Voices of the Court: Insights from Top Prospects. Part 4

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='523414' first='Zoie' last='Halsing'] is a determined and adaptable player who thrives under pressure. In a recent match, her team faced a significant challenge when they lost their other outside hitter to a leg cramp. This forced teammates into unfamiliar positions, creating their first real test as a unit. Despite the initial adjustment period, Zoie and her team rallied back to win the match in two sets, showcasing resilience and teamwork.   Zoie is committed to continual improvement, focusing on increasing her speed, strength, and mental toughness. As a fierce competitor, she aims to manage the small frustrations that can impact her game while also enhancing her offensive IQ.   What sets Zoie apart is her perseverance in overcoming the challenges of hearing loss. Her coaches wear a microphone that connects directly to her hearing aids, enabling her to receive crucial feedback. This unique experience has heightened her awareness on the court and sharpened her ability to focus solely on her teammates and coaches, tuning out distractions.   Zoie's combination of work ethic, adaptability, and determination makes her an asset on any team. She brings a unique perspective and a relentless drive to excel in both volleyball and life. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='507405' first='Rachel' last='Nemee'] is a standout Defensive Specialist/Libero whose passion for volleyball and commitment to excellence shine on and off the court. Competing against top-tier teams in the 16 Open Elite Division, Rachel thrives in high-pressure situations. A memorable highlight from her recent tournament includes a grueling rally against Vision 15 Gold where she recorded one dig and four out-of-system sets, showcasing her resilience and skill.   Despite opponents strategically avoiding her in serve receive, Rachel demonstrates her leadership by helping teammates make crucial adjustments and read the ball effectively. To counter attempts to put her team out of system, she has honed her out-of-system setting to ensure her hitters always have high-quality opportunities.   As her team captain, Rachel is focused on fostering personal connections with her teammates to understand how to motivate and uplift them uniquely. This leadership approach enhances her team's chemistry and performance.   Off the court, Rachel is equally driven. She balances her 4.0 GPA with her volleyball commitments by mastering time management. Her dedication to physical and mental well-being includes utilizing nutrition, cryotherapy, and scraping for recovery. Her faith is the cornerstone of her identity, guiding her as both a player and a person.   Rachel's grit, adaptability, and faith-centered perspective make her an exceptional athlete ready to take her game to the next level. As she often reflects, “The Lord is greater than the giants you face.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='584042' first='Lauren' last='Kim'] is an intelligent and composed setter who brings strategic focus and steady leadership to the court. Over the weekend, one of her key goals was to set up the block effectively, cutting off opposing hitters. Her success in this area not only led to key blocks and touches but also helped her team dominate defensively.   Despite being on a team with several new players, Lauren contributed to overcoming early miscommunication challenges by promoting extended huddles between points. This approach allowed her team to make immediate adjustments and become more cohesive with every play.   The weekend presented additional challenges as the team faced lineup changes due to injuries. Lauren's ability to adapt and remain poised in these high-pressure moments was critical. Heading into Kansas City, she is ready for any obstacles, armed with the confidence that her team can persevere together.   Off the court, Lauren's supportive and composed demeanor helps her team remain calm and focused during emotional or chaotic moments. Her combination of skill, adaptability, and leadership makes her an invaluable asset on any roster. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='435541' first='Ava' last='Villela'] recently helped lead her team to a first-place finish at the Winter Classic, a testament to her team's ability to compete at a high level. Despite facing challenges, such as three key players being out due to illness, Ava's team displayed resilience by stepping into unfamiliar positions and working together to overcome the adversity.   As her season progresses, Ava is focusing on improving her right-side hits and blocking, aiming to enhance her overall versatility and skill set.   One thing Ava wants college coaches to know about her is her deep passion for volleyball and her commitment to developing a high volleyball IQ. She is eager to learn, grow, and contribute to any program that values hard work and dedication. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='569574' first='Brianna' last='Nottingham']'s performance showcases her versatility on the court. With a well-rounded hitting toolbox, she's able to use a variety of shots to keep defenses on their toes, contributing significantly to her team's success.   This past weekend, Brianna and her team faced the challenge of overcoming deficits in sets. Despite the adversity, the team stayed focused, trusted one another, and came together to get the job done. Looking forward, Brianna is focused on becoming an even more well-rounded player. She's dedicated to improving her consistency in defense and serve receive, while also expanding her offensive skills in the front row.   What Brianna wants college coaches to know is that she thrives in a team environment. She finds as much joy in her teammates' successes as she does in her own, and she takes pride in supporting her friends and celebrating their collective accomplishments. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2>   <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.   If you enjoyed this article series, 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.