College Coaches, Don’t Miss These Front Row Stars

At GJNC, these players did more than just patrol the net, they took over games. Competing in the Gold Bracket on Championship Day, they controlled tempo on quick attacks, closed blocks with precision, and finished tight sets with terminal swings. Each of these athletes showed they could handle pressure and lead in moments that mattered. I spoke with several standout middles and hybrid attackers after their runs in Dallas, and each one shared a mindset rooted in growth, toughness, and impact. For coaches searching for next-level net presence, this group is one to watch.    [player_tooltip player_id='697336' first='Johanna' last='Lawler'] entered Nationals with a focused goal: maintain her .304 hitting percentage and make every swing count. “I knew if I could hit accurately, I'd put points on the board for my team,” she said. Rage 14 Toa didn't earn a regular season bid, so she approached Nationals with urgency and purpose. In a dramatic third-place match, Johanna delivered the game-winning kill in a 17–15 thriller. “It felt like we won the biggest game of our lives. I fell to my knees.” Her mindset, physical tools, and desire to activate the middle set her apart.   “I really appreciate that [program_tooltip program_id='545945' first='Rage' last='Volleyball Club'] believed in me as a middle, and that my setter, [player_tooltip player_id='747342' first='Reese' last='Booth'], and Coach Toa trusted in setting the middle this season. It's not always easy being a middle, but as a team we really committed to using the position. I'm also super proud of my fellow middle, Bailey Bratton, and all the hard work she put in this season!”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='714028' first='Yemaya' last='Chappell'] led Actyve 14 Navy with energy, endurance, and a strong mental edge. Her team trained to simulate high-stress scenarios, conditioning while tired, competing during fatigue, and Yemaya rose to the challenge. “Every point mattered, and the level of play pushed me to be my best,” she said. One of her biggest takeaways was learning that pressure is a privilege. “It reminded me why I love this game, the chase for the win, the battle in the final points.” Her thoughtful reflection shows maturity, and her play reflects it.   “To my teammates: it's been a wonderful, rollercoaster of a year filled with laughter, competition, endurance, and golden memories. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my 14s club season than with you all. I loved going to Nationals and competing in the Gold Bracket together. I love you guys!”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='781994' first='Mikka' last='Gonzalez'], middle for A4 15-Cindy/Cassie, focused on doing her job at a high level, and never letting up. “We wanted to keep the pressure on until the score hit 25,” she said. That mindset helped fuel a comeback from 6–13 to 13–13 in a third set, even though the match ended in a narrow 13–15 loss. “I was proud of our fight. I felt like I had so many chances to make plays and contribute.” Mikka credits her coaches, Cassie Strickland and Cindy Tran, for believing in her and pushing her to grow. “I'm really grateful for all my past club experiences, but this year felt different. Coach Cassie and Coach Cindy truly helped me grow and get better at the game. I could feel how much they cared about me and how much trust they had in me.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Sofia-Rose Husband, “SR,” showed how attention to detail can elevate performance. She visualized execution before matches, focused on proper transitions, and studied her blocking matchups. “Those are the details that helped us win the National Championship,” she said. Even with nerves walking onto the big court for the final, SR rose to the occasion. “It felt like everything clicked at just the right time.” Her confidence and readiness under pressure proved she could handle the moment, and contribute in high-level situations.   “I want to give a big shoutout to my coaches, Lorrie and Irene, for being so supportive and for making our season, on and off the court, so much fun. Another thank-you goes to all the parents who worked so hard behind the scenes to plan, organize, and take care of us, we wouldn't be here without you. And to my teammates, thank you for such a fun, memorable season. We all improved so much and made new friendships that I'm excited to carry into next season. Thank you all so, so much.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='767158' first='Hailey' last='Flickinger'] stepped into GJNC focused on unity and effort. “We were focused on playing our best and playing as a team rather than as individuals,” she said. That mindset helped her group stay grounded, even after a tough first loss. Hailey values the experience not just for the competition, but for the connection. “That was the best team I've ever been on. Playing with my best friends for the first time is something I'll never forget.” The experience deepened her love for the game and reaffirmed her desire to keep growing as both a teammate and a player.   “Thank you to all of my coaches for helping me grow and develop into the player I am today, on and off the court. And thank you to my teammates for pushing me to be my best, supporting me mentally, and being the best teammates I've ever had.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='759422' first='Allison' last='Albano'], a setter/middle hybrid for Coast 14-Davis, played through every emotion in the Gold Bracket. Her semifinal went the distance, ending in a dramatic 21–19 third set, and she credits her team's resilience and trust for pulling it out. “Winning the championship was special, but it was the journey and the people that made it memorable,” she said. Allison also leaned on advice from her parents, focus on what you can control and trust your training. That mindset allowed her to stay composed and make an impact in big moments.   “Thank you to our coaches for holding us accountable, pushing us to be our best, and believing in me even when I was injured at the start of the season,” she shared. “To my teammates, thank you for the laughs, the support, the memories. I'm going to miss the inside jokes, early practices, hangouts, and the entire team. This season was amazing, and I hope we can all play together again someday. And to my parents: thank you for your unconditional love and support. I'm forever grateful for the sacrifices you make to let me play the sport I love. I wouldn't be where I am today without you. Love you!”   ~ 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>.     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   July marks a key transition: club tryouts are here, and high school season is just around the corner. It's the perfect time to read more articles, build confidence, and support prospects by sharing this article.   To our incredible subscribers — thank you for being such an essential part of this journey. Together, we're growing the game, one rep, one article, and one athlete at a time.   This movement is powered by the village — athletes, coaches, families, and the community that believes in what's possible.   Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

At GJNC, these players did more than just patrol the net, they took over games. Competing in the Gold Bracket on Championship Day, they controlled tempo on quick attacks, closed blocks with precision, and finished tight sets with terminal swings. Each of these athletes showed they could handle pressure and lead in moments that mattered. I spoke with several standout middles and hybrid attackers after their runs in Dallas, and each one shared a mindset rooted in growth, toughness, and impact. For coaches searching for next-level net presence, this group is one to watch.