2025 NorCal Winter Classic: Leadership and Court Presence

The 2025 NorCal Winter Classic, held January 18–20 at @the Grounds in Roseville, California, delivered three days of electrifying volleyball action. As one of the most anticipated tournaments to kick off the year, this event—sanctioned by the West Coast Volleyball Association and organized by Elite Event Partners—brought together top-tier talent from across the region.   With college coaches and recruiters watching closely, the stakes were high for athletes looking to make their mark on the recruitment radar. Amid intense competition, several players rose to the occasion, showcasing their skills, grit, and game-changing abilities.   On the volleyball court, leadership and court presence are invaluable traits that elevate a team's performance. These athletes not only possess technical skills, but also inspire and motivate their teammates, leading by example with their focus, energy, and determination. Their ability to stay composed under pressure and communicate effectively with their teammates makes them key figures on the court. Here's a look at some players who stand out for their leadership and ability to command attention with their presence.   Here's a closer look at some of the top performers who excelled in these areas:    [player_tooltip player_id='521838' first='Nevaeh' last='Wells'] exudes leadership with every play. Her ability to maintain great placement and control throughout the match allows her to dictate the pace of the game. Whether it's on offense, defense, or in the serve receive, Wells consistently takes charge, ensuring that her team remains focused and in control. Her leadership extends beyond just technical execution; her presence inspires her teammates to rise to the occasion. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='500499' first='Zoie' last='Loui'] demonstrates impressive athleticism and quick movement, but what truly sets her apart is her leadership on the court. She maintains a strong presence with her fundamentally sound sets and quick decision-making, including a quick two-hand dump that catches opponents off guard. Loui's ability to read the game and react swiftly under pressure shows her deep understanding of volleyball, which in turn inspires confidence in her teammates. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='505606' first='Caira' last='Tasi']'s leadership shines through her consistent performance on both offense and defense. With strength and power, Tasi impacts every point—whether she's swinging for a kill or making a critical block. Her seamless transitions between offense and defense give her a commanding presence on the court, while her resilience in tough moments inspires her teammates to stay focused and fight for every point. College coaches should add [player_tooltip player_id='505606' first='Caira' last='Tasi'] to their watch list. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='569574' first='Brianna' last='Nottingham']'s leadership shines through her powerful blocking ability and strong offensive presence. Her impeccable timing at the net enables her to block shots with precision, making her an indispensable force on defense. Nottingham's leadership comes from her ability to read the game and adjust her positioning, consistently rallying her teammates and leading by example. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='744093' first='Grace' last='McKeown'] is a powerhouse at the net, knowing exactly when to swing for a hard shot and when to mix in a well-placed hit. Her athleticism, combined with a high volleyball IQ, makes her a constant threat. McKeown's leadership is seen in her ability to adjust her approach and lead by example, making decisions that benefit the team's strategy and help set the tone for the match. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Abby Sutton brings a unique combination of versatility and intelligence to the court. Her ability to hit from different angles in the middle while making smart, well-timed decisions showcases her strong volleyball IQ. Sutton's leadership is evident in her ability to remain calm under pressure, making strategic plays that not only help her team score but also set the tone for the match. Her fire on the court is a testament to her desire to lead and make a difference. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    Samantha Corley (#9) Samantha Corley's leadership stems from her aggressive play and fiery attitude on the court. Her strong decision-making and ability to attack the net make her a central figure in her team's offense. Corley's energy and intensity are contagious, lifting her teammates and providing the motivation needed to push through tough rallies. Her presence on the court is undeniable as she leads with passion and determination.     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h3>   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.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a>

The 2025 NorCal Winter Classic, held January 18–20 at @the Grounds in Roseville, California, delivered three days of electrifying volleyball action. As one of the most anticipated tournaments to kick off the year, this event—sanctioned by the West Coast Volleyball Association and organized by Elite Event Partners—brought together top-tier talent from across the region.