Teammates Everyone Wants. Competitors Every Coach Needs

At the UpNext Showcase, every court had a voice that set the tone. This group leaned into communication, body language, and effort plays that shifted momentum. In a fast-paced setting, they introduced themselves through talk, touch, and tempo. Off the court, a common theme came through: these girls love being great teammates. They believe energy and connection can change a match, and they're putting in the work every day to make sure their skills match that mindset.    Arianna is getting faster to short balls and building that first step that steals space in front of the block. At the showcase she pushed herself to be louder so her effort turned into team rhythm against elite talent. “I want people to remember how hard I play.” The goal is a voice that travels and a presence that lifts the whole group.   Fun fact: She likes to build Legos.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Gwen chases every ball, resets instantly, and treats serve receive like a puzzle. The showcase let her match up with older athletes and prove her pace belongs. “Work hard. Play harder. Period.” Coaches will remember her smile, her positivity, and a motor that never downshifts.   Fun fact: She is 12 and already competing with high level teenagers.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Hailey is sharpening her serve to create pressure and tracking how changes in form affect speed and control. She arrived at the showcase ready for coaching cues she can carry into tryouts and for connections that make the work more fun. “My goal is for coaches and players to remember my attitude and energy.” She trains harder than last season and surrounds herself with friends who share the grind.   Fun fact: She loves adventures like zip lining, hiking, and surfing.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Haylie forms early angles and aims to pin perfect passes at the target, even against tough servers. The showcase helped her practice confidence and communication with new teammates and coaches. “I'm excited to learn what these showcases are all about.” Her excitement for volleyball is contagious and her body language is steady.`   Fun fact: She started playing when she was seven.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Olena is taking more court, over-communicating seams, and adding hand passing to her toolbox. At the showcase she was everywhere, making smart reads and high-level moves that stood out. “A personal goal of mine for this upcoming season is to really work on hand passing,” she shared, and she backed it up in person. Her leadership shows in her talk and the way she commands the back row.   Fun fact: She played competitive softball for five years and led her All-Star team in on-base percentage.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Olivia is taking charge of the back row and practicing volume with purpose so new teammates trust her calls. She used the showcase to speak up with people she had never met and to keep communication loud from first drill to last point. “I want them to remember me as a loud person.” Her multi-sport background fuels her agility and willingness to compete in any station.   Fun fact: She has played tennis, badminton, figure skating, taekwondo, archery, and more.   ~ 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, every court had a voice that set the tone. This group leaned into communication, body language, and effort plays that shifted momentum. In a fast-paced setting, they introduced themselves through talk, touch, and tempo. Off the court, a common theme came through: these girls love being great teammates. They believe energy and connection can change a match, and they're putting in the work every day to make sure their skills match that mindset.