SCVA Girls 16U Event #3: Character Spotlights
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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…
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Continue ReadingWhile 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.
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.
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.
Wave 16 Scott is an incredibly well-rounded team, boasting a formidable lineup that includes skilled setters
Soraya Dennis
Soraya
Dennis
5’8″ | S
SageHill | 2026
State
CA
and Catherine Beadles, powerful hitters like
Finley Krystkowiak
Finley
Krystkowiak
6’3″ | OH
Torrey Pines | 2026
State
CA
,
Kylee-Jo (JoJo) Wilson
Kylee-Jo
(JoJo) Wilson
6’0″ | OH
Cathedral Catholic | 2027
CA
, and Sophia 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
Cameron Holcomb
Cameron
Holcomb
5’8″ | DS/L
San Marcos | 2026
CA
. However, the team’s secret weapon emerges in the form of
Presley Thompson
Presley
Thompson
5’5″ | DS/L
La Costa Canyon | 2026
State
CA
.
Presley 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.
Even 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, Presley Thompson Presley Thompson 5’5″ | DS/L La Costa Canyon | 2026 State CA proves to be an invaluable asset to the winning team of Wave 16 Scott. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig
SCVC consistently attracts attention due to being home to one of the nation’s top recruits,
Audrey Flanagan
Audrey
Flanagan
6’2″ | OH
Mira Costa | 2026
State
CA
. The mere mention of her name draws a crowd, and rightfully so, given her phenomenal performance as an outside hitter, seamlessly connecting with
Milly McGee
Milly
McGee
5’10” | S
State
CA
‘s sets. Complementing this duo are the stellar defensive efforts of
Kaitlyn Herweg
Kaitlyn
Herweg
5’8″ | DS/L
Los Alamitos | 2027
CA
and Jordan Shelor, ensuring that the offense stays in system for the dynamic duo of
Taylor Boice
Taylor
Boice
6’1″ | MB
Redondo Union | 2026
State
CA
and
Maya Stillwell
Maya
Stillwell
6’4″ | MB
Harvard-Westlake | 2026
CA
to capitalize on from the middle.
While
Abby Zimmerman
Abby
Zimmerman
6’1″ | RS
Redondo Union | 2026
State
CA
had an outstanding tournament, it’s
Mia Miller
Mia
Miller
5’9″ | RS
State
CA
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.
Mia Miller Mia Miller 5’9″ | RS State CA 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 @ PrepDig
Coast 16 Luis boasts a lineup of volleyball superstars, including
Samantha Krystkowiak
Samantha
Krystkowiak
6’0″ | RS
Torrey Pines | 2026
State
CA
on the right side,
Madyson McCarthy
Madyson
McCarthy
5’11” | OH
Cathedral Catholic | 2026
State
CA
and Sophia Towle as the outside hitters, and the formidable duo of
Ruby Partain
Ruby
Partain
5’11” | MB
Carlsbad | 2026
State
CA
and
Bryce Leatherwood
Bryce
Leatherwood
6’1″ | MB
Scripps Ranch | 2026
State
CA
guarding the net in the middle. However, the true orchestrator of this powerhouse team is Maximé Pheasant.
Maximé 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.
After the game, I confirmed with Maximé if I had seen the moment correctly. She affirmed it, stating in that huddle, I said, “Let’s all just take a deep breath.” Such on-the-court leadership is precisely the kind that can save college coaches valuable timeouts. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig
Coming off a huge Triple Crown win, Forza1 North boasts a lineup brimming with power on the outside, featuring the formidable Westley Matavao,
Rylee Dale
Rylee
Dale
5’9″ | OH
Roosevelt | 2026
State
CA
, Mya Yaisrael, and
Asia Udo-Ema
Asia
Udo-Ema
6’0″ | OH
Corona Centennial | 2027
CA
. At the net,
Nina Hemsley
Nina
Hemsley
5’11” | MB
Rancho Cucamonga | 2026
State
CA
and Chisom Ude provide solid net defense, making the game smoother on Mya Capistrano and
Jayden Hanson
Jayden
Hanson
5’8″ | S
San Dimas | 2026
CA
.
While 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 Samantha Alyson Capinpin. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig
Highlights
Mizuno 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
Reese Stringer
Reese
Stringer
5’11” | S
Mira Costa | 2026
State
CA
and
Elle Vandeweghe
Elle
Vandeweghe
6’5″ | MB
Marymount | 2026
State
CA
as setter and middle is a key strength. Complemented by the skills of
Addison Coady
Addison
Coady
6’2″ | MB
Mater Dei | 2026
State
CA
,
Brynn Minter
Brynn
Minter
6’0″ | OH
Los Alamitos | 2026
State
CA
,
Ahnika Smith
Ahnika
Smith
5’8″ | DS/L
Mater Dei | 2026
CA
, Addison Williams, and Cayenne Ceman, there’s another player who deserves significant recognition in the team’s conversations.
Ellie 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 @ PrepDig
Highlights
Kathryn Wulff-Smith Kathryn Wulff-Smith 5’7″ | DS/L Garces Memorial | 2027 CA and Ila Marie Rose Ila Marie Rose 5’10” | OH Centennial | 2026 State CA form a dynamic duo that injects an abundance of character into the Bakersfield 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 @ PrepDig
Highlights
Ila Marie Rose Ila Marie Rose 5’10” | OH Centennial | 2026 State CA and Kathryn Wulff-Smith Kathryn Wulff-Smith 5’7″ | DS/L Garces Memorial | 2027 CA form a dynamic duo that injects an abundance of character into the Bakersfield 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 @ PrepDig