Incoming Freshmen Hitters to Know

At the PrepDig NorCal Showcase in Ripon, California, the gym lit up as a talented crew of incoming freshman hitters stepped onto the court with purpose and power. Determined to make an impact, these athletes brought high-level intensity, fearless swings, and a hunger to elevate their game. Whether it was terminating out-of-system balls, adjusting on the fly, or putting in extra reps during warmups, their presence was undeniable. These hitters weren't just looking for exposure, they came to compete, grow, and show that they're ready to rise in the ranks.   Off the court, I got to know more about what fuels their fire, what they're focusing on, and what they want college coaches to see as they take their first steps into high school volleyball.   Meet the next wave of hitters ready to rise.    [player_tooltip player_id='525945' first='Aniyah' last='Fayne'], an outside and opposite hitter from Christian Brothers High School, brings intensity and confidence every time she steps on the court. Coming off a 2nd place finish in the Freedom Division at Nationals, Aniyah has battle experience. She thrives off the energy of the game and feels most at home when she's in the air, delivering aggressive, powerful swings. One of her proudest moments came in middle school when she helped lead her team to the championships for the first time in 15 years, a testament to her impact as a player.   Aniyah is currently working on improving her shot placement during out-of-system plays and continues to sharpen her volleyball IQ. Known for her high-intensity play and smart decision-making, she's focused on earning a starting spot as a freshman while maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Off the court, she enjoys swimming, roller skating, and making TikToks with friends, embracing balance and joy in everything she does. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='697336' first='Johanna' last='Lawler'], a middle blocker headed to Hilmar High School, brings a combination of power and precision to the court. Coming off a 3rd place finish in the Patriot Division at Nationals, Johanna has improved so much this year. She enjoys the energy of practice, especially engaging in drills and fun games like Queens that keep the competition lively. Her strength lies in her hitting ability. With strong accuracy and the advantage of height, Johanna is able to get on top of the ball and terminate effectively.   Currently, she is focused on improving her blocking and her defensive contributions while serving. One of her favorite volleyball moments came during her 14U season in Salt Lake City, when she hit cleanly through a triple block. Another standout memory was during her 11U year, when she hit a major milestone with 100 aces in a single season.   Outside of volleyball, Johanna is fluent in Spanish, a language she began learning at age five. She also once held a kids' world record for her foot size at age 12. In her free time, she enjoys attending church youth group, line dancing with her sister, swimming, and spending time with her siblings.   As she begins her freshman year, Johanna's goals include increasing her approach jump to 10 feet and earning straight A's in the classroom. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='780877' first='Elysa' last='Meineke'], an outside hitter and middle blocker heading into her freshman year at Ripon High School, brings both heart and versatility to the court. She thrives on the joy of the game, especially the shared excitement of celebrating wild rallies and unexpected points with her teammates. Whether it's a perfect swing or a lucky save, Elysa finds energy in the connection and support they build together.   As a middle, she takes pride in her ability to clear space for the setter, and as a hitter, she excels at reading the defense to decide when to tip or go full power. Right now, she is working to refine her timing on blocks and attacks.   One of her most memorable volleyball moments came during a rivalry match, when the opposing team celebrated too early. Elysa managed to save the ball from the net, setting up her teammate for the point, and they went on to win the match.   Volleyball has helped Elysa grow far beyond the game. Once painfully shy, the sport taught her how to build trust and work as a team. Now active in school leadership, she's passionate about helping other students make the most of their high school experience. Off the court, she enjoys swimming, baking, and spending time with friends and family.   This season, Elysa is focused on creating strong bonds with her teammates, making the most of every opportunity at school, and maintaining her 4.0 GPA. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='772551' first='Izzy' last='Boyce'], an outside and right-side hitter from The Branson School, thrives on the competitive energy and teamwork that define volleyball. She values the deep bonds built with her teammates and believes trust is what makes great volleyball possible. Her favorite shot is a cross hit through the seam, something she's refined through countless hours of work. It's a go-to swing that still brings an adrenaline rush and has made her a trusted option in high-pressure moments.   One of her proudest volleyball memories came when her team earned the NorCal national bid, a moment that highlighted their collective belief and determination.   Off the court, Izzy enjoys surfing, paddleboarding, pickleball, and reading at her home in Stinson Beach. Her goals for freshman year include improving her tip and roll shots to the off-blocker and studying elite volleyball to strengthen her understanding of the game. She's also committed to her community through volunteer work and is continuing to develop her Mandarin language skills. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='777376' first='Isabella' last='Pelayo'], an outside hitter from Monte Vista High School, thrives on the connections that volleyball creates and the lasting bonds built through the game. She is known for her consistent hitting and serving, with the ability to put balls away and deliver controlled, effective serves. One of her proudest moments came at the Girls Junior National Championship, where she secured the winning kill in the 12 American Division title match, an unforgettable finish that crowned her team national champions.   Her pre-game routine centers her mindset with gratitude, reflection, and music, always starting with a prayer and a little Hamilton. Off the court, she enjoys spending time with friends and family or exploring new hobbies. Her goals for the year include leveling up her game through challenging competition, being a better friend, and giving her best effort in the classroom. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='779395' first='Presley' last='Openshaw'], an outside hitter from Turlock High School, values the relationships, lessons, and growth that volleyball brings both on and off the court. Known for being a team-first player, she adapts well to challenges and embraces the opportunity to contribute in any position. One of her favorite memories is building friendships with her previous teammates, and she continues to carry that same positive, team-oriented mindset into every new environment.   Presley is focused on expanding her versatility and communication as she enters her freshman year. She's always open to feedback and looks for ways to improve. Outside of volleyball, she enjoys working out with her dad, cleaning, baking, and spending time with family. Her goals for the season include becoming a strong leader, forming new connections, staying organized, and keeping up with her academics. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='777350' first='Eda' last='Gencer'], an outside hitter from San Ramon Valley High School, brings strong ball control and a team-first mentality to the court. She takes pride in keeping plays alive through consistent touches, especially in serve receive and out-of-system situations. What she enjoys most about volleyball is the ability to shine alongside her teammates while elevating others around her. A standout memory in her journey so far was earning a bid to nationals at the Windy City Qualifier in the USA Division.   Off the court, she is trilingual, fluent in English, Spanish, and Turkish, and stays busy with piano and singing lessons, volunteer work through leadership programs, and baking. Her goals for freshman year include being a strong contributor on both her school and club teams, prioritizing academics, and building meaningful connections through volleyball and school life. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='769092' first='Kylie' last='Eudy'], an outside hitter and defensive specialist from Pitman High School, plays with adaptability and a love for competition. She thrives in high-intensity environments and values the life lessons volleyball teaches through teamwork. Her best skill is her ability to adjust to different types of sets and still convert them into points, making her a reliable presence on the court. One of her favorite memories so far was earning her first bid to Nationals, a milestone that fueled her passion even more.   Kylie is currently focused on building explosiveness and adding power to her attacks while also working to strengthen her defensive game. Off the court, she's the oldest of three sisters and takes pride in supporting them in their sports and academics. She enjoys spending time with her family, building Legos, painting, doing puzzles, and reading. Her freshman goals include maintaining a GPA of 4.0 or higher, increasing her kill percentage, and continuing to grow as a versatile and dependable player. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='781267' first='Bailey' last='Brayton'], a pin hitter from Ripon Christian High School, thrives on being part of high-impact plays and playing alongside teammates she can count on. She's known for her explosive presence on the court and her commitment to celebrating others' success. Bailey is currently focused on strengthening the mental side of her game, recognizing that building confidence and staying out of her head will elevate her performance in every area. A defining moment in her season came during a tight third set in Reno, after missing a crucial point, she redeemed herself with a game-winning kill, a moment that highlighted the unwavering trust and support from her team.   Before discovering her love for volleyball, Bailey spent nine years swimming, and she now balances her athletic passion with other interests like photography, spending time with friends, and volunteering at her church. Her goals for freshman year include earning a spot on the JV team, improving her serve consistency, and maintaining straight A's while managing the demands of sports and school. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='773717' first='Aven' last='Brusco'], a right-side and outside hitter from Campolindo, is a driven competitor who thrives on teamwork and the relationships built through volleyball. Known for her athleticism and ability to score in critical moments, hitting is her strongest skill. She's fueled by the desire to help her team win and is currently focused on improving her serve receive and defense to become a more complete player. One of her favorite memories was qualifying for Nationals, a rewarding moment that reflected her team's hard work and gave them a chance to compete at the highest level.   Off the court, Aven maintains a 4.0 GPA and enjoys playing beach volleyball in the offseason. In her free time, she likes to swim, shop, and spend time with friends. As she begins high school, her goals are to adjust to the new academic environment, continue performing well in the classroom, and earn a spot on the varsity team. She's eager to grow by learning from experienced coaches and upperclassmen while continuing to push herself as both a student and athlete. ~ 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 PrepDig NorCal Showcase in Ripon, California, the gym lit up as a talented crew of incoming freshman hitters stepped onto the court with purpose and power. Determined to make an impact, these athletes brought high-level intensity, fearless swings, and a hunger to elevate their game. Whether it was terminating out-of-system balls, adjusting on the fly, or putting in extra reps during warmups, their presence was undeniable. These hitters weren't just looking for exposure, they came to compete, grow, and show that they're ready to rise in the ranks.