Impact Players to Know From SoCal

While the PrepDig SoCal Freshman Showcase was filled with standout talent across every position, a few athletes showed something more. It was something that goes beyond stats and skill. Whether it was their mindset, versatility, off-court leadership, or sheer love for the game, these players left an impression. They're freshmen, but already thinking and moving like next-level athletes.   In this article, I'll be sharing their voices through honest reflections that show exactly why they stand out. This group doesn't just want to play the game. They want to impact it, grow through it, and use it to become the best version of themselves.    [player_tooltip player_id='725912' first='Nalani' last='Catlin'] brings strength, presence, and purpose to her role on the right side. Known for her power at the net, she pairs natural athleticism with disciplined off-court training in the weight room and conditioning sessions. She's focused on improving her passing to stay on the floor longer and contribute in all six rotations. Nalani is also recognized for her leadership and the way she builds positive team culture through strong connections with her teammates.   “I love the connections and friendships that develop throughout the season, and the opportunity to travel with my family,” she shared. “It's what I do when I'm not on the court that makes me at my best when I'm on the court. I weight train and condition to keep improving.”   Nalani's goals are as bold as her play. She wants to not only make her high school team but make a statement as a top performer. With a clear desire to dominate in both school and club volleyball, she's aiming to be one of the best players in her region while also maintaining excellent academic grades and setting an example as a positive role model.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='780545' first='Elle' last='Binn']'s mindset sets her apart. Confident, consistent, and coachable, she brings strong communication and leadership to both rows. Her mental game elevates her skills, and she's focused on improving her vertical through agility work and extra training.   “I love the competition, the friendships, and the intensity of the game,” Elle shared. “My mental game makes my skills stand out and helps me play with confidence.”   Off the court, Elle loves spending time with family, cooking, and reading. She also adopted a bunny named Harvey who had been returned three times and gave him the love and home he needed. Elle's goals include making a strong first impression, leading by example, and staying on top of academics while building new friendships.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='731707' first='Sofia-Rose' last='“SR” Husband'], thrives on high-level competition. Her blocking is a standout skill, and she brings intensity and confidence to big matchups. With a passion for shutting down attackers and a smile that surfaces mid-rally, she's the kind of player who rises to the occasion. SR is currently focused on refining her transitions and becoming even faster off the net to connect with quicker sets and stay in rhythm.   “I love the competition in a game, and I love being competitive and working together with my team to get the win,” she shared. “Blocking is my best skill because my passion is to shut people down, and I really enjoy doing that.”   One of her favorite memories came during a matchup against Legacy, a team fresh off a win against nationally ranked A5. Despite nerves, SR brought the energy. Within the first two points, she blocked Legacy's top outside twice. Her grin mid-rally said it all. That moment confirmed what she already knew. She belongs in high-level play.   Off the court, SR finds balance in quiet moments with classic literature, especially her current favorite, Pride and Prejudice. She's aiming to make the JV team at Marymount, raise her GPA, and embrace new opportunities throughout her freshman year. With her mix of fire and focus, SR is ready to make her mark.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='778015' first='Miken' last='Conley']'s best skill isn't something you can measure. It's her energy. She's the teammate who lifts others up, builds confidence, and brings joy to every point. Her positivity and presence shape the team dynamic, and she's focused on improving her reads and anticipating every ball.   “What I love most is how volleyball is freeing, and how I can always learn something from the girls I play with,” she said. “My attitude and energy help everyone work better together.”   After seven years of soccer, Miken made the switch to volleyball and never looked back. Her goals include making varsity, continuing to grow as a player and teammate, and staying grounded in her faith while building meaningful friendships.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='776057' first='Anabella' last='Bailey'] plays with intention. “The thing I love most about playing volleyball is the competition, being part of a team, and chasing improvement,” she shared. From her well-placed serves to her efforts to grow louder and more assertive on the court, she's focused on becoming a dependable, versatile contributor.   Her game continues to evolve as she puts in work on her blocking and serve receive. Anabella has already proven she can deliver in big moments, including earning her first medal at Red Rock Rave while competing in the Liberty division. Off the court, she enjoys creating volleyball content for her social page, swimming, and spending time with teammates and family. This year, she's aiming to limit her errors, find her voice on and off the court, and maintain straight A's while staying active in other school activities.   ~ 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.   🔥 Players — Use this article to grow. Take notes, study what makes others stand out, and apply it to your own journey. Want to go further? Reach out to a featured athlete and introduce yourself. Build connections, not just stats.   📣 Club Coaches & Directors — Share this with your teams. If your athletes are highlighted, celebrate them loudly. Post it, tag us, and help their stories reach the right eyes. Visibility is everything.   🎯 College Coaches — Tag these athletes in your University Athlete app and evaluate them as potential fits for your program. We're tracking their performance, growth, and impact through Recruitable Credentials — earned indicators college coaches recognize. Follow their journey with us and connect with athletes built for the next level.   🙏 Parents & Supporters — Thank you for being the backbone of this movement. Your subscriptions, shares, and belief in your athletes make this possible.   Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

While the PrepDig SoCal Freshman Showcase was filled with standout talent across every position, a few athletes showed something more. It was something that goes beyond stats and skill. Whether it was their mindset, versatility, off-court leadership, or sheer love for the game, these players left an impression. They're freshmen, but already thinking and moving like next-level athletes.