Flashback Friday: Power, Precision, and Personality

This ProPlay 16's team showed us what heart, hustle, and high-level execution look like. From fresh faces to veteran anchors, their PNQ performance was one to remember—and a signal that big things are still to come. They fought until the very last point to secure their bid at the American level, showing grit and resilience through every set. Be on the lookout for this group at Nationals in Dallas—they're bringing the heat and hungry for more    Despite being one of the smallest players on the court at 5'1”, Erin Mangalao stands tall in leadership, decision-making, and execution. Her court awareness is exceptional—reading tips, covering defense, and making quick, smart choices that elevate the team's offense. Erin runs the floor with calm precision, consistently connecting with her hitters and adjusting under pressure. Her poise and hustle make her an essential playmaker and the glue that keeps her team in rhythm, no matter the matchup. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald     It's not every day you find a 6-rotation middle—and even rarer to find one who dominates every role with the consistency and swagger of Jasmine Williams. Already a back-to-back team MVP, Jassy is an all-around force: high-impact hitting, lockdown defense, and one of the team's best serve receive passers. Triple blocks? She finds a way. Solo blocking outsides in a 5-1? She steps up. Jassy's transition intensity and court IQ make her the team's motor—and a nightmare for opponents. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald     Ximena's game features a polished mix of power and precision—she can terminate with force, place smart shots with ease, and adapt in real time to any defensive scheme. Chimi's presence on the court energizes her team; she's the kind of player whose momentum swings are contagious. With a strong physical foundation and sharp in-game instincts, she continues to elevate her impact on both the scoreboard and the sideline. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald     Lilly Hernandez is the steady force every great team needs in the backcourt. With a calm, commanding presence, she anchors the defense with sharp instincts and impeccable court coverage. Her laser float serve consistently sets the tone from the very first point, and her ability to read hitters allows her to anticipate and react with precision. Composed under pressure and always one step ahead, Lilly instills confidence in her teammates, creating a safety net that lets them swing freely and aggressively. Her leadership and reliability make her an indispensable presence on the floor. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald     Eniko Barta is the kind of athlete every team needs—versatile, dependable, and constantly evolving. Since transitioning from the right side to the outside, she has grown into a true six-rotation asset, bringing both power and precision to the court. Her ability to perform under pressure was on full display during championship play, where she consistently found the line with confidence and poise. Eniko's thoughtful decision-making and adaptability reflect her deep understanding of the game and her commitment to excellence on both sides of the net. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald     Kaylyn Mills brings a sharp, strategic edge to the right side, showcasing an advanced understanding of the game and an ability to execute under pressure. Her offensive arsenal includes a full range of shots, from precision placement to powerful cross-court attacks, keeping defenses on their heels. With a strong serving game and the ability to read and react quickly, she consistently creates scoring opportunities and disrupts opposing rhythm. Kaylyn's presence on the court is marked by poise, smart decision-making, and a knack for finding the open court. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following <a href="https://www.instagram.com/benchtobeast/">BenchtoBeast</a> for exclusive Georgia content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</h3>   We're on a mission to spotlight talent, uplift families, and bring the volleyball community closer than ever! Huge shoutout to our amazing subscribers — you're the heartbeat of this movement. Thank you for you help growing the game, and making every moment unforgettable. The best is yet to come — let's get it!   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   Building bridges between hustle and opportunity — that's the power of this community! ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtBeast

This ProPlay 16's team showed us what heart, hustle, and high-level execution look like. From fresh faces to veteran anchors, their PNQ performance was one to remember—and a signal that big things are still to come. They fought until the very last point to secure their bid at the American level, showing grit and resilience through every set. Be on the lookout for this group at Nationals in Dallas—they're bringing the heat and hungry for more