Backcourt Brains: IQ and First-Contact Excellence

At the UpNext Showcase, the first contact told the story. The gym moved fast, and the liberos moved faster, solving serves, reading hitters, and turning chaos into clean transition. These athletes showed poise in serve receive and urgency on defense, then talked through what they are building in their game. I connected with each of them off the court and heard the same through-line. They take pride in reading the game, taking space, and lifting the energy for everyone around them. This group is young, confident, and committed to being the backbone of any lineup they join.    Alison is expanding her range and sharpening court coverage in both serve receive and defense. She's practiced two-person passing patterns and a “show-and-take” look with the outside. At the showcase, she impressed by taking the first ball outside her lane to free hitters for their routes. Her focus is on leading with clear communication, steady resets, and consistency under pressure. “I want coaches to remember my ability to read the game at a high level, along with my speed and ball control.”   Fun fact: She makes pancakes from scratch for her family every Saturday morning.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Ava is training earlier reads on toss and contact, getting her feet there sooner so her platform can stay quiet and clean to target. At the showcase she treated misses as feedback, moving on to the next ball with intent and composure. This season, her focus is mental resilience and being the steady voice that keeps her team calm. “I'm learning to shake it off and keep going.”   Fun fact: She can keep one eye straight while the other looks to the side.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Ava is shifting from middle back to left back, taking ownership of the T and sharp angle while using her voice to stay connected to the block and pins. At the showcase she practiced specific cues that helped her team read and solve the next ball faster. She wants to be remembered as welcoming and positive, the kind of teammate who helps new groups click right away. “I can practice using my voice at a higher level.”   Fun fact: She loves playing volleyball and soccer with her little brother, who is ten years younger.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Callie is building presence through her voice and clean mechanics, setting the standard on serve receive by forming angles early and staying composed through pace. The showcase rewarded her ability to reset quickly and apply corrections in real time. She wants coaches to see a player who gives everything, uplifts others, and leads through steady communication. “I give my 110 percent every time I step on the court.”   Fun fact: She's quiet off the court, but between the lines, she loves to command.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Kyle is working on out-of-system setting, keeping the second ball high and hittable when the setter takes first contact. The showcase tested her serve receive reads and mental resets, but her vocal leadership never wavered. “As a libero, it is our responsibility to take the second ball.” She's known for her uplifting energy and communication that keeps teammates engaged.   Fun fact: Eight years of competitive ballet sharpened her agility, balance, and flexibility.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Megan is sharpening her first-step speed and reading the line of attack to cover more space without losing control. At the showcase she showed confidence in her reads and composure under pace. “I want to be remembered as a relentless, high-energy player who hustles on every play.”   Fun fact: She's artistic and loves drawing and design.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Kaitlyn is chasing consistency in serve receive through high-rep clinics and targeted feedback. At the showcase she leaned into tempo, footwork timing, and platform control to become a trusted first contact. She brings energy, hustle, and a team-first mindset that translates from beach to indoor. “I want people to remember my energy on the court, how I am a team player, and my hustle.”   Fun fact: She has never broken a bone and also competes in beach volleyball.   ~ 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" />   In October, the stakes only grow higher. High school teams are pushing through their final regular-season matches, sharpening every detail before league playoffs begin. For athletes, this is the time to compete with urgency, prove their growth, and leave no doubt heading into postseason play.   It's also the perfect month to experience volleyball at the next level. On October 29th, the USC Women's Volleyball team hosts the UCLA Bruins in a rivalry clash packed with the same fire and intensity athletes are chasing in their own seasons. Don't miss the chance to watch, learn, and be inspired as the game plays out on one of its biggest stages.   🔥 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 UpNext Showcase, the first contact told the story. The gym moved fast, and the liberos moved faster, solving serves, reading hitters, and turning chaos into clean transition. These athletes showed poise in serve receive and urgency on defense, then talked through what they are building in their game. I connected with each of them off the court and heard the same through-line. They take pride in reading the game, taking space, and lifting the energy for everyone around them. This group is young, confident, and committed to being the backbone of any lineup they join.