CPA 16 Benson- Nationals Preview: Player Takeover!

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Libero [player_tooltip player_id='244064' first='Jade' last='Livingston'] passes the dimes in 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 eleventh team is CPA 16 Benson out of the Evergreen Region. The team captured the national bid for the USAV GJNC in Las Vegas. They will kick the tournament off with two matches on July 3rd and three on July 4th. They will meet Sudden Impact Volleyball from the Puget Sound Region in their last match on the 4th, which promises to be a great matchup. The team comes into Nationals on a nice roll after capturing the 16 Open Championship at The Emerald City Classic. That completed a sweep of the 14, 16, and 18 Open Division at ECC for the Spokane & Coeur d'Alene-based CPA-College Preparatory Academy Volleyball Club.   2026 Libero [player_tooltip player_id='244064' first='Jade' last='Livingston'] will introduce the team, and we asked Jade to answer our questions for an in-depth look at the rising junior from Ridgeline High School.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/IMG_4484-crop-1161x762-1719883013.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-559544" style="width:677px;height:auto" /></figure>   CPA 16 Benson coaches Jill and Wade Benson at the Las Vegas Classic.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/CPA-16-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-558865" style="width:1025px;height:auto" /></figure>    From Jade: "Mara is one of the most competitive, powerful players I've ever known. Although she's a year younger, she's an amazing leader and role model whom many look up to. She brings a nasty, powerful swing to the team but also has great ball placement, which brings us many points. Her energy, competitiveness, and drive to be a better player elevate the entire team and help push everyone to their full potential."   <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/1U5X0TKv3k0?si=fdDEKHNHt7RlW2BF </div></figure>     From Jade: "Kaylee is a new asset to the team, and she brings many amazing qualities; she is a hardworking, supportive, and extremely dedicated player. Kaylee will do what it takes to help better herself and her team. [player_tooltip player_id='558805' first='Kaylee' last='Paulson'] has one of the most effortless verticals I've ever seen. She has smooth athletic movements and a fierce, powerful swing that will strike fear in any opponent."   <a href="https://www.ncsasports.org/womens-volleyball-recruiting/idaho/coeur-dalene/coeur-dalene-high-school/kaylee-paulson2">https://www.ncsasports.org/womens-volleyball-recruiting/idaho/coeur-dalene/coeur-dalene-high-school/kaylee-paulson</a><a href="https://www.ncsasports.org/womens-volleyball-recruiting/idaho/coeur-dalene/coeur-dalene-high-school/kaylee-paulson2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2</a>     From Jade: "Camryn has an understanding of the game that is hard to find; she knows when and where to place the ball, and she reads the court like no other, especially defensively. She picks up every dig, tip, and roll shot with ease. She brings calmness and encouragement to the court. She always has a smile on her face, which brings light to the whole 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/p3qgiWmzVmM?si=bzW3S0kiSuZppiHS </div></figure>     From Jade: "Gianna has a fierce, competitive, energetic personality, and it shows on the court through her nasty hits and surprising defensive edge for a middle. Gianna's quick to every ball when it comes to blocking and hitting, and she has one of the most impressive slides for our age division in the area. She is an extremely supportive teammate, and you can always count on her to cheer everyone on. "   <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/43P8W8NZhX8?si=yXmGvtuRKKu-dQK5 </div></figure>     From Jade: "Naomi is a blocking unit in the front row. She has a competitive edge and a compelling personality. She brings laughter to the court with her jokes, and she never fails to make us smile. Rainwater has an amazing serve that is guaranteed to throw the other team off. She is a great teammate and a great asset to the court. Defensively, Naomi has grown and has had some amazing digs. "     <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/fdSpwjVqvqs?si=wEfYLEDML3P7Ry8O </div></figure>     From Jade: "Ashlyn is a special kind of right side as a left-handed player. She has some nasty hard-line swings and some nice angle shots, and she's also a unit in the back row. Ashlyn picks up every dump, tip, and roll shot that comes her way. Her block is hard to pass as most swings her way are shut down. She is very encouraging, kind, and down-to-earth. Ashlyn is overall an amazing teammate."   <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/kkRX2oXzKXg?si=gUVmB8PzHvHqi1yl </div></figure>     From Jade: "Avery was just recently added to the team for the postseason, and we couldn't be more grateful. She is a warm-hearted, sympathetic young lady. She was asked to play up an age division and has adjusted well to the faster tempo, harder practices, and advanced training. She has quickly learned a new position and has been doing an outstanding job with her right side attacking, blocking, and defense. We couldn't be more happy to have her join us."   <a href="https://www.fieldlevel.com/app/profile/avery.berglund/volleyballwomen/videos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.fieldlevel.com/app/profile/avery.berglund/volleyballwomen/videos</a>     From Jade: "Zoe is an extraordinary player. She is very versatile in volleyball and competes in many other athletics as well. She manages a very busy schedule and still works extremely hard in practice. Zoe has quick feet, an impressive serve that is hard to receive, and incredible placement of the ball when setting. She's very strong-willed and an inspiring player to watch on the court. She never allows mistakes to ruin her game. "     From Jade: "Noella is one of those players who makes every play look effortless; she gets to every ball easily and places the ball with complete precision. She is incredibly smart with setting placement and always puts the ball in the right place. She throws opponents off with her fast speeds and tricky dumps. Noella, on and off the court, is encouraging and loving. She is always a person you can talk to and have a good time with."      <a href="https://www.fieldlevel.com/app/profile/noella.migliuri/volleyballwomen/videos/2249797?m=3">https://www.fieldlevel.com/app/profile/noella.migliuri/volleyballwomen/videos/2249797?m=</a><a href="http://[player_tooltip player_id='244061' first='Noella' last='Migliuri'] Highlights" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3</a>   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/CPA-16-6.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-559542" style="width:957px;height:auto" /></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/zlokT-aEvUY?si=HXZwpneHsbLNJr_7 </div></figure>    <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Jade-CPA-3.jpg?w=695" alt="" class="wp-image-559506" style="width:296px;height:auto" /></figure>   Volleyball Honors and Accomplishments "Last year, I was honored with the Candice Carter Award for the Emerald City Classic Tournament for my age division. I was fortunate enough to receive it again this year, and I couldn't be more grateful."   Candice Carter Award- Emerald City Classic, top defender in age group, 2023-15's, 2024-16's.     CPA 16 Benson 2024 Season at a glance:   Las Vegas Classic 16 Open- Runner Up Salt Lake City Showdown 16 Open- 23rd Pacific Northwest Qualifier 16 Open- 15th Evergreen Regionals- Champions Emerald City Classic 16 Open- Champions       "Our team added mental training this season to prepare our mindset and work on breathing and visualization. We developed a meditation/visualization routine ( Ryan Sawyer, IHP Coaching) each morning/evening of a tournament, which improved our performance."   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/CPA-med.jpg?w=976" alt="" class="wp-image-559541" style="width:629px;height:auto" /></figure>   CPA 16 Benson Mental Training     <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/CPA-ECC.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-559507" style="width:627px;height:auto" /></figure>   Please tell us your GPA and any college majors you are considering. What is important to you in a college? "I have a 3.6 and am undecided on a major. I'm looking for a place that makes me feel welcome and somewhere a little outside my comfort zone, whether a smaller school or a school further away from home. I also would like the idea of going to a Christian school so I could go somewhere that would help continue the growth of my faith, but the goal is to play the sport I love."   What do you like to do outside of volleyball?   "Outside of volleyball, I am very social and love to try new things. I played golf for my high school team, and I loved every minute of it. I also do a lot of extracurriculars for my school. Every year, I have choreographed a dance for my grade level to perform in front of the school, and it's my highlight. I was also on the student council, which I hope to do again."         What has been the best moment with the team this season(s)?   "At the beginning of the season, my team traveled to Hawaii, where we all got to spend amazing quality time with each other and play the sport we love. We spent many hours laughing, swimming, playing, and learning more about each other, and I will always remember that trip with my girls.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized is-style-default"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/CPA-haw-2-crop-582x382-1719866169.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-559433" style="width:825px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hawaii trip with Strive Volleyball 17's and 18's!</figcaption></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/CPA-haw-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-559431" style="width:553px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Clinic with Kawika Shoji during the Hawaii trip.</figcaption></figure>   How did you get started in volleyball? Any other sports?   "I started volleyball in elementary school with some girls from my basketball team and instantly fell in love. I continue to play volleyball to this day. Volleyball was unheard of in my family because I was raised in a family full of basketball, baseball, and softball. So, when I joined a club team, it took a lot of patience from my parents, who were learning a whole new sport. Which of whom I'm incredibly grateful for because I wouldn't be here today without their support."   How do you work at being the best teammate and player possible?   "One of my best qualities is being a supportive teammate; I always get excited and loud when my teammates succeed or perform well. I'm very outgoing, so I will always talk to someone or try to pick someone up when they aren't playing their best game. Additionally, I love to compete, and having good competition pushes me to become a better athlete. If I put my mind to something, I will get it done. I would say I am relentless. I will work very hard to become the player I want to be and also the player that can help my team succeed. I persevere through many different challenges, which helps improve my game and contributes to the overall team's success."     PrepDig Washington on Jade:   The Ridgeline High School defender is focused and consistent, making the right plays in the back row and delivering clutch passing when a match is on the line. At 5'6", she has a great combination of solid length, excellent footspeed, and wiry strength for the libero position. Livingston can dig up a powerful swing and does a terrific job cushioning the ball and keeping the setter out of the net. She has worked hard at running down off-speed shots and tips out of her left back position and chooses the correct hand when she has to make a one-handed stab at the ball. A flat, clean jump float is a weapon for Livingston; she keeps the serve low over the net and has the ability to take just a bit off it and drop it in front of the back-line passers. We were impressed with her accurate and varied setting of the pins from her platform and with her hands at Emerald City, a testament to her hard work on improving her game this season.     <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/3mWrCfTFiCE?si=O-K-V9G9H7PHuCHN </div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='244064' first='Jade' last='Livingston'] 2026 Libero Highlights</figcaption></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/CPA16-3.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-559430" style="width:930px;height:auto" /></figure>   Best of luck at Nationals to CPA 16 Benson, and thank you, Jade, for participating in our Nationals Preview series!