SCVA Girls 16U Event #3: Character Spotlights

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While numerous teams participated in the Sunshine Classic in Florida, our top 16U prospects stayed home and showcased their talents to some of the most prominent Division 1 scouts in the country. The superstars were on the courts but I observed club coaches playing players who might not have received significant playing time at the Triple Crown, providing scouts with a more comprehensive view of their teams' supporting cast.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I moved across the courts and engaged with scouts, a recurring theme emerged – the assessment of a particular skill: character. Although college coaches have already observed the diverse skill sets and talent ranges of the prospects, as June 15 approaches, they are now focused on determining if the players' personalities align well with their program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among the following players, certain prospects stood out to me as deserving of character spotlights. These players not only possess the skills required for the next level but also exhibit the character traits that any college coach would consider a valuable addition to their program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["391081"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eWave 16 Scott is an incredibly well-rounded team, boasting a formidable lineup that includes skilled setters [player_tooltip player_id='227273' first='Soraya' last='Dennis'] and Catherine Beadles, powerful hitters like [player_tooltip player_id='391079' first='Finley' last='Krystkowiak'], [player_tooltip player_id='489536' first='Kylee-Jo' last='(JoJo) Wilson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='712163' first='Sophia' last='Johnson'], as well as a dynamic quick offense along the net with Kyra Miles and Danica Nordlicht. Adding to their strengths is the steadfast defense provided by [player_tooltip player_id='512843' first='Cameron' last='Holcomb']. However, the team's secret weapon emerges in the form of [player_tooltip player_id='391081' first='Presley' last='Thompson'].u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu0026nbsp;u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003ePresley is the epitome of a dream libero, tirelessly working for her team. Her on-court communication, energy, and unwavering drive are truly remarkable. At the service line, she delivers with precision, and her infectious fire on the court uplifts the entire team. Not only does she excel in her technical role, but Presley also goes above and beyond to provide emotional support. A light touch on the backs of her teammates offers comfort when needed.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu0026nbsp;u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eEven when on the sidelines, Presley remains deeply invested in the game, consistently cheering and verbally supporting her teammates. Recognizing that no player is flawless, Presley stands out for her admirable trait of taking ownership of any errors she makes. In every aspect, [player_tooltip player_id='391081' first='Presley' last='Thompson'] proves to be an invaluable asset to the winning team of Wave 16 Scott. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDigu003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["391102"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSCVC consistently attracts attention due to being home to one of the nation's top recruits, [player_tooltip player_id='391077' first='Audrey' last='Flanagan']. The mere mention of her name draws a crowd, and rightfully so, given her phenomenal performance as an outside hitter, seamlessly connecting with [player_tooltip player_id='391092' first='Milly' last='McGee']'s sets. Complementing this duo are the stellar defensive efforts of [player_tooltip player_id='510530' first='Kaitlyn' last='Herweg'] and Jordan Shelor, ensuring that the offense stays in system for the dynamic duo of [player_tooltip player_id='391083' first='Taylor' last='Boice'] and [player_tooltip player_id='526518' first='Maya' last='Stillwell'] to capitalize on from the middle.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu0026nbsp;u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eWhile [player_tooltip player_id='391080' first='Abby' last='Zimmerman'] had an outstanding tournament, it's [player_tooltip player_id='391102' first='Mia' last='Miller'] who continues to make a lasting impression. Mia not only plays with a constant smile, radiating positive energy on the court, but she also maintains an equally pleasant demeanor on the sidelines. Remarkably, the only time Mia wasn't seen smiling was when she was focused on calling lines. When pointed out, she immediately brightened up, reaffirming her reputation as a lively and uplifting presence.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu0026nbsp;u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='391102' first='Mia' last='Miller'] is more than just an exceptional player; she is the kind of athlete any coach would be thrilled to have on their roster. Her talent is matched only by her ability to bring light and positivity to the entire team. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDigu003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["391109"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eCoast 16 Luis boasts a lineup of volleyball superstars, including [player_tooltip player_id='391095' first='Samantha' last='Krystkowiak'] on the right side, [player_tooltip player_id='391089' first='Madyson' last='McCarthy'] and Sophia Towle as the outside hitters, and the formidable duo of [player_tooltip player_id='391104' first='Ruby' last='Partain'] and [player_tooltip player_id='391088' first='Bryce' last='Leatherwood'] guarding the net in the middle. However, the true orchestrator of this powerhouse team is Maximé Pheasant.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu0026nbsp;u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eMaximé leads with finesse, directing a remarkably positive offense. Her strength and athleticism shine through as she skillfully moves her sets with a quick tempo, instilling confidence in her teammates. Beyond her technical prowess, Maximé's leadership is evident in her ability to rally the team after a hitting error. I witnessed her bringing the players together with an encouraging speech and observed her outside hitter take a deep breath in response.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu0026nbsp;u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAfter the game, I confirmed with Maximé if I had seen the moment correctly. She affirmed it, stating in that huddle, I said, u0022Let's all just take a deep breath.u0022 Such on-the-court leadership is precisely the kind that can save college coaches valuable timeouts. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDigu003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["492684"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eComing off a huge Triple Crown win, Forza1 North boasts a lineup brimming with power on the outside, featuring the formidable Westley Matavao, [player_tooltip player_id='391115' first='Rylee' last='Dale'], Mya Yaisrael, and [player_tooltip player_id='454603' first='Asia' last='Udo-Ema']. At the net, [player_tooltip player_id='391117' first='Nina' last='Hemsley'] and Chisom Ude provide solid net defense, making the game smoother on [player_tooltip player_id='545245' first='Mya' last='Capistrano'] and [player_tooltip player_id='534827' first='Jayden' last='Hanson'].u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu0026nbsp;u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eWhile Westley commands attention as a showstopper on the team, the consistent performer for Forza1 North is Samantha Alyson Capinpin. It's not just her discipline fundamentals and strong footwork that caught my eye; rather, it's her exceptional court communication that stood out. Samantha leads her offense with unwavering confidence and drive. She's not the typical rah-rah cheerleader; instead, she is a determined athlete, laser-focused on achieving the team's goals with a poignant verbal strategic approach. A smart player, Samantha ensures her team is dialed in and operating with precision. A coach looking for a serious leader will find that in u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSamantha Alyson Capinpin. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDigu003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["376963"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eMizuno Long Beach stands out with arguably one of the best setters in the 2026 class and a roster deep with serious talent. The undeniable connection between [player_tooltip player_id='311353' first='Reese' last='Stringer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='482022' first='Elle' last='Vandeweghe'] as setter and middle is a key strength. Complemented by the skills of [player_tooltip player_id='391082' first='Addison' last='Coady'], [player_tooltip player_id='391353' first='Brynn' last='Minter'], [player_tooltip player_id='482014' first='Ahnika' last='Smith'], Addison Williams, and [player_tooltip player_id='772611' first='Cayenne' last='Ceman'], there's another player who deserves significant recognition in the team's conversations.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu0026nbsp;u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eEllie Chu, perhaps not the loudest presence, but her athletic prowess speaks volumes. Ellie brings a calm confidence to the court, fitting in seamlessly with a team that exudes energy. Her style is a quiet focus that becomes essential for a team navigating high-pressure circumstances. Ellie's encouragement, delivered with quiet confidence, proves to be a soothing and grounding force for teammates in need during intense moments. A college program with a boisterous personality could benefit immensely from Miss Chu's presence. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDigu003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["433715"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='433715' first='Kathryn' last='Wulff-Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='444564' first='Ila' last='Marie Rose'] form a dynamic duo that injects an abundance of character into the [program_tooltip program_id='429333' first='Bakersfield' last='Volleyball Club'] huddle. These talented young ladies exude confidence and a relentless desire to secure victory. Their on-court synergy is palpable, marked by exceptional communication and a shared commitment to lead their team, both during intense gameplay and in the moments off the court. Beyond the court, they are an entertaining pair that wholeheartedly invests in their shared endeavors. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDigu003c/spanu003ernrnu003cimg class=u0022wp-image-517089u0022 src=u0022https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/03/IMG_7087.jpeg?w=733u0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022155u0022 height=u0022217u0022 /u003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["444564"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='444564' first='Ila' last='Marie Rose'] and [player_tooltip player_id='433715' first='Kathryn' last='Wulff-Smith'] form a dynamic duo that injects an abundance of character into the [program_tooltip program_id='429333' first='Bakersfield' last='Volleyball Club'] huddle. These talented young ladies exude confidence and a relentless desire to secure victory. Their on-court synergy is palpable, marked by exceptional communication and a shared commitment to lead their team, both during intense gameplay and in the moments off the court. Beyond the court, they are an entertaining pair that wholeheartedly invests in their shared endeavors. 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