Boys Volleyball Spotlight: NorCal’s Emerging Underclassmen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boys high school volleyball is rapidly growing across California, and Northern California is full of programs, clubs, and athletes helping push the game forward. With more opportunities to train and compete, young talent is emerging earlier than ever.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For this feature, we connected with club coaches, directors, and owners in NorCal to uncover hidden underclassmen talent. These are players who are already making an impact on their teams and who are poised to develop into some of the region's next standouts. Keep an eye on these names as they continue their volleyball journey this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":889322,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jacoby Rugnao","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Christian Brothers High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Omni Volleyball Club","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d181da49b11"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Jacoby Rugnao</strong> a young libero that PRIDES himself in playing the best defense and serve receive! He is quick to the ball and has a very strong platform. He has a Serve Receive Average of 2.4 per set and Dig Average per set of 4.5. His Out of System Setting is incredible, the balls are put in a good location for his hitters to execute. His communication on the court is direct and purposeful so that his team is always prepared for whats coming their way. Jacoby for sure leads the back row for his team! Jacoby's hard work and dedication got him awarded a back to back All League and Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 and 2025. <br><br>Academically Jacoby is also dedicated to achieving the highest grades! He has been awarded many academic achievements!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He also has a GPA of 3.5<br>Intended Major: Medical Field<br><br>Keep an eye out for him this season! <br><br>These are the 3 day tournaments his team will be attending:<br>Chi-Town Tournament - 11/1 - 11/3<br>WCVBA Regionals - 11/22 - 11/23<br>SoCal Cup Winter Formal - 12/12 - 12/14<br>SacTown Showdown - 1/10 - 1/12<br>Southwestern Boys Classic - 1/17 - 1/19<br><br>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jacobyrugnao.volleyball/">Jacoby Rugnoa</a> on Instagram</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":889314,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Luke Polkowski","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32925","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Oak Ridge High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Omni Volleyball Club","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d181da49cb7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Luke Polkowski</strong> is a left handed POWER HOUSE on the Right Side! With his height he has a vertical of 36" and an approach reach of 10' 10". Luke started on the JV team in his high school, then moved up to Varsity for the Playoffs. He was awarded Offensive Player of the year! He runs every type of play with his team, hitting out of the outside and the middle! Blocking he is a HUGE wall, he is either slowing down the ball for his defense or he is stopping the ball from coming through! Luke's enthusiasm on the court shows throughout the whole game! He is always having a positive and competitive mindset.<br><br>Luke does an amazing job balancing his academics with volleyball. He is making sure he is over achieving in the classroom as well. <br><br>He has a GPA of 4.0<br>Intended Major: Political Science <br><br>Make sure to keep an eye on Luke this season!<br><br>These are the tournaments his team will be attending this season:<br>Chi-Town Tournament - 11/1 - 11/3<br>SoCal Cup Winter Formal - 12/12 - 12/14<br>SacTown Showdown - 1/10 - 1/12<br>Southwestern Boys Classic - 1/17 - 1/19<br><br>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lukepolkowski_vb/">Luke Polkowski</a> on Instagram<br><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":888996,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ryan Welch","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Christian Brothers High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Omni Volleyball Club","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d181da49e04"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Ryan Welch</strong> is a very explosive, aggressive and smart Outside Hitter. Not only is he strong in the front row but he is also great at defense and serve receive. His vertical reach is 10'6"! As a freshmen he was on the Varsity team. During his high school season he had 1.3 kills/set, .181 hitting percentage! His team made it all the way to Section Finals! Ryan is always working hard on the court to make sure he can make the opponent get out of system or get the kill for his team! He shows great leadership and on and off the court. He is always making sure his teammates around him are in the best headspace during games so they can all succeed together! He is always trying to get extra reps and asking for feedback from his coaches so he can become better not only for himself but for his TEAM! <br><br>He has a GPA of 3.5<br>Intended Major: Engineering <br><br>Make sure to watch Ryan this season!<br><br>These are the 3 day tournaments his team will be attending:<br>Chi- Town - 11/1 - 11/3<br>WCVBA Regionals - 11/22 - 11/23<br>SoCal Cup Winter Formal - 12/12 - 12/14<br><br>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rwelch_vb/">Ryan Welch</a> on Instagram</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":889000,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Finn McNeish","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Vista Del Lago High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Omni Volleyball Club","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d181da49f99"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Finn McNeish</strong> is a natural leader and setter BUT always willing to learn and grow! His leadership on the court really shows with how his team performs with him. He has been a captain for his high school and club team. When I spoke to Finn he said "I am a firm believer that the only way to produce a good team leader is by forming genuine bonds and friendships that allow for better teamwork on the court." With Finn having these great character attributes, the team trusts him with his sets! Finn loves running fast tempo balls but will also make the right set for his setters to succeed. He calculates his offense to take advantage of the opposing team's weakness in the front row. <br><br>Not only is Finn smart on the court but he is also smart in the classroom! He is great at keeping his GPA high while still performing competitively on the court. <br><br>He has a GPA of 4.0<br>Intended Major: Business or Kinesiology <br><br>Try to catch Finn in one of his games! <br><br>These are the 3 day tournaments his team will be attending:<br>Chi- Town - 11/1 - 11/3<br>SoCal Cup Winter Formal - 12/12 - 12/14<br>Southwestern Boys Classic - 1/17 - 1/19<br><br>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mcneishfinn/">Finn McNeish</a> on Instagram</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":889002,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Dylan Razizadeh","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Westpark High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Omni Volleyball Club","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d441cfb190d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Dylan Razizadeh</strong> is a very passionate player! When you watch this kid play you see the excitement and love for the game and his team. He is a 5'10 player BUT has a vertical of 39"! He plays like he is the tallest player on the court! He has a high reach and with a powerful fast arm swing! He is either swinging hard and fast at the ball or he is making great smart shots. Dylan has a very competitive mindset and he uses that to also fuel his teammates energy to keep fighting for every point! Dylan is always trying to better himself and the ball every moment he gets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Academically Dylan is also working hard in the classroom to maintain his GPA.<br><br>He has a GPA of 4.0<br>Intended Major: Finances<br><br>Make sure to try and watch some of Dylan's games this season!<br><br>These are the 3 day tournaments his team will be attending:<br>SoCal Cup Winter Formal - 12/12 - 12/14<br>Southwestern Boys Classic - 1/17 - 1/19<br><br>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dylanrazzle/">Dylan Razizadeh</a> on Instagram</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're excited to continue showcasing boys volleyball talent across California. Who are the players in your area that deserve the spotlight next? Tag <strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/direct/t/17842085082583433/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CoachPatrickv</a></strong> on social media or drop us a message—we'd love to hear your suggestions!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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":885470,"width":"125px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/image_cf4e03.png" alt="" class="wp-image-885470" style="width:125px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></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></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> — Follow these athletes and evaluate them as potential fits for your program.</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>~ Patrick Villanueva @CoachPatrickv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->