SoCal Standouts Headed to Salt Lake City

Another action-packed weekend at the Salt Lake City Showdown Qualifier is ahead. With bids to the USA Volleyball Girls National Championship in Dallas on the line, elite 13s, 14s, and 15s teams from across the country are making their way to Utah, bringing fierce competition with them. Among the pack are six standout prospects from Southern California, ready to make their mark.   PrepDig is partnering with USA Volleyball to host an exclusive Pre-Tourney Showcase on April 10. These high-energy sessions give younger athletes a unique platform to showcase their skills in front of more than 150 college programs. While recruiting contact may still be a ways off, this is a key opportunity for players to get on the radar early.   In this article, I've connected with SoCal athletes who have already begun to make a name for themselves. From athleticism to character on and off the court, these players are ready to take full advantage of the spotlight.    [player_tooltip player_id='526557' first='Sydney' last='Rincon'], a 5'9" setter for City 15 Gold and Sierra Canyon (Class of 2029), brings a strong combination of court awareness, leadership, and strategic playmaking to every match. With a 4.0 GPA and a mature understanding of her role, Sydney is focused on running a confident, efficient offense that keeps her hitters in rhythm and her team operating at a high level.   In preparation for the Salt Lake City Showcase, Sydney has been sharpening her decision-making and communication skills. She's also putting in the extra work during the week to improve tempo and connection with her hitters, ensuring she can consistently deliver hittable balls under pressure. One of her key focuses is using timely setter attacks to keep defenses off balance and create opportunities for her teammates to face solo blocks.   Sydney takes pride in maintaining a high assist-to-error ratio, while staying composed and unpredictable in the flow of play. Her leadership extends beyond technical skill, she's intentional about bringing energy, supporting teammates on and off the court, and staying focused through adversity. She understands that success starts with preparation, and she's paying close attention to recovery habits like sleep, nutrition, and hydration to be at her best when it counts.   Coaches will notice Sydney's vocal presence, coachability, and unwavering drive to elevate her team. She's not just setting the ball, she's orchestrating the offense, fueling her team's energy, and striving to help City 15 Gold earn a bid to Nationals and compete at the highest level in Dallas. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='542510' first='Alexis' last='Perkins'], a left-handed opposite hitter for Tstreet 15-Curtis and San Juan Hills High School (Class of 2028), brings strength and energy to every play. She's excited to showcase her impact at the net through aggressive hitting, smart blocking, and dependable coverage. As a lefty, her presence on the right side adds a unique dynamic to her team's offense.   Alexis enters the Salt Lake City Showcase with goals rooted in mindset and consistency. She aims to stay positive in every situation and bring a contagious energy her teammates can rally behind. Her preparation has included extra agility training and intentional focus during practices to stay mentally engaged in game-like scenarios.   College coaches will recognize Alexis for her court IQ, strong voice, and consistent enthusiasm. She takes pride in being a vocal leader and supportive teammate who competes with intensity while lifting those around her. Her ability to read the game and stay connected on every point makes her a valuable contributor on and off the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='755379' first='Riley' last='Pennington'], a Class of 2028 outside hitter for LAVA 15 Molten and VHS, is a six-rotation starter and six-year team captain known for her energy, leadership, and relentless drive. She enters the Salt Lake City Showcase ready to highlight her ability to play smart, aggressive volleyball, whether it's reading the block and placing shots, delivering strong serves to targeted zones, or extending plays with hustle in the back row. Her priority is to support a positive team environment while staying adaptable and coachable throughout every match.   Riley's preparation is intensive and intentional. She trains daily, balancing three team practices, private sessions, practices with six additional club teams, and both group and individual strength training. On early release school days, she often trains from early afternoon to late evening, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She also plays beach volleyball and places a high emphasis on mental clarity, using reflection to grow from each practice and match. Nutrition is another focus, as she fuels with high-protein meals and avoids fast food to feel and perform her best.   College coaches will quickly recognize Riley's maturity, versatility, and commitment to growth. She's vocal, aggressive, and always locked in—on the court and on the sidelines. Her consistency, effort, and ability to lead by example make her a standout not just in her position, but as a teammate and competitor. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='552797' first='Emily' last='Geers'], a 5'8” outside hitter from [program_tooltip program_id='515277' first='United' last='Volleyball Club'] 15-1s and Marina High School (Class of 2028), is eager to showcase her refined passing skills at the Salt Lake City Showcase, an area she's been focused on improving through consistent private training sessions. With the goal of earning a bid alongside her teammates, Emily is also committed to enjoying the experience and playing with purpose and positivity.   Emily's work ethic is fueled by resilience. After undergoing spinal fusion surgery two years ago, she has used that experience as motivation to push herself both physically and mentally. Her consistent dedication to improving her mechanics and building strength is evident in her athleticism, effort, and presence on the court.   College coaches will notice Emily's ability to keep plays alive, her steady energy, and her unwavering support for her teammates. She leads with a positive attitude and strong sportsmanship, always striving to be the kind of player who lifts her team and competes with heart, no matter the score. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='718462' first='Tessa' last='Durand'], a libero/defensive specialist from Tstreet 15-Curtis and a varsity athlete for both indoor and beach volleyball at Laguna Beach High School (Class of 2028), is excited to bring her relentless hustle, court energy, and team-first attitude to the Salt Lake City Showcase. While defense is her favorite part of the game, Tessa is equally focused on showcasing her adaptability and positivity as she steps onto the court with new teammates.   With the goal of earning a bid to Nationals, Tessa knows the importance of energy and celebrations in building momentum. She fully embraces her role as the “hype man” and plans to bring volume, excitement, and relentless encouragement, whether she's on the court or on the sidelines. Her approach helps fuel her team's mindset and keeps the environment positive and competitive.   Tessa's preparation includes regular strength training and private sessions with coaches at Tstreet and House of Volley. She also trains with Spiker Beach and is currently in-season with varsity beach volleyball, which sharpens her reflexes and enhances her defensive range. Known for her coachability and ability to bounce back quickly after mistakes, Tessa consistently brings energy, focus, and resilience, qualities that make her a standout libero in any lineup. ~ 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>

Another action-packed weekend at the Salt Lake City Showdown Qualifier is ahead. With bids to the USA Volleyball Girls National Championship in Dallas on the line, elite 13s, 14s, and 15s teams from across the country are making their way to Utah, bringing fierce competition with them. Among the pack are six standout prospects from Southern California, ready to make their mark.