2027 Setters and Liberos: 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 UC Davis, Cal, Oregon State, CSU Bakersfield, Quinnipiac, and Washington State, 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 liberos and setters in particular, the format offered a valuable opportunity to showcase their leadership, court awareness, and decision-making in high-rep, high-pressure situations. From serve receive to out-of-system setting to vocal presence on the floor, these roles were under the microscope in the best possible way.   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 setters and liberos 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='479212' first='Isabella/Izzy' last='Basilio'] delivered one of her most consistent performances during the college camp. Competing with unfamiliar hitters, she stayed composed and focused, quickly forming connections that allowed her to run an effective offense. “I am most proud of how I consistently performed throughout the camp,” she shared. “Setting girls who are bound to go D1 was such a remarkable feeling.” Izzy's ability to adapt and communicate in a fast-paced setting highlights her court awareness and poise under pressure.   What stood out most to her was the chance to receive immediate feedback from high-level college coaches with a variety of perspectives. The experience helped clarify what she values in a future program, structured practices, coach engagement, and an environment that challenges her to grow. “Being able to get different types of coaching, perspectives, and a sneak peek of how they would run practices is something I consider important,” she said. For Izzy, competing, learning, and staying open to feedback were key takeaways from an environment designed to prepare players for the next level.   Izzy's advice is to give 100 percent at all times, be open to feedback, and make new friends. You don't always get moments like this, where you can compete with the best, learn from top-level coaches, and be surrounded by players who push you to be better. Most of all, have fun and let yourself flow so you can perform at your highest level.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='600951' first='Pelenani' last='Danielson'] used the college camp as an opportunity to learn and adapt in real time. She was especially proud of how she adjusted to unfamiliar hitters, paying close attention to their tempo and set preferences to establish rhythm and consistency. “I'm proud of myself for adjusting to different hitters and learning what tempo or sets they run,” she shared. Her ability to read the game and stay flexible in a new environment reflects a growth-oriented mindset.   What stood out most to Pelenani was the encouragement from college coaches throughout the showcase. Their support helped build confidence and allowed players to compete freely. The experience clarified what she values in a college program: one that is supportive, development-focused, and committed to its athletes. “For me, the division does not matter as long as I'm in a program that is comfortable for me,” she shared.   Her advice for future attendees: “Be open to ask questions and bond with different coaches.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Cedra Saolotoga Talaga stood out for her ability to stay grounded in both her own performance and the energy of the court around her. She took pride not only in how she played, but in how her court came together to support one another. “Whether we were playing or cheering from the sidelines, you could feel real connections being built,” she shared. Cedra's awareness of team dynamics and her vocal presence reflect the leadership qualities college coaches look for in a libero.   What made the biggest impression on her was the variety of coaching styles on display and how each coach adapted their approach to different players. She valued the patience, encouragement, and clarity with which coaches delivered feedback. “This experience taught me the value of being adaptable and open-minded, as different coaching styles can provide new perspectives and help me develop a more well-rounded game,” she shared. Cedra is looking for a program that emphasizes strong communication, hard work, and personal development—an environment where she can continue to grow and contribute on and off the court.   Cedra's advice is to go in with a positive attitude and be ready to learn. Don't be afraid to ask questions, step out of your comfort zone, and give full effort. Coaches notice hustle, communication, and how you support your teammates. Stay open to feedback and enjoy the experience: it's a great opportunity to grow. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='780567' first='Brynn' last='Barry'] brought steady focus and communication to the college camp. She took pride in staying locked in, applying feedback quickly, and executing the concepts within each drill. Her attention to detail and ability to adjust mid-rep reflect the kind of coachability that translates well to the next level. “I felt proud that I was able to stay locked in, receive feedback, and communicate well,” she shared.   What stood out most to Brynn was how detailed and hands-on the college coaches were throughout the session. Their specific feedback helped athletes make immediate changes and better understand how to meet expectations at the next level. The experience gave her a clearer understanding of what she's looking for in a program, one that balances support and challenge. Her advice to other athletes is: “One mistake does not define you, so don't be afraid to make mistakes. Go in with a clear mindset, be ready to learn, and show up all in.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    Zoey Laulusa (2027, South Torrance High School/SCVC 16 ROXY, Libero/DS) approached the college camp with focus and confidence, showing she's ready to keep growing. She felt good about her performance overall and highlighted a moment during six-on-six when she delivered a clean set using her hands on a ball that was far right. It was a subtle but strong example of her ability to stay calm and make smart plays under pressure.   What stood out most to Zoey was the range of coaching styles she experienced. “I loved how every coach had their own vibe and had different and diverse drills that still had the main focus of the fundamentals and basics,” she shared. The experience gave her a clearer sense of what she values in a college program and how to evaluate coaching styles that fit her needs. Her advice to future campers is simple and grounded: “Have fun, be yourself, give it your all, and leave the court with no regrets.” ~ 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/subscribe/">Upgrade to a </a><a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/">PrepDig</a><a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">+ 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 UC Davis, Cal, Oregon State, CSU Bakersfield, Quinnipiac, and Washington State, for a coveted coach-led camp experience.