Voices of the Court: Insights from Top Prospects. Part 1

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.   But volleyball is more than just what happens on the court. To offer a glimpse into the minds of these talented athletes, I asked them to share their thoughts on their performance, challenges they faced, areas for growth, and what they wish college coaches knew about them.    Their responses provide insight into their character, determination, and the journey each player is on.      [player_tooltip player_id='500499' first='Zoie' last='Loui'], a setter/right hitter, had a standout moment during the 2025 NorCal Winter Classic when she made a one-handed block in the quarterfinals, a feat she found particularly exciting. Despite her team being down players and her coach having to adjust the lineup, Zoie embraced the challenge of running a 5-1 offense throughout the tournament. As team captain, she worked hard to maintain high energy, even during critical moments when the team was down by several points. Her leadership helped the team stay resilient and secure crucial wins.   Zoie is focused on improving her connection with her hitters and refining her decision-making under pressure. She also aims to be more strategic during gameplay. College coaches should know that Zoie is a well-rounded player—consistent with her sets, strong defensively, and always hustling. Her hardworking, dedicated, and passionate approach to the sport fuels her desire to continue her volleyball journey at the collegiate level. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='744514' first='Gabby' last='Guyon'], a setter for SF University High School and [program_tooltip program_id='534202' first='Marin' last='Juniors'] 16-1, highlighted her ability to run the offense from almost anywhere on the court as one of her standout performances. She is excited about the competitive challenges that lie ahead at upcoming Qualifiers this season. Gabby is also focused on improving the consistent tempo of her sets throughout the year. College coaches should know that she is a positive, calm, and uplifting presence on the court, especially during stressful and close games, always supporting her teammates in challenging moments. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='744302' first='Emma' last='Wu'], known for her resilience, took one of the hardest hits she had ever experienced but battled back, staying focused and composed for her team. After the hit, she initially felt discouraged but quickly shook it off, understanding the importance of staying focused and not letting negative energy affect her teammates. Emma knew that dwelling on the mistake would only hurt the team, so she chose to move forward with a clear mindset.   Her confidence in her ability to perform better helped her easily recover, allowing her to give her best effort on the next points. She was determined to keep the mood upbeat, especially early in the game, knowing that hesitation and doubt would only hinder her performance. Her teammates were highly encouraging, reassuring her that she would get the next ball up and reminding her to forget about the mistake. Their focus and energy motivated Emma to match their efforts and push herself to perform at her best. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='505606' first='Caira' last='Tasi'], a two-sport athlete also participating in basketball, commanded the volleyball court for SF [program_tooltip program_id='429392' first='Elite' last='Volleyball Club']. One highlight of her performance during the weekend was her ability to put up a big block, helping to serve as a key part of the team's defense.   As a team, Caira acknowledged the challenge of connecting on day one, as the squad had many new players this year. She recognized that the weekend was all about building chemistry and developing stronger team dynamics.   Looking ahead, Caira is focused on becoming a more available option as a hitter for her setters and strengthening her connection with them. College coaches should know that Caira is a positive competitor, always willing to support her teammates both on and off the court. She is committed to being there for her teammates, especially during tough games or moments when the team is down, and brings a strong sense of teamwork to every match. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='515385' first='Regina' last='Stella Broshear'] stood out for her strong blocking during the tournament, helping her team step up defensively as they faced increasingly physical opponents. She recognized the importance of blocking to support the back row players as the competition intensified.   One challenge her team faced was maintaining consistent energy throughout the long, three-day tournament, as every team in their age group was competitive. Regina and her teammates overcame this by supporting each other after mistakes, cheering each other on, and stepping up to fill in gaps when needed.   Looking ahead, Regina is focused on improving her hitting abilities, especially by mastering different shots and becoming the go-to hitter for her team. She is also focused on enhancing her blocking skills, knowing that taller players will be a challenge when they reach nationals.   College coaches should know that Regina is a driven team player who understands that her job is not only to improve herself but also to lift up her teammates, always prioritizing team success. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Abby Sutton is a dynamic middle hitter who brings great energy and fire to the court. A highlight of her performance is her ability to run multiple middle plays successfully, contributing to her team's offensive strength. Abby also played a key role in her team's comeback during a match where they were down by a few points. With strong communication and teamwork, they turned the game around to secure the win.   As Abby continues to develop, she is focused on improving her volleyball IQ and skill set, aiming to grow further as a leader on the court. College coaches will appreciate her strong work ethic both on and off the court, as well as her excellent time management skills, which allow her to balance athletics and academics effectively. Abby's drive to improve and her leadership potential make her a standout player for any program. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Haley Boyarski - Absolute 16 Pink</h2>   Haley Boyarski is an offensive powerhouse and a key contributor to her team's success. A standout moment for Haley came from her ability to keep her emotions in check, whether the team was ahead or behind. She believes staying calm helps her and her teammates maintain focus and sustain their performance over extended periods. A challenge she faced during the tournament was experiencing leg cramps on the first day, but with the support of her team, they didn't lose a single match. This experience reinforced the importance of proper hydration and stretching while also strengthening the team's bond early in the season.   Looking ahead, Haley is determined to earn a bid and help her team reach their highest potential. Her love for the sport, dedication to her team, and unwavering perseverance set her apart. Even when facing adversity or when the opposing team has the upper hand, Haley's never-give-up attitude and her passion for both the game and her teammates make her a standout player for college coaches to consider. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   In conclusion, the insights shared by these athletes offer a deeper understanding of what drives them both on and off the court. From overcoming challenges to setting goals for improvement, their mental fortitude and determination are just as integral to their success as their on-court skills. These athletes exemplify the dedication and resilience that college coaches are sure to value. I look forward to bringing you more Voices of the Court in Part Two, where we will continue to explore the mental fortitude of these promising prospects and uncover the mindset that propels them to greatness.   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>

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.