2025 NorCal Winter Classic: Setters and Playmakers

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.   Setters are the quarterbacks of the volleyball court, orchestrating plays and ensuring that the offense runs smoothly. Their ability to make precise decisions under pressure, communicate effectively, and execute clean, strategic sets is crucial to a team's success. These athletes demonstrate exceptional playmaking ability, displaying a blend of intelligence, skill, and leadership.    Here's a closer look at some of the top performers who excelled in these areas:    [player_tooltip player_id='584042' first='Lauren' last='Kim'] stands out for her remarkable speed and ability to deliver precise sets, even in the most challenging situations. Whether under pressure or during fast-paced rallies, Kim's quick decision-making and flawless execution consistently set her teammates up for success. Her composure and control on the court highlight her exceptional playmaking talent. College coaches should move [player_tooltip player_id='584042' first='Lauren' last='Kim'] to the top of their recruitment watch list. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247       [player_tooltip player_id='725940' first='Noelani' last='Ramirez'] adds an element of unpredictability to her setting. Instead of taking the easy route, she challenges defenses by varying her sets and keeping opponents guessing. Her dynamic playmaking ability creates diverse offensive options, making it nearly impossible for the opposing team to anticipate her next move. Ramirez's creativity and court awareness make her an essential asset in driving her team's offensive success. College coaches should keep a close eye on her exceptional talent. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='586923' first='Nandini' last='Mohan'] is a commanding presence at the net, excelling as a middle blocker with a strong, heavy arm swing that delivers powerful hits when provided optimal sets. Her ability to time her attacks and connect with precision makes her a consistent scoring threat, while her forceful blocking shuts down opposing hitters and creates momentum for her team. Mohan's blend of offensive firepower and defensive reliability makes her a cornerstone of her team's strategies, and her impact on the court is felt in every match. Her ability to read the game and execute under pressure ensures she remains a standout performer in her position. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='534199' first='Lilian' last='Bongiorno']'s leadership shines through her well-rounded play as an outside hitter. With solid contact on her attacks, excellent block timing, and quick defensive reactions, she consistently keeps her team in the game. Her ability to strategically place the ball around the block demonstrates her sharp court awareness and adaptability under pressure, making her a key contributor on both offense and defense. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='744914' first='Katie' last='Lazzareschi'] excels not only as a disciplined defensive player but also as a setter with pinpoint accuracy. Her clean, accurate sets across the net complement her strong defensive positioning, enabling her team to run offense smoothly while staying alert on defense. Lazzareschi's ability to maintain balance between both ends of the court highlights her versatility and playmaking awareness. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='745117' first='Laurie' last='Nguyen'] delivers some of the cleanest, most accurate sets seen during matches. Her court awareness allows her to move quickly to difficult passes, ensuring her hitters have the best opportunity to score. Nguyen's defensive presence allows her to contribute in all aspects of the game, facilitating her team's offense while maintaining strong defensive support. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    Avery Dedekian (#3) Avery Dedekian's skillful set delivery and quick defensive reactions make her an asset to her team. She shows excellent communication on court, making sure all players are on the same page. Dedekian's low-tempo sets to the middle hitters demonstrate her keen understanding of timing, ensuring that the offense is executed with precision and full advantage. Her awareness on both sides of the ball provides her team with consistent and effective playmaking. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   Gabriella Guyon (#23) Gabriella Guyon is an exemplary setter with excellent court communication. Her ability to run multiple offensive options efficiently and stay ready on defense makes her a complete player. Guyon's quick footwork and low-tempo sets to the middle hitters create opportunities for offensive success, while her anticipation and responsiveness allow her to keep her team in sync. Her quick movements and sharp decision-making make her a standout playmaker. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   Reese Roberts (#16) Reese Roberts combines speed, technical skill, and excellent court awareness to create offensive opportunities for her team. Her quick feet and hands allow her to connect effectively with middle hitters, while her ability to serve aces showcases her all-around playmaking ability. Roberts' beautiful jump set technique adds an element of surprise to her game, making her a multifaceted playmaker who is always ready to execute under pressure. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   Danielle Whitmill (#8) Danielle Whitmill demonstrates exceptional accuracy and versatility in her setting. Whether dealing with difficult passes or fast attacks, Whitmill consistently delivers clean, precise sets. Her ability to make quick adjustments ensures her team can continue to run effective offense, regardless of the circumstances. Whitmill's calmness under pressure and ability to connect with various players make her a valuable asset on the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   Nellie Cassel (#2) Nellie Cassel is a setter who provides solid support on both ends of the court. Her excellent setting hands and great serving ability contribute to her team's overall playmaking success. Cassel's strong court awareness and ability to deliver accurate, strategic sets allow her to connect with her hitters, while her serving keeps opponents on their toes, adding an extra layer of versatility to her playmaking. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   <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. 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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.