A Look Back: 2023 Golden Athletes
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This year, PrepDigCA honored six outstanding athletes: Emily Ford, Masina Ogbechie Masina Ogbechie 6'0" | RS Oaks Christian School | 2026 State CA , Layli Ostovar Layli Ostovar 5'11" | OH Mater Dei | 2026 State CA , Simone Roslon…
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Continue ReadingThis year, PrepDigCA honored six outstanding athletes: Emily Ford, Masina Ogbechie Masina Ogbechie 6'0" | RS Oaks Christian School | 2026 State CA , Layli Ostovar Layli Ostovar 5'11" | OH Mater Dei | 2026 State CA , Simone Roslon Simone Roslon 5'11" | OH Mira Costa | 2026 CA , Chloe Nussbaum Chloe Nussbaum 5'9" | DS/L La Canada | 2024 State CA , and McKenna McIntosh McKenna McIntosh 6'1" | OH St Mary’s | 2027 CA as Golden Athletes. Take a look back at their articles and read their outstanding accomplishments since publication.
Emily Ford is a Senior representing Royal High School in Simi Valley, California. Renowned for her exceptional left-handed kills executed seamlessly on both sides of the court, Emily astonishes opponents with powerful hits and precise blocking skills that practically dominate the competition. As a senior force on the right side, Emily’s distinctive left-handed attack delivers accurate kills down the line, accompanied by a rapid top-spin serve that keeps opponents on edge. Her intense on-court demeanor ignites her team’s spirit, and consistent powerhouse blocks reinforce her status as a game-changer. Whether positioned on the left or right side, Emily’s versatility shines, finding her home on the right side where her vigilant play ensures minimal escapes for the ball. In a tournament-defining moment, Emily clinched victory with a decisive match-ending kill, securing the well-deserved MVP title. With a remarkable season record of 21-5 and an undefeated 8-0 triumph in the Coastal Canyon League, Emily Ford proudly earns her place as one of PrepDig’s distinguished Golden Athletes.
Update: Since publishing Emily’s article, she is now commitment to play volleyball at Cal Lutheran University after helping her team to an 8-0 Coastal Canyon League Championship and being named the All-League MVP.
Masina Ogbechie is a Sophomore RH, OP hailing from Santa Rosa Valley, California.
Masina’s contributions led the Oak Christian Lions to an impressive record of 20-8 Wins overall, securing a flawless 10-0 in league play and clinching the coveted Marmonte League title. Standing tall at a height of 6’0″, Masina possesses remarkable physical attributes, including a standing reach of 94 inches, a standing blocking reach of 93 inches, a vertical jump of 27 inches, a block touch of 119 inches with 2 arms, and an approach touch of 122 inches with 1 arm.
Beyond the court, Masina is equally dedicated to excelling in the classroom, maintaining an exceptional 4.5 GPA. Her academic journey includes anticipated courses in Advanced Placement (AP) Literature, AP Biology, AP European History, AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP U.S. History, Honors Pre-Calculus, Honors French III, Entrepreneurship in Business, Strategic Decision Making, Personal Finance, Speech & Debate, Servant Leadership, Communications, and Argumentation & American Ideology. She has already completed challenging courses in Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, Honors Geometry, and Speech & Debate.
Masina is actively involved in various clubs, showcasing her commitment to diverse causes. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (faith), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) (child humanitarian), Black Student Association (heritage), and Clean the Beach Club (environmental sustainability). Furthermore, Masina’s athleticism extends beyond volleyball, as she holds the impressive title of a TAE RYONG TAE KWON DO Second Degree Black Belt, demonstrating proficiency in sparring, forms, curriculum, and philosophy.
Masina, with a keen interest in Economics & Political Science, seeks a college environment that challenges her academically and athletically. With a strong ambition to lead, Masina is actively pursuing the most competitive opportunities for her college journey.
With these impressive qualities, Masina Ogbechie Masina Ogbechie 6'0" | RS Oaks Christian School | 2026 State CA proudly earns her place as one of PrepDig’s distinguished Golden Athletes.
Update: Following the publication of Masina’s article, her team achieved an undefeated season, securing the title of Marmonte League Champions. Furthermore, they advanced to the CIFSS Volleyball Quarterfinals and competed in the State Tournament. Masina has also received an invitation to the Under Armour Next volleyball camp.
Layli Ostovar is a 5’11 sophomore hailing from the renowned Mater Dei High School.
Currently reigning as the top prospect in the state, according to the 2026 Prep Dig California State Rankings, Layli is a force to be reckoned with on the court. I had the privilege of witnessing her talent firsthand during her most recent CIF Playoff game, and her performance left an indelible impression. With an unshakable focus and a cool composure that never wavers, Layli delivers sheer power from the left side with a lightning-fast approach and a rapid arm swing. Her timing on sets is nothing short of perfection, and it’s her snap on the ball that ensures successful kills. Averaging over three kills per set, Layli also excels in her defensive game, showcasing her blocking skills and an impressive press. Her disciplined platform on serve receive and impeccable footwork to get to the ball are nothing short of exemplary. Notably, Layli’s choice to forgo jump serving in the match was an intriguing display of her versatility and playing with her own style. Her 94.2% serving accuracy is a testament to her skill. As Layli and the Monarchs navigate their way through the CIF-SS Division I pool play with an impressive 2-0 record, they are set to face off against Sierra Canyon tonight. Destined for the CIF Championship finals on November 4, 2023, at Cerritos College, Layli Ostovar Layli Ostovar 5'11" | OH Mater Dei | 2026 State CA and her team are poised for greatness.
Layli Ostovar Layli Ostovar 5'11" | OH Mater Dei | 2026 State CA ‘s remarkable court abilities solidify her place in the ranks of PrepDig’s honored Golden Athletes.
Update: Since the publication of Layli’s article, her list of accomplishments has been nothing short of remarkable. She achieved the prestigious titles of 2x Trinity League Champion, DI CIF-SS Champion, CA State Champion, and High School National Champion. Her outstanding performance led to being named the 2023 MaxPreps National Sophomore Player of the Year and earning a spot on the All-American roster for the 2023 HS Volleyball MaxPreps All America Team. Additionally, Layli was recognized as PrepDig’s California #1 Prospect and distinguished as the top Outside Hitter for the 2026 class.
Simone Roslon is a 5’11 sophomore hailing from Mira Costa High School.
Simone Roslon Simone Roslon 5'11" | OH Mira Costa | 2026 CA ‘s remarkable journey in volleyball began when she was just 7 years old, setting foot on the indoor court, and by the age of 8, she was fully immersed in indoor club volleyball. At the youthful age of 9, she ventured into beach volleyball, expanding her skill set. Simone’s dedication was evident after honing her competitive instincts during four years of club soccer before taking a bold step as the only freshman on the Mira Costa High School Varsity team.
In the realm of club volleyball, Simone consistently pushed herself to play at higher levels, with her Surfside 16 PV Legends team achieving remarkable success, including victories at the 2023 Triple Crown NIT in Kansas City and the Northeast National Qualifier in Philadelphia.
Simone excels academically, embracing intellectual challenges through advanced, honors, and AP courses, recognizing the importance of a robust education for her long-term success. Beyond her achievements, Simone finds fulfillment in giving back to her community through her involvement with the National Charity League.
On the court, now in her sophomore year, Simone exemplifies composure and talent, showcasing exceptional abilities as an outside hitter with a profound understanding of strategic shot selection and precise hits. Her jump serve is a spectacle, and her defensive prowess is evident through disciplined serve-receive passing, digs, and towering blocks.
Her athletic persona is defined by an unwavering composure under high-pressure situations, cultivated through fierce competition against top national teams, coupled with a commitment to maintaining a positive attitude and offering steadfast support to her teammates.
Both on and off the court, Simone exemplifies a strong work ethic, firmly believing that success must be earned. Simone has set her sights on a future in collegiate Division 1 volleyball and nurtures dreams of representing USA Volleyball at the prestigious Olympics. Tonight, Simone is determined to secure her first Division 1 CIFSS championship by defeating Mater Dei.
Update: Since the publication of Simone’s article, her achievements have been remarkable. She led her team to an undefeated season as Bay League Champions, showcasing exceptional talent and dedication. Additionally, her team competed fiercely in the CIFFSS Division 1 Championship and advanced to the State Open Division Quarterfinals
Chloe Nussbaum is a 5’9 Libero bound for the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Having had the honor of witnessing Chloe Nussbaum Chloe Nussbaum 5'9" | DS/L La Canada | 2024 State CA play live was a highlight of the high school season for me. As previously published, Chloe approaches every play with relentless determination and an infectious energy that resonates. Her talent in preventing any ball from hitting the ground is truly remarkable. She excels as an exceptional court communicator.
In a conversation with Chloe about her athletic identity, she described herself as passionate, motivated, and brimming with energy. She takes pride in being the perpetual cheerleader for her teammates, always offering unwavering support when they need it most. Recognizing volleyball as a game fraught with mistakes, she underscores the importance of swiftly bouncing back after an error. Her drive is anchored in aspiring to be the finest version of herself and an exceptional teammate.
Chloe’s success in reaching such a significant milestone is just the beginning. She remains aware that every remarkable athlete must continually strive for improvement. Presently, she focuses on honing her skills in right-side hitting down the line and maintaining discipline with her platform.
This two-time Libero of the Year in the Rio Hondo League will conclude her club season with SG Elite
Update: Since the publication of Chloe’s article, she has achieved an exceptional feat, securing the title of back-to-back-to-back 3-time Rio Hondo League Champions. Her team’s outstanding performance has also earned them a notable ranking among the top teams in the State, accompanied by multiple successful runs in the CIF tournaments.
McKenna McIntosh is a 6’1” freshman Outside hitter for Saint Mary’s High School and Vision VBC.
McKenna McIntosh McKenna McIntosh 6'1" | OH St Mary’s | 2027 CA emerges as a standout force on the volleyball court, renowned for her multifaceted skills as a player. Despite being a freshman, her remarkable stature at 6’1 and athletic prowess defy the typical expectations. She’s recognized for her commanding hits and exceptional defensive abilities, a testament to her dedication and talent.
Surprisingly mature in her understanding of the game, McKenna possesses a sharp volleyball IQ cultivated through hours spent studying NCAA D1 volleyball, drawing inspiration particularly from meeting superstar player Logan Eggleston last year. Her interests aren’t confined to volleyball alone; she actively engages in high-level soccer, excelling notably as a strong defender.
Her venture into the college recruitment realm began after her standout performance at the USAV Nationals, where she garnered invitations from esteemed colleges like Florida, Pitt, Arizona, University of Utah, and drew interest from prestigious D1, SEC, Pac 12, and ACC schools.
McKenna’s immersion in social media plays a pivotal role in her life, acting as a gateway into the world of dedicated collegiate and professional volleyball players. By following her role models, she gains invaluable insights into different schools’ cultures and expectations. Leveraging these platforms, she shares her match highlights and videos, effectively establishing a stage to showcase her exceptional talent to coaches and teammates.
For the past three years, McKenna has been an integral part of Rage VBC in Ripon, CA, achieving a commendable #13 national ranking in the 14’s Open division in 2023. As she prepares for the upcoming season, she is set to join Vision VBC in San Jose, CA, geared up to compete in the challenging 15’s GOLD division, eager to continue her impressive journey on the courts.
Update: Since the publication of McKenna’s article, she has made remarkable strides in her volleyball journey. She played an instrumental role in guiding her team to the State Playoffs, advancing to the Open Division Quarterfinals. Additionally, her outstanding performance earned her recognition as one of MaxPrep’s Freshman All-Americans.