds in its own unique time.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"Abbey Gleason","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"St Lucy's Priory High School","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"Crown City","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Abbey Gleason, 2025: 5'6” Setter for St Lucy's Priory High School and Crown CityrnrnAbbey Gleason is a highly skilled left-handed setter, with quick reflexes and the ability to deliver her sets to hittable zones. She's a team player who effectively works with her teammates, making her leadership a valuable asset on the court. One of Abbey's standout talents is her serving, which often leaves opponents struggling on serve receive. At our upcoming Expo, she'll be showcasing her impressive serving abilities and is excited to work with new hitters. Abbey is making the transition from [program_tooltip program_id='429511' first='San' last='Gabriel Elite'] to Crown City, and we're eagerly anticipating her performance not only at our Expo but in this upcoming club session.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":475022,"_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='483655' first='Olivia' last='Grovert']","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Santa Margarita Catholic","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"SG Elite","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='483655' first='Olivia' last='Grovert'], 2026: 5'10u0022 Setter from Santa Margarita Catholic High School and SG Elite.rnrnOlivia possesses a unique talent for executing a quiet jump set with minimal ball spin, emphasizing her precision. She demonstrates remarkable discipline in setting her feet and exhibits a strong court IQ, enabling her to strategically and accurately deliver sets to all zones on the net. In addition to her setting talents, Olivia excels in serving, passing, and defense, showcasing a versatile skill set. Her experience as an RS/Opposite hitter further complements her well-rounded game. Olivia is very interested in playing volleyball at the collegiate level. Olivia is excited to represent SG Elite 16 Roshambo, sharing her admiration for Coach Jimmy Lo and her talented teammates. According to Olivia, they have extended a warm welcome, and she views them as u0022absolute studs.u0022","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["391089"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_player_featured_image":475025,"_player_evaluations_3_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='391089' first='Madyson' last='McCarthy'], 2026: 5'11 Outside for Cathedral Catholic High School and for [program_tooltip program_id='429377' first='Coast' last='Volleyball Club'].rnrnMadyson is a standout volleyball player with a thunderous swing on the outside. Her approach is lightning-fast, and her arm swing is even quicker, delivering the ball with astonishing speed. Madyson's precision in finding open shots and her ability to vary her shots, be it line or cross-court, add to her attacking talents. Yet, her impressive skills extend beyond her hitting, as she's a serious blocker capable of shutting down opponents with an aggressive picture-perfect press. As she readies herself for the upcoming club season, Madyson places a high priority on her health, engaging in a demanding training routine, which includes private lessons multiple times a week.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":475028,"_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Elouise Burr","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"5'4u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"San Dieguito Academy (Encinitas)","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='429377' first='Coast' last='Volleyball Club']","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Elouise Burr, 2026: 5'4” Libero for San Dieguito Academy (Encinitas) and [program_tooltip program_id='429377' first='Coast' last='Volleyball Club'].rnrnElouise Burr is fun to watch, known for her vibrant energy and fiery celebrations on the court. As a quick and agile Libero, she possesses an exceptional ability to read the ball, showcasing rapid foot movement during serve receive and on defense. Her skills include seamlessly handling fast balls and maintaining precise angles on her passes directly to her setter. Elouise places a strong emphasis on reading hitters and ensuring the ball remains in play. In serve receive, she focuses on establishing an early angle and keeping her hips positioned below the ball. She's actively working on her ability to set out-of-system plays with her hands for greater accuracy. Regular strength and agility training, coupled with a love for lifting heavy weights and sprints, contribute to her remarkable skills. Elouise has already received interest from Tulane (beach volleyball) and UC Davis (indoor), and it's no surprise given her impressive abilities.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["391079"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_player_featured_image":475029,"_player_evaluations_5_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='391079' first='Finley' last='Krystkowiak'], 2026: 6'3 Outside for Torrey Pines(San Diego) and Wave volleyball.rnrnFinley is a quintessential volleyball star who has already made a significant impact. Currently ranked as the 6th best overall prospect in the 2026 class in California, according to our Prep Dig State Rankings, Finley's hitting game is nothing short of intimidating. Energetic and exceptionally competitive, she averages an impressive 4.7 kills per set. Her skills have not gone unnoticed, as she's attracting significant interest, including an exploration of out-of-state opportunities in Texas. With her talent and drive, Finley is set to follow in the path of [player_tooltip player_id='159533' first='Isabel' last='Clark'].","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65449d8753197"} /-->