California Stat Leaders: Rising Freshman Impact Players

California volleyball continues to raise the bar on the national stage, and this year's freshman class is already leaving its mark. Each week, MaxPreps updates leaderboards in categories such as kills, hitting efficiency, assists, blocks, aces, and digs, and it's impressive to see first-year athletes carving out a place among the state and nation's best. With stats entered directly by coaches through the MaxPreps Team Admin system, these numbers offer a reliable snapshot of production at every level.   While numbers only tell part of the story, they highlight freshmen who are making an immediate impact in critical areas of the game. Beyond the box scores are the qualities that separate them; poise, energy, and the ability to elevate their teams despite being new to the high school stage. This week, we're spotlighting California freshmen whose early statistical success reflects talent, maturity, and a ceiling that college coaches will want to track closely as their careers unfold.    [player_tooltip player_id='770674' first='Addison' last='Underwood'] - The Consistent Finisher   [player_tooltip player_id='770674' first='Addison' last='Underwood'], a 6'0” freshman outside hitter for Orange Lutheran, has already shown the ability to contribute at the varsity level. In 43 sets, she has recorded 99 kills on 264 swings, averaging 2.3 kills per set while hitting .205. Her numbers reflect a young hitter still refining her efficiency but capable of generating offense in volume, using her size and reach to find points against tough competition. Underwood's production as a ninth grader signals strong upside as she gains experience and develops her decision-making at the net.   What makes Underwood valuable is her blend of size, athletic potential, and competitive drive. Already committed to play club for TStreet 15 Curtis, she is building a foundation of high-level training that will accelerate her growth. Her presence on the court gives Orange Lutheran an attacker who can develop into a go-to option, and her willingness to take on challenges early in her career speaks to her work ethic. For college coaches, Underwood represents a long, athletic outside hitter whose ceiling will rise as her skills catch up to her frame and experience.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='780053' first='Brooklyn' last='Lopez'] - The Primary Scorer   [player_tooltip player_id='780053' first='Brooklyn' last='Lopez'], a 5'10” freshman outside hitter/opposite for Clovis West High School in Fresno, has been a model of efficiency and consistency. Through 60 sets, she has tallied 193 kills on 470 swings, averaging 3.2 kills per set while hitting an impressive .411. That combination of volume and efficiency puts her among the most productive young hitters in California, showing she can terminate rallies at a high rate without sacrificing control. Lopez's numbers reflect advanced shot selection, a clean arm swing, and the ability to maximize every opportunity at the net.   Beyond the stat line, Lopez has already distinguished herself with accolades such as UA NEXT MVP and entry into the 10-Foot Club, signaling her athletic ceiling and national-level recognition. She balances indoor play at Clovis West and club competition with Elite Beach, giving her versatility and a complete skillset that extends across surfaces and formats. Coaches will find in Lopez not only a primary scorer but also a competitor with the poise, athleticism, and leadership potential to anchor a program for years to come.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='775487' first='Isabella' last='Garzo-cuevas'] - The Offensive Architect   Bella Garzo-Cuevas, a 5'9” freshman setter and right-side for Saint Mary's College High School in Albany, has stepped into a leadership role early in her varsity career. Through 50 sets, she has already delivered 289 assists, averaging 5.8 per set. That level of distribution highlights her ability to run an offense with pace and balance, keeping hitters in rhythm while creating scoring opportunities across the net. Garzo-Cuevas's production shows a setter who not only manages volume but also demonstrates decision-making skills that maximize her team's offensive efficiency.   What makes Garzo-Cuevas stand out is her versatility and competitive drive. In addition to setting, she can swing on the right side, giving her team flexibility in both rotations and matchups. She will compete for Vision 15 Gold this season, a program known for high-level training that will sharpen her skills and expand her court IQ. For Saint Mary's, she provides stability in the critical setter role, and for college coaches, she represents a high-ceiling prospect who combines technical skill, leadership presence, and the adaptability to impact multiple phases of the game.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='771845' first='Izabela' last='Markiel'] - The Serving Threat   [player_tooltip player_id='771845' first='Izabela' last='Markiel'], a 5'11” freshman outside hitter/opposite for Concord's CVC program, is making her presence felt from the service line. Through 36 sets, she has delivered 50 aces on 131 attempts, averaging 1.4 aces per set with a 38.2% success rate. That kind of efficiency and volume at the line puts constant pressure on opponents, turning her serve into a weapon that creates free points and momentum swings for her team. Markiel's ability to impact matches through her serve highlights both her skill and her confidence as a first-year varsity contributor.   What elevates Markiel's profile is the versatility she brings in addition to her serving. At 5'11”, she has the length to score as a pin attacker, and her commitment to training with [program_tooltip program_id='580830' first='Synergy' last='Force'] 16-1s this season ensures she will continue to grow against top competition. Her all-around game, paired with her aggressive mentality, makes her a valuable asset who can tilt a match in her team's favor with just a few rotations at the line. For college coaches, Markiel offers a blend of size, serving power, and upside that makes her a name to track closely.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='748210' first='Jael' last='Smith'] - The Net Protector   [player_tooltip player_id='748210' first='Jael' last='Smith'], a 6'3” freshman middle blocker for Mater Dei High School, is already proving to be a dominant presence at the net. Through 51 sets, she has recorded 48 total blocks, including 8 solo and 40 block assists, averaging 0.9 blocks per set. Her size and timing allow her to control the middle, shutting down opposing hitters and forcing adjustments in offensive schemes. Smith's production as a ninth grader highlights both her defensive instincts and her ability to convert length and athleticism into consistent results.   What sets Smith apart is her upside paired with early impact. She is training in a high-level environment that complements her development at Mater Dei, one of California's premier programs. Her combination of height, mobility, and discipline makes her a rare freshman capable of influencing matches against top-tier competition. She will be competing for [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar'] 15s. For college coaches, Smith represents a high-ceiling middle who can anchor a defense, elevate her team's blocking game, and grow into a reliable offensive weapon as her career progresses.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='546195' first='Paetyn' last='Tamp'] - The Defensive Anchor   [player_tooltip player_id='546195' first='Paetyn' last='Tamp'], a 5'6” freshman libero for Christian High School in El Cajon, has quickly established herself as a backcourt leader. Through 66 sets, she has tallied 209 digs, averaging 3.2 per set. Her ability to read attackers and cover the floor gives her team consistent first-contact stability, while her quick reactions and disciplined platform keep rallies alive. Tamp's production reflects not only her defensive instincts but also her composure in serve receive, where she provides a reliable foundation for her team's offense.   What makes Tamp stand out is her experience and versatility. Competing for Coast 15-1 Luis and playing beach for 692 West's National Team, she is refining her game across multiple formats, sharpening ball control, vision, and court awareness. Her confidence, communication, and steady presence elevate her teammates, making her more than just a stat producer—she's a tone-setter. For college coaches, Tamp represents a libero with the technical skill, mindset, and competitive drive to thrive at the next level.   ~ 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

California volleyball continues to raise the bar on the national stage, and this year's freshman class is already leaving its mark. Each week, MaxPreps updates leaderboards in categories such as kills, hitting efficiency, assists, blocks, aces, and digs, and it's impressive to see first-year athletes carving out a place among the state and nation's best. With stats entered directly by coaches through the MaxPreps Team Admin system, these numbers offer a reliable snapshot of production at every level.