2024 Year in Review

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thank you, 2024, and our heartfelt gratitude to all the subscribers who helped us grow PrepDig California into what it is today. As we reflect on this year, it has been one of growth, discovery, and remarkable achievements for PrepDig. From expanding our social media following to uncovering rising prospects in the volleyball community, we've made significant strides in providing valuable insights and exposure for high school athletes. Here's a look back at some of the milestones and highlights from the past year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10,000+ Followers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":737496,"width":"292px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/image_362615.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-737496" style="width:292px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're excited to celebrate reaching over 10,000 followers on our Instagram page, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>PrepDigCa</strong></a>! This milestone reflects the increasing demand for high-quality volleyball content and the growing community of athletes, coaches, and fans who trust us to bring them closer to the action. We are grateful to each of you for supporting PrepDig and helping us continue to spotlight the next generation of talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Celebrating the 2024 Commitments</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":737489,"width":"153px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/image_f62aba.png?w=923" alt="" class="wp-image-737489" style="width:153px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore year can be one of the most pivotal times in a young athlete's journey, especially for girls aspiring to play volleyball at the collegiate level. It's a year filled with growth, opportunity, and critical decisions that set the stage for their future in the sport. A huge congratulations to the top-ranked 2026 athletes who have made their college commitments this year! These exceptional players are shaping the future of college volleyball, and we're thrilled to celebrate their hard work, talent, and dedication, which have earned them spots in some of the nation's most prestigious programs:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='228678' first='Layli' last='Ostovar'] - University of Southern California (Indoor and Beach)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='391077' first='Audrey' last='Flanagan'] - University of Wisconsin–Madison</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='311353' first='Reese' last='Stringer'] - University of Pennsylvania</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='391079' first='Finley' last='Krystkowiak'] - The Pennsylvania State University</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='288679' first='Ava' last='McBride'] - Boston College</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='391080' first='Abby' last='Zimmerman'] - University of California, Berkeley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='391081' first='Presley' last='Thompson'] - University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='391082' first='Addison' last='Coady'] - University of Southern California</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='391083' first='Taylor' last='Boice'] - University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='391084' first='Samantha' last='(Sammy) Destler'] - University of Washington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These athletes have proven to be exactly what college coaches are looking for. I encourage all prospects to follow these athletes and learn from their journeys. We look forward to tracking their continued growth and can't wait to see what 2027s will commit in 2025!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1,114+ Prospects Discovered</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":737501,"width":"214px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/image_5f305f.png" alt="" class="wp-image-737501" style="width:214px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2024, I had the privilege of discovering over 1,100 prospects, offering them valuable exposure through our showcases, social media, and articles. With over 150 college subscribers actively seeking DI, DII, DIII, JUCO, and NAIA prospects, our reach has extended far and wide. These athletes represent the future of the sport, and it's been incredible to witness their growth both on and off the court. Watching them take the next steps in their volleyball careers has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm excited to continue supporting their journeys and helping them connect with college programs that align with their aspirations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Event Coverage</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout 2024, PrepDig had the privilege of providing extensive coverage at some of the most prestigious volleyball events across the country:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• 2024 All American Game, Orlando, FL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• NorCal Winter Classic, Roseville, CA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• Las Vegas Classic, Las Vegas, NV</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• NIT Triple Crown, Kansas City, MO</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• Red Rock Rave, Las Vegas, NV</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• Salt Lake City Qualifier, Salt Lake City, UT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• NCVA and SCVA Events, CA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• PrepDig Gauntlet, WI</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• National Team Development Program (NTDP), CA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• UANext Camps, MO, NV</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• JVA West Coast Cup, CA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• AAU Championships, FL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• USVA Championships, NV</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These events allowed us to capture the energy, excitement, and skill of athletes competing at the highest levels, further solidifying our commitment to providing in-depth, real-time coverage of the volleyball scene.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://prepdig.com/author/michelle-bamford-author/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">295+ Articles</a></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":737502,"width":"287px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/image_0a5e7b.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-737502" style="width:287px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year, I published over 290 articles that covered a wide range of topics within the volleyball community—from showcasing talented athletes to offering crucial recruiting advice through <strong><a href="http://www.coachable247.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coachable247</a></strong>. Each piece was carefully crafted to provide insights that not only inform but also inspire both current and future players, as well as coaches and families navigating the recruitment process. I take immense pride in creating content that empowers athletes, helping them to make informed decisions about their careers while also highlighting their potential to college programs. Looking ahead, I'm excited to continue delivering valuable resources, tips, and stories that support the growth and development of the volleyball community, ensuring that athletes, coaches, and families stay connected and informed in the years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top 3 Articles of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finally, here are the top three most read and shared articles from 2024, offering expert insights and advice for athletes on their recruiting journeys:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":737507,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/image_79c947.png" alt="" class="wp-image-737507" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1:<a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/06/prepdig-gauntlet-the-best-and-worst/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> PrepDig Gauntlet: The Best and Worst</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this article, we broke down the highs and lows of the PrepDig Gauntlet, exploring what makes it one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences for athletes. We discussed the intense competition and how players can leverage the event for maximum exposure. The athletes covered in the article include Abigail Mullen , Hannah Leftridge , Jordan Smith , Maggie Kurpeikis , Maya Witherspoon , Mesaiya Bettis , Morgan Stewart , Shaye Witherspoon , and Tara Greenberry .</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#2:<a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/07/recruiting-advice-straight-from-college-coaches/"> Recruiting Advice Straight From College Coaches</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A must-read for any athlete navigating the recruiting process, this article offers valuable advice from college coaches on what they seek in prospective players and how to stand out in a competitive field. This article draws insights from coaches at institutions such as Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, UC Davis, Pitt, San Diego, Duke, and several others. To respect their privacy, these coaches remain anonymous and are not quoted directly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3:<a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/05/the-freshman-showcase-2028s-on-the-radar/"> The Freshman Showcase: 2028's on the Radar</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This article highlights the Class of 2028 freshmen scheduled to attend a PrepDig Showcase. The Freshman Showcase is a unique opportunity for 2028 athletes to make their debut with PrepDig and compete against the top prospects in the state, all while being evaluated by PrepDig scouts. Led by our hand-selected team of experienced event directors and court coaches, the Freshman Showcase offers an event backed by seasoned professionals with no strings attached, providing an ideal platform for young players to shine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we step into 2025, we're more dedicated than ever to providing enhanced coverage with expanded event highlights, in-depth articles, and a wealth of new opportunities to connect top prospects with college programs. Our mission is to celebrate athletes' performances in real time, creating lasting memories that not only honor their achievements but also support their journey toward continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. We're thrilled to continue building our community and supporting players, coaches, and families in maximizing their potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thank you for being an integral part of PrepDig's journey in 2024. Together, we've achieved so much, and we can't wait to see what's on the horizon. Here's to even greater successes and milestones in the year ahead!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a></strong>&nbsp;and<strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachable247/?hl=en">Coachable247</a></strong>, for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a></em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading -->