Queen’s Court Elite Varsity: What the Players Are Saying

The Queen's Court Elite Varsity Division is where preseason dreams meet high-level competition. Held at the Momentous Sports Center in Irvine, this two-day event brings together some of California's most accomplished high school programs for one of the most anticipated early-season showdowns.   The Elite Varsity field includes top teams like Mater Dei, Etiwanda, Centennial Corona, La Canada High School, Santa Margarita, JSerra, San Juan Hills, Orange Lutheran, Logan and Corona del Mar.   Pool play on Saturday will set the tone, but Sunday's bracket play is where bragging rights are earned. With each team guaranteed at least five matches, athletes will have plenty of opportunities to shine and teams will begin shaping their identity as contenders this fall.   Ahead of the action, some athletes from the Elite Varsity division shared their offseason focus, team culture, and tournament goals. From refining high-tempo offensive systems to sharpening mental toughness, these players are stepping into Queen's Court ready to compete and ready to lead.    [player_tooltip player_id='391078' first='Memphis' last='Burnett'], a 2026 outside hitter for Santa Margarita Catholic, heads into Queen's Court ready to solidify her senior year. Over the offseason, she zeroed in on her serving, working hard to increase her consistency and pressure from the line. “I've worked really hard to train my service this offseason,” she shared. “I hope that training can contribute to my team and the pressure we have going into this tournament.”   That pressure is well-earned. Santa Margarita won Queen's Court last year, and the target on their back is clear. What gives them an edge this season is experience. “We are special because we pretty much have the same team returning,” Memphis said. “We didn't lose a lot of our starters, and we're still a really strong team going into this season.”   When it comes to competition, Memphis has one matchup circled. “Mater Dei! It's always a blast playing them. They have some huge powerhouse names on their team, and we have a little rivalry. Playing them is always really exciting.”   Memphis recently committed to UC Irvine and is preparing to graduate early this December to get on campus as soon as possible. Her competitive mindset, team-first attitude, and early college transition make her one of the most compelling outside hitters to watch at this year's tournament.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='580631' first='Kendall' last='Stark'], a 2028 setter and right-side hitter for JSerra, is stepping into Queen's Court ready to showcase the payoff from a dedicated offseason. She focused intently on improving both her agility and vertical, knowing those tools would directly impact her performance on the court. “My agility will show when I chase after the pass to set it to my hitter,” she explained. “My vertical will show when I get to hit right side, and it will help me swing high and get around the block.”   Kendall is especially energized by the competition ahead and has one matchup in particular she's looking forward to. “I am really hoping to play Santa Margarita,” she said. “They have always been our rivals, and I'm excited to show them this year who's on top.”   What makes Kendall stand out is her versatility, not just in volleyball but across multiple sports. She competes year-round in softball, beach volleyball, and indoor volleyball, bringing a rare level of athletic diversity to her game. With her focus, drive, and dynamic skill set, Kendall is an emerging talent to watch at this year's Queen's Court.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='481528' first='Luna' last='Magallanes'], a 2027 libero for Santa Margarita Catholic, has spent her offseason focused on refining one key part of her game: serve receive. With a clear understanding of her role on the court, Luna is determined to build consistency and trust through her passing. “I think it's the most important skill as a libero, and I'm trying to become very consistent with my passing,” she said.   This season is especially meaningful for Luna as she begins her first year at SMCHS. As a junior transfer, she is eager to contribute to a new team environment filled with driven athletes and strong leadership. “We have been working very hard on the court and in the weight room,” she said. “I'm excited to see how we all play together.”   Beyond her skill and work ethic, Luna brings a valuable layer of diversity. She is bilingual and fluent in Spanish, a language she has spoken since birth. That connection has not only strengthened her relationship with family, but also helped shape who she is as a communicator and teammate. Luna enters Queen's Court ready to make her mark as a reliable and dynamic presence in the back row.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='527781' first='Ella' last='Opene'], a 2027 middle blocker and opposite hitter for Santa Margarita Catholic, has spent her offseason sharpening her blocking technique. She recognizes the importance of a strong block in shaping a team's defense and takes pride in her ability to read attackers and disrupt plays at the net. “I think blocking can really impact a team's overall defense, and I work hard to slow down the ball as much as possible,” she said.   Ella enters this season with a deep sense of pride and excitement. As a returning athlete for SMCHS, she sees more than just talent in her teammates. She sees commitment, connection, and a shared purpose. “What makes our team special is the way we show up for each other as teammates and friends,” she shared. “Santa Margarita truly feels like home.”   Off the court, Ella brings a creative side that adds to her well-rounded character. She loves to sing and play the piano, using music as both a passion and an outlet. With strong presence at the net and an even stronger connection to her team, Ella is ready to help lead Santa Margarita into another successful season starting at Queen's Court.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='849232' first='Rowan' last='Curtis'], a 2026 senior libero for Santa Margarita Catholic, used her offseason to focus on regaining speed and quickness after some time away from the court. As a defensive anchor, she understands the importance of movement and reaction time, and has put in the work to be ready for the pace of high-level competition.   This season brings new energy to the SMCHS program. With the addition of Coach Gibb and a smaller roster, Rowan is looking forward to a tightly connected team dynamic. “We are very excited about our new coach,” she shared. “We're also excited to be running a smaller team, which we think will make for a more cohesive group.”   When looking ahead to key matchups, one stands out for personal reasons. “San Juan Hills, because it will be fun to play against my friend [player_tooltip player_id='492164' first='Megan' last='Hodges'] who has been doing so amazing,” she said.   On top of her court presence, Rowan brings humor and levity to the team environment. She proudly claims the title of funniest teammate, a reminder that leadership can show up in many forms. With quick feet, strong instincts, and a team-first attitude, Rowan is ready to make an impact this weekend at Queen's Court.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='547102' first='Vani' last='Tatoulian'], a 2026 middle blocker from La Cañada High School and UC Irvine commit, has made blocking speed her top priority this offseason. She understands how crucial quick, efficient movement at the net can be for disrupting opposing offenses, and she's focused on making her presence felt early and often.   This season, Vani is part of a roster that has quickly found its rhythm despite limited time together. “Our team's adaptability makes us special because a lot of us have never played together, but with all the hard work we've put in, you wouldn't be able to tell,” she said. “As a team, we are most excited to prove that underdogs rule.”   She's especially eager for a shot at Mater Dei, calling it “a great opportunity to play the best of the best.”   Off the court, Vani brings energy, positivity, and connection to her team. “I love to bring the energy, and I am an extremely friendly person,” she said. With her strong blocking instincts, upbeat leadership, and commitment to UC Irvine, Vani is a player ready to rise to the moment at Queen's Court.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <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" />   Throughout August, as tryouts, preseason training, and early matches unfold, high school players enter a critical stretch of growth, leadership, and visibility. 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The Queen's Court Elite Varsity Division is where preseason dreams meet high-level competition. Held at the Momentous Sports Center in Irvine, this two-day event brings together some of California's most accomplished high school programs for one of the most anticipated early-season showdowns.