Triple Crown Prep: Athletes’ Voices - Part One

In 2013, Triple Crown Sports brought together 25 elite club directors to discuss the landscape of high-level volleyball. From that meeting, the 2014 Triple Crown Volleyball Championships were born in Salt Lake City, UT, with 38 teams—including powerhouse programs like Coast and Tstreet—laying the foundation for what would become one of the most prestigious events in club volleyball.   Fast forward to today, and Triple Crown NIT has evolved into one of the most competitive tournaments in the country. The 2025 event, set for President's Day Weekend (February 14-17, 2025), will bring together over 670 teams, 7,000 athletes, and 800 college coaches for a high-stakes weekend of elite competition. In my opinion, this is the most important recruiting event of the year, where the best of the best face off to prove themselves on the biggest stage.   With powerhouse California teams heading to Kansas City, I connected with some of the top prospects to get a glimpse into their goals for this monumental event. Their insights will be featured in a four-part series rolling out this week.   Here's Part 1:    [player_tooltip player_id='545271' first='Ella' last='Olson'] brings a dynamic presence to the court, showcasing a sharp eye for shot selection and a steady command of serve receive—hallmarks of her versatility and strategic mindset.   Her goals for Triple Crown NIT extend beyond individual performance. She is committed to building team chemistry, fostering a culture of encouragement, and continually pushing herself to grow as both a leader and player.   Off the court, Ella's dedication is evident in her rigorous training regimen, which includes consistent strength training, insightful mentorship discussions, and cross-disciplinary practice between indoor and beach volleyball—all aimed at refining her skills and expanding her game.   What sets Ella apart to college scouts is her exceptional passing ability, unshakable poise under pressure, and unwavering commitment to team success. Her positive body language and ability to elevate those around her make her a standout competitor and a natural leader on the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='482032' first='Makenna' last='Barnes'] is eager to showcase her attacking skills at Triple Crown NIT, having dedicated significant time to refining her transition play on the left and sharpening her ability to exploit gaps in the defense. With a relentless work ethic, she's ready to let her hard work shine and make a meaningful impact on her team's success.   Her primary goals for the tournament are winning and maintaining consistency. Makenna and her team have been laser-focused on steady performance across all aspects of their game, from the back row to the front. Now, they're ready to bring that determination and execution to the court.   Off the court, Makenna prioritizes a positive mindset and proper nutrition, ensuring she is physically and mentally prepared to perform at her peak during her favorite tournament of the year.   What sets Makenna apart is her contagious energy. With a fiery yet uplifting presence, she elevates her teammates and injects intensity into every match. Her ability to balance competitive fire with unwavering optimism makes her a standout player who leaves a lasting impact on and off the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='532638' first='Korynn' last='Mayo'] is ready to take center stage at Triple Crown NIT, eager to showcase her versatile offensive arsenal. Whether delivering powerful swings or mixing in strategic shot placement, she is focused on maximizing her impact and racking up kills for her team.   Her primary goal for the tournament is simple: leave everything on the court. This mindset drives her every match, ensuring she consistently puts forth her best effort to contribute to her team's success.   In preparation for the season and this highly competitive event, Korynn has doubled down on her training. Beyond team practices, she has incorporated additional strength and skills training into her routine while fine-tuning her nutrition to ensure peak performance.   What will stand out to college coaches is Korynn's ability to excel as a pin hitter, coupled with her natural leadership. Whether energizing her teammates, celebrating key points, or rallying the group in tough moments, her contagious energy fuels the team. She's especially excited to showcase the progress her team has made—a dynamic mix of returning talent and new players who have quickly found their rhythm.   Korynn's enthusiasm, competitive drive, and ability to elevate those around her make her an invaluable asset on any court. Expect her to shine on the Triple Crown NIT stage. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Eva Jeffries is ready to shine at Triple Crown NIT, bringing her elite defensive skills and high volleyball IQ to the court. Her ability to read the game, anticipate plays, and make smart, strategic decisions elevates her team's performance with every touch.   Her personal goals for Triple Crown are rooted in consistency, presence, and team chemistry. She understands that success at this level requires focus, adaptability, and trust, and she is dedicated to fostering strong connections with her teammates—knowing that teamwork is key to achieving their collective goals.   Eva's preparation has been holistic, balancing intense training sessions to sharpen her skills with recovery strategies to maintain peak physical and mental performance. By prioritizing this balance, she has positioned herself to compete at the highest level in one of the most demanding tournaments of the year.   What will truly make Eva stand out to college coaches is her unique blend of energy, leadership, and physical presence. Her length allows her to make impactful defensive plays, while her vocal, motivating presence inspires those around her to push harder. With her unwavering energy and ability to guide her team under pressure, Eva is set to be a difference-maker—bringing a spark to every match and leaving a lasting impression on the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='500618' first='Ireland' last='Real'] is ready to bring a dynamic, well-rounded game to Triple Crown NIT, with a sharp focus on mixing up her shots to keep opponents off balance. With her team's sights set on victory, her preparation has been both intense and strategic—blending focused team training with specialized work alongside Coach Chris Vu at Training Matrix. Together, they have fine-tuned every aspect of her game, from strength and stability to nutrition and recovery, ensuring she performs at her peak.   Beyond her individual development, Ireland takes immense pride in being part of a talented and driven team, where camaraderie and leadership fuel their success. She believes that what will truly set her apart to college coaches is not just her skillset but the strong leadership and unwavering support within her team. This team-first mentality, paired with her continuous growth, makes her a player who will leave a lasting impression at the tournament. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    The Triple Crown NIT is more than just an elite competition—it's a stage where athletes reveal the passion, preparation, and perseverance that drive their success. The insights shared by these athletes provide a deeper understanding of what fuels them both on and off the court. From overcoming challenges to setting ambitious goals, their mental toughness and relentless determination are just as vital as their technical skills.   These athletes embody the dedication, resilience, and leadership that college coaches seek in their future players. As Triple Crown continues to showcase the nation's best, their voices serve as a testament to the hard work and mindset required to compete at the highest level.   I look forward to bringing you more "Triple Crown Prep: Athletes' Voices" in Part Two, where we'll continue to explore the mental strength and competitive drive that set these rising prospects apart. Stay tuned!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   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>

In 2013, Triple Crown Sports brought together 25 elite club directors to discuss the landscape of high-level volleyball. From that meeting, the 2014 Triple Crown Volleyball Championships were born in Salt Lake City, UT, with 38 teams—including powerhouse programs like Coast and Tstreet—laying the foundation for what would become one of the most prestigious events in club volleyball.