Inside the USAV NTDP Summer Training Session

PrepDig had the privilege of attending the exclusive USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP) summer training session in Anaheim, California. USAV's top athletes in their age divisions arrived on Sunday, July 28th, with some coming straight from their high school training sessions. Upon arrival, they had dinner and attended a meeting where they were briefed on the expectations for the training. Although we were invited to cover the entire event, I wanted to give the athletes a full training day to settle in before I arrived.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monday's Schedule:</h2>   6:00-6:35 AM - Breakfast   7:00-8:30 AM - Training Session #1   12:00-12:45 PM - Lunch   1:43-4:45 PM - Training Session #2   5:00-5:55 PM - Dinner   5:15-7:00 PM - Video Session Group A   7:15-8:00 PM - Video Session Group B   Coachable247 Tip: As part of the "<a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/07/prepdig-club-season-has-endednow-what/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prepare</a>" stage in the five essential steps to recruiting, aspiring top-level athletes should try to replicate this schedule at home for a similar duration.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday's Schedule:</h2>   6:00-6:06 AM - Breakfast   7:00-8:30 AM - Training Session #3   12:00-12:45 PM - Lunch   1:45-5:00 PM - Training Session #4   5:00-5:55 PM - Dinner   5:00-6:45 PM - Mind Pillar Meeting Group A   7:00-7:45 PM - Mind Pillar Meeting Group B   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='505612' first='Blake' last='Cussen']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_90b716.png" alt="" class="wp-image-580897" style="width:343px;height:auto"/></figure>   I arrived at the gym early, reflecting the mindset instilled in me during my athletic training: "15 minutes early is on time." As the official start time approached, I noticed a group of athletes, including [player_tooltip player_id='505612' first='Blake' last='Cussen'] , already engaged on a court. They were stretching, ball handling, and eventually moved into an impressive game of Queen. A key indicator of a Division 1-caliber player is their ability to be a self-starter. If you need a coach to get you in the mood to practice, you might not be at that level yet. Players on a Division 1 trajectory often need reminders to rest, take breaks, and focus on recovery because they rarely need external motivation to start practicing. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='493120' first='Piper' last='Chylinski']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_fa538d.png" alt="" class="wp-image-580898" style="width:348px;height:auto"/></figure>   Once the coach called the team together, every player was ready, and practice began with a whiteboard talk followed by a dynamic warm-up. As soon as the warm-up concluded, the training ramped up to full speed. [player_tooltip player_id='493120' first='Piper' last='Chylinski'] and [player_tooltip player_id='525604' first='Kiersten' last='Moore'] were the first to catch my eye. Piper continues to stand out among the top setters nationally, not only because of her height and court dominance but also her exceptional ability to deliver sets right in the sweet spots. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='525604' first='Kiersten' last='Moore']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_c2e2b3.png" alt="" class="wp-image-580899" style="width:350px;height:auto"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='525604' first='Kiersten' last='Moore'] showcased serious determination on her court, displaying quick footwork and precise mechanics. Both Piper and Kiersten effectively delivered for their hitters today. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig       <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='500618' first='Ireland' last='Real']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_87faa9.png" alt="" class="wp-image-580900" style="width:347px;height:auto"/></figure>     The next duo to elevate their game was [player_tooltip player_id='500618' first='Ireland' last='Real'] and [player_tooltip player_id='475609' first='McKenna' last='McIntosh']. Ireland is hard to miss on the court, not just because of her height but also her competitive nature. She takes competition seriously, always aware of the court's objectives. She knows the drill, the score, and her sole aim is to win. She is aggressive and assertive both offensively and defensively. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig       <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='475609' first='McKenna' last='McIntosh']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_fdfa42.png" alt="" class="wp-image-580901" style="width:349px;height:auto"/></figure>   Speaking of defense, McKenna, an outside hitter with the potential to deliver incredible collegiate power, excelled on the court today. McKenna is fluid in the back row and made solid plays all over the court. Both players were on the same team and truly brought their A-game. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig       <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='492164' first='Megan' last='Hodges']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_a75aeb.png" alt="" class="wp-image-580902" style="width:351px;height:auto"/></figure>     The heavy hitters representing California today were [player_tooltip player_id='545225' first='Megan' last='Hodges'] , [player_tooltip player_id='482047' first='Westley' last='Matavao'] , and [player_tooltip player_id='545313' first='Hanna' last='McGinest'] . Megan brought serious power and speed to the middle, making her one of the fastest middles on the court. She consistently works hard to remain an offensive option and puts up play-stopping blocks. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig       <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='482047' first='Westley' last='Matavao'] </h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_313cf9.png" alt="" class="wp-image-580903" style="width:354px;height:auto"/></figure>   Westley is a focused player determined to succeed, never giving up on a ball, regardless of the set, serve, or pass. She consistently delivers on the court and is known for having one of the best top-spin serves I've seen in her age class. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig         <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='545313' first='Hanna' last='McGinest']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_96258d.png" alt="" class="wp-image-580904" style="width:359px;height:auto"/></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='545313' first='Hanna' last='McGinest'] was the biggest surprise today, showcasing incredible speed with her arm swing and racking up numerous kills. Hanna has improved tremendously since I first saw her during hitting lines at Sierra Canyon High School last season. I am confident that she will start her high school season at full speed this year. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig       <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='515402' first='Janiah' last='Burrage'] </h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_5cbad5.png" alt="" class="wp-image-580905" style="width:359px;height:auto"/></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='515402' first='Janiah' last='Burrage'] stood out in the gym today as one of the youngest yet most impressive players. She plays with a maturity that is hard to believe given her age. Her exceptional skills in passing, hitting, and digging make her a remarkable prodigy. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig       <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='510530' first='Kaitlyn' last='Herweg']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_885f55.png" alt="" class="wp-image-580906" style="width:359px;height:auto"/></figure>   Last but certainly not least, [player_tooltip player_id='510530' first='Kaitlyn' last='Herweg'] played outstanding defense, covering the court and delivering precise balls to one of the smoothest setters I've seen in this class, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/2027mjones/?hl=en">Marrisa Jones</a>. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig         <h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2>   Today was marked by top-level competition, showcasing the best hand-selected players in the nation. Every position on the court was strong, and the intensity was electric. Each player was hungry and driven to win, displaying unwavering determination. The level of play was exceptional, and I'm eager to see what these athletes will bring tomorrow.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday's Schedule:</h2>   6:25-6:50 AM - Breakfast   7:00-8:30 AM - Training Session #5   12:00-12:45 PM - Lunch   1:45-4:45 PM - Training Session #6   5:00-5:45 PM - Dinner   6:00-6:45 PM - Body Confident Group A   7:00-7:45 PM - Body Confident Group B   If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to <a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=c&utm_term=prep%20dig%20volleyball&utm_campaign=20606174583&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnqK1BhBvEiwAi7o0X8PTN4IUTsLKQgmuDbKCacrOlNHLLDc9Z9Ppn1W6HjGyNsm9HjgdpRoCgaQQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PrepDig</a>! 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PrepDig had the privilege of attending the exclusive USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP) summer training session in Anaheim, California. USAV's top athletes in their age divisions arrived on Sunday, July 28th, with some coming straight from their high school training sessions. Upon arrival, they had dinner and attended a meeting where they were briefed on the expectations for the training. Although we were invited to cover the entire event, I wanted to give the athletes a full training day to settle in before I arrived.