Voices Behind 2025 NTDP Volleyball Stars – Part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PrepDig proudly celebrates the California athletes selected for the 2025 Girls Indoor National Team Development Program (NTDP) Spring Training Series, taking place May 8–11 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As someone who has personally experienced the NTDP Training Series, I can confidently say it stands among the most elite and transformative volleyball development opportunities in the country. With top-tier collegiate coaches, expert instructors, and a curriculum designed for long-term growth, this program offers an unparalleled level of training, exposure, and personal development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>California's contingent is packed with rising stars, each of whom has earned a well-deserved place among the nation's best. At NTDP, they will sharpen their technical craft, deepen their game IQ, and elevate both their physical and mental performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To give you a closer look at what this opportunity means, I spoke with eleven California athletes heading to Bradenton. Here's what five of them shared about the skills they're most excited to showcase, how they plan to elevate their game, and what it means to represent California on this national stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["569569"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681a510433b11"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='569569' first='Anaya' last='Dela Fuente'] is most excited to showcase her hitting skills at the NTDP Spring Training Series. She's looking forward to playing alongside some of the nation's top talent, knowing that the experience will push her to work harder and absorb everything she can from both the players and the coaches. Being invited to NTDP is a tremendous honor for Anaya, who sees it as a sign that all her dedication and effort are beginning to pay off. She's especially excited to work with new players, get to know athletes she's seen across the net at tournaments, and immerse herself in the full camp experience. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":773905,"width":"144px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/05/image_f1f011.png" alt="" class="wp-image-773905" style="width:144px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Credit: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/gracege2028/?hl=en#">gracege2028</a></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If she could bring someone with her, Anaya would choose [player_tooltip player_id='765028' first='Grace' last='Ge'] from Mizuno 15 Rockstar, praising her as one of the hardest-working student-athletes she knows, a freshman on Harvard Westlake's varsity volleyball team, a summer beach player, a talented flutist in the concert band, and someone passionate about creative writing, art, and reading fantasy books. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["545293"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681a510433ba8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='545293' first='Liliana' last='Swanson'] is eager to showcase her blocking skills at the NTDP Spring Training Series, believing that a well-timed block can shift the momentum of a match and energize a team in a way few other skills can. She plans to fully embrace the learning environment by asking coaches plenty of questions and soaking up insights from both the staff and her fellow athletes. Representing Southern California on a national level is a meaningful honor for Lily, who is determined to reflect positively on the volleyball community that has shaped her since she was 13. She feels immense gratitude for the exceptional coaching and talented teammates she's had along the way. Lily is especially excited to meet new people, having already seen how lasting friendships can form at NTDP.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":773909,"width":"150px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/05/image_59bc24.png" alt="" class="wp-image-773909" style="width:150px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Credit: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lilianaswanson.vb2027/?hl=en">lilianaswanson.vb2027</a></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If she could bring anyone with her, Lily would choose her entire club team, recognizing their hard work, support, and shared deservingness of the opportunity to learn from such high-level coaches. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["510894"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681a510433c22"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='510894' first='Chloe' last='Taylor'] is eager to showcase her quick, consistent setting and her ability to set against the flow in a variety of situations at the NTDP Spring Training Series. She plans to use this opportunity to train and compete alongside many of the nation's best players, sharpening her volleyball IQ and pushing her game to the next level. Chloe feels deeply honored to represent California, a state known for its strong, high-level volleyball community, and is proud to carry that legacy onto the national stage. She's especially looking forward to reconnecting with friends she made during the 2024 Winter Training Series and building new friendships. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":773913,"width":"175px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/05/image_8387bf.png" alt="" class="wp-image-773913" style="width:175px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Credit: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/summertukuavolleyball/?hl=en#">summertukuavolleyball</a></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If she could bring a teammate, Chloe would choose [player_tooltip player_id='720339' first='Summer' last='Tukua'], a fast-tempo, powerful hitter from Coast 15-Rodrigo, whom she praises for her positive energy both on and off the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["517840"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681a510433c98"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='517840' first='Evie' last='Pool'] is excited to showcase her hitting talents at the NTDP Spring Training Series. She's eager to rise to the level of the elite athletes around her, using this experience to evaluate her own skills and identify the areas where she can train harder and improve. For Evelyn, it's incredibly rewarding to see her hard work pay off and earn her a spot at this prestigious event. She's most looking forward to playing under the guidance of top-level coaches and soaking up everything they have to offer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":773915,"width":"156px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/05/image_c7b235.png" alt="" class="wp-image-773915" style="width:156px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Credit @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellajohnson.vb/?hl=en#">ellajohnson.vb</a></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If she could bring someone along, Evelyn would choose her teammate [player_tooltip player_id='545333' first='Ella' last='Johnson']. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["516263"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681a510433d0d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='516263' first='Sasha' last='Slaughter'] is excited to showcase her hitting, arm swing, speed, and quickness at the NTDP Spring Training Series. She plans to make the most of this opportunity by absorbing top-level coaching, connecting with players who share her goal of competing at the Division I level, and challenging herself alongside athletes who have the same drive and aspirations. Representing Northern California — and the Bay Area — on a national stage is a huge honor for Sasha, who feels proud and humbled to see her hard work paying off at this point in her journey. She's especially looking forward to traveling to Florida, training at IMG Academy, and meeting coaches and players from across the country while forming new friendships. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":773916,"width":"177px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/05/image_18098d.png" alt="" class="wp-image-773916" style="width:177px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Credit: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sashaslaughter2028/?hl=en#">sashaslaughter2028</a></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When asked who she would bring with her, Sasha said it was a tough choice because so many teammates and opponents deserve the opportunity. Ultimately, she chose her two outside hitter teammates, [player_tooltip player_id='583928' first='Amara' last='Enemuo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='744525' first='Carolina' last='Delaney']. Sasha praises Amara for her powerful swing, rapid progress, and high ceiling, and she admires Carolina for her exceptional volleyball IQ, precise shot placement, and inspirational leadership as a team captain. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":773917,"width":"147px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/05/image_a0cf8c.png" alt="" class="wp-image-773917" style="width:147px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Credit @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sashaslaughter2028/?hl=en#">sashaslaughter2028</a></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Both players bring unique styles that Sasha believes would thrive under NTDP's elite coaching — and she adds with a smile that she only wishes they could bring their setters too. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, please help us keep the momentum going!</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":770392,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>✨ <strong>Help a player get discovered </strong>— share this article using the share buttons and tag us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en"><strong>PrepDigCa</strong></a>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":770394,"width":"98px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom","align":"left"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🚀 <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a></strong> — exclusive rankings, in-depth analysis, and access to the full <a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/"><strong>prospect index</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":770395,"width":"106px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom","align":"left"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>📍 <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/all-events/?type=Showcase">Come get on our radar!</a></strong> — attend an upcoming<strong> <a href="https://prepdig.com/all-events/?type=Showcase">PrepDig Event</a></strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>June 13 – Ripon</strong> (Classes of 2026–2029)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>June 14 – Rancho Santa Margarita</strong> (Classes of 2026–2029)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>August 23 – Rancho Santa Margarita</strong> (Classes of 2030-2032)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p><em><strong>Together</strong>,</em><strong> </strong>we're building a positive platform to celebrate players and connect the volleyball community through exposure and opportunity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p><strong><em>To all of our subscribers</em></strong> — thank you for being such an essential part of this journey. Let's keep growing the game and creating unforgettable memories together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p><strong><em>This journey</em></strong> is powered by the village — athletes, coaches, families, and the subscribers who support the sport.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p><strong>Thank you for making it all possible — one article, one player, one memory at a time.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->