AVCA Phenoms: National Standouts

The AVCA Phenom Clinics and Showcase took place at the Kansas City Convention Center during one of the most influential weeks in the volleyball calendar, alongside the AVCA Convention and the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship. With college coaches, national staff, and volleyball leaders gathered from across the country, the setting created a rare and meaningful intersection of exposure, education, and elite competition.   The AVCA Phenom Program is widely recognized as more than a showcase. It is a national platform designed to identify high-level high school athletes, challenge them through advanced training environments, and prepare them for the expectations of college volleyball. Throughout the clinics and showcase sessions, athletes were evaluated beyond physical ability. Volleyball IQ, communication, adaptability, and professionalism consistently stood out as defining traits. These are the qualities college coaches rely on when projecting athletes to the next level.   To capture that growth, I asked select athletes from outside California to reflect on their experience as AVCA Phenoms. They shared how the invitation impacted their confidence and mindset, what areas of their game they are most proud of right now, and which habits they believe will matter most as they continue their development. Each athlete was also asked to offer advice to younger players aspiring to reach this level, providing insight shaped by experience rather than assumption.   The responses that follow are athlete-driven and intentionally reflective. They feature four national prospects, including standout performer [player_tooltip player_id='666872' first='Payton' last='Osegueda'], alongside [player_tooltip player_id='921415' first='Tori' last='Fadness'], [player_tooltip player_id='907710' first='Arielle' last='Johnson'], and Amelia Brown. Together, their reflections highlight players who understand their game, take ownership of their growth, and are learning to evaluate themselves with the same clarity and accountability college coaches demand. This is not just a look at performance in Kansas City, but a window into how these athletes think, prepare, and approach the road ahead.    [player_tooltip player_id='666872' first='Payton' last='Osegueda'] stood out as one of the top performing outside hitters across the AVCA Phenom Clinics and Showcase, and her performance was no surprise. I have seen Payton play and develop on multiple occasions, and this weekend reinforced just how intentional she is about her growth. Her ability to process the game quickly, compete with discipline, and impact plays on both pins consistently separated her in a deep national field.   What made Payton's weekend especially impressive was the commitment behind the scenes. She participated in the positional clinic on Friday, then turned around and woke up at 5:45 a.m. to compete in her first club tournament of the season. After finishing her matches, she drove straight back to the Kansas City Convention Center to showcase again. That type of schedule is demanding physically and mentally, yet Payton showed up composed, prepared, and ready to compete. That level of dedication, discipline, and love for the craft does not go unnoticed. It is exactly the kind of commitment college coaches respect and value.   Reflecting on her experience, Payton emphasized how meaningful it was to train and compete alongside top athletes from across the country. She noted that the environment helped her understand her competition while also building confidence through fast-paced, high-impact drills. On the court, she is most proud of her ability to make quick, disciplined decisions as an attacker, combining volleyball IQ with power and shot selection. Her training is rooted in understanding the game, which allows her to stay adaptable and effective in high-level situations.   Looking ahead, Payton is focused on maintaining confidence and accountability while continuing to grow as both a player and a person. Her advice to younger athletes is clear and grounded in experience. Set higher standards for yourself. Be willing to do what others are not. Trust your process, stay committed to your path, and take the time to understand who you are, not just as a player, but as a competitor navigating pressure, challenges, and growth.   [player_tooltip player_id='666872' first='Payton' last='Osegueda']'s weekend in Kansas City was not just about performance. It was a reflection of preparation, mindset, and a relentless commitment to getting better, traits that translate directly to the next level.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSggi-QDMFt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </div></figure>     Competing at the AVCA Phenom Showcase gave [player_tooltip player_id='907710' first='Arielle' last='Johnson'] a clearer understanding of what college volleyball demands, both physically and mentally. Lining up alongside some of the top athletes in the country pushed her to raise her own standards and reinforced that she belongs at this level.   Arielle takes pride in staying calm and reliable in pressure moments. As a right side, she values being a consistent and trustworthy attacker when points matter most. She believes her size, versatility, and mental toughness separate her when the game tightens.   What stood out most in Arielle's reflection was her emphasis on discipline, consistency, and coachability. She understands that success at the next level requires balance, strong time management, accountability, and commitment on and off the court. Her advice to younger players focused on trusting the process, prioritizing fundamentals, embracing feedback, and enjoying the journey.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Being invited to the Phenom Program reshaped how [player_tooltip player_id='921415' first='Tori' last='Fadness'] views her volleyball journey. The experience boosted her confidence and validated her hard work, while also providing expert training that clarified what she needs to elevate her game for the college level.   Tori identifies her competitive nature, tenacity, and work ethic as defining traits, both on and off the court. She takes pride in being the type of athlete who brings out the best in others through her energy and leadership.   Her advice was rooted in maturity. Do not be overly critical after mistakes. Learn, move forward, and make the next play better. She understands that growth, not perfection, is what leads to long term success.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSgVtAzESAj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </div></figure>     For Amelia Brown, the Phenom Program provided valuable insight into transitioning to life as a college student athlete. The opportunity reinforced that her hard work has been recognized and encouraged her to take risks, set higher goals, and pursue her dreams with confidence.   Amelia is most proud of the constant energy she brings to the court and the positive environment she helps create. As a setter, she takes pride in running a quicker offense and seeing the court well for her hitters, offering feedback and support to help them succeed.   Mental toughness and empathy are central to Amelia's approach. She values bouncing back quickly from mistakes and supporting teammates through challenges. Her advice emphasized putting in extra work outside of practice, committing to development, and understanding that consistent effort compounds over time.   ~ 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. Want to take the next step? Reach out to a featured athlete and introduce yourself. 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The AVCA Phenom Clinics and Showcase took place at the Kansas City Convention Center during one of the most influential weeks in the volleyball calendar, alongside the AVCA Convention and the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship. With college coaches, national staff, and volleyball leaders gathered from across the country, the setting created a rare and meaningful intersection of exposure, education, and elite competition.