Dear Recruiters: Meet the Players You Need on Your Watch List

At the Far Western National Qualifier in Reno, the stakes were high and the competition was fierce. Amidst the intensity, several standout players emerged, athletes whose skill sets, competitiveness, and growth potential demanded the attention of college recruiters. Whether you are building depth for your current list or identifying rising stars for the future, these players have proven they deserve a spot on your radar.   Here is a closer look at a few names you need to know, along with some personal insights they shared during the tournament.      [player_tooltip player_id='569591' first='Ellyssa' last='Won'] is a quick and confident libero who plays with great control and a smart court IQ. She does an excellent job reading the block and guiding her hitters, letting them know which angles and directions are open. On defense, she hustles to get into position, reading hitters that her blockers do not stop, and getting down and dirty to keep plays alive. Her fast reactions and steady communication keep her team organized and ready for the next ball.   Ellyssa's commitment to "playing your heart out" is not just something she says, it is how she plays. She embraces the team bond that traveling brings, sharing how much she loves rooming with teammates instead of staying with parents. Her favorite pregame meal is a deli sandwich with turkey, fueling her focus and energy for every match. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='568762' first='Nahla' last='Gababa'] put together her best performance yet at Far Westerns, hitting with tremendous power and confidence. She swings high on the ball, consistently working off the top of the block and finding ways to put balls down in various zones across the court. Her ability to move fluidly and attack from multiple spots makes her a valuable offensive weapon. Nahla's favorite sets to hit are the "2" and the "C," and her aggressive, smart decisions at the net set the tone for her team.   Nahla plays with high energy that radiates to those around her, pushing her teammates to match her intensity. When asked about her goals, she shared her admiration for the way college athletes carry themselves and the incredible vibe of college gyms. Fun Fact: After a match, her favorite meal is a medium-rare steak with a Caesar salad, and her go-to treat is a Twix bar. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='532646' first='Zaniyah' last='Corneille'] is a strong contributor in both the front and back row, bringing a powerful swing and a competitive edge to the outside. She plays big at the net, swinging with confidence and moving well on defense to keep plays alive. A former middle who transitioned to the outside to create more opportunities on the ball, Zaniyah shows smart decision-making and a steady presence when reading defenses.   When asked what drives her, Zaniyah shared that while her teammates and coaches push her, her competitiveness and will to win come from within. Her favorite sets to hit are the "Go" and the "2," a nod to her days dominating as a middle. Before matches, she fuels up with a homemade strawberry banana smoothie. As Nationals approach, she is excited to explore the host city and looks forward to battling top Texas teams. Away from volleyball, Zaniyah enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Bubs and Benji. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='771741' first='Stacy' last='Balestrieri'] is a steady and confident presence on the court, impacting the game from both the front and back row. On the right side, she executes smart, controlled swings, especially down the line, and from the service line, she can hit a variety of zones with consistency. Stacy plays with a poise that feels built for the next level, and her defensive range reflects both her athleticism and her time on the beach, where she's used to covering ground without hesitation.   Stacy's focused discipline and positive mindset stand out, likely sharpened by her background as a second-degree black belt in taekwondo. Her energy is calm yet competitive, and her ability to stay composed under pressure makes her a valuable contributor. Her favorite pregame meal is a bagel with cream cheese and dried fruit, the perfect fuel for her strong, steady play. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='505606' first='Caira' last='Tasi'] continues to impress in the middle, playing with high energy, strong instincts, and a relentless drive to make plays. She hustles to close blocks, takes away space on defense, and consistently reminds her setters that she is always ready to be an offensive option. Her presence at the net is both physical and strategic, and she plays big in key moments.   What sets Caira apart is her mindset. When asked what matters most to her on the court, she responded, “It's not just about what you do on the court but on the sideline as well. You have to always be a teammate.” A multi-sport athlete who played varsity as a freshman, she brings a competitive edge and well-rounded athleticism. Her favorite snack? Skinny Pop popcorn paired with a Babybel cheese, an unexpectedly perfect combo that fuels her game. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='569569' first='Anaya' last='Dela Fuente'] has fine-tuned her game on both sides of the ball, showing the kind of control, energy, and growth trajectory that signals next-level potential. On offense, she is a strong attacker with excellent wrist control, allowing her to place the ball where she wants with precision. Defensively, she “balls out” with consistent effort and strong instincts, making smart reads and keeping rallies alive.   Although she's only a middle schooler, Anaya plays well beyond her years and will be competing for the highly competitive Sierra Canyon program. She's also a multi-sport athlete who runs track, which adds to her explosiveness and athletic ceiling. Her go-to snacks include bananas and açaí bowls, fueling her constant improvement and focus. Keep an eye on this 2029 standout, she's already making moves toward a bright future. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='748215' first='Maya' last='Hopkins'] is a high-impact athlete who brings size, skill, and presence to the court. Tall and lean, she is an offensive powerhouse who plays with purpose and poise. Her approach is explosive, her head-snap through contact is sharp, and even her hitting lines showcase the kind of precision and power that turn heads. Maya's ability to contribute in both the front and back row makes her a complete and versatile threat.   Having started the game at just seven years old, Maya plays with joy and confidence, saying that volleyball allows her to be herself and turn up her personality on the court. She fuels up with an açaí bowl before matches and recharges by spending time with her dogs, Loky and Gaia. Her game is on the rise, and her presence is already catching attention for all the right reasons. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='586923' first='Nandini' last='Mohan'] is an athletic and driven middle who makes an impact both at the net and in the back row. She hits with purpose, especially when going to the right, and brings a strong, powerful presence to the court. Her movements are confident, and her willingness to stay involved in every play shows a deep understanding of her role as a playmaker.   When asked how she continues to grow her game, Nandini shared that she's been focused on purposeful reps and solo drills at home. “I like to do the hard work apart from the team and make sure things count,” she said. Her older brother, Aditya, often gives her feedback, adding another layer of support and accountability to her development. After matches, she loves to refuel with a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios, and when she's not in the gym, she's hanging out with her Chihuahua named Jade. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    [player_tooltip player_id='778951' first='Jazmin' last='Ojo'], 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='778951' first='Jazmin' last='Ojo'] continues to elevate her game, showing noticeable growth since I first saw her during CIF playoffs for Folsom high school. She is tall, lean, and athletic, with a polished ability to contact the ball cleanly at the top of her swing. In hitting lines and live play, Jazmin demonstrates the ability to take the ball in any direction, making her a versatile offensive option. Her steady work ethic stands out, and her movements show confidence and control.   When asked what she would like college coaches to know, Jazmin kept it simple and powerful, saying, "I will do what I am told." Although she has yet to experience a college match in person, she is excited about the college environment and eager to continue developing her game. A fun fact about Jazmin: her favorite energy boost comes from a corn dog topped with both ketchup and mustard. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, please help us keep the momentum going!</h3>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/image_b3bd7c.png" alt="" class="wp-image-770392" /></figure>     ✨ Help a player get discovered — share this article using the share buttons and tag us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCa</a>!   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/image_ff10cb.png" alt="" class="wp-image-770394" style="width:98px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   🚀 <a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a> — exclusive rankings, in-depth analysis, and access to the full <a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/">prospect index</a>.     <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/all-events/?type=Showcase"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/image_4421fb.png" alt="" class="wp-image-770395" style="width:106px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   📍 <a href="https://prepdig.com/all-events/?type=Showcase">Come get on our radar!</a> — attend an upcoming <a href="https://prepdig.com/all-events/?type=Showcase">PrepDig Event</a>:     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>June 13 – Ripon (Classes of 2026–2029)</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>June 14 – Rancho Santa Margarita (Classes of 2026–2029)</li> </ul>   August 23 – Rancho Santa Margarita (Classes of 2030-2032)   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Together, we're building a positive platform to celebrate players and connect the volleyball community through exposure and opportunity.   To all of our subscribers — thank you for being such an essential part of this journey. Let's keep growing the game and creating unforgettable memories together.   This journey is powered by the village — athletes, coaches, families, and the subscribers who support the sport.   Thank you for making it all possible — one article, one player, one memory at a time.   ~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a>

At the Far Western National Qualifier in Reno, the stakes were high and the competition was fierce. Amidst the intensity, several standout players emerged, athletes whose skill sets, competitiveness, and growth potential demanded the attention of college recruiters. Whether you are building depth for your current list or identifying rising stars for the future, these players have proven they deserve a spot on your radar.