Triple Crown Prep: Athletes’ Voices - Part Two

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 Two:    [player_tooltip player_id='481402' first='Marley' last='Robinson'] is eager to showcase her setting skills at Triple Crown NIT, bringing a composed and strategic presence to the court. Her goals for the tournament center on establishing strong connections with her middles and spreading the offense to create 1-on-1 opportunities—or even situations where hitters face no blockers at all. She is also focused on maintaining consistency in her setting and tempo, ensuring her hitters find their rhythm and maximize their effectiveness.   In preparation, Marley has committed to extra training sessions each week, working to improve her speed, jumping, and stability. She has also taken private lessons to refine her setting mechanics, with a sharp focus on enhancing accuracy and precision.   What Marley believes will make her stand out to college coaches is her ability to play with confidence and composure under pressure. She thrives in fast-paced situations, using her court awareness and decision-making to elevate her team. As a setter who can control the game's tempo and make a significant impact, Marley is ready to leave her mark on Triple Crown NIT. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='493205' first='Emery' last='Gonzales'] has been sharpening her front-row presence, recognizing the game-changing impact of both blocking and well-timed dumps. She understands that a key block can shift momentum, while an effective dump can disrupt the defense and create scoring opportunities for her team.   Her overarching goal for every tournament is simple—win. After a strong showing at the Tour of Texas, Emery is eager to build on that momentum and help push her team to new heights at Triple Crown NIT.   Outside of the gym, Emery has been focused on gaining strength to enhance her overall performance. Just as importantly, she has been cultivating a mindset of gratitude, appreciating every opportunity to compete, grow, and elevate her game.   What Emery hopes college coaches will notice is her speed, athleticism, decision-making, and relentless competitive drive. As a setter, she takes pride in running a smooth, efficient offense and is deeply invested in her teammates' success. Her ability to lead with composure and purpose makes her a standout on and off the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='545338' first='Kiley' last='McGibben'] is eager to showcase her team's dynamic, fast-tempo offense at Triple Crown NIT. By running quick sets, she aims to keep the game fast-paced and apply constant pressure on opponents. This tournament serves as the perfect stage to highlight the progress her team has made in practice and how their collective hard work translates into high-level competition.   Kiley's goals for this event extend beyond just performance—she is determined to give her all on the court while cherishing every moment with her teammates. She values the camaraderie and shared experiences that make competing at this level so special.   Preparation has been a priority, with Kiley focusing on proper nutrition, conditioning, and extra reps to refine her game. Her dedicated training routine has been instrumental in her growth, ensuring she steps onto the court ready to compete at her best.   As a setter, Kiley understands that her role is to elevate her teammates and help them shine. While Triple Crown NIT is a valuable recruiting opportunity, her focus remains on leading with precision and composure. Her ability to create scoring opportunities, run an efficient offense, and maintain a team-first mentality will undoubtedly capture the attention of college coaches looking for a poised and impactful leader. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='545233' first='Lerin' last='Rosenthal'] is eager to showcase the hard work and growth that both she and her team have achieved since their last tournament. With a focus on continuous improvement, she's ready to put their progress to the test on one of the biggest stages at Triple Crown NIT.   Her primary goal is clear—help her team reach the gold bracket and compete at the highest level. She understands that achieving this requires focus, determination, and strong teamwork, and she is fully committed to bringing her best effort to every match.   Preparation has been key for Lerin, who incorporates the LOVB mindset journals to keep herself mentally locked in for competition. She also prioritizes proper nutrition, consistent eight-hour sleep schedules, and intentional training sessions. While her practice volume remains steady, her focus has shifted toward building stronger connections with her hitters and achieving greater consistency in her play.   What sets Lerin apart is her versatility and ability to excel in multiple positions. Her tenacity and relentless drive, both on and off the court, make her a standout athlete. With her all-around skill set and competitive spirit, Lerin is determined to leave a lasting impression at Triple Crown NIT. ~ 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 Three, 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.