The Bold Move: Why These Top Prospects Choose to Play Up

In club volleyball, some athletes don't just rise to the challenge, they actively seek it. For a select group of top prospects, that means making the bold decision to compete in an older age division. The choice to “play up” can accelerate development, expose players to faster-paced matches, and build leadership skills early. But it also comes with a catch: college coaches are often assigned to scout by graduation year, meaning these athletes risk being overlooked simply because they're on the “wrong” court, or even at a different playing site altogether.   It's a high-stakes move that requires confidence, resilience, and a clear vision of long-term growth. In this feature, we spotlight athletes who chose to play up and explore why they made that decision, what it's taught them, and what they want college coaches to know about their journey.    [player_tooltip player_id='510530' first='Kaitlyn' last='Herweg'] (Class of 2027), a standout for SCVC 17 ROXY and Los Alamitos High School varsity, is a 2024 USA GJNC 16s Open National Champion and an All-Tournament Team selection. Her decision to play up was fueled by a desire to grow and challenge herself against stronger, more experienced athletes.   For Herweg, playing up was an opportunity to elevate her game, both mentally and physically. Competing alongside older players helped sharpen her volleyball IQ and refine her touch on the ball. She quickly learned what it takes to succeed at the next level and embraced the demands of higher-level play.   One of the key challenges she's faced is adjusting to the physicality of older teams and learning how to adapt her style of play in response. That process has pushed her to be more strategic and versatile on the court.   The experience has transformed her approach to competition. Herweg plays with greater confidence, stronger leadership, and a relentless drive to keep up and contribute. “You really have to be in a different mindset of doing whatever it takes,” she shared. She wants college coaches to know that she is a confident, hardworking athlete, fully committed to being the best version of herself for her team.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Dani Clewis (Class of 2026) is a setter for Legacy Volleyball Club and West Ranch High School, known for her leadership, competitive drive, and ability to elevate the play of those around her. Throughout her club career, she has consistently played up, taking on the challenge of competing with and leading older, more experienced teams.   As one of the younger players, stepping into a leadership role as a setter was daunting at first. Clewis felt the pressure to direct the offense and guide her team, often composed of athletes two or three years older. Initially, she struggled with the idea of leading players who had more experience, fearing it might come off as overstepping. But over time, she recognized that every teammate, regardless of age, shared the same goal: to compete and win. Once that mindset clicked, her confidence as a leader grew, and she embraced her role fully.   Adjusting to the faster pace of older age groups, especially when she was just 14 playing with 17s, was another major hurdle. But Clewis adapted quickly. The challenge pushed her to improve her skills, decision-making, and mental toughness. She credits the experience with helping her develop a strong “next ball mentality,” a key part of her growth as a setter and competitor. Learning to move past mistakes and refocus quickly has strengthened her ability to lead in high-pressure moments.   Playing up has not only shaped her skills but also her identity as a teammate. Clewis brings positive energy to the court, constantly encouraging others and building connections that foster trust and team chemistry. She wants college coaches to know that choosing to play up was an intentional decision made with her coaches to push her development. Competing with high-level, fast-paced teams has helped her evolve into a confident leader and adaptable playmaker, qualities she's ready to carry into the next level of her volleyball journey.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='486781' first='Katherine' last='Nowak'] (Class of 2027) plays for Wave's 17-1s and holds a 4.4 GPA. A two-time CIF Champion in varsity beach volleyball and a 2024 15-Open National Champion, Nowak brings a competitive edge that goes beyond her years.   She chose to play up as a way to grow, seeing it as a learning opportunity and a challenge that would elevate her game. Competing with older athletes taught her how mentally and physically tough you have to be to perform at the next level. Through the experience, her volleyball IQ sharpened, and she developed greater touch and control on the ball.   One of the biggest challenges she's faced is adjusting to the physicality of older teams and learning how to adapt her game to meet the demands of higher-level opponents. That adaptability has become one of her strengths.   Playing up has also transformed her mindset. It's boosted her confidence, refined her leadership, and deepened her commitment to competing at her best. “You really have to be in a different mindset of doing whatever it takes to be able to keep up,” she shared. Katherine wants college coaches to know she's a confident, hardworking athlete—one who will always give her all to be the best version of herself for her team.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='454603' first='Asia' last='Udo-Ema'] (Class of 2027) is a 6'0” pin hitter for Forza1 North 17s and a varsity standout at Corona Centennial (CA). With a 4.8 GPA and a strong presence on the court, Udo-Ema brings both academic and athletic excellence to everything she does.   Her motivation to play up stems from her team and the athletes she shares the court with. The experience has helped her grow by requiring her to take on a larger role and execute each skill with discipline and precision. Playing up has held her accountable, especially in areas like passing and defense, where consistency is critical.   While some might find playing with older athletes intimidating, Udo-Ema sees it differently. She believes high standards should exist at every level and welcomes the expectations her teammates bring. Competing against college-committed players isn't easy, but she thrives under that pressure. “There are good days and bad days, but I always love to compete on the court no matter who the opponent is,” she shared.   Udo-Ema has always competed in older age divisions, and the consistency of playing up has shaped her growth over the years. She's learned to meet high standards, stay focused under pressure, and bring her best effort every time she steps on the court.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='759298' first='Myah' last='Koster'] (Class of 2027) is a 6'1 outside hitter for Coast 17-1 and a standout at The Bishop's School, with a 10'1 approach touch and a drive to compete beyond her comfort zone.   Koster made the deliberate choice to play up an age group in her club season, seeking a challenge that would accelerate her growth. Facing older, more experienced opponents pushed her to elevate every part of her game, especially decision-making, technique, and handling pressure. The faster pace and heightened intensity of play required her to stay locked in, make quicker reads, and adapt in real time. “It pushed me to level up my game and gave me a lot of confidence in my abilities,” she shared.   Adjusting to the physical and mental demands of older competition wasn't easy. On the court, the speed and strength of the game tested her, and playing alongside teammates who were nearly three years older added another layer of pressure. Off the court, she had to find her place among athletes who already had established relationships. She focused on building trust by showing up consistently and contributing wherever she could, demonstrating maturity and dedication beyond her age.   The experience has had a lasting impact. Koster now plays with greater confidence, sharper instincts, and a deeper understanding of leadership. She's learned to trust herself, embrace a growth mindset, and remain composed under pressure. To college coaches, she wants to make one thing clear: playing up was a defining moment in her development. It proved she can thrive in high-stakes environments, adapt quickly, and lead by example qualities she's ready to bring to the next level.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='455792' first='Emma' last='Kingston'] (Class of 2027) is a 6'4” outside hitter for Wave 17 Juliana and Mater Dei High School. A National Champion and Freshman All-American, Kingston has already made her mark as one of the top prospects in her class.   Her decision to play up was rooted in a desire to maintain the high level of competition she experiences during the high school season. “It allows me to improve my game and continue to be competitive throughout the year, which is all I really want,” she shared.   One of the early challenges she faced was learning to adapt to unfamiliar teammates and their playing styles. Rather than focusing on age differences, she approached it as an opportunity to build new connections and learn how to complement her teammates' strengths. That perspective helped her quickly adjust and feel like a valued part of the team.   Playing up has elevated both her leadership and overall development as a player. The experience has helped her prepare for the next level by exposing her to the intensity and expectations of higher-level volleyball. Kingston wants college coaches to know that while playing up came with challenges, it was the right decision for her growth. She embraced it fully to push her game forward and prepare herself for what lies ahead.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='764044' first='Trinity' last='Swogger'] (Class of 2027) is a 6'0” middle/opposite hitter with a 9'8" reach. She competes for [program_tooltip program_id='510736' first='Sports' last='Academy']'s 18s team and Agoura High School's varsity squad, where she's known for her drive, athleticism, and fearless mindset.   Her decision to play up came from a personal desire to push beyond her comfort zone. Competing against older, more experienced athletes demanded that she elevate her game, developing a sharper volleyball IQ, improving her adaptability, and strengthening her resilience. “I've had to elevate my game to keep up,” she shared. “The experience has made me a more adaptable and resilient player.”   One of the most significant challenges she faced was proving that she belonged and earning the respect of veteran teammates. To overcome that, she focused on what she could control, bringing intensity to every practice, sharpening her skills, and staying consistent. Off the court, building self-confidence and strong relationships with her teammates helped her find her voice and footing within the team.   Playing up has not only raised her level of play but transformed her mindset. It's made her more competitive, fearless, and determined to lead through action. Trinity wants college coaches to know that her decision to play up wasn't just about skill development, it was about embracing challenge, proving her dedication, and demonstrating that she has the mindset and motivation to succeed 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>

In club volleyball, some athletes don't just rise to the challenge, they actively seek it. For a select group of top prospects, that means making the bold decision to compete in an older age division. The choice to “play up” can accelerate development, expose players to faster-paced matches, and build leadership skills early. But it also comes with a catch: college coaches are often assigned to scout by graduation year, meaning these athletes risk being overlooked simply because they're on the “wrong” court, or even at a different playing site altogether.