Front Row Threats, and So Much More

At the NorCal Showcase, a select group of front-row players brought a dynamic edge to their roles. Whether as dominant middles or versatile pins, these athletes stood out for their ability to impact the game in more ways than one. They communicated, adjusted, and brought scoring instincts while showing they're ready to grow into all-around threats.   Here's a closer look at the hitters who brought both power and poise.    [player_tooltip player_id='568081' first='Ava' last='Marie Smith'] leads by example. As an outside and middle for Rodriguez High School, she brings a steady presence to the court with her calm focus and high-level execution. She isn't the loudest voice in the gym, but her intensity speaks volumes. Ava leads with her play, staying composed, communicating what she sees, and lifting her teammates with encouragement and clarity. In high-pressure moments, she simplifies the game by focusing on the basics, using her composure to stay grounded while others around her may start to feel the weight of the moment. Her ability to read hitters and adjust in real time makes her a valuable contributor on both sides of the ball.   This season, Ava has zeroed in on refining her passing and improving her defensive reads. She's also been focused on developing her hitting IQ, learning how to recognize the block and adjust her shots to find openings. Coaches and teammates would describe her as positive, witty, and reliable, a confident athlete with a lighthearted personality that helps create a balanced team environment. And while her game is sharp, her volleyball roots are playful. She learned the game on a trampoline at age four, smashing balls at her mom for hours. That early joy still shows in how she plays today, with focus, energy, and a quiet confidence that never wavers. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='782697' first='Madeline' last='Sabala'] is a steady, focused middle who understands the value of team momentum and mental reset. She approaches each point with a calm, grounded mindset and thrives in high-pressure moments by taking it one play at a time. Whether it's regrouping after a tough set or rallying her team during a close stretch, Madeline knows how to keep herself composed and help others do the same. She's currently working to expand her impact at the net by improving her vertical, increasing her agility, and adding more variety to her attack, including slides and threes. That added versatility is giving her more ways to contribute and more tools to challenge blockers.   Off the court, Madeline brings a kind and uplifting presence to her team culture. Coaches and teammates describe her as compassionate, cheerful, and someone who leads with care, even in tough situations. She's intentional about showing up with encouragement and heart, building connection and trust through her leadership. Her background in gymnastics has helped shape her body control and discipline, and her dream of becoming an aquatic veterinarian speaks to her drive to serve others. She's also known for her love of baking and trying new things, a reflection of her curiosity and creativity both on and off the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='734680' first='Sahej' last='Toor'] is a force in the middle, not just because of her offensive firepower, but because of her emotional presence and the energy she brings to every rotation. She plays with a “killer mindset” at the net, treating each set as an opportunity to score for her team. But what sets Sahej apart is how she uses that energy to lift others up. She's the teammate checking in after a missed play, the one who brings the volume when things feel flat, and the first to rally the group with encouragement. In high-pressure moments, she resets by locking in on the controllables, tracking opposing hitters, staying disciplined in her movements, and remembering to have fun. That balance of intensity and joy allows her to thrive in moments where others tighten up.   Determined to expand her impact, Sahej has been focused on becoming a more complete player. She's built in passing, serving, and even pin-hitting reps to become more versatile and improve her understanding of the game as a whole. Her self-driven mindset extends beyond the gym. When she's not training with her team, she's at home setting up a makeshift net or studying film to fine-tune her skills. Off the court, she's just as invested in her team's chemistry as she is in their play. Whether it's helping set team goals, supporting a teammate's off-court success, or just showing up with positivity, Sahej leads with heart. And somehow, between all of that, she balances a 4.0 GPA, honors classes, and a passion for singing and musical theater. She's a competitor, a creator, and a connector, exactly the kind of presence that makes a team better. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='782806' first='Olivia' last='Neuman'] brings a calm, steady presence to the court, the kind of player teammates instinctively trust in the middle of a match. Whether things are going well or momentum starts to shift, she stays level and focused, helping her team stay grounded one point at a time. She's been intentional about developing her mental resilience, learning how to reset quickly after mistakes and keep her energy consistent. Her communication is simple but effective, and she's the type of teammate who notices when others are off and steps in with support and encouragement.   Off the court, Olivia is known for her outgoing personality and ability to lift the mood without losing focus. She's a stable, upbeat presence who brings confidence and care to team dynamics. Her background in sports medicine shows a deeper level of responsibility, certified in Stop the Bleed, CPR/AED, and First Aid, she takes her role seriously both as an athlete and someone who looks out for others. Olivia doesn't just bring athletic ability to the gym, she brings composure, awareness, and a team-first mindset that helps create a more connected and confident group. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='730142' first='Olivia' last='Piazza'] brings reliability, composure, and a strong leadership presence to her role as a pin hitter for Hughson High School. She understands that consistency is what separates good players from great ones, and she's intentional about setting the tone with her body language, vocal encouragement, and calm execution. As a team captain and offensive contributor, she recognizes that every play carries weight and approaches each one with the same level of focus, whether it's a tight game or the first point of the match. This season, she's worked hard to develop her topspin serve into a more consistent weapon, turning what was once high-risk into a confident, game-ready asset.   Beyond her skills at the net, Olivia is a communicator and connector. She celebrates her teammates loudly and intentionally, making sure others feel seen and appreciated. As a captain, she holds her group accountable for maintaining a positive and constructive environment, knowing how much that impacts performance and team chemistry. Her athletic background spans varsity soccer, softball, and volleyball, giving her a multi-sport foundation that has shaped her mental toughness and competitive edge. Volleyball is now her focus, but the perspective she brings from other sports adds to her overall presence on the court. Olivia leads with clarity and conviction, and she makes her team better by how she carries herself in every moment. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='781280' first='Emerson' last='Kjellesvig'] is a fast-rising outside hitter who plays with focus, humility, and a team-first mindset. This is her first season of club volleyball, but her work ethic and growth mindset have already earned her a spot on a 17s national team. She's been intentional about improving her passing, knowing that consistency in first contact is key to both her individual development and her team's success. In high-pressure moments, Emerson leans into the mindset that she's trained for this, an approach that fuels her confidence and helps her stay present when it matters most.   What stands out most about Emerson is her inclusive energy. Coaches and teammates describe her as friendly, positive, and supportive, and she brings that attitude to every rep and every huddle. Whether it's encouraging a teammate, staying engaged on the sideline, or making steady improvements on the court, she leads by example through effort and encouragement. Her background in school and sand volleyball gave her a strong foundation, but it's her commitment to growth that's taken her game to the next level. Emerson's trajectory is steep, and she's just getting started. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='748004' first='Kalaya' last='Phung'] plays with a presence that keeps her team steady and connected. As an outside and opposite for Saint Mary's College High School, she leads with joy, consistency, and a clear understanding of how to support those around her. Whether she's helping the team bounce back after a tough rally or staying vocal during long stretches of play, Kalaya brings energy that's both uplifting and calming. She's focused this season on strengthening her serve receive and defensive range, aiming to be a more complete player who can contribute confidently in every rotation.   Off the court, Kalaya is known for her loyalty, positivity, and dependability. She's the kind of teammate who always shows up, with effort, encouragement, and a team-first mindset. Her coaches value her strong work ethic and steady support, and she's trusted to be someone others can lean on through the highs and lows of a season. Kalaya also brings a unique perspective and cultural fluency, as she's bilingual in English and Vietnamese. Her ability to create connection, stay grounded, and play with joy makes her an asset on any court and in any team environment. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='435541' first='Ava' last='Villela'] brings consistency, communication, and calm competitiveness to every role she plays. As an outside, right-side, and defensive option for California High School, she's been intentional about developing new layers to her game, specifically expanding her shot selection with more line and cut shots. That added versatility gives her more options to score and puts pressure on opposing defenses. Her approach to high-pressure moments is grounded in strategy and self-awareness. She's always thinking ahead, looking for the next adjustment, and using self-talk to stay composed and in control.   Beyond the skill work, Ava is the kind of teammate who keeps a team connected. Whether she's on the court or supporting from the sidelines, she brings positivity and honesty to every interaction. Her teammates describe her as funny, grounded, and encouraging, someone who knows how to lighten the moment without losing focus. She creates a space where others can reset quickly and move forward together. Off the court, she loves to cook and bake for her family, another example of how she brings people together with care and thoughtfulness. Ava competes with purpose, lifts others up, and brings the kind of steady presence that helps teams thrive. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='782895' first='Haylee' last='Hancock'] plays with a contagious energy that lifts her entire team. Whether she's on the court or firing up the sidelines, she brings constant vocal support and a positive presence that never fades. As an outside and opposite for Monte Vista High School, she's focused on becoming more of a scoring threat from the service line, working to add pace and precision to her serve to challenge opponents and disrupt their rhythm. In high-pressure situations, Haylee knows how to reset. She takes a breath, stays present, and zones in on what her team needs in the moment.   Her role goes beyond stats. Haylee is the kind of player who fuels momentum with her personality and passion. She's known for her upbeat spirit and ability to keep things light, but also knows how to compete when the match gets tight. Her energy creates a fun, focused environment where teammates can thrive. Off the court, she brings that same care into the kitchen, baking is one of her favorite ways to bring people together. Haylee is equal parts fire and joy, and she makes every team she's on better. ~ 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 the NorCal Showcase, a select group of front-row players brought a dynamic edge to their roles. Whether as dominant middles or versatile pins, these athletes stood out for their ability to impact the game in more ways than one. They communicated, adjusted, and brought scoring instincts while showing they're ready to grow into all-around threats.