2028 Hitters Shine in Front of College Coaches

Thank you to our subscribers for supporting behind-the-scenes coverage of both sessions of the 2025 SCVC and Mizuno Long Beach College Camp. Your continued support allows us to highlight athletes in environments that provide more than just exposure, they offer real opportunities for growth.   This standout event brought together more than 30 college programs from across the country, including CSUN, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, Long Beach State, Fresno State, and Loyola Marymount University. It offered a coveted coach-led camp experience designed to reflect the pace and intensity of collegiate training.   What set this camp apart was its immersive format. College coaches ran every drill, provided real-time feedback, and created a fast-paced environment that demanded quick decision-making, adaptability, and strong communication. Athletes were evaluated on more than just skills; their coachability, court presence, and ability to connect with new teammates were all part of the equation. At the same time, players had the chance to observe coaching styles, energy, and systems up close.   The six athletes featured below have just completed their freshman year of high school and are entering the most important performance window of their early recruiting journey. As one club season wraps and another approaches, these 2028 hitters are determined to stay on the radar of college programs. They shared their thoughts on the camp, what they learned, and the advice they'd give to anyone attending a college-coach-led camp for the first time.    [player_tooltip player_id='537526' first='Saylor' last='Halvorsen'], a outside hitter, came into the SCVC and Mizuno Long Beach College Camp with a clear focus on growth. One of her biggest takeaways was the importance of showing confidence on the court. “You need to be confident in what you're doing,” she shared. “If you're not, they'll most likely think you're nervous, and there's no reason to be nervous. You just need to play your game, not theirs.” During short court drills, Saylor embraced the opportunity to lead through communication and connection, forming chemistry with new teammates and finding pride in being both a strong player and a supportive presence.   Heading into the upcoming high school season, Saylor's goal is to become a more confident player and to help create a positive team dynamic. She noticed that confidence, or the lack of it, can affect the tone of a game, and she wants to be someone who lifts others up. “It will rub off on other players and make the whole game so much more enjoyable,” she said. With her competitive mindset and growing leadership, Saylor is preparing to take on her next season with both purpose and presence. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='752136' first='Laurel' last='McGatlin-Golier'], a versatile opposite and outside hitter, used the SCVC and Mizuno Long Beach College Camp to push her comfort zone and sharpen her instincts. One of her biggest takeaways was learning how to adjust to out-of-system sets from unfamiliar setters. “I haven't gotten much of this opportunity, and I felt I got a lot better at reacting and chasing rather than guessing,” she said. The chance to adapt in real time helped Laurel improve her responsiveness and timing, especially in unpredictable game situations.   Her proudest moment came at the end of camp, looking around the team huddle and realizing the group had transformed from strangers to friends. Building those connections and supporting one another throughout the day added to the overall experience. Looking ahead, Laurel has her sights set on strengthening her high-hands game, a skill she's committed to refining. “It's something I've been working on, and I know I can continue to improve it to help raise the level of my play,” she shared. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='524595' first='Avery' last='Milburn'], an outside hitter, approached the SCVC and Mizuno Long Beach College Camp with a new mindset: to let go of nerves and enjoy the experience. “I learned to just have fun with it,” she said. “I am usually so nervous, but coming into the camp I told myself to just have fun and use the energy of all the other girls to create a good atmosphere.” That shift in perspective allowed Avery to play freely and with confidence, especially during hitting lines where she was proud to show her range and ability to hit different angles.   Heading into her high school season, Avery's focus is on both growth and gratitude. “I felt that both my high school and club seasons went by so quick that I need to cherish every moment and have fun,” she said. While her love for the game is clear, she's also aiming to improve her passing and bring consistent energy to every match. Her ability to combine a competitive spirit with positivity makes her a player to watch in the Class of 2028. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='507980' first='Ameira' last='Hardin'], an outside hitter, focused on improving her ability to terminate out-of-system balls and felt herself grow more comfortable in those situations. “We did a lot of skills work hitting from out-of-system passes, and I definitely got better at terminating off those types of balls,” she said. One of her proudest moments came during six-on-six play, where she came up with strong blocks that showcased her presence at the net.   What stood out most to Ameira was the consistent feedback and the structure of the drills, which gave her insight into how different college coaches operate. The experience helped her clarify what type of coaching style she's looking for at the next level. Her advice to other athletes attending a camp like this is simple but powerful: “Introduce yourself to coaches and let them see the real version of you. Don't be nervous, because it really is an enjoyable experience.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='595254' first='Sofia' last='Georgeson'], an outside and opposite hitter, embraced the challenge of performing under pressure at the SCVC and Mizuno Long Beach College Camp. “I learned how to play under pressure and to stay focused with all the eyes on me,” she said. Competing in front of college coaches was both exciting and rewarding, and Sofia appreciated the variety of coaching styles and the valuable feedback she received. One of her proudest moments was stepping onto the court with unfamiliar teammates and finding instant chemistry. She enjoyed learning from others and creating a fun, encouraging atmosphere. “It was so much fun cheering each other on like we had played together forever,” she said.   The experience gave Sofia a clear understanding of the level of intensity and focus expected at the next level. Her goal for the upcoming season is to bring that same locked-in mindset to every rep in both practice and competition. She's committed to staying focused, working hard, and pushing herself to improve every day. With a strong mix of energy, drive, and team-first mentality, Sofia is focused on making every moment count. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='752557' first='Blair' last='Smith'], a 2028 outside hitter, left the SCVC and Mizuno Long Beach College Camp with a clear understanding of how quickly things are paced at the next level, and how important it is to adapt. “Change was frequently happening, and nothing stayed the same for long,” she shared. “It showed me how important it is to stay focused, adjust quickly, and keep going no matter what's thrown your way.” From the fast-paced drills to unexpected adjustments, Blair embraced the challenge of staying locked in and ready to lead, even in unfamiliar situations.   She was proud of how she showed up both physically and mentally, stepping out of her comfort zone and connecting with new teammates and coaches. “I felt like I improved mentally, especially when it came to taking charge to support my teammates,” she shared. That mindset is fueling her goal for the upcoming high school seasons: to be a trusted leader on and off the court. Blair is focused on staying mentally tough, making smart decisions, and being someone her teammates can count on in high-pressure moments. ~ 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 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 Camp. Your continued support allows us to highlight athletes in environments that provide more than just exposure, they offer real opportunities for growth.