Next in Line: The Outsides Already Playing Like Go-To Options

At the SoCal UpNext Showcase, the outside hitters in the Class of 2031 showed why their position is often the spark of a team's offense. Outsides are asked to be more than scorers, they bring energy, carry a heavy passing load, and adapt to whatever the game demands. This group embraced that challenge, speaking with the confidence and competitiveness you expect from athletes who want the ball in big moments. Their reflections revealed how they balance being a reliable option in serve-receive with the drive to put points on the board, all while fueling their teams with presence and poise. College coaches will want to track this group of early scorers because, even as members of the Class of 2031, they already carry themselves with the blend of grit and versatility that defines the position.    [player_tooltip player_id='851983' first='Olivia' last='Boden'] is an outside hitter and libero from Chaminade Middle School, who competed with hustle and focus. She showed strong fundamentals in serve receive, especially in how she framed her platform, and she carried herself with the kind of concentration and energy coaches value. Olivia explained that she has been working on becoming “more strategic and dynamic with my hitting,” with the goal of growing into a six-rotation outside hitter.   Her season goal is to continue improving both her skills and her knowledge of the game, and she wants coaches to remember her for her “infectious personality on and off the court.” That drive and energy matches what she displays in competition, where she plays with all-out effort and consistency. Away from the court, Olivia also reveals a creative side, sharing her love for jewelry-making, painting, and art projects. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='724991' first='Iyana' last='Carter'], an outside hitter and defensive specialist/libero from Harvest Hill Steam Academy, showed strength and smart decision-making throughout the SoCal UpNext Showcase. She displayed discipline in her approach, concentrating on hitting techniques, body positioning, and connecting cleanly with the ball. Her attention to detail on each rep reflected the hard work she puts into remembering her steps and putting all the pieces together on the court.   Iyana explained, “I want to show how hard I have been working on the court by remembering my steps and techniques and putting them all together.” She continues to focus on becoming a great outside hitter while also making those around her stand out, emphasizing team effort and resilience. She wants to be remembered for her “resilient mindset” and credits her toughness to lessons learned from her military parents. Iyana is built strong and I can't wait to see how her journey unfolds. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='875937' first='Violet' last='Fa'amafoe'], a pin hitter from Sage Oaks Charter School, brought energy and focus to the SoCal UpNext Showcase. She showed commitment to her training, emphasizing strength, conditioning, and speed to increase her vertical and excel at a higher net. Her hustle and determination stood out, and she made sure her teammates were engaged and having a good time while she competed with the kind of drive that finishes plays and inspires others.   “I'm excited to showcase my skills, I believe I've improved significantly since I've started club volleyball last year,” Violet said. She continues to focus on being mentally centered, keeping an even composure in challenging moments, and supporting her teammates with calm leadership. She wants to be remembered for her enthusiasm, her coachability, and her ability to lift up those around her. Off the court, Violet adds another layer of athleticism as a multi-sport athlete, having played golf since the age of five. Violet is a superstar in the making and I am so happy that I have a ticket to her show! ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='879987' first='Victoria' last='Flores'], a versatile athlete from Adams Middle School, took on multiple roles at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, competing as a libero, hitter, opposite, and setter. Her beach experience showed in her quickness and ability to create smart offensive shots, skills that translated seamlessly to her indoor game. She has been focusing on reading hitters more effectively, tracking shoulders to anticipate attacks and beat the ball defensively, and her growth in this area was evident on the court.   “I'm most excited about meeting new girls and seeing the talent on the court and the competitive aspect of them,” Victoria said. She continues to push herself to bring more energy, support her teammates, and help others when needed. She wants to be remembered for her good attitude, her sportsmanship, and her steady presence in competition. Victoria has wanted this opportunity to play at the next level for a long time, and her journey is already marked with successes. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Quickness defined the way [player_tooltip player_id='774360' first='London' last='Hawkins'] competed at the SoCal UpNext Showcase. The outside hitter, defensive specialist, and libero from La Vina Middle School never hesitated on plays, bringing an instinctive “go” mentality that made her a fun player to watch. She focused on improving her passing, working on a steady platform, moving into the right position, and communicating effectively with her teammates.   “I'm excited about having an opportunity to show my skills in volleyball, meeting new people, and learn from the coaches,” London said. Her goals center on positivity, energy, and leadership...staying vocal, being a great teammate, and always playing with passion. She wants coaches to remember her determination and her ability to do whatever is needed on the court while lifting up those around her. London has been around volleyball since age three, watching her older sister play before starting herself at eight, and that early connection to the game shows in the love and drive she carries today. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Strength and precision stood out in [player_tooltip player_id='877671' first='Gail' last='Lu'uga']'s performance at the SoCal UpNext Showcase. The outside hitter from Excel Charter showed discipline in her passing and serve receive, executing clean form, steady footwork, and consistent fundamentals. Her ability to hold her ground in serve receive matched the composure she carried throughout team play, and her confidence was evident as she competed in a six-rotation role.   Playing alongside high-level athletes, Gail explained, pushes her to elevate her own game. “Playing six-rotations, and playing with better will make me better,” she said. She expects a lot from herself while also grounding her mindset in faith, noting, “I know grace because God showed me grace first.” Coaches will remember her strong, steady presence on the court and her readiness to contribute in every phase of the game. Away from volleyball, she also reveals a different talent...she can sing. I am hear to sing her praises because Miss Lu'uga is one to watch. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='779549' first='Sophia' last='Orozco'], an outside hitter from Santiago K-8th, played with a smile at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, bringing a sense of fun and encouragement to every rally. She has been working on her hitting and focused on attacking with confidence, looking to push past hesitation and commit to every ball. Her upbeat energy was just as noticeable as her play, as she made a point to cheer for others and keep the court lively.   “I want to be able to get out of my head and just try to hit every ball, no matter what,” Sophia said. She wants coaches to see her determination to grow as a hitter and her ability to uplift her teammates in the process. With her background in seven years of dance and ballet, she carries body control and rhythm into her game. As she continues to add speed to her arm swing, she will elevate her offensive presence while maintaining the joy and passion that already make her stand out. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='849016' first='Aurora' last='Ridgeley-Mones'], a middle blocker and outside hitter from Cadence Park, brought steady hustle and energy to the SoCal UpNext Showcase. She focused on refining her arm swing, chasing down balls with purpose, and backing her teammates with consistent support. Her effort to stay engaged on every play highlighted both her competitiveness and her willingness to do the small things that lift her team.   Aurora shared that she is learning how to respond positively to feedback in turning instruction into improvement. She wants coaches to remember her as a great friend and teammate, someone who builds connections easily and looks forward to tournaments not just for the competition but also for the chance to meet new people. Away from volleyball, Aurora loves surfing and playing a variety of sports, showing the same adventurous spirit that she brings to the court. ~ 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 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>   ✨ 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" />   September high school volleyball is in full swing, with players finding their rhythm as two of the nation's premier events approach. The Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas and the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona provide stages for athletes to showcase growth, leadership, and competitive drive. It is the perfect time to read, share, and support their journey as they compete in front of college coaches and elevate their game against top-tier competition.   🔥 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

At the SoCal UpNext Showcase, the outside hitters in the Class of 2031 showed why their position is often the spark of a team's offense. Outsides are asked to be more than scorers, they bring energy, carry a heavy passing load, and adapt to whatever the game demands. This group embraced that challenge, speaking with the confidence and competitiveness you expect from athletes who want the ball in big moments. Their reflections revealed how they balance being a reliable option in serve-receive with the drive to put points on the board, all while fueling their teams with presence and poise. College coaches will want to track this group of early scorers because, even as members of the Class of 2031, they already carry themselves with the blend of grit and versatility that defines the position.