Voices of the Court: Insights from Top Prospects. Part 2

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='583928' first='Amara' last='Enemuo'] is a standout athlete for Absolute 15 Black and Las Lomas High School's varsity team. At 6'0" with an impressive 10' approach jump, she brings a dominant presence to the court as an outside/right-side hitter. Over the weekend, Amara's offensive skills shone brightly, with her powerful attacks delivering crucial points and her strategic serving putting opponents out of system, showcasing her ability to impact the game in multiple ways.   Her team faced challenges in serve receive, but through enhanced communication, they achieved consistent passing that opened up more offensive opportunities. Amara values growth and teamwork, and she is looking forward to improving her vocal presence on the court while continuing to build strong team chemistry.   Amara is not only an exceptional athlete but also a dedicated student, excelling in academics and demonstrating a commitment to personal and team success. Her versatility, coachability, and drive to continuously learn and improve make her a promising prospect for college programs. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='725940' first='Noelani' last='Ramirez'] is a dynamic setter known for her creativity on the court. She thrives on keeping defenses guessing by making calculated, unexpected sets that elevate her team's offense. Over the weekend, Noelani showcased her ability to find her middles consistently, delivering precise sets from anywhere on the court.   Her team faced the challenge of maintaining composure and energy during high-pressure moments, but they overcame it by fostering communication and simplifying their movements, which allowed them to stay focused and enjoy the game. Noelani's leadership and positive influence contributed to her team's ability to play cohesively and confidently.   This season, Noelani is focused on improving her wrist speed and setting precision to optimize her hitters' opportunities. With her adaptability and drive, she's excited about finding a college program where she can make a meaningful impact and continue to grow as a player. Her blend of skill, leadership, and a team-first mentality makes her an outstanding prospect for collegiate volleyball. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='730255' first='London' last='Crawford'] is an impactful outside hitter who plays with intention and purpose, bringing a unique blend of energy and reliability to her team. Over the weekend, one of her standout performances was on defense, where she excelled at reading plays, moving her feet efficiently, and providing strong coverage for her hitters.   Her team faced the challenge of preventing opponents from going on extended scoring runs. They overcame this hurdle by resetting their focus and honing in on technical execution, demonstrating resilience and discipline.   Looking ahead, London is committed to refining her serve receive and achieving consistent, high-quality passing—a cornerstone skill that sets the foundation for any successful team performance.   What truly sets London apart is her infectious positivity and ability to bring joy to all situations, making her not just a valuable player but also a cherished teammate. Her dedication to her craft and uplifting presence make her a compelling prospect for any college volleyball program. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='510954' first='Abby' last='Cardenas'] is a dedicated and dynamic player transitioning seamlessly from middle to right side, showcasing her adaptability and determination to excel in her new role. A standout moment from her recent tournament was her impressive blocking, particularly in a key match against rival Absolute 15 Black, where her defensive prowess made a significant impact.   One of Abby's most defining moments came during the same match on day three. After a challenging first set, Abby adjusted her mindset and refined her approach, learning to use the opposing block to her advantage. Her ability to adapt and perform under pressure proved instrumental as her team mounted a comeback and secured the win.   As Abby continues her season, she's focused on improving her out-of-system hitting to elevate her game further. Her drive to not only master new skills but also strive for excellence sets her apart as a player and teammate.   What Abby wants college coaches to know is her unmatched work ethic and commitment to becoming one of the best—both on the court and in the classroom. With her determination and willingness to put in the effort, Abby is a player with immense potential and an unwavering passion for the game. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='534199' first='Lilian' last='Bongiorno'] is an exceptional student-athlete who shines both on and off the court. Her ability to connect with teammates and give 110% effort in every match underscores her leadership and commitment to the game. Known for her attentiveness on the court, Lilian excels in both offense and defense, making her a versatile and reliable player.   A challenge she frequently encounters is facing big blocks. Through dedicated effort over past seasons, Lilian has developed smart strategies to either tool the block or find creative ways to work around it. This adaptability speaks to her high volleyball IQ and ability to learn and implement new techniques effectively.   As her season progresses, Lilian is focused on elevating her serving to increase aces and achieving even greater consistency in serve receive. Her willingness to embrace challenges and refine her skills highlights her growth-oriented mindset.   What sets Lilian apart is her strong communication skills and eagerness to learn. She is always ready to incorporate new techniques, such as tooling, diverse shots, and passing angles, into her gameplay. With her academic excellence and determination, Lilian is poised to make a meaningful impact at the next level. ~ 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 Three, 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.