Triple Crown Prep: Athletes’ Voices - Part Four

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.   Here is Part Four:    [player_tooltip player_id='338908' first='Lucky' last='Fasavalu'] is ready to shine at Triple Crown NIT, eager to showcase her exceptional versatility on the court. Having played every position at some point in her career, she has developed a deep understanding of the game, adaptability, and a well-rounded skill set. Her journey includes stepping into the setter role in Open last year, where she led her team to a 4th-place finish at nationals. Her ability to master new positions and leverage her experiences has significantly elevated her volleyball IQ and impact on the game.   Lucky's goals for Triple Crown are rooted in growth and gratitude. She aims to push herself to improve with every play, embrace each moment of the journey, and honor the support of her family, club, and faith. Her mindset is one of purpose and pride, striving to showcase the “village” behind her to college coaches.   Her preparation reflects her relentless dedication. Guided by the advice of AVP pro Taylor Crabb—"any volleyball touch is better than none"—Lucky prioritizes daily training and staying a rep ahead. Paired with prayer and mental focus, she ensures she is both physically and mentally prepared for the competition.   What sets Lucky apart to college coaches is her dynamic presence on the court. Her natural leadership, athleticism, high volleyball IQ, and aggressiveness make her a formidable competitor. Paired with unmatched energy, determination, and work ethic, she has the rare ability to elevate those around her, solidifying her as a true game-changer and a standout competitor. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='482031' first='Londyn' last='Neal'] is eager to bring her leadership and all-around game to Triple Crown NIT this year. As she enters her recruitable year, she is focused on showcasing herself not just as a skilled player, but as a true leader—one who elevates her teammates through her voice, presence, and energy. She is determined to motivate, inspire, and stand out as a complete player both on and off the court.   Her goals for Triple Crown are clear and impactful. Londyn aims to establish herself as an offensive threat, using quick, aggressive play and gritty defense to challenge opponents. Just as importantly, she is committed to uplifting her teammates, demonstrating strong leadership in every situation. Above all, she is determined to compete with championship intensity, playing every match with full effort and dedication, regardless of who's watching.   Londyn's preparation for Triple Crown is both strategic and proactive. She has been fine-tuning her defensive game, knowing she will face elite competition, while also actively reaching out to college coaches to maximize every opportunity for connection and exposure. Her ability to approach the tournament with a growth mindset and professionalism highlights her drive to succeed.   What will truly set Londyn apart to college coaches is her commanding court presence. The way she works the opposing defense while maintaining positive body language and composure speaks volumes about her mentality and professionalism. Her ability to lead with confidence, energy, and a sharp mental game ensures she will leave a lasting impression on any coach watching. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='547583' first='Marley' last='Bemus'] is eager to showcase her solid blocking and consistent setting at Triple Crown NIT, skills she has been honing through dedicated practice and repetition. One of her primary goals for the tournament is to become more offensive in her gameplay, expanding her versatility and overall impact on the court.   Her preparation has been intentional and focused, emphasizing strength building, mental toughness, and extra reps with her setting coach to refine her technique. She understands the importance of precision and composure, ensuring she can execute at the highest level in a high-pressure environment.   What sets Marley apart is her physicality at the net, paired with her positive and composed presence on the court. These qualities, along with her relentless work ethic and passion for the game, are sure to capture the attention of college coaches as she continues to develop her skill set and make an impact at Triple Crown NIT. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Isabella "Izzy" Basilio is eager to bring her training and preparation to life at Triple Crown NIT, where her team has been focusing on building an efficient and dynamic offense. She is excited to showcase her setting skills, particularly her ability to create one-on-one opportunities for her hitters and contribute defensively as a setter.   Her primary goal for the tournament is to put her teammates in the best position for success, while also striving for her own personal growth and performance throughout the event. She understands that success as a setter comes not just from execution but from making those around her better.   Izzy's preparation has been holistic, incorporating lifting on her off days, maximizing reps, and prioritizing rest and recovery to ensure she stays balanced both mentally and physically. Her commitment to training with intention allows her to maintain consistency and composure in high-pressure moments.   What will make Izzy stand out to college coaches is her intentional body language and leadership on the court. She recognizes how her presence influences her team's mindset and energy, striving to maintain positivity, focus, and composure at all times. With her awareness, leadership, and court presence, Izzy is determined to make a lasting impression at Triple Crown NIT. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='533581' first='Kalea' last='Lee'] is eager to showcase her setting skills at Triple Crown NIT, fully embracing her role as the quarterback of the team. She takes pride in running a strong and consistent offense, ensuring each set is delivered with precision and confidence. Her ability to control the pace of the game and make smart, strategic decisions under pressure is something she is excited to highlight during the tournament.   Her main goal for Triple Crown is to compete at the highest level and give maximum effort alongside her team. With the collective talent on the roster, she is confident in their ability to rise to the challenge and perform at their best. She thrives in high-stakes environments, embracing the competitive nature of the event and focusing on making an impact with her play.   To prepare, Kalea puts in extra work on her off days, incorporating gym sessions and additional cardio to maintain peak fitness. She prioritizes hydration and a well-balanced diet leading up to tournaments, ensuring she is physically and mentally ready to compete at her best.   What sets Kalea apart to college coaches is her leadership and attitude both on and off the court. She is a vocal and supportive teammate, holding her peers accountable while providing constant encouragement. Even when she's not on the court, she continues to uplift and cheer for her team, demonstrating the positive energy, composure, and commitment that make her an invaluable asset to any program.    Throughout this four-part series, we've explored the mindset, training, and aspirations of standout players who are ready to take on one of the most competitive tournaments in club volleyball.   From relentless training regimens to the mental strategies that fuel their performance, these players embody the qualities that college coaches value most—work ethic, composure, and a team-first mentality.   As the tournament unfolds, these athletes will look to turn their preparation into results, competing at the highest level while embracing the experience with their teammates. Whether it's delivering clutch plays, leading with confidence, or simply soaking in the moment, their Voices offer a glimpse into the heart of the game.   Thank you for following this series—I look forward to witnessing these athletes in action and celebrating the performances that will define Triple Crown NIT 2025.   Best of luck to all the competitors!   <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.