NPJ Seattle 17 National- AAU Championships: Player Takeover!

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2025 MB [player_tooltip player_id='268468' first='Holley' last='McFadden'] walls up for this Nationals Preview!</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 takes the reigns and provides insight into their teammates and the season. Our fifth team is NPJ Seattle 17 National. The team will compete in the next few days at the AAU Championships in Orlando, Florida. The team played at the prestigious Triple Crown Invite early in the season, battled to a 2nd place finish in the NW Power League, and recently finished third at the Emerald City Classic. The team was excellent at the ECC, falling in a tough three-set match to eventual champions CPA 18 Nicole. The two setters spread the ball around to a talented group of attackers and are backed by a terrific libero and back row.   2025 Middle [player_tooltip player_id='268468' first='Holley' last='McFadden'] will introduce the team, and we asked Holley to answer our questions for an in-depth look at the rising senior from Bainbridge High School.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/NPJ-17-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-555595" style="width:601px;height:auto" /></figure>   Coach Eric Han and NPJ Seattle 17 National at Emerald City   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/NPJ-17-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-555593" style="width:959px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NPJ Seattle 17 National</figcaption></figure>    From Holley- "Gabi is probably one of the funniest people I know and a really strong middle in every aspect of the game. Gabi is a competitor who cares about winning and has pushed me to become a better middle. She hits around blocks well and moves the ball to different parts of the court, and she is good at closing the block, which earns her a lot of big roofs. ."   <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/BpdlqUQ8Pu0?si=x4_-Cs16n3xcmV7Q </div></figure>     From Holley- "Ziah is new to our team this year and a really great addition. She nails multiple ten-foot line kills from the middle of every tournament and is a big cheerleader for everyone on the team. I am excited to see what she does at Washington State because I know she'll be a great addition to their 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/GCEJoM2tHz0?si=osHjq3WT3l_CtzqN </div></figure>     From Holley- "Aly is an extremely smart, deceptive hitter who moves the ball around and keeps the opposing defense on their toes. She has a great vertical, and her line shots are killer. On top of that Aly is an amazing teammate, she's always smiling and making people laugh and I am so glad that club volleyball brought us together. Western Washington got a fantastic addition. You can always hear her yelling for people when watching film."   <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/RY_nKixg5pM?si=crkYRkqJQ0MvHwXu </div></figure>     From Holley- "Lani does everything from hammering balls on the outside, hiding tips until the last second better than almost anyone I've seen, picking up all sorts of stuff in defense, and making lots of hustle plays. Lani's someone who is always laughing and hyping people up, and I love the energy that she brings to our team."     <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://vimeo.com/871351590 </div></figure>       From Holley- "Abby is our track star dual sport athlete; she has a crazy vertical that allows her to play up in size and put up a really solid block and some great swings. "      From Holley- "Maiya is probably one of the sweetest people I know and such an amazing teammate. She also has a strong cross-court shot that gets past many blockers. Maiya is someone who goes 100% on every ball. "   <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/DRcrPekHEMc?si=4Bt4Hcx1yEPuoJTN </div></figure>     From Holley- "Jocey is hilarious and loves every aspect of competition, even outside of volleyball. Joc sets a really great block that is very easy for the middle to get too close to, and I love blocking with her because of that consistency. On top of that, she's a really strong hitter and can hit from every position well. Her X plays are special when she comes in for a one from the right side."   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/MCFAD-1.jpeg?w=788" alt="" class="wp-image-555608" style="width:271px;height:auto" /></figure>     From Holley- "Naia is a major competitor and an amazing libero; she is quick on her feet and works hard to get every ball up. Naia's determination is unmatched, and she is locked in both serve receive and defense. I am so excited to see where Naia goes because she's a total stud and will do great things. "       From Holley- "Tia is another new addition to the team this year. She's a great teammate, and I've enjoyed becoming closer with her throughout the season. Tia is a consistent passer and gritty defender."      From Holley- "Reese has very nice, extremely consistent sets and a nasty serve that has gotten our team out of multiple tough situations. Reese is a new addition to the team this year, and I love playing with her because she is always calm, predictable, and dependable even in tough situations; she is someone you know is always on and ready to play."   <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/mrtAmQgNNaU?si=trJs4XbllYCheuAH </div></figure>     From Holley- "Annika is a big energy giver for our team and always someone you can count on to get people hyped up. She's always dancing on the sidelines and making people laugh, and she and Reese balance each other out well as our two setters. Annika is a super strong setter and leader, and I know that Montana got a great one. "   <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/Ft6C-chPLas?si=qbaNgOv3jzY9D8nY </div></figure>     <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/_NVN4yaXjuY?si=q1p8kp6o5nPp1xWT </div></figure>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/MCFAD-2.jpeg?w=788" alt="" class="wp-image-555596" style="width:359px;height:auto" /></figure>   Volleyball Honors and Accomplishments As a junior, McFadden won the Olympic League MVP award and was named the Kitsap Sun Volleyball Player of the Year.    North Pacific Juniors 17 Seattle National 2024 Season at a glance:   Played in the MLK Invitational, Triple Crown NIT, and Adidas Bluegrass tournaments. 2nd Place 2024 NW Power League Undefeated, 8-0 at the Emerors Cup in Las Vegas, 17/18 Open. 3rd Place at the Emerald City Classic, 18 Open.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/McFadden-4.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-555626" style="width:890px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NPJ 17 Seattle</figcaption></figure>   Please tell us your GPA and any college major you are looking into. Why did you choose Loyola Marymount?   "I have a 3.85 unweighted GPA and am considering majoring in Business/Sales."   "I chose LMU because the coaches have fostered a very competitive environment with self-motivated players who love the game. I love the enthusiasm for learning and working hard that I saw from Trent, Kolby, and Sarah, and it is an environment in which I could envision myself getting better. Aside from volleyball, LMU is a high-level school academically, and the campus and surrounding areas are beautiful. it is a place where I could envision myself living."   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/McFadden-5.jpeg?w=943" alt="" class="wp-image-555627" style="width:426px;height:auto" /></figure>   What do you like to do outside of volleyball? "Outside of volleyball, I love spending time with my friends and teammates; some of our favorite activities are car rides with music, pickleball, spike ball, inner tubing, and going to the beach (probably a good thing I'm going to LMU)."   What has been the best moment with the team this season(s)? " I think our best moment as a team this season was when we were hyping ourselves up for a big game by blasting music with the lights off in one of the office rooms upstairs at the Fieldhouse."   How did you get started in volleyball? Do you play any other sports? I started playing volleyball in 6th grade but didn't play at a high level until last year. My mom played volleyball in college, and she was the one who got me into the sport. I don't currently play any other sports, but I am considering playing tennis next year. I have played plenty in the past, including softball, basketball, and track."   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/McFadden-3.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-555612" style="width:600px;height:auto" /></figure>   What do you bring to the court as a player and teammate? "I think my best quality as a player is how much I care about the sport. Volleyball is everything to me, and I'm constantly thinking about improving my game and becoming a better player. As a teammate, I'm always the first to fall over laughing, but I think I manage the switch up well between being highly competitive and having fun."   PrepDig Washington on [player_tooltip player_id='268468' first='Holley' last='McFadden']:   McFadden is a 6'3" - 6'4" middle who has put it all together this season. Her length gives her a dynamic block; she can reach and press outside her immediate area and catch a pin, thinking they have a seam to attack. She plays with great energy and enthusiasm, boosting the excitement when she or a teammate makes a big play. The rising Bainbridge senior is making smart decisions to stay available in transition, adjusting to a different route if the game flow takes her to a tough spot along the net. It's a credit to her, the NPJ setters, and coaches that the communication is high enough to make that connection. LMU must be excited about her increased power and confidence as an attacker. She whips balls to the deep corners and sharp angles, crushes overpasses, and runs an athletic and impactful slide when she has the opportunity. McFadden was a difference maker at The Emerald City Classic, when NPJ was able to run her in system it was nearly automatic. Expect McFadden and NPJ to make a big run at the 17 Premier Division in Orlando.   Highlights: McFadden At The Emperors Cup.   <a href="https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/holley_mcfadden2">https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/holley_mcfadden</a>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/NPJ-17-4.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-555611" style="width:734px;height:auto" /></figure>   Best of luck at AAU Nationals to NPJ Seattle 17 National, and thank you, Holley, for participating in our Nationals Preview series!