Bright Futures: Rising Talent at The UpNext Showcase

The UpNext Showcase brought together a remarkable group of emerging volleyball talents, each demonstrating skill, heart, and hunger for growth. From middles refining timing and verticals to outsides mastering communication and confidence, every athlete made the most of the opportunity to learn, compete, and connect. These athletes represent the next generation of California volleyball: coachable, competitive, and committed to their craft.    Jordan is stacking privates and reps to make her swing more comfortable, more confident, and more repeatable under pressure. The showcase challenged her to adjust to new setters and find quick chemistry, exactly the kind of growth she's chasing. “I'm a coachable player that brings good energy,” she said, and she showed it with every celebration, every high-five, and every encouraging word between plays.   She thrives on connection and communication, and she knows that great teammates make everyone better. Jordan brings that same spark to practice and game day, always cheering and keeping the environment positive. Her energy is contagious, and it's clear she's building the kind of presence that lifts everyone around her.   Fun fact: She's the first to celebrate her teammates' wins, whether it's a clean pass, a kill, or a big block.     Lilly Lydick is wise beyond her years and already playing the game with maturity well beyond her age. At just 13, she's competing on a 15s club team and showing that she not only belongs but thrives. The showcase gave her new pace, people, and perspective before the season, and she made the most of every rep.   Lilly is dialing in her platform angles in serve receive and approaches each touch as a chance to learn something new. She wants to be remembered as the kind of teammate who brings energy, positivity, and encouragement to every court she steps on. Her focus is growth, not just in skills, but in mindset and consistency.   Fun fact: Lilly is a multi-sport athlete who embraces competition in every form. Whether she's training, cheering on her teammates, or finding ways to improve, she's always moving forward and proving that age is just a number.     [player_tooltip player_id='784823' first='Madison' last='Robinson'] brings energy that fills a gym. She's focused on sharpening her defensive reads, getting square to the line of attack, and keeping rallies alive that turn into points. At the showcase, she used every rep to rebuild confidence and remind herself exactly what she's capable of.   “I want coaches to remember the energy I bring to the court and how coachable I am,” she said. Madison plays with intent and openness, eager to grow with every challenge. Her combination of positivity, hustle, and focus makes her the kind of player every team wants in their lineup.   Fun fact: Madison loves old-school music. Whether it's for warm-ups, road trips, or winding down after a tournament, she keeps the classics on repeat to stay grounded and bring good vibes wherever she goes.     [player_tooltip player_id='580633' first='Maikalelani' last='Siufanua'] brings athleticism, versatility, and heart to every play. She's been focused on increasing her jump numbers and adding outside hitter reps to become a more dynamic front-row option. The showcase gave her the perfect setting to test those skills against strong competition, connect with new players, and gain valuable exposure.   “I am a hard worker and I love playing this sport,” she said. That joy shows in everything she does. Maikalelani plays with gratitude, approaches each rep as an opportunity, and carries a presence that lifts the people around her. She's not only driven to lead her team further this season, but also hopes to inspire younger athletes to fall in love with the game the same way she did.   Fun fact: She loves to “jump scare” opponents right before they swing, a playful reminder that volleyball should always be fierce and fun.     [player_tooltip player_id='847626' first='Kassidy' last='Reynolds'] is a developing middle who's already showing the kind of work ethic and curiosity that turn raw talent into long-term success. She's focused on improving her defensive passing so she can stay live in rallies and contribute in the back row, a rare and valuable skill for a middle. The showcase gave her high-caliber reps and a real sense of the pace required to compete with rising talent. “I started playing in September 2024 and I'm eager to show how much I've improved,” she said, and that motivation is evident in how she approaches every rep.   Kassidy plays with joy, humility, and a strong sense of awareness on both sides of the net. She's determined to be remembered as a kind, effective, and reliable teammate who continues to raise her ceiling with each opportunity. Her goal this season is to make the 13-1s Rockstar team and hit a 10-foot vertical, a mark that would elevate her from promising to powerful. Fun fact: She can play “Careless Whisper” on saxophone and “Never Gonna Give You Up” on clarinet — two songs as memorable as her effort and personality on the court.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='849288' first='Sydney' last='Conway'] is refining her timing and approach to hit with greater power and precision, a combination that wins end-game points. The showcase gave her an opportunity to test her progress against strong competition and reinforce the mindset she is building: confident, positive, and focused under pressure. “I want them to remember that I support my teammates and never give up on a play,” she said, and that is exactly what she demonstrated throughout the event. Her quick swing tempo and ability to place the ball with intention make her a reliable attacker in high-intensity moments.   Sydney's leadership shows through her attitude and presence. She plays with energy and commitment, setting an example for those around her through her focus on teamwork and resilience. She approaches every point with enthusiasm and gratitude, staying steady when rallies get long and competitive. Fun fact: Sydney is one of four sisters, all volleyball players, which perfectly reflects the love for the game that runs deep in her family.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='745713' first='Rhylie' last='Fairley'] is focused on becoming a more explosive and complete player. She is training endurance, vertical, speed, and agility so she can stay strong and dynamic deep into rallies. The showcase gave her a fast-paced environment to compete in, and she embraced every rep as a chance to grow and learn from new coaches. Rhylie wants coaches to see a quick learner who makes adjustments with ease and swings with intent and power.   Her work ethic and coachability set her apart. Rhylie is determined to find a program and mentor who will continue to bring out her best while helping her reach new levels of play. She thrives on competition and loves the challenge of earning her place through effort and execution. Fun fact: Music plays a big role in her life. She sings and plays both piano and alto saxophone, using music to stay balanced, creative, and connected to the rhythm that carries over into her game.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='878989' first='Katie' last='Venick'] is developing her voice as both a communicator and competitor. She has been working on stronger verbal communication and a next-play mindset so her team can adjust quickly and stay connected under pressure. The showcase gave her the chance to test those skills in a new environment and to build chemistry with unfamiliar teammates. “I want them to remember my competitive spirit,” she said, and that energy was evident in every touch.   Katie brings intensity and focus to every match. She leads by example, showing how steady communication and composure can elevate a team's rhythm. She continues to grow as an all-around player who understands the balance between confidence and collaboration. Fun fact: Volleyball runs in the family. Her brother and sister also play, creating a shared passion that keeps competition and encouragement alive at home.   ~ 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>!       <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <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" />   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/image_e42f4e.png" alt="" class="wp-image-894323" style="width:126px;height:auto" /></figure>   <a href="https://prepdig.com/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The 2025 Prep Dig Exposure Tour is officially LIVE!</a>   We're hitting 20+ cities across the country this winter to give athletes a platform to compete, get seen, and level up.   I'll personally be directing at Vegas (11/15), SoCal (11/23), NorCal (11/29), Arizona (12/14), and can't wait to welcome some of the region's top talent to the gym. Use Code: BamfordPD25   <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. 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The UpNext Showcase brought together a remarkable group of emerging volleyball talents, each demonstrating skill, heart, and hunger for growth. From middles refining timing and verticals to outsides mastering communication and confidence, every athlete made the most of the opportunity to learn, compete, and connect. These athletes represent the next generation of California volleyball: coachable, competitive, and committed to their craft.