Freshman Middles Make Their Mark in Salt Lake

Freshman year in club volleyball is when raw potential begins to take shape and core fundamentals are put under the microscope. While it may feel early in the recruiting timeline, college coaches are already paying attention. They're not necessarily looking for the most polished players in the room, they're looking for athleticism, a growth mindset, and teachable technique. That's why showcases like this one in Salt Lake City are so valuable.   It's a critical window for development, especially for middle blockers who are learning to time their blocks, establish quick connections with setters, and own the net with confidence. At this stage, it's all about refining footwork, improving reaction speed, and adopting a high-IQ approach to both offense and defense. College coaches love seeing athletes who can apply feedback in real time, hustle through every drill, and bring intensity to every rep.   In Salt Lake, a talented crew of freshman middles stepped onto the court ready to prove they belong. With game faces on and competitive fire burning, they left no doubt that the future is bright. These athletes didn't just show up, they showed out. From confident blocking to fast-tempo attacks, this group made a strong impression.    Isabella Frometa stood out as one of the most explosive and dynamic athletes at the showcase. With a powerful jump, fast arm, and the ability to sell the slide with precision, she brings high-level tools and a natural feel for the game. Her athletic frame allows her to cover ground quickly and adjust to sets with ease, making her a versatile offensive weapon. Quick to volunteer for drills and eager to learn, Isabella's coachability and infectious energy make her a player that any program would love to develop. She's not just talented—she's a joy to work with. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='739924' first='Ayda' last='Turgut'] shows strong volleyball instincts and refined fundamentals that set her apart as a freshman middle. She brings a clean finishing snap on the ball, consistently finding ways to terminate or place smart shots based on what the defense gives her. Her footwork is purposeful, and she makes sound decisions at the net, knowing when to swing with power and when to finesse with a tip or off-speed shot. Defensively, she uses her hands well on the block, reading hitters and making disciplined moves. Ayda plays a thoughtful, high-IQ game that complements her physical tools and makes her a reliable presence at the net. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='553102' first='Nia' last='Cottonham'] is a high-effort middle who brings great energy to the court and maximizes her impact with technical precision. She has an excellent arm swing with strong wrist snap, allowing her to drive the ball with pace and control. On the defensive side, she's especially effective at the net, showcasing strong hand positioning and a disciplined press on the block. Nia's work ethic, clean mechanics, and willingness to battle on every point make her a valuable piece for any high-tempo system looking to develop strong net presence. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Elyssa Taylor proved she belonged with her quick reaction time and sharp court awareness. Volunteering to demo in front of the entire showcase, she set the tone early with her confidence and ability to perform under pressure. Her quickness on the block allows her to close with efficiency, and she consistently finds strong positioning regardless of the play's tempo.   While she may not be the loudest voice on the court, Elyssa plays with poise and makes smart decisions that elevate those around her. Her instincts and movement speak volumes, especially in transition, where she reads the game well and gets available fast. With continued development, her speed, court IQ, and quiet leadership make her an emerging gem in the 2028 class. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Claire Eslinger brings dynamic athleticism to the middle position. She moves with fluidity and shows the ability to make quick adjustments, especially in transition and on the block. Her talent allows her to cover space efficiently and respond in real time to developing plays. Claire's physical tools, paired with her adaptability, make her a middle with exciting long-term potential as she continues to refine her game. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247      Lily Kopecky | Class of 2028 | MB | 5'9" | Dimond High School (AK) | Impact 15 National AK Lily Kopecky is a smart, system-oriented middle who understands how to impact the game. She consistently sells her approach with intensity, which draws blockers and creates more space for her pin hitters, an often overlooked but critical skill at the next level. She keeps plays alive with controlled touches and good decision-making, showing a strong understanding of tempo and timing. Lily's unselfish play and commitment to team success make her a valuable asset on the court. ~ 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>

Freshman year in club volleyball is when raw potential begins to take shape and core fundamentals are put under the microscope. While it may feel early in the recruiting timeline, college coaches are already paying attention. They're not necessarily looking for the most polished players in the room, they're looking for athleticism, a growth mindset, and teachable technique. That's why showcases like this one in Salt Lake City are so valuable.