Eight Sophomores College Coaches Should Be Tracking Right Now

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This article is made possible by PrepDig subscribers. Thank you! ~ You can join with 30% off using code: Coachable247</a>   The sophomore class is where college coaches start separating potential from projection. At this stage, it's less about polish and more about patterns, how athletes think the game, how they train, and how they show up for their teammates. The eight 2028s below stood out not because of hype, but because of how intentionally they describe their development, their competitive awareness, and their impact on the court. These are athletes who understand their role, are actively sharpening their tools, and are building habits that translate to the next level.    [player_tooltip player_id='886665' first='Maddison' last='Jackson'] identifies as a blocker first, and she understands exactly why. With her vertical and reach, she forces hitters to make decisions, either hitting into her hands or altering their shot into the defense, which she views as a collective weapon. What stands out is her awareness that blocking fuels offense, not just stops points. She is intentionally expanding her attacking range by working on different tempos, set types, and zone targeting, pairing on-court reps with personal training focused on timing, footwork, and explosiveness. Her goals this season center on anticipation and transition, aiming to become more dominant at the net while continuing to raise her vertical. Coaches will appreciate both her growth mindset and her personality, she celebrates positive plays with fun dances inspired by her favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles, and she also runs her own videography business, showing creativity and initiative off the court.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Leadership is the first thing [player_tooltip player_id='725940' first='Noelani' last='Ramirez'] points to, and it shows in how she frames her game. She values calm control and consistency, allowing her teammates to trust her regardless of momentum or score. That leadership supports her ability to run a fast, clean offense, and she is currently sharpening her deception to create single-block situations for her hitters. Her focus is simple and repeatable, taking the ball in the same spot, staying consistent, and letting deception come from discipline rather than flash. Playing a year up, her goals include speeding up her offense while maintaining precision and expanding her range so she can set effectively from anywhere on the court. She brings edge and humor to the position too, joking that you can “connect the dots” with the bruises she earns from relentless floor defense, a small detail that reflects her competitive buy-in.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='908461' first='Malia' last='Fa'ataualofa']'s game is anchored in back-row excellence. She takes pride in her digs, back-row attacks, and loud communication, which consistently make her presence felt during matches. While defense is her foundation, she is actively investing in her front-row development through consistent off-season training and daily plyometric work to elevate her attacking threat. Her goals are straightforward and mature, continue refining every position she plays and keep elevating her overall level. What truly stands out is her resilience. After tearing her ACL during her freshman year, she returned to earn a varsity spot as a sophomore, a testament to both physical commitment and mental toughness that coaches value deeply.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='729135' first='Arianne' last='Paulsen'] defines her strongest skill as her mindset, and she means it. Determination, willingness to go for it, and an attacking attitude shape how she plays. She is consistently working on defense through one-on-one training, with a clear goal of becoming a stronger defender who lifts her team's level. Off the court, Arianne brings a rare level of balance and discipline. She has traveled to 27 states, has been homeschooled for much of her education, and is currently completing both sophomore and junior math courses in the same year. She works out almost daily, has played piano for a decade, and has ridden horses since she was five. Coaches looking for driven, well-rounded athletes will recognize how that discipline translates to the court.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='507405' first='Rachel' last='Nemee'] plays defense with purpose. Her “never let the ball drop” mentality defines her approach, as she drives low, pursues relentlessly, and sets the competitive tone for her team. Leadership and effort are inseparable in her game. She is currently expanding her skill set by developing consistent out-of-system hand setting, training extensively with Chris Austin at the CPA facility to produce a flat, clean ball that keeps tempo when systems break down. Her goals this season include leading as a libero while improving across all skills, setting, passing, serving, and defense. A unique crossover shows up in her varsity drill team experience, which she credits for enhancing her footwork, agility, and ability to make fast, low movements, skills that directly benefit her defensive play.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Endurance is the cornerstone of [player_tooltip player_id='744093' first='Grace' last='McKeown']'s game. Her commitment to training allows her to maintain a high level physically and mentally, which supports her ability to attack from every position on the court. She is currently focused on developing a two-step topspin serve, committing to high-rep repetition after learning it late in her high school season. Her goals reflect ambition and clarity, winning in the USA division, establishing herself as a six-rotation player, improving leadership, and sharpening technical skills. Grace also expresses a genuine curiosity for learning leadership principles and understanding the world around her, traits that often translate into strong locker-room presence and long-term development.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='539222' first='Maia' last='Lieu'] brings grit, speed, and leadership to every role she plays. As a setter, she prides herself on getting her hands on balls others might bump set, using quick feet and defensive toughness to keep her team in system. Her leadership shows through constant communication, calling plays, and leading with energy and hustle. She is actively developing an aggressive serve, working on a topspin jump serve with precise sideline and end-line placement, and sharpening her deception through eye-work drills that help freeze blockers. Her goals are ambitious and measurable, qualifying for nationals, ranking top 10 in NCVA, leading her team in assists and aces, and building strong hitter connections. Off the court, she is a dual-sport athlete and former Junior Olympic swimmer, maintains a 3.93 GPA, volunteers with Kiwanis, and enjoys baking, offering a full picture of balance and work ethic.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='568081' first='Ava' last='Marie Smith'] describes her game through steadiness, calm focus, and volleyball IQ, qualities that consistently translate at higher levels. She is currently refining her approach to maximize shot placement, aiming to become a more dynamic and efficient attacker rather than relying on power alone. Her goals this season are team-first, becoming the best all-around player she can be to support those around her while continuing to grow personally and athletically. Off the court, Ava has been learning French since age eight and dreams of traveling or living abroad in France, a detail that reflects curiosity, commitment, and long-term thinking.   ~ 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. Build connections, not just stats.   📣 Club Coaches & Directors Share this with your teams. If your athletes are highlighted, celebrate them. Post it, tag us, and help their stories reach the right eyes. Visibility matters.   🎯 College Coaches Tag these athletes in University Athlete and evaluate them as potential fits for your program. We continue tracking their growth and impact through Recruitable Credentials, the indicators coaches trust. 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