California’s Voices Headed to the NTDP Winter Series

PrepDig is excited to highlight more voices of some of the California athletes selected for the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP) Girls Indoor Winter Training Series.    Over 100 of the country's top volleyball players will converge at the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from December 27-30, 2024. This prestigious training session gathers elite volleyball coaches and experts from across the nation, offering athletes valuable opportunities to be seen and evaluated within the USA Volleyball National Team system.   Marie Zidek from DePaul University will coach the U15/U16 athletes, while Jen Malcom from our very own Cal will lead the U17 group.   California is exceptionally well-represented in this elite training camp, with numerous athletes selected to join the ranks of the nation's future volleyball stars. These young athletes will have the chance to refine their skills and elevate their physical and mental game.   The training series will focus on the five pillars of the NTDP: Craft, Mind, Body, Heart, and Team. This comprehensive approach ensures that athletes are developed holistically, enhancing their technical abilities while also strengthening their leadership, teamwork, and mental resilience—essential elements for success at the highest level.   We are incredibly proud to see California's young talent take center stage and represent the state at this prestigious event.    [player_tooltip player_id='550009' first='Lana' last='Frelix'] views her selection for the NTDP as a unique opportunity to grow both as a volleyball player and as a person. “I'm blessed to be in a position to train with some of the best coaches and players in the country,” she shares. “I want to use this experience to get the perspective of a National Team player, push myself to my limit, and soak up as much information as I can.”   One of the aspects Lana looks forward to the most is gaining new perspectives on the game she loves. “It is something really unique when you get to hear how other people see the game and the differences between perspectives,” she explains. “I am looking forward to playing with girls from all around the country and building relationships that I might not have made otherwise.” Her excitement stems from the opportunity to compete and connect with athletes who bring remarkable skill, talent, and work ethic to the court.   Representing California on a national stage is an accomplishment Lana once thought was unattainable. “During my first year of volleyball, my dad mentioned a program where you got the chance to train with the best athletes from around the country. At that time it seemed unachievable, so it's amazing to think that next week I'll be one of a few players from California to participate in the NTDP training session,” she reflects. The honor of representing her state inspires her confidence and solidifies her belief that she can achieve her goals. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='536929' first='Abbie' last='Hairrell'] is ready to make the most of her experience at the NTDP Winter Training Session. Representing SCVC 16 Roxy as a middle blocker, she is both honored and thrilled to train at the Olympic Training facilities alongside some of the best coaches and athletes in the nation. “I cannot wait to train alongside the best coaches and athletes in the country at the Olympic Training facilities!” she exclaims.   For Abbie, this opportunity is about more than just honing her physical skills; it's also about elevating her mental game. “I am looking forward to growing my game both offensively and defensively. I hope to increase my volleyball IQ and continue to work on my mental game through the program's mind pillars,” she shares. She recognizes the significance of this moment in her journey, especially as part of the 2027 class, which she describes as a pivotal year both physically and mentally.   Representing her region and her club at NTDP is a humbling and inspiring experience for Abbie. “I am beyond humbled to have this opportunity,” she says. She is also excited about reconnecting with friends from across the country and creating new memories, making this event an unforgettable milestone in her volleyball journey. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='510530' first='Kaitlyn' last='Herweg'] is eager to return to the NTDP and immerse herself in the high-level training environment once again. A libero from Southern California, Kaitlyn is thrilled about the opportunity to refine her skills under the guidance of top-tier coaches. “I am so excited to play at NTDP again and receive amazing coaching,” she shares enthusiastically.   For Kaitlyn, NTDP is not just about volleyball; it's also about the connections she has built with her fellow athletes. “I'm looking forward to seeing all of the friends I have made,” she says, emphasizing the camaraderie that has made her experience with USAV so meaningful.   Being part of the prestigious NTDP is a source of immense pride for Kaitlyn. “I feel so proud to be part of USAV,” she adds. With her sights set on the upcoming training session, Kaitlyn can't wait to step back into the gym with her peers and continue growing both on and off the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='475609' first='McKenna' last='McIntosh'] is eagerly anticipating her return to the NTDP, where she'll have the chance to train and compete at the highest level. “I am super excited about NTDP next week for a couple reasons,” she shares. “First, I get to play volleyball with the best talent in the entire country, who push me to be a better volleyball player. Some of the girls have become good friends, and some may end up being teammates of mine after we finish high school.”   McKenna is particularly excited about the exposure to elite coaching and feedback. “I get the chance to work with, get feedback, and gain exposure from some of the best D1 college programs in the country. Hearing them talk strategically about the game and understanding what they are looking for in players at the next level is priceless.”   Another highlight for McKenna is the unique opportunity to train at the USA Olympic Training Center. “To be in the same gym where the greatest players have trained is incredible,” she says. “The NTDP schedule is intense, with multiple gym and classroom training sessions. It's amazing how much we can cover in such a short amount of time, take back what we learned, and continue to hone our new skills.”   Representing Northern California holds a deep significance for McKenna. “Representing California, and more specifically Northern California, is really special and not something I take lightly,” she emphasizes. “There are a lot of good players in NorCal, and I am grateful for the support I receive from my family, friends, teammates, and coaches who help me put in the extra reps and provide ongoing support.”   McKenna's dedication to growth extends beyond the court. “It's important to me to lead by example and put in the hard work in the gym and the classroom,” she explains. “Being part of NTDP has helped me to not only grow as a player, but also as a person.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    These athletes represent a selection of the exceptional talent hand-picked from the California region, highlighting the state's rich volleyball prowess.   For those curious about the USAV NTDP, athlete selection for training and competitive events is determined through an extensive, nationwide scouting network. For indoor players aiming to stand out, maintaining an up-to-date profile on University Athlete throughout the year is essential, as emphasized by the program's guidelines.   Learn more at the <a href="https://usavolleyball.org/">National Team Development Program – USA Volleyball</a>.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If you're new to PrepDig articles, welcome! You can explore more content by clicking this link: <a href="https://prepdig.com/author/michelle-bamford-author/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prep Dig</a></h2>   Throughout the club season, I'll continue to follow the journeys of these talented prospects and many others, celebrating their dedication and helping college coaches discover players who could elevate their programs. Stay tuned for more updates, in-depth coverage, and player highlights.   If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachable247/?hl=en">Coachable247</a>, for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.   Together, we're building a positive platform to celebrate players, empower families, and connect with the volleyball community. Thank you to all of our subscribers for being an essential part of this journey. Let's keep growing the game and creating unforgettable memories.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">To Subscribe use Discount Code: <a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coachable247</a></h2>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a></h4>

PrepDig is excited to highlight more voices of some of the California athletes selected for the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP) Girls Indoor Winter Training Series.