Power Five Commits Compete for Golden Ticket

On May 23, 2025, Rancho Santa Margarita, California will be the proving ground for some of the nation's top volleyball talent. These athletes, all committed to Power Five programs, will be competing for the chance to earn a coveted Golden Ticket to the UA All-America Volleyball Game in Florida.   This exclusive, invite-only event powered by Under Armour brings together elite-level training, national exposure, and intense competition. For these standout players, this opportunity is more than just another camp. It is a platform to show what they are capable of and to take one step closer to their future at the collegiate level.   So what exactly are Power Five programs? In NCAA Division I athletics, the Power Five refers to the most competitive and well-resourced conferences in the country. These include the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC. Programs in these conferences are consistently ranked among the best in the nation and offer athletes access to the highest level of college volleyball.   I spoke with eight exceptional athletes heading to Power Five schools to hear their thoughts heading into camp. They shared what they are most excited to showcase, what this invitation means to them, and who they would bring along if given the chance. They also created fun and personal taglines that capture the spirit they are bringing into the weekend.   Let's meet the players who have earned this incredible opportunity through talent, hard work, and dedication.        <h3 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700">"Fueling my passion."</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='391079' first='Finley' last='Krystkowiak'], an outside hitter from WAVE 17-1 and a future Penn State Nittany Lion, is excited to take in everything the UA Next Volleyball Camp has to offer. From competing with other standout athletes to learning new things along the way, she is embracing this experience as another step in a journey fueled by love for the game and a drive to grow.   Being invited to this camp is deeply meaningful for Finley. She sees it as a launchpad for incredible opportunities and a chance to compete at a high level while connecting with other elite players. The exposure and level of play make this event more than just a camp, it's a valuable part of her athletic development.   If she could bring someone to share the experience, it would be any one of her future Penn State teammates, perhaps <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/danielle-whitmire/">Danielle Whitmire</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/kendall-northern/">Kendall Northern</a> or <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/haley-burgdorf/">Haley Burgdorf</a>. She looks forward to spending the next four years with them and would love the opportunity to compete alongside them even sooner. For Finley, it's all about growing together, pushing each other, and fueling the passion that drives their shared goals. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     <h3 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700">"Journey to Orlando starts here!!"</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='203840' first='Ayanna' last='Watson'], an outside hitter from Vegas Aces 17 Ren and a University of Pittsburgh commit, is ready to showcase her leadership and mental toughness at the UA Next Volleyball Camp. She takes pride in staying composed during high-pressure moments and being a steady presence her teammates can rely on. For Ayanna, leadership is about showing up with intention and making those around her better.   Being invited to this event is a meaningful honor. She feels grateful for the opportunity to represent her God-given abilities on such a competitive stage. This camp is more than a showcase, it is a moment to reflect on the journey so far and prepare for the next level.   If she could bring one teammate with her, it would be [player_tooltip player_id='543103' first='Rachel' last='Purser']. Ayanna appreciates Rachel's positivity and the way she keeps things light, even in the most intense moments. That energy, combined with talent and heart, is what makes Rachel a teammate you always want by your side. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     <h3 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700">"Back at it!!"</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='391077' first='Audrey' last='Flanagan'], an outside hitter from SCVC and a University of Wisconsin commit, is excited to showcase her attacking game at the UA Next Volleyball Camp. Known for her offensive presence at the net, Audrey is ready to bring power and precision against top competition while continuing to grow her game in a high-level environment.   Being invited to this camp is a meaningful accomplishment. Audrey has looked up to athletes who earned this opportunity before her, and receiving the same recognition has been a personal goal. Now that it's her turn, she's embracing the moment with pride and determination.   If she could bring one person with her, it would be her best friend and teammate [player_tooltip player_id='391084' first='Samantha' last='(Sammy) Destler']. Audrey describes Sammy as a relentless worker and the most fun person to compete around. Her energy and drive make every rep count, and Audrey knows the experience would be even better with Sammy by her side. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='325888' first='Trinity' last='Thompson'], a libero from Vegas Aces and a University of Pittsburgh commit, is eager to showcase her defensive skills and adaptability at the UA Next Volleyball Camp. She takes pride in being able to connect with players from a variety of backgrounds and playing styles, and looks forward to anchoring the back row with consistency and energy.   Returning to UA Next is a special opportunity for Trinity. She is both excited and grateful to be invited back, and views the experience not only as a competitive challenge but also as a celebration of the game she loves. For her, it's more than just volleyball, it's about enjoying the journey, building connections, and continuing to grow. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     <h3 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700">"Work hard play hard"</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='391084' first='Samantha' last='(Sammy) Destler'], an outside hitter from SCVC 17-1 and a University of Washington commit, is most excited to showcase her energy, competitiveness, and all the new skills she's been refining throughout the club season. She thrives in fast-paced, high-level environments and looks forward to bringing that fire to the court while also making new connections with athletes from across the country.   Being invited to the UA Next Volleyball Camp means playing alongside some of the best players in the nation, an opportunity Sammy doesn't take for granted. It's a chance to test herself, elevate her game, and enjoy every moment of the experience.   If she could bring one person with her, it would be [player_tooltip player_id='391077' first='Audrey' last='Flanagan']. Sammy describes Audrey as one of the most competitive players she knows, a top athlete, and her best friend. Sharing the court with Audrey not only pushes her to perform at her best, but also makes every moment more fun and memorable. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     <h3 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700">"Give up and you'll never be up"</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='434845' first='Abigail' last='Lesagonicz'], an outside hitter from Coast 17-1 and an Oregon State commit, is looking forward to showcasing the growth she has made over the past year. From refining her skills to building mental strength, she's proud of her progress and ready to bring that development to the court at the UA Next Volleyball Camp.   Being invited to this camp is a true honor for Abigail. The opportunity to compete alongside some of the top athletes in the country is something she deeply values. She's excited not only to play at a high level but also to continue learning and pushing herself in a competitive setting.   If she could bring one teammate, it would be Havani Embry. Havani is her club teammate, trusted pepper partner, and one of the best liberos Abigail has ever played with. Their connection, chemistry, and shared drive make Havani the kind of teammate who elevates everyone around her. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     <h3 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700">"Not just showing up, showing out"</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='514042' first='Aviya' last='Russo'], an outside hitter from Vision 17 Gold and a Texas Tech commit, is excited to showcase her hustle, volleyball IQ, and the energy she brings to those around her. She thrives on competition and looks forward to making an impact not only through her play, but through her ability to elevate the team environment.   Being invited to the UA Next Volleyball Camp is a tremendous honor for Aviya. She's grateful for the chance to compete with some of the best athletes in the country and is looking forward to meeting new people and sharing the skills she's been sharpening throughout the season. For her, this opportunity is both a reward and a challenge, and she's ready to rise to it.   If she could bring one teammate, Aviya would choose [player_tooltip player_id='542505' first='Ella' last='Fulton'], who she describes as the ultimate hype person. Ella brings great energy to every match, is fiercely competitive, and makes the game fun. Her presence on the court adds excitement and focus, and Aviya knows she would thrive in an environment like this. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     <h3 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700">"Earned, not given."</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='542473' first='Chloe' last='Allcroft'], a middle blocker from [program_tooltip program_id='429319' first='Absolute' last='Volleyball Club'] 17-1s and a Boston College commit, is looking forward to showcasing her precision and power at the UA Next Volleyball Camp. Whether it's quick attacks or dominating blocks, Chloe thrives on intensity and grit. She's eager to test herself against top-tier talent and bring her best to every rally.   Being invited to this camp is a meaningful milestone. For Chloe, it reflects the countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication she's poured into the sport. She sees this opportunity as both recognition and motivation, to keep growing, pushing forward, and competing alongside the best players in the country.   If she could bring one teammate to the camp, it would be one of her setters. The connection they've built through trust and timing plays a huge role in her performance at the net. That rhythm and understanding fuel her confidence, and she knows having that teammate by her side would only enhance the experience. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">f 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>

On May 23, 2025, Rancho Santa Margarita, California will be the proving ground for some of the nation's top volleyball talent. These athletes, all committed to Power Five programs, will be competing for the chance to earn a coveted Golden Ticket to the UA All-America Volleyball Game in Florida.