SoCal All-Showcase Freshman Team

<p>In the highly competitive world of volleyball recruitment, college coaches are not just searching for athletes who excel on the court; they are looking for individuals they can coach and mold to fit their program's needs. Understanding this dynamic is crucial, as it highlights that the players receiving scholarship offers may not always be the ones dominating the court today. Coaches seek athletes with untapped potential who have not yet reached their peak.</p>   <p>The six athletes recognized as the SoCal All-Showcase Freshman Team exemplify these qualities. Their performances in the showcase not only demonstrated their current skills but also their potential for growth. Each of these athletes delivered an exemplary showcase, making a lasting impression akin to a solid interview, and are on track for high-level Division 1 volleyball. As these young athletes continue to develop, they stand poised to become integral members of any college volleyball program, offering both talent and coachability that promise a bright future. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='537526' first='Saylor' last='Halvorsen']</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700"></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_4dd02d.png" alt="" class="wp-image-579862" /></figure>   <p class="text-gray-700">There are players you just know are destined to be great: [player_tooltip player_id='206545' first='Manaia' last='Ogbechie'] (2025), [player_tooltip player_id='228678' first='Layli' last='Ostovar'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='482047' first='Westley' last='Matavao'] (2027), and [player_tooltip player_id='537526' first='Saylor' last='Halvorsen'] (2028). Saylor is one of the top outside hitters I have seen in her class. As a freshman, she is built like a collegiate player—tall and strong, fast, and athletic. She is mature and a pleasure to talk to. Saylor is the complete package on both offense and defense. She will be attending Thousand Oaks High School, where her mother, Carrie (formerly Carrie Penfield, a player, and graduate of Thousand Oaks High School and the University of Arizona), will be announcing her home games as she takes the court with her sister Londyn, who also plays. Unfortunately, Saylor will not gain a senior pepper partner, as her sister's partner is Maddie Coleman. Anyone who knows volleyball understands how serious a pepper partner is. Saylor loves math and history, and her favorite snack is Chex Mix. As the youngest in a family of five, Saylor is well on her way to beginning her high school career, and I can't wait to see it. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='513942' first='Jaylen' last='Maroney']</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700"></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_f5cbde.png" alt="" class="wp-image-579863" /></figure>   <p class="text-gray-700">I first saw [player_tooltip player_id='513942' first='Jaylen' last='Maroney'] play in a friendly tournament hosted by the Los Angeles Volleyball Club, and she immediately reminded me of Kendall J Beshear . I was shocked when I saw her at the Freshman Showcase because Jaylen plays up. She is athletic, strong, a two-sport athlete, and incredibly determined. Jaylen's mom is a teacher at Edison, and together they have attended many of Edison's games. Jaylen has been waiting for her time to step onto the high school court and her time is now. Jaylen has been invited to join her varsity team at the renowned Ana Kang tournament in Hawaii. Today, she was one of the top hitters in the gym, capturing the attention of every coach and scout present. Jaylen plays with a level of maturity that is poetic in her decision-making. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p>    <p></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='543682' first='Allie' last='Charvat']</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700"></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_0b232e.png" alt="" class="wp-image-579864" /></figure>   <p class="text-gray-700">Allie is a 6'2” middle blocker who has made the varsity team at Mayfield, where she will be set by one of California's top setters, [player_tooltip player_id='493120' first='Piper' last='Chylinski'] . Allie started playing volleyball when she was 12 years old, transitioning from soccer because she wanted a closer team feel. She has consistently played middle but hopes to transition to the outside to be more consistently involved in the offense. Allie is quick on the court, especially with her transitions, and I didn't see her out of play at the net once during the showcase. At 6'2”, she is coordinated and can pass and serve well. Her favorite set is the 3 because it gives her space to see the set and the opposing defense. Allie will be one to watch this high school season. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p>    <p></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sera Rodriquez</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700"></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_5f21f4.png" alt="" class="wp-image-579865" /></figure>   <p class="text-gray-700">Sera has already made a name for herself both indoors and on the sand. She is a quick libero who covers the court with tenacity. What I like most about watching her play is her ability to read the ball on defense. She consistently picks the right defensive lane, making her job look easy. Sera is a talkative libero who works to keep her team's volleyball IQ at its highest level. She has great hands when taking the second ball and works hard on the court. Sera is on her way to becoming one of the top liberos in her class. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p>    <p></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='507916' first='Addisyn' last='Gardenhire']</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700"></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_d1cc8f.png" alt="" class="wp-image-579866" /></figure>   <p class="text-gray-700">Addisyn puts up some of the prettiest sets I have ever seen. Her sets suspend with no spin and glide through the air like poetry. The motion she creates with the ball is mesmerizing, but it doesn't last long because it ends in a ferocious kill when a hitter receives a set like that. Addisyn's key is her footwork. She predicts and positions herself to provide a full extension in her set. Addisyn is great at disguising, and not giving away her intentions to the opposing blocker. Instead, she mixes things up, sending the ball in perfect tempo all over the court. One of Addisyn's best attributes is her smile. She is an excellent communicator on the court and a fun, all-around player. Addisyn's technique is spot-on for the collegiate level. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p>    <p></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='539585' first='Kailynn' last='Jackson']</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700"></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/image_12ffaa.png" alt="" class="wp-image-579867" /></figure>   <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='539585' first='Kailynn' last='Jackson'] works. She is relentless on the court, always staying involved in the game. She is tenacious in her offensive transitions and consistently puts up a solid block on defense. Kailynn is a key player due to her movement on the court. She doesn't hesitate or shy away from a block. When she gets a set, she swings confidently and trusts her coverage. If the ball is in her area, she goes for it. Her passing is solid, and her serves are consistent. [player_tooltip player_id='539585' first='Kailynn' last='Jackson'] was one of the hardest-working middles in the gym today. - Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p>

In the highly competitive world of volleyball recruitment, college coaches are not just searching for athletes who excel on the court; they are looking for individuals they can coach and mold to fit their program's needs. Understanding this dynamic is crucial, as it highlights that the players receiving scholarship offers may not always be the ones dominating the court today. Coaches seek athletes with untapped potential who have not yet reached their peak.