Recruitable Credential: Freshman on Varsity

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earning a varsity spot as a freshman isn't just impressive. It's a strong <strong><em>Recruitable Credential</em> </strong>when paired with meaningful playing time. College coaches recognize that competing for significant minutes against older, stronger athletes shows readiness, resilience, and poise under pressure. It signals that a player has already developed the mental and physical tools to contribute at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For many, this early exposure becomes the foundation of their recruiting journey. Playing alongside upperclassmen demands faster decision-making, tougher defense, and stronger communication. These are the traits that translate directly to college play. Freshmen who can hold their own on varsity often stand out not only for skill, but for confidence, composure, and maturity beyond their years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This feature highlights just some of the hundreds of athletes across the country who were tagged in our viral post on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPRcY4ajTW0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>PrepDigCA</strong></a>. Each name in this article was self-reported and may vary in playing time, yet every athlete represents early potential and the kind of drive, consistency, and coachability that college programs look for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Freshman Voices: What It's Like to Compete on Varsity Early</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To better understand what this experience looks like from the court, we asked a couple freshmen to share what it's been like stepping into varsity competition. Their stories reflect the mix of excitement, challenge, and growth that comes with earning a role among older teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["702994"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ee788f0c034"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">“My biggest strengths this season have been my passing and serving, which help our team stay consistent. I also bring energy and communication on the court, always encouraging my teammates and keeping us connected. The most exciting part has been getting to compete at a faster pace and learning from the older players. The most challenging part has been gaining confidence and adjusting to the speed of the game, but it's pushed me to improve and earn respect on the court.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kayla shared that playing club with <em>Coast 14 Davis</em> has been instrumental in her growth. Her future goals include competing at a high college level, and she wants coaches to know she's hardworking, coachable, and always focused on team success. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["891736"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ee788f0c093"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">“Being a freshman on varsity, my biggest strength would be my presence as a blocker on the court. I'm able to consistently put a block up, which helps my team throughout tough rallies. One of the most exciting parts of being a freshman playing against older athletes is learning from them and witnessing what a great volleyball player looks like. It's a bit scary at times, especially when facing D1 commits, but adapting to the speed and power has helped me improve my blocking and confidence.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ekam's goal is to continue developing her leadership and defensive presence while pursuing her dream to play at the collegiate level. Her energy, communication, and positivity have already made an impact as a young leader on the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Social Spotlight: Freshmen Making Noise Online</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From California to Texas and beyond, these athletes proudly tagged their schools, teams, and teammates in response to our Varsity Freshmen Alert. We encourage college coaches to explore the IG handles below to discover emerging talent across multiple regions. <em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> These Instagram accounts were not individually reviewed or verified by PrepDig. All handles were self-reported and included based on public tags under the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPRcY4ajTW0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">original post</a>.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <p>We encourage college coaches to click the IG handles below and learn more about these outstanding athletes.</p> <h3>📍California </h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ava.selover/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ava.selover</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/abby.wunderlich.2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@abby.wunderlich.2029</a>, Granada HS, Livermore<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yemayavolleyball/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@yemayavolleyball</a>, Crossroads School for Arts &amp; Sciences, Santa Monica<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/viviennemonn2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@viviennemonn2029</a>, Crossroads School for Arts &amp; Sciences, Los Angeles<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ava_castagninovb29/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ava_castagninovb29</a>, Crossroads School for Arts &amp; Sciences<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/matteavergaravball/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@matteavergaravball</a>, Marlborough School, Los Angeles<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sienna.mattoon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@sienna.mattoon</a>, El Segundo High School<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellyanapadillavb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ellyanapadillavb</a>, Clovis North HS, Outside Hitter<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/victoria_wiederholdvb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@victoria_wiederholdvb</a>, Clovis North HS, Setter<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sofiyah.martinez.volleyball29/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@sofiyah.martinez.volleyball29</a>, Cardinal Newman HS<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nevaeh_chris9/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@nevaeh_chris9</a>, Eleanor Roosevelt HS, Eastvale<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mady.step/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@mady.step</a>, Beckman HS, Tustin<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rowan_greenfield2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@rowan_greenfield2029</a>, CA<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kennedy.volleyball2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@kennedy.volleyball2029</a>, Valley Christian HS<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/allyson_ray2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@allyson_ray2029</a>, Bakersfield HS<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/naomipankratz2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@naomipankratz2029</a>, Nipomo HS<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mehar.vb2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@mehar.vb2029</a>, Kairo's Luminary HS, Vacaville<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zumaplaysvolleyball/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@zumaplaysvolleyball</a>, Eureka HS<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reece.thomas.vb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@reece.thomas.vb</a>, Point Loma HS<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kayla_l__/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@kayla_l__</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gianna_28.9/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@gianna_28.9</a>, CA<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chloekahealani/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@chloekahealani</a>, Vista Murrieta HS, Varsity Setter<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ayva.agno.vb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ayva.agno.vb</a>, CA<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/keira_volleyball_20/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@keira_volleyball_20</a>, Norco HS<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kate_jannazo_ath/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@kate_jannazo_ath</a>, CA<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marcellalanders2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@marcellalanders2029</a>, CA<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/itsleilani_vb2030/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@itsleilani_vb2030</a>, Long Beach MS, 8th grader on varsity<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jademorgan.volleyball/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jademorgan.volleyball</a>, Notre Dame, Sherman Oaks<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fayedvolleyball2028/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@fayedvolleyball2028</a>, CA<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/emmarese._harrison/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@emmarese._harrison</a>, CA<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/luciawilkinsvb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@luciawilkinsvb</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mayawilliams_vb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@mayawilliams_vb</a>, Oakland Tech<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kateandkennedyhull/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@kateandkennedyhull</a>, Woodcreek HS<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/collyns_livermore42/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@collyns_livermore42</a>, Livermore<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brooklynlopez_vball2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@brooklynlopez_vball2029</a>, Fresno<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ekambrarvb_29/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ekambrarvb_29</a>, Dublin HS, CA<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kayla_lalezari/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@kayla_lalezari</a>, La Jolla Country Day, CA<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dany.skye.vb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@dany.skye.vb</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gwen.santos08/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@gwen.santos08</a>, Bishop Alemany<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mckenna_adamo2028/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@mckenna_adamo2028</a>, CA<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/matteavergaravball/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@matteavergaravball</a>, CA<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellyanapadillavb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ellyanapadillavb</a>, CA<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/caitlynyulfo_vb2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@caitlynyulfo_vb2029</a>, TVHS<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/charlotte8_volleyball/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@charlotte8_volleyball</a><br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lauren.parubrub/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@lauren.parubrub</a><br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fitiulamea_vb2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@fitiulamea_vb2029</a><br> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <h3>📍Texas </h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ade_eweka/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ade_eweka</a>, Pieper HS, Lady Warriors, San Antonio<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maddi_.02/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@maddi_.02</a>, Randle HS, Richmond<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lolaprpa2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@lolaprpa2029</a>, The Kinkaid School, Houston<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bigplaypey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@bigplaypey</a>, Prestonwood Christian Academy, Plano<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bailey_shelvin2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@bailey_shelvin2029</a>, Lone Star HS, Frisco<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gracelyn_volleyball_2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@gracelyn_volleyball_2029</a>, Kennedale HS<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sophia.m.vb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@sophia.m.vb</a>, El Paso HS<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alaynaw2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@alaynaw2029</a>, Dallas<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/grace.combs29/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@grace.combs29</a>, TX<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kennedistout/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@kennedistout</a>, TX<br> <h3>📍Arizona </h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/klei_noah23/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@klei_noah23</a>, Basha HS, Chandler<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chelseamayhead.vb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@chelseamayhead.vb</a>, Basha HS, Chandler<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/allyspur_volleyball2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@allyspur_volleyball2029</a>, Shadow Mountain HS, Phoenix<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/izzy.m11vball/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@izzy.m11vball</a>, Mountain Pointe HS, Phoenix<br> <h3>📍Florida </h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nora.kretchman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@nora.kretchman</a>, Timber Creek HS, Orlando (Top 20 in kills, Top 3 in 7A Division)<br> <h3>📍Massachusetts </h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/margotweibleyvb_29/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@margotweibleyvb_29</a>, Libero, Buckingham Browne &amp; Nichols, Boston<br> <h3>📍Tennessee </h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brianna_volleyball18/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@brianna_volleyball18</a>, Cookeville HS<br> <h3>📍Virginia </h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliastar_andy.vb2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@juliastar_andy.vb2029</a>, Leesburg<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carolinecaisonvb29/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@carolinecaisonvb29</a>, Setter, Broadwater Academy, Exmore<br> <h3>📍Nevada </h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ajakatenayvolleyball/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@ajakatenayvolleyball</a>, Reed HS, Sparks<br> <h3>📍Missouri </h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pennyglosier2210/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@pennyglosier2210</a>, John Burroughs School<br> <h3>📍Kentucky </h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maren_mcbridevb29/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@maren_mcbridevb29</a>, Notre Dame Academy<br> <h3>📍New Jersey </h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/avamvillalobosvb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@avamvillalobosvb</a>, PCTI<br> <h3>📍Wisconsin </h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peterson.kyah/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@peterson.kyah</a>, Ripon HS<br> <h3>📍More Freshmen </h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/abby_zichella_vb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@abby_zichella_vb</a><br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelunsworth11/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@rachelunsworth11</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maddysmithh.11/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@maddysmithh.11</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kynzie_mo20/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@kynzie_mo20</a><br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/penny_flora2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@penny_flora2029</a><br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/veronicastepien2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@veronicastepien2029</a><br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gretchengrant.vb.bb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@gretchengrant.vb.bb</a><br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bellacarr1953/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@bellacarr1953</a><br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/courtlynvaughn/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@courtlynvaughn</a><br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/makayladomelowicz_volleyball5/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@makayladomelowicz_volleyball5</a><br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/melainayow2029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@melainayow2029</a><br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/allyspur2121/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">@allyspur2121</a><br> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Note to Athletes: Format Your Instagram Bio to Help College Coaches Find You</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":894322,"width":"322px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/IG-Bio.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-894322" style="width:322px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- 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:image {"id":894323,"width":"126px","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/5/2025/10/image_e42f4e.png" alt="" class="wp-image-894323" style="width:126px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The 2025 Prep Dig Exposure Tour is officially LIVE!</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>We're hitting 20+ cities across the country this winter to give athletes a platform to compete, get seen, and level up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>I'll personally be directing at <strong>Vegas</strong> <strong>(11/15), SoCal (11/23), NorCal (11/29), Arizona (12/14),</strong> and can't wait to welcome some of the region's top talent to the gym. <strong>Use Code: BamfordPD25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->