2027 Hitters: Voices from a College Showcase

Thank you to our subscribers for supporting behind-the-scenes coverage of both sessions of the 2025 SCVC and Mizuno Long Beach College Showcase. This standout event brought together more than 30 college programs from across the country, including New York University, California Baptist University, Grand Canyon University, Pepperdine, Bethune-Cookman University, and Georgetown, for a coveted coach-led camp experience.   What made this showcase truly unique was the immersive format. College coaches ran the drills, provided real-time feedback, and created a dynamic environment that mirrored the structure and pace of a collegiate practice. Athletes weren't just evaluated on their performance, they were also given the opportunity to assess the coaches, observing their energy, teaching style, and communication on the court.   For hitters, the college camp created valuable opportunities to adjust to new setters, execute out-of-system options, and stay aggressive in transition. Coaches emphasized smart shot selection, footwork efficiency, and high-IQ decision-making under pressure. From six-on-six play to competitive drills, hitters had to respond quickly and consistently, making each rep a chance to show how they adapt, lead, and compete.   A Q&A session added another layer of insight, allowing athletes to ask direct questions about the recruiting process, team dynamics, and what it takes to succeed at the next level. In their own words, here's what the experience meant to a group of 2027 hitters who showed up ready to learn, compete, and lead. As a bonus, they also shared their advice for other athletes attending a college-coach-led camp for the first time.    [player_tooltip player_id='545313' first='Hanna' last='McGinest'] delivered a steady, consistent performance throughout the college camp. One of her proudest moments came during a long rally, where a diving save helped secure the point, an example of her hustle, focus, and ability to stay locked in under pressure. Her all-around contributions reflected strong situational awareness and a willingness to compete from start to finish.   What stood out to Hanna was the direct engagement from college coaches and how each brought a unique style to the court. The experience gave her a clearer understanding of what she values in a college program, coaches who are supportive but also push players to improve, and a team culture built on communication and growth. Her advice to others: “Go in with confidence, be coachable, and don't be afraid to communicate. Coaches notice effort, attitude, and how you respond to feedback just as much as skill.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='482032' first='Makenna' last='Barnes'] brought energy and personality to the college camp, using the environment to show who she is beyond just skill execution. I first saw Makenna play in this gym during a previous showcase, and the athlete I saw today wowed me. Her speed, arm swing, and development have been tremendous. She stays engaged, expressive, and competitive, bringing a dynamic presence that adds depth to her game.   For Makenna, the biggest takeaway was getting to know college coaches outside the structure of a tournament. “Being able to see them in a more casual and relaxed atmosphere was eye-opening,” she said. “I really got to see what their coaching styles are and how they interact with the athletes.” The experience helped her realize she thrives in a competitive program built on strong relationships and team energy. Her advice: “Don't be afraid to speak up. Everyone gets nervous, so be the person who is loud and cheering everyone on. Ask questions and chat with the coaches, get a feel for who you connect with.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='523986' first='Isabella' last='Stojkovic'] brought focus and intensity to every phase of the college camp. She emphasized consistent communication and effort throughout, taking pride in staying composed under pressure. “One moment I'm especially proud of was my line shots during gameplay,” she said, highlighting her ability to execute with precision in live play. Her steady presence and smart shot selection reflect a disciplined, team-first approach.   What stood out most to Isabella was how invested the coaches were in real-time player development. “They weren't just watching us, they were actually helping us improve on the spot,” she shared. The experience gave her clarity about the kind of program she's drawn to: one where teammates support each other, and coaches are both demanding and encouraging. Her advice to future campers: don't overthink it. “You're here for a reason, so show what you can do. Always hustle, communicate, and show that you're coachable. That can stand out just as much as your skills.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='529412' first='Opal' last='Warner'] used the college camp to display more than just her attacking. She showed adaptability, staying effective in drills that required her to set, dig, and adjust on the fly. One standout moment came during a pins-only drill where she was asked to play all around. “I was proud of how I played in this drill because I was digging and setting well, even though that isn't my primary position,” she said. Her ability to contribute across roles shows versatility and presence under pressure.   What left the biggest impression on Opal was how approachable and supportive the coaches were. Their encouragement helped her focus on meaningful effort rather than perfection. The experience also helped clarify what she's seeking in a program, coaches who see the whole athlete and teammates who create a strong, connected culture. “I want a program where I'll be challenged, supported, and pushed to grow, not just on the court but in leadership and confidence too,” she shared. Her advice: “Be confident, not perfect. Coaches are watching your energy, your response to mistakes, and how you lift the court around you.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='532638' first='Korynn' last='Mayo'] brought hustle and presence to every drill, approaching the college camp with a focus on effort and flow. She embraced the fast pace of gameplay and stood out with her ability to stay active and engaged. One play she highlighted was a one-armed dig from the right side that turned into an overpass, small but meaningful in showing her determination to make a play and keep the ball alive.   What stood out most to Korynn was the way coaches created space for athletes to figure things out through reps rather than over-instructing. “It wasn't as much step-by-step instruction, but more just letting you figure things out for yourself,” she shared. That approach helped her see the value of a coach who knows when to push and when to encourage. She's looking for a program where that balance is clear. Her advice to others: “Don't be nervous. Think of the coaches as people who want to see you do well. Play your best and be yourself, that's all you can really do.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='520110' first='Samantha' last='Liba'] approached the showcase with focus and full effort, determined to make every touch count. “I came in with the mindset to give 110% effort on every single play, and I stuck to that,” she shared. Her consistency and composure stood out, as did her ability to stay mentally locked in from drill work to live play. She made it clear she wasn't just competing, she was present, purposeful, and playing with joy.   Samantha valued the calm, supportive environment created by the coaching staff, noting how it helped her perform with confidence. The experience gave her a clear sense of what matters most in a college program, coaches who care about development, strong personal connections, and a culture of positivity and accountability. “It showed me how building relationships is a big part of the recruiting process,” she said. Her advice: “Be yourself and give everything you've got. Coaches are looking at effort, attitude, and how you carry yourself on and off the court. Stay coachable, bring energy, and let your personality shine.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='777202' first='Jayden' last='Meyer'] brought a competitive edge to the college camp, playing with purpose on both sides of the ball. She was especially proud of her passing and blocking, showing physicality and focus in fast-paced situations. Her ability to stay aggressive and contribute across phases of play stood out in a court full of strong hitters.   Jayden appreciated the structure of the drills and the way coaches used each rep to teach, not just evaluate. “I loved how competitive the drills were, and how the coaches really took the time to teach you,” she said. The experience gave her a clearer sense of what coaching styles bring out her best. Her advice to future attendees: “Ask questions and connect with the coaches as much as you can. Always play competitively and have fun.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='780729' first='Leah' last='Blair'] came into the college camp with a growth mindset, competing with consistency while looking for opportunities to improve. She felt confident during the position-specific drills, especially those focused on passing and short court play, where she could demonstrate control and versatility in tight spaces. Her steady presence and court IQ stood out across multiple segments of the showcase.   Leah appreciated the variety of coaching styles and how each coach brought their personality and perspective to the court. Listening to the coaches during the Q&A session helped her better understand the expectations and culture of different programs. “It allowed me to get to know each of the coaches' styles and made me gravitate towards some based on their personalities and their coaching,” she said. Her advice to future participants: “Play as hard as you can and go for every ball, everyone loves to see hustle. Also, show your leadership and be loud.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247      <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If 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/my-account/subscriptions/">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>:       June 13 – Ripon (Classes of 2026–2029)   June 14 – Rancho Santa Margarita (Classes of 2026–2029)   June 24 – USAV GJNC Showcase – Session 1 (Classes of 2026–2029)   June 29 – USAV GJNC Showcase – Session 2 (Classes of 2026–2029)   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>

Thank you to our subscribers for supporting behind-the-scenes coverage of both sessions of the 2025 SCVC and Mizuno Long Beach College Showcase. This standout event brought together more than 30 college programs from across the country, including New York University, California Baptist University, Grand Canyon University, Pepperdine, Bethune-Cookman University, and Georgetown, for a coveted coach-led camp experience.