Meet the Top Freshman Prospects

PrepDig recently kicked off their SoCal Freshman and StockUp Showcases in San Bernardino, California, where the talent was undeniable. The upcoming 2028 class is built different with college coaches at Nationals eagerly anticipating the start of their high school careers. This group of athletes is playing harder, faster, and stronger, perhaps as a positive result of the pandemic.   During the pandemic, many of these athletes began their club volleyball journeys when the world was shutting down, which compelled them to work even harder. They trained in their backyards, wore masks, and faced real-world challenges. These athletes had to want this more, and their dedication is evident in their performance.   This event aimed to introduce freshmen to PrepDig and college coaches, and these players certainly made strong first impressions.    The following athletes stood out at the PrepDig SoCal Freshman showcase, excelling in both positional drills and six-on-six competition:   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Four Standout Freshman Setters</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_57f928.png" alt="" class="wp-image-577803" style="width:326px;height:auto" /></figure>   Miss Gardenhire, Miss Lewis, Miss McDaniel, and Miss Dahlin — captured the attention with their impressive talent and leadership on the court. These young athletes ran their courts with confidence and poise, demonstrating they are ready to tackle the challenges of high school volleyball. They exhibited exceptional footwork, smooth hands, and an uncanny ability to place the ball precisely where it needed to be. Their vocal presence and ability to direct hitters with a fast tempo were remarkable, as was their talent for orchestrating the offense, making hitters they had just met look even better. I was thoroughly impressed by these young ladies and eagerly anticipate their future accomplishments on high school courts.   [player_tooltip player_id='507916' first='Addisyn' last='Gardenhire']     [player_tooltip player_id='535379' first='Sydney' last='Lewis']     [player_tooltip player_id='533038' first='Caleigh' last='London McDaniel']     [player_tooltip player_id='542288' first='Devyn' last='Dahlin']     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Liberos With No Hesitation</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_55491d.png" alt="" class="wp-image-577805" style="width:351px;height:auto" /></figure>   A group of outstanding liberos truly left it all on the court. These talented athletes exemplified the essence of going for it, showing no hesitation as they read the ball and moved into position to keep the play alive. Demonstrating exceptional platforms and impeccable ball control, they also excelled in stepping up to set the second ball whenever their setters needed assistance. These liberos are more than ready to take on the hardest-hitting high schoolers with unwavering confidence.   Talia Mardrussian   [player_tooltip player_id='496933' first='Sade' last='Devine']     [player_tooltip player_id='478641' first='Sera' last='Rodriguez']   Julianna Galstian   [player_tooltip player_id='508881' first='Audrianna' last='Granatelli']   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Middles Defy Expectations</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_d27a96.png" alt="" class="wp-image-577808" style="width:345px;height:auto" /></figure>   Freshman middle blockers are often known for being gangly and slightly uncoordinated, but today's showcase featured a remarkable exception. Seven freshman middles stood out with their impressive abilities to transition seamlessly, stay involved in every play, and, most notably, block with exceptional skill. These players were vocal and driven, putting on a show with their hunger and determination. Their performance left no doubt that these young athletes are ready to step onto their high school courts and make an immediate impact.   [player_tooltip player_id='543682' first='Allie' last='Charvat']   Cassie Bartholomew   Gioia Piccolino   [player_tooltip player_id='539585' first='Kailynn' last='Jackson']     [player_tooltip player_id='568762' first='Nahla' last='Gababa']     [player_tooltip player_id='474505' first='Raneighla' last='Gonzalez']     [player_tooltip player_id='538286' first='Trinity' last='Wright']     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Powerhouses in the Making</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_7f745d.png" alt="" class="wp-image-577809" style="width:354px;height:auto" /></figure>   The gym was buzzing with hitters getting their reps, but six standout freshman pin hitters elevated their game to another level. These young athletes didn't present as typical freshmen; they hit the ball with exceptional power, speed, and accuracy. Their solid footwork and precise arm swing mechanics, combined with exceptional wrist control, allowed them to place the ball wherever they wanted. Without a block, they were powerhouses, and with a block, they showcased their craftiness. These six athletes were a delight to watch, and I am excited to see how they perform on the court this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='507980' first='Ameira' last='Hardin']     [player_tooltip player_id='571994' first='Devyn' last='Kobe']     [player_tooltip player_id='543477' first='Isabella' last='Paez']     [player_tooltip player_id='513942' first='Jaylen' last='Maroney']     [player_tooltip player_id='550009' first='Lana' last='Frelix']     [player_tooltip player_id='492531' first='Maya' last='Harris']     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Coverage of These Prospects Has Just Begun</h2>   As they embark on their high school journeys, they have already made a strong impression. To play at the next level, it's crucial to actively engage in five essential steps: Prepare, Research, Build a Resume, Network, and Interview. These steps are vital not only for securing a volleyball opportunity but for landing any job in life. Today, these prospects excelled in their Interviews, showcasing their readiness and potential. To learn more about these five essential steps, read this article next, <a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/07/recruiting-advice-straight-from-college-coaches/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Recruiting Advice Straight from College Coaches</a>.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Next Up</h2>   I will be traveling to San Jose, California to direct the NorCal Freshman and StockUp Showcases. There is still time to register:   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_4edbff.png" alt="" class="wp-image-577811" style="width:228px;height:auto" /></figure>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1206/register/norcal-freshman-showcase" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Register for the San Jose Freshman Showcase</a></h2>               <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_b92de0.png" alt="" class="wp-image-577813" style="width:208px;height:auto" /></figure>     <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1207/register/norcal-stock-up-showcase" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Link to Register for the San Jose StockUp Showcase</a></h2>             <h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2>   If you loved this article, make sure to follow our Instagram page, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PrepDigCA</a> for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.   By subscribing to PrepDig, you're not just supporting coverage of your favorite events – you're also helping to shine a spotlight on talented prospects.   To see even more events and athletes featured, spread the word and encourage your friends to subscribe to <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com</a>.   Let's keep growing this positive player platform and create unforgettable memories and experiences together with your support.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for creating the journey!</h2>

PrepDig recently kicked off their SoCal Freshman and StockUp Showcases in San Bernardino, California, where the talent was undeniable. The upcoming 2028 class is built different with college coaches at Nationals eagerly anticipating the start of their high school careers. This group of athletes is playing harder, faster, and stronger, perhaps as a positive result of the pandemic.