Dakine 16 Surf- Nationals Preview: Player Takeover!

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Setter [player_tooltip player_id='251032' first='Samantha' last='Humphrey'] takes us through the squad!</h2>   Thank you to Michelle Bamford from PrepDig California and Emma Adams from PrepDig Oregon for inspiring this player takeover!   We kick off a two-week run of Nationals team previews with a new format- a player from each squad has taken the reigns and provides insight into their teammates and the season. Our ninth team is Dakine 16 Surf, out of the Puget Sound Region. The team earned the Freedom Division bid after finishing third at the PSR Regional Bid Tournament. Dakine has faced adversity with injuries this season and secured the bid with a three-set victory over Apex NW U16 Summit. The team won the Bronze Bracket at PNQ, playing the 16 USA Division, and battled hard at tournaments in Missouri, Utah -twice, and Indianapolis, among others.   2026 setter Sammi Humphrey will introduce the team, and we asked Sammi to answer our questions for an in-depth look at the rising junior from North Thurston High School.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/Dakine-16-7.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-558196" style="width:587px;height:auto" /></figure>    From Sammi: "Charlie has a killer arm and can read the backcourt like crazy. She always keeps everyone lively and hyped; her energy keeps everyone on their toes and laughing."   <a href="https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/charlie_leipheimer?video=4063912" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/charlie_leipheimer?video=4063912</a>     From Sammi: "Elaina can read the court like no other. She is always telling me when and where to dump and helping me in every way. Her energy is insane, and her digs and speed make her an important team player. "      From Sammi: "Georgia never fails to put a smile on anyone's face; her jokes will keep everyone laughing throughout the practice. Her monster block is huge across the net, and it's definitely hard for hitters to beat.  "   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/QDuiZkIXdsU?si=DTxlzpNGql7HL_IU </div></figure>     From Sammi- "Haley has amazing energy and never lets anyone get upset or down. Her hands are incredible, and she has given all the hitters the best opportunity to get amazing hits."      From Sammi- “Kate is one of the players you can put anywhere; she has proven herself in any position across the net and has done great all over. Her energy is always high, and she is always looking to get people to laugh and be dumb with her."   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/8FOEF-4otXU?si=5z9x41JQnR9n4SnA </div></figure>     From Sammi: " Maya was hurt for a lot of the season, but that never stopped her from coming to games and cheering everyone on as if she were playing. Now that she is back, she has been giving it her all at practice and has been doing amazing. "      From Sammi: "Nohea is a power hitter. That girl's arm is insane. She has returned stronger than ever from her ankle injury and has been jumping through the roof!!"      From Sammi: "Olive's awareness on the court is crazy. She always drops into the split in the block and can get crazy hard digs up. She backs up her team and always makes small, quiet comments that make everyone laugh."   <a href="https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/olive_lassen2?video=4056301" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/olive_lassen2?video=4056301</a>     From Sammi: "Sydney has grown so much this year. She has a monster block and is able to swing almost straight down. She is always hyping everyone up and keeps practice and tournaments fun. "     From Sammi- "Iliana is has been great! She has taken on a huge role on the team and is always loud and cheering everyone on! Iliana can score from either pin and is a versatile player for our team."     <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/8a_EMc8PHQk?si=fnD1kg9pSExMhIZ4 </div></figure>    <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/Dakine-16-8-crop-786x517-1719688988.jpeg?w=785" alt="" class="wp-image-558162" style="width:711px;height:auto" /></figure>   Volleyball Honors and Accomplishments   Samantha was named First-team all-league, second-team all-state, and team MVP. Her North Thurston team ended 4th in the state in class 3A, with a record of 22-2 overall.   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/Dakine-16-6.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-558294" style="width:798px;height:auto" /></figure>     Please tell us your GPA and what you are seeking in a college program. "I currently have a 3.7 and want to study kinesiology or physical therapy. I am looking for a school with great teacher support and team chemistry."   What do you like to do outside of volleyball? "Outside of volleyball, I like to spend time with my family and watch shows with my dad and sister. My sister and I drive and watch the sunset together."   When did you start playing volleyball? "I started when I was nine because I always went to my sister's practices and tournaments and wanted to be like her in every way."   <ul></ul>     What has been the best moment with the team this season(s)? "My favorite moment with my team was regionals when my team pushed through, took third place, and never gave up."   What are your strengths on the court? "My best quality as a player and teammate is how loud, cheerful, and supportive I am! I am always the first to tell someone how great they did and always cheer my heart out for everyone."   PrepDig Washington on Humphrey: A setter able to terminate as an attacker from either pin, Humphrey is an explosive athlete who plays with grit and energizes her team. The 2026 out of North Thurston High School continues to increase her range, confidence, and tempo as a setter. This club season, she has shown creativity in attacking from the setter position, finding corners, and dropping in unexpected dumps in scramble situations. At 5'10", with her athleticism and strength, Humphrey has the potential to be a force as a 5-1 setter at the next level. She can push the ball pin to pin, plays defense, and makes plays as a blocker. It's not surprising to see her playing attacker and setting; that is a regular occurrence for setters of her caliber at the club and high school levels. One of the most important parts of her game is the encouragement and passion she has for and provides to her teammates. Humphrey is a vocal leader who makes the players around her better.     Thank you to Samantha for contributing to our Player Takeover Preview Series! Good luck to the Dakine Warriors 16 Surf squad at Nationals!