Dear College Coaches: Six Must-Know Names from Salt Lake City

With bids to the USA Volleyball Girls National Championship in Dallas on the line, the Salt Lake City Showdown brought out the best in elite-level athletes. In a high-stakes environment packed with pressure, intensity, and national implications, six standout prospects didn't just rise to the occasion, they dominated.   College coaches working through University Athlete to identify top talent for the 2027 and 2028 classes, these are the names you need to know. Whether it was taking over in crunch time, anchoring a defense, or consistently delivering under pressure, each of these athletes proved they're more than ready for the next level.      [player_tooltip player_id='557446' first='Piper' last='Coady'] has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic attackers in the 2028 class. From the moment she stepped into the PrepDig circuit as one of the youngest competitors, she's stood out, not just for her maturity and poise, but for her sheer dominance at the net. Now fully commanding the court, Coady delivers consistent, high-level production as a true six-rotation outside hitter. Her arm swing is both explosive and deceptive, accompanied by a high-level chin snap technique that gives her attacks a sharp, downward finish.   What sets Coady apart is her ability to score from anywhere on the floor. She reads the tempo of the set exceptionally well, adjusting her approach and shot selection to hit sharp angles, clean lines, and controlled roll shots when needed. She's nearly unstoppable when facing anything less than a perfectly timed, sealed block. With a consistent offensive rhythm and court presence beyond her years, [player_tooltip player_id='557446' first='Piper' last='Coady'] is firmly on the radar as one of the top 2028 prospects in the country. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='510954' first='Abby' last='Cardenas'] is an athlete whose trajectory continues to trend upward. With each performance, she shows measurable growth in both confidence and execution. Against one of the top teams in the country, Cardenas played with composure and maturity well beyond her years. She attacks with power and precision, utilizing a clean arm draw and quick snap to finish. Her ability to hit through the block and remain aggressive in high-pressure moments makes her an exciting offensive weapon.   Beyond her attacking skills, Cardenas adds value with a strong, consistent serve and vocal presence on the court. She communicates effectively, shows a solid understanding of in-game flow, and remains coachable and engaged throughout play. With her physicality, work ethic, and visible progress, Abigail Cardenas is a 2028 prospect with tremendous upside and a ceiling that continues to rise. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='586653' first='Maya' last='Ogbogu'] might only be a freshman, but her game, and her presence, reflect the maturity of a seasoned competitor. Already one of the most talked-about prospects in the country, Ogbogu is drawing significant attention from both top programs and her peers. She's become a must-watch athlete, with college coaches lining up courtside and players lining up afterward for photos. When asked about the growing spotlight, Maya confidently shared that she embraces the attention and feels fully prepared to handle it.   On the court, Ogbogu is an undeniable force. Her hitting lines alone command attention, not just because of her explosive arm swing, but because of the psychological impact it has on opponents. Her ability to showcase raw, unfiltered power without facing a block creates an intimidation factor that few in her class can replicate. One of the most remarkable aspects of her game is how she responds when challenged. On the rare occasion she's stopped, she taps into another gear, one fueled by sheer competitiveness. “It's a feeling I get in all sports,” she explained. “If a girl is about to pass me in basketball or track, I rise to another level.” Once Miss. Ogbogu learns to access that next level at will, it will truly be game over. With elite athleticism, advanced instincts, and a championship-caliber mindset, [player_tooltip player_id='586653' first='Maya' last='Ogbogu'] is firmly the top recruit in the country. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='764592' first='Kaleigh' last='Morasci'] is a player who attacks with clear intention and consistent execution. Every swing has purpose, and her ability to stay composed in high-pressure moments makes her a steady presence on the court. She utilizes a well-timed and well-spaced approach, allowing her to strike with the ball consistently out in front, an essential detail that contributes to her repeatable success at the net.   In addition to her offensive reliability, Morasci is effective on the defensive side of the ball. She shows strong blocking instincts, pressing over with clean technique and reading opposing hitters well. Her discipline, spatial awareness, and overall consistency make her a valuable contributor in both transition and system play. [player_tooltip player_id='764592' first='Kaleigh' last='Morasci'] is a rising 2028 prospect who brings stability, purpose, and polish to the outside. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Allison Charvat continues to make a strong impression every time she steps on the court. A middle with serious power and purpose, Charvat plays with confidence and clarity, she doesn't hesitate; she knows exactly what she wants and how to execute it. Her footwork is clean and efficient, allowing her to get up quickly and connect with pace, and her arm swing finishes with an aggressive snap that puts defenders on their heels.   In one standout moment at the Salt Lake City Showdown, Coach Nueve asked setter [player_tooltip player_id='566277' first='Michelle' last='Xu'] to go to Charvat in a key play. Xu delivered a perfectly placed ball, and Charvat demolished it, one of the cleanest kills of the match. That exchange encapsulates what makes Charvat special: she demands the ball, thrives in pressure, and finishes with authority. With her continued growth, explosive ability, and strong connection with her setters, Allison Charvat is a rising 2028 middle who's ready to take over big moments. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247       Esme Althouse continues to elevate her game each time I see her play. A fierce competitor, she has an undeniable passion and an intense will to win, traits that immediately set her apart. Althouse brings great energy to her team and communicates with clarity and confidence, keeping everyone engaged and in rhythm throughout the match.   As a setter, she demonstrates growing sophistication in her decision-making. She mixes up her sets effectively, keeps blockers guessing, and shows the ability to run a diverse and balanced offense. With her leadership presence and continual development, Esme Althouse is a promising 2028 setter with the fire, skill, and intangibles to thrive at the next level. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247      <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h3>   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>   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a>

With bids to the USA Volleyball Girls National Championship in Dallas on the line, the Salt Lake City Showdown brought out the best in elite-level athletes. In a high-stakes environment packed with pressure, intensity, and national implications, six standout prospects didn't just rise to the occasion, they dominated.