AVCA Phenom Showcase: Mindset, Growth, and the Next Level

The AVCA Phenom Clinics and Showcases took place at the Kansas City Convention Center during one of the most influential weeks on the volleyball calendar, held alongside the AVCA Convention and the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship. With college coaches, national staff, and volleyball leaders all in one city, the environment created a rare moment where exposure, education, and elite competition intersected.   The Phenom Program has long been recognized as more than a showcase. It is a national platform designed to identify high-level high school athletes, challenge them through advanced training, and educate them on what it truly takes to transition into college volleyball. Across the clinics and showcase sessions, athletes were not only evaluated on physical tools, but on volleyball IQ, communication, adaptability, and professionalism. These are the traits college coaches consistently value when projecting players to the next level.   To capture that growth and perspective, I asked some athletes to reflect on their experience as AVCA Phenoms. They shared how the invitation impacted their mindset and confidence, what aspects of their game they are most proud of right now, and which habits they believe will matter most as they continue their journey. They were also asked to offer advice to younger players who aspire to reach this level, providing insight rooted in experience rather than assumption.   The responses that follow are athlete-driven and intentionally reflective. They highlight players who understand their game, take ownership of their development, and are learning how to evaluate themselves with the same clarity college coaches demand. This is not just a look at how they performed in Kansas City, but a window into how they think, how they prepare, and how they are approaching the path ahead.    “Being invited to the Phenom Program has renewed my drive to work harder every day. I'm excited to compete alongside the best athletes in the nation and elevate my level of play.”   Yemaya later reflected on how her game shows up on the court, pointing to anticipation as a strength that consistently impacts play. “I am most proud of my ability to read setters and anticipate plays before they happen. This has allowed me to create more opportunities to get blocks and make positive touches that help my team.”   Looking ahead, her focus shifted to the mental and communicative demands of the game. “Because volleyball is such a mental sport, being able to have tools to help me not get stuck in my head will help set me apart. Being a strong communicator is important both on and off the court.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     “Being invited to the Phenom Program is both motivating and humbling. The invitation confirms that my hard work is being recognized while showing me there is a higher standard required to compete at the college level.”   She pointed to serve receive and early reads as areas where her game consistently impacted others. “Being able to create strong, early angles on serve receive has created great opportunities for my hitters. I understand offensive and defensive systems, anticipate plays, and position myself early rather than reacting late.”   Drawing from both her playing and coaching experience, Anela reflected on long-term growth. “I've learned to fall in love with the process, not just the outcome. Growth comes from consistency, discipline, and doing the small things well every day.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     “I was excited and honored to be selected for the Phenom Program. The coaching, learning, and experience has me excited for the future.”   She pointed to leadership and continued development as focal points of her game. “I am proud of my setting skills and leadership on the court, which I continue to work on each day.”   Reflecting on the broader impact of volleyball, Naomi shared, “Through volleyball I have made lifelong friends, learned how to work with others, and how to stay motivated even when it gets challenging.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     “Being invited to the AVCA Phenom College Prep Program means a lot to me because it confirms that the work I've been putting in is paying off. It has boosted my confidence, but it has also pushed me to keep working to see how much further I can grow.”   Sydney reflected on how her game had evolved, pointing to decision-making and composure as key strengths. “I'm really proud of how well-rounded my game has become and how I see the court. I work very hard to make smart decisions, stay composed in high pressure moments, and be someone my teammates can rely on.”   Looking ahead, she emphasized habits that extend beyond the court. “Having strong discipline, being consistent, and having resilience will matter the most to me. Off the court, I want to continue to work on time management so I can balance volleyball with academics and taking care of my body.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     “Knowing that I was selected for a national showcase and getting the opportunity to compete with some of the best high school players in the country has really motivated me and shown the hard work I've put into this sport.”   She then shared how her role on the court continued to expand. “I've been working on becoming a six-rotation player. I've been focusing on my serve receive and defense, and I feel my court awareness and shot selection set me apart.”   Looking forward, Ava centered her mindset on patience and consistency. “Trust the process and don't compare yourself to other players. Everyone's journey is different, and if you stay consistent, work hard, and be confident, opportunities will come.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     “I think it's a great step towards my future, and I'm really hopeful for what will come after this AVCA Phenom showcase.”   She highlighted offensive distribution as a strength she relied on in competition. “I'm proud of how I mix the offense around, and I think seeing holes in the other team's defense sets me apart when I compete.”   When offering advice, Makenna emphasized staying grounded in personal growth. “Don't compare yourself to other players. You are where you need to be, and if you keep working toward your goals, things will fall into place.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     “Coming to the Phenom Program has been unique in that I was given access to tools and resources for the mental side of volleyball. I attended sessions focused on building mental resiliency and completed a TAP test to find my strengths and areas for improvement.”   She then reflected on how she impacted matches physically. “Blocking is a very important part of volleyball, both defensively and for maintaining momentum. There's nothing better than getting a stuff straight down.”   Her advice to younger players centered on staying connected to the game itself. “Don't forget your love of the game. It will help you get through the inevitable ups and downs that come with competing.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Sofia was unable to attend the Phenom Talent Showcase in Kansas City due to academic commitments, as she navigated a demanding finals schedule that included AP European History, Honors Chemistry, Algebra 2, and an Honors English presentation.   I was still able to capture her thoughts on the invitation. “It is definitely a confidence booster, considering a limited number of athletes are selected for this program. I am very honored, and honestly it inspires me to work harder.”   She reflected on the role energy and leadership play in her game. “I am most proud of my ability to lift up my teammates and how I treat myself and my teammates on and off the court. I love to be loud and celebrate plays, no matter the score or who is on the other side. Energy is such a huge part of volleyball and success, and it is not emphasized enough.”   Looking ahead, Sofia emphasized connection and trust as foundational habits. “One habit that I believe is so helpful is bonding with every one of my teammates. Volleyball is so much fun when you are surrounded by people you love, and trusting each other is so important. Team chemistry comes from strong friendships, and that matters to the success of volleyball as a whole.”   Her advice to younger athletes reflected patience and perspective. “Trust your journey. It is not going to be the same as everyone else's. You have to trust that everything will work out for you if you continue working hard. Comparison is the thief of joy.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">✨ If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going</h2>   🔥 Players Use this article to grow. Take notes, study what makes others stand out, and apply it to your own journey. 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The AVCA Phenom Clinics and Showcases took place at the Kansas City Convention Center during one of the most influential weeks on the volleyball calendar, held alongside the AVCA Convention and the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship. With college coaches, national staff, and volleyball leaders all in one city, the environment created a rare moment where exposure, education, and elite competition intersected.