A 15u Dream Team: Sports Academy

At the [program_tooltip program_id='510736' first='Sports' last='Academy'] in Thousand Oaks, California, talent and character go hand in hand. The [program_tooltip program_id='510736' first='Sports' last='Academy'] VBC 15 Premier team is more than just a group of skilled athletes; they are a collection of promising prospects who exhibit exceptional character on and off the court. Any coach would jump at the chance to help mold these young women into top-tier athletes, as their potential and integrity are evident in everything they do on the court.   In 2024, I had the pleasure of previewing the [program_tooltip program_id='510736' first='Sports' last='Academy']'s 14U Premier team, and their performance left a lasting impression. "<a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/02/scouting-practice-sports-academy-vbc-jen-14-premier/">PrepDig attended a 14U practice and was impressed by the high level of play. The Premier team demonstrated remarkable athleticism, coordination, and skill beyond expectations. The coaching these athletes are receiving is second to none.</a>" Fast forward to 2025, and these athletes are just as ready to make an impact.   At the SCVA Girls 15U Entry Event, their debut was nothing short of impressive, and it's clear this team is primed for an exciting season ahead.   The following players made a notable impact, setting the stage for a promising 2025 season.    [player_tooltip player_id='508924' first='Karina' last='Urzua'] showcased her mastery as a setter for [program_tooltip program_id='510736' first='Sports' last='Academy'] VBC 15 Premier, leaving a lasting impression with her skill and precision. Her quick tempo sets are perfectly tailored for her hitters, creating a dynamic and fast-paced offense that is difficult to defend. Karina's speed and ability to set accurately from any position on the court make her a standout player who consistently elevates her team's play.   Beyond her technical abilities, Karina's leadership shines through in every match. She commands the court with confidence, effectively directing her team and maintaining composure under pressure. Her presence fosters a sense of trust and cohesion among her teammates, making her an invaluable asset. Each performance by Karina further cements her reputation as an exceptional setter and a critical contributor to her team's success. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='537526' first='Saylor' last='Halvorsen'], competing for [program_tooltip program_id='510736' first='Sports' last='Academy'] VBC 15 Premier, is a physically strong and athletically gifted outside hitter with solid fundamentals across all aspects of her game. Her presence on both offense and defense is impactful, as she consistently makes her mark in each rally. Offensively, Saylor uses the block to her advantage, effectively positioning herself to attack with precision and power. Her ability to adjust her approach allows her to attack with variety and keep defenders on their toes.   On defense, Saylor is a reliable wall. Her ability to read the game and react quickly ensures she is always in the right position to make key digs or stop attackers in their tracks. Her strong fundamentals and athleticism make her a well-rounded player who can contribute in multiple areas. Saylor's combination of strength, skill, and defensive prowess makes her an asset on any team. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='486486' first='Malie' last='Ogbechie'], competing for [program_tooltip program_id='510736' first='Sports' last='Academy'] VBC 15 Premier, is a focused and determined outside hitter with a clear presence on the court. She consistently looks to make the big plays, and her offensive skills are a key asset to her team. Malie's ability to read the game and make quick decisions sets her apart, allowing her to create opportunities for her team in critical moments.   One of Malie's standout skills is her wicked serving game, which delivers with impressive speed and accuracy. Her serves consistently put pressure on opponents, often resulting in aces or forcing errors. Her offensive intensity and ability to create game-changing moments make Malie a player to watch, and her determination ensures she's always a factor in every rally. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='508881' first='Audrianna' last='Granatelli'] brought energy and focus to the court for [program_tooltip program_id='510736' first='Sports' last='Academy'] VBC 15 Premier. Her quick reflexes and readiness in every play showcased her as a cornerstone for her team's defense. Audrianna's ability to anticipate and react to the game's flow kept her consistently involved, demonstrating her strong court awareness and adaptability.   What sets Audrianna apart is her hustle and communication. She works tirelessly to keep her team in system, whether chasing down tough balls or directing her teammates with clarity and confidence. Her presence on the court goes beyond her physical abilities, as her leadership and vocal support provide a steady foundation for her team's success. Audrianna's impact was unmistakable. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='564315' first='Katelyn' last='Haberman'] is a 2029 you won't want to overlook. Her arm swing is a perfect combination of speed and precision, a skill that allows her to generate power and control on every attack. What sets Katelyn apart from many players at her level is her remarkable ability to read the court and adjust her attack in real-time.   Her decision-making is swift and intelligent, ensuring she maximizes her opportunities while minimizing errors. She isn't just looking to hit the ball hard—she's looking to outsmart her opponents. Whether it's through well-placed off-speed shots or a perfectly executed power tip, Katelyn keeps defenders on their toes with her versatility. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='578400' first='Julianna' last='Galstian'] is a dedicated libero who plays with a quiet confidence that speaks volumes. Her focus and work ethic on the court are unmatched, as she consistently lets her skills do the talking. Quick and purposeful in her serve receive, Julianna's anticipation and court awareness make her a reliable presence in the back row. She reads the game well, positioning herself perfectly to make accurate passes and strong defensive plays.   Her defensive skills are evident in her ability to track down tough balls and execute plays with precision. Julianna's calm demeanor under pressure allows her to stay composed, even in fast-paced, high-stress situations. As the 2025 season unfolds, I'm excited to see her continue to elevate her game and bring her strong defensive skills to the forefront, making a significant impact for her team. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     As she faces more challenging matchups, I'm eager to see how Aylee adapts and continues to develop her game. Her ability to disrupt opposing outsides with her blocking and to attack quickly and effectively from various positions will be key to her success. With a strong foundation from her high school season, Aylee has the tools to make a significant impact, and I'm excited to see how she performs in this new chapter of her volleyball career. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   Aylee Pizzo is a player I'm thrilled to track this club season. After a breakout first year in high school, she made the bold decision to transition to a new club, leaving City and joining [program_tooltip program_id='510736' first='Sports' last='Academy']. This fresh start comes with a lot of excitement and potential, as Aylee is now stepping into a new role. Her quick offensive attack, combined with her strong defensive blocking skills, makes her a dual-threat on the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='510736' first='Sports' last='Academy'] VBC 15 Premier Full Roster</h2>   Malie Ogbechie | OH | 1   Katelyn Haberman | RS | 3   Audrianna Granatelli | LB | 4   Karina Urzua | S | 6   Avery Reed | MB | 7   Aylee Pizzo | RS | 8   Saylor Halvorsen | MB | 9   Chelsea McCalister | S | 11   Hayley Litchauer | DS | 23   Julianna Galstian | LB | 24   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.   <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>

At the Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California, talent and character go hand in hand. The Sports Academy VBC 15 Premier team is more than just a group of skilled athletes; they are a collection of promising prospects who exhibit exceptional character on and off the court. Any coach would jump at the chance to help mold these young women into top-tier athletes, as their potential and integrity are evident in everything they do on the court.