Voices of the Court: Insights from Top Prospects. Part 3

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='580922' first='Isabella' last='Reyes'] is a versatile and determined athlete who excels in stepping up when her team needs her most. During a critical elimination match in the gold divisional bracket, Isabella was asked to transition from her usual S/RH role to play as an OH/DS against a formidable opponent. Despite her height disadvantage, she leveraged her speed, timing, and strategic vision to find gaps in the block and secure crucial kills. Her ability to adapt and make an impact in this high-pressure situation played a key role in her team's victory. Despite injuries to key teammates and lineup adjustments, Isabella's leadership and resilience helped her team secure a 4th-place finish in the highly competitive 16 Gold Open/Elite Division.   Isabella is eager to continue developing her all-around skills, focusing on serving consistency, game reading, court awareness, and defensive positioning. Her passion for volleyball is matched by her dedication to self-improvement and teamwork. She values collaboration and believes strong relationships and communication are essential for team success. Open to feedback from coaches and peers, Isabella constantly seeks opportunities to grow both as a player and as a person. College coaches will be drawn to her adaptability, work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure, making her an asset to any program. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='744525' first='Carolina' last='Delaney'], a 6'2” outside hitter for Absolute 15-1s, showcased her skill and leadership during a standout performance at the 16 Open division, where her team earned an impressive 3rd-place finish. One of the highlights of her weekend was the noticeable progress she's made with her serve, increasing both its speed and contact point to add more power and precision. Faced with the challenge of losing a key outside hitter to an ankle injury, Carolina stepped up as a leader, uniting her team and encouraging them to elevate their play. Her ability to inspire her teammates during adversity underscores her value as a dependable leader.   Carolina is committed to continual growth and aims to refine the speed and accuracy of her serve while improving her back-row passing. She is determined to be the hardest-working player both on and off the court, believing in the importance of consistent effort and dedication. College coaches will find a player in Carolina who not only excels in her role but also uplifts those around her, embodying the qualities of a leader who is always ready to go the extra mile for her team. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='567514' first='Dasha' last='Farias'] is a versatile and energetic player who thrives in any position her coach assigns her. One of the highlights of her performance is her ability to bring consistent energy to the court and her adaptability in adjusting to new roles, ensuring that her team remains dynamic and prepared for any situation. While Dasha faced challenges with confidence after missing a hit or misreading a set, her team overcame these hurdles through open communication and mutual encouragement, which strengthened their cohesion and helped her regain confidence.   As Dasha looks forward to the upcoming season, she is focused on continuous improvement in every aspect of her game. She aims to refine her back-row skills and transition more quickly, recognizing that there is always room to grow, even in areas she feels she has mastered. College coaches will appreciate Dasha's strong work ethic, her willingness to play any position when needed, and her commitment to fulfilling her coach's expectations. Above all, Dasha values the bond she shares with her teammates, seeing them as family, which speaks to her leadership and team-first mentality. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='569604' first='Hannah' last='Cretan'] is a tenacious libero who plays with intensity and passion, always looking to make an impact on the court. A highlight from her recent performance was her quick reactions, which allowed her to save numerous balls during long rallies, keeping her team in the game. Despite the challenge of integrating new players into the lineup, Hannah's team overcame the adjustment period through strong communication, mutual support, and a focus on controlling their side of the court, which helped them get back into rhythm.   Looking ahead, Hannah is committed to continuing her growth as both a teammate and a leader, especially in the back row. College coaches will appreciate her relentless effort to keep the ball in play, whether it's through digging, covering, or other defensive plays. More than just her skills, Hannah thrives on the team aspect of volleyball, creating a positive and supportive environment by hyping up her teammates, showing her unwavering support both on and off the court, and fostering a sense of camaraderie that strengthens the team as a whole. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='744093' first='Grace' last='McKeown'] is a dedicated and hardworking freshman outside hitter who plays for [program_tooltip program_id='580830' first='Synergy' last='Force'] Volleyball Club's 15-1 National team. Having been part of the National program since she was 10, Grace has developed a strong volleyball foundation, and her team recently finished in the top 10 in California in their division. She is passionate about volleyball and plays year-round, consistently refining her skills. Grace is also committed to her academics, taking pride in her studies and with aspirations of attending law school in the future.   Outside of volleyball and school, Grace enjoys spending time on her family's property, reading, and bonding with her dogs. Her well-rounded interests show that she values both personal and athletic growth. As a member of the class of 2028, Grace is determined to continue her volleyball journey and is focused on reaching her goal of playing at the collegiate level. College coaches will appreciate her dedication to both her sport and academics, as well as her balanced approach to life. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   College coaches can check out this highlight video of Grace on Balltime<a href="https://app.balltime.com/highlight/253d8345-a5e6-49eb-aee4-b498d30ba1a7?share=true">: https://app.balltime.com/highlight/253d8345-a5e6-49eb-aee4-b498d30ba1a7?share=true</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='608019' first='Ella' last='Francis'] is a dedicated libero known for her hustle and relentless work ethic on defense. A standout moment in her performance was her exceptional serving, where she maintained a 98% success rate and recorded 7 aces over three games. While her team faced challenges with serve receive, Ella stepped up by covering more of the court, demonstrating leadership and resilience. Though her serve receive wasn't perfect, she views it as a learning opportunity and is eager to improve her footwork to become even more effective in that area.   In addition to her volleyball skills, Ella excels academically, maintaining a 4.3 weighted GPA. Her strong work ethic both on and off the court makes her an excellent candidate for any collegiate program. College coaches will appreciate her commitment to continual improvement and her ability to contribute both in the game and in the classroom. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='536250' first='Sawyer' last='Zappelli'] is a determined player known for her ability to change the momentum of a match. One standout moment for her at the NorCal Winter Classic was when, trailing in the second set, she went on a serving run, delivering 3 aces and swinging the momentum in her team's favor. Her ability to perform under pressure reflects her resilience and leadership on the court. Despite facing moments of feeling discouraged, Sawyer and her team overcame these challenges by encouraging each other and focusing on playing fearlessly, allowing them to stay engaged and move forward.   Looking ahead, Sawyer is focused on refining her offensive placement and improving communication with her teammates to better read and counter opponents' offenses and defenses. What stands out most about Sawyer is her deep connection with her teammates, cherishing the opportunity to compete alongside her best friends at a high level. Her commitment to teamwork and growth makes her a strong asset for any college program. ~ 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 Four, 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.