California Athletes Earn Spot on the 2025 AVCA Phenom Watch List

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The AVCA Phenom Watch List is more than just a recognition, it is a <strong>Recruitable Credential</strong>. Every athlete who appears on this list has proven that she belongs in the national conversation by earning acknowledgment for her outstanding volleyball abilities and being backed by an AVCA-member coach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For California's 2027, 2028, and 2029 athletes, making the <strong>Phenom Watch List</strong> signals to college coaches that their names are already stamped with credibility. Each player listed has shown the skill, consistency, and presence that translate to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition, uncommitted athletes are invited by the AVCA to take part in the <strong>Phenom College Preparatory Program</strong>, held December 18–20, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. <strong>PrepDig</strong> will be on site covering the event as these athletes build connections, gain exposure, and take the next step in their recruiting journey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>California continues to be one of the deepest talent pools in the country, and this year's Watch List confirms it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2029</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Tristan Del Riego</strong> – Mira Costa HS, Manhattan Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='548564' first='Madison' last='Nolting']</strong> – Mira Costa HS, Manhattan Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='787086' first='Avery' last='Tussing']</strong> – Mira Costa HS, Manhattan Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771013' first='Harper' last='Terry']</strong> – Redondo Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2028</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771741' first='Stacy' last='Balestrieri']</strong> – Bishop Montgomery HS, Torrance | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761005' first='Lynn' last='Choe']</strong> – Bishop Montgomery HS, Torrance | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='768761' first='Esme' last='Althouse']</strong> – Marymount HS, Los Angeles | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='768199' first='Isabella' last='Elston']</strong> – Mira Costa HS, Manhattan Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='595254' first='Sofia' last='Georgeson']</strong> – Mira Costa HS, Manhattan Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761992' first='Ava' last='Saffell']</strong> – Mira Costa HS, Manhattan Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Marlee Peterson</strong> – Redondo Union HS, Redondo Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='568077' first='Roxy' last='Vucho']</strong> – Redondo Union HS, Redondo Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809911' first='Halima' last='Guidera']</strong> – Vistamar HS, El Segundo | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611976' first='Tatum' last='Epstein']</strong> – Cardiff | [program_tooltip program_id='429573' first='Wave' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='550009' first='Lana' last='Frelix']</strong> – Santa Monica | [program_tooltip program_id='429323' first='Actyve' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='616624' first='Parker' last='Herrin']</strong> – Cardiff | [program_tooltip program_id='429573' first='Wave' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='759009' first='Dylan' last='Kupiec']</strong> – Cardiff | [program_tooltip program_id='429573' first='Wave' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Naomi Lemos</strong> – Davis | Five Starz VBC</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='744093' first='Grace' last='McKeown']</strong> – Roseville | [program_tooltip program_id='580830' first='Synergy' last='Force']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='739155' first='Ashlynn' last='Proctor']</strong> – Cardiff | [program_tooltip program_id='429573' first='Wave' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800112' first='Reese' last='Roberts']</strong> – Roseville | [program_tooltip program_id='580830' first='Synergy' last='Force']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='786534' first='Alana' last='Simpson']</strong> – Roseville | [program_tooltip program_id='580830' first='Synergy' last='Force']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748207' first='Zari' last='Spellman']</strong> – Santa Monica | [program_tooltip program_id='429323' first='Actyve' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='719126' first='Abigail' last='Sutton']</strong> – Roseville | [program_tooltip program_id='580830' first='Synergy' last='Force']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2027</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Joi [player_tooltip player_id='545272' first='Olivia' last='Greenwood']</strong> – Cathedral Catholic HS, San Diego | [program_tooltip program_id='429573' first='Wave' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807994' first='Anaiya' last='Thornton']</strong> – Culver City HS, Culver City | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492714' first='Sydney' last='Neely']</strong> – El Segundo HS, El Segundo | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='569584' first='Charlotte' last='Hall']</strong> – Los Alamitos HS, Los Alamitos | [program_tooltip program_id='429516' first='Seal' last='Beach Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='482030' first='Leighton' last='Devereux']</strong> – Marymount HS, Los Angeles | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455792' first='Emma' last='Kingston']</strong> – Mater Dei HS, Santa Ana | (HS only) / Cardiff | [program_tooltip program_id='429573' first='Wave' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='482047' first='Westley' last='Matavao']</strong> – Mater Dei HS, Santa Ana | [program_tooltip program_id='510735' first='Forza1' last='CA']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='777202' first='Jayden' last='Meyer']</strong> – Mira Costa HS, Manhattan Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807993' first='Allyn' last='Hilt']</strong> – Mira Costa HS, Manhattan Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545233' first='Lerin' last='Rosenthal']</strong> – Mira Costa HS, Manhattan Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545293' first='Liliana' last='Swanson']</strong> – Mira Costa HS, Manhattan Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='697423' first='Charley' last='Knupp']</strong> – Newbury Park HS, Newbury Park | [program_tooltip program_id='429496' first='Reef' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='701218' first='Mirei' last='Sanchez']</strong> – Norwalk HS, Norwalk | [program_tooltip program_id='429516' first='Seal' last='Beach Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Alexa Humphries</strong> – Oaks Christian HS, Westlake Village | [program_tooltip program_id='429496' first='Reef' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545308' first='Maura' last='Hambly']</strong> – Palo Alto HS, Palo Alto | [program_tooltip program_id='494424' first='Vision' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536929' first='Abbie' last='Hairrell']</strong> – Redondo Union HS, Redondo Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='780729' first='Leah' last='Blair']</strong> – Redondo Union HS, Redondo Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Gabriela Kumagai</strong> – Redondo Union HS, Redondo Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Zoey Laulusa</strong> – South HS, Torrance | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467596' first='Jaycee' last='Mack']</strong> – Torrey Pines HS, San Diego / Del Mar | [program_tooltip program_id='429573' first='Wave' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='493205' first='Emery' last='Gonzales']</strong> – Cardiff | [program_tooltip program_id='429573' first='Wave' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='472132' first='Jianna' last='Green']</strong> – Santa Monica | [program_tooltip program_id='429323' first='Actyve' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='534502' first='Lila' last='Green']</strong> – Cardiff | [program_tooltip program_id='429573' first='Wave' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='510530' first='Kaitlyn' last='Herweg']</strong> – Redondo Beach | [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='557044' first='Olivia' last='Hickey']</strong> – Roseville | [program_tooltip program_id='580830' first='Synergy' last='Force']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='533581' first='Kalea' last='Lee']</strong> – Cardiff | [program_tooltip program_id='429573' first='Wave' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ava Lohne</strong> – Santa Rosa | Empire Volleyball Club</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545345' first='Daniella' last='Marrero']</strong> – Santa Monica | [program_tooltip program_id='429323' first='Actyve' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Avery Masters</strong> – Sacramento | [program_tooltip program_id='876532' first='OMNI' last='Volleyball']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486781' first='Katherine' last='Nowak']</strong> – Cardiff | [program_tooltip program_id='429573' first='Wave' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='500618' first='Ireland' last='Real']</strong> – Del Mar | [program_tooltip program_id='429573' first='Wave' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='838899' first='Lily' last='Smith']</strong> – Roseville | [program_tooltip program_id='580830' first='Synergy' last='Force']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='501336' first='Addison' last='Smith']</strong> – Roseville | [program_tooltip program_id='580830' first='Synergy' last='Force']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sydney Weber</strong> – Roseville | [program_tooltip program_id='580830' first='Synergy' last='Force']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825019' first='Lailaa' last='Williams']</strong> – Santa Monica | [program_tooltip program_id='429323' first='Actyve' last='Volleyball Club']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='838597' first='Jojo' last='Wilson']</strong> – San Diego | [program_tooltip program_id='429573' first='Wave' last='Volleyball Club']<br><br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, please help us keep the momentum going!</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":770392,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>✨ <strong>Help a player get discovered </strong>— share this article using the share buttons and tag us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en"><strong>PrepDigCa</strong></a>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":770394,"width":"98px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom","align":"left"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🚀 <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a></strong> — exclusive rankings, in-depth analysis, and access to the full <a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/"><strong>prospect index</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Throughout August, as tryouts, preseason training, and early matches unfold, high school players enter a critical stretch of growth, leadership, and visibility. It's the perfect time to read, share, and support their journey.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🔥 <strong>Players</strong> — 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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>📣 <strong>Club Coaches &amp; Directors</strong> — 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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🎯 <strong>College Coaches</strong> — 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 <em><strong>Recruitable Credentials</strong></em> — earned indicators college coaches recognize. Follow their journey with us and connect with athletes built for the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🙏 <strong>Parents &amp; Supporters</strong> — Thank you for being the backbone of this movement. Your subscriptions, shares, and belief in your athletes make this possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->