What’s Happening in Northern California – Athletes Reflect

<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 athletes featured below competed across multiple tournaments this past weekend and took the time to reflect on more than just results. They shared their evaluations of how they impacted their teams, what they're learning about their game, and where they're intentionally focusing their growth next.   At PrepDig, we cover athletes across all levels and divisions, including NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and JUCO, because the recruiting journey looks different for every player. These spotlights are athlete-led reflections, curated for coaches and families who value self-awareness, decision-making, accountability, and a clear improvement mindset, offering insight into who these athletes are on the court, and who they are becoming beyond it.    Addison helped lead [program_tooltip program_id='580830' first='Synergy' last='Force'] 18 Gold to the gold bracket championship match at the NorCal Winter Classic, finishing the tournament undefeated before a tough three-set loss. She credited her growth to taking coaching feedback seriously, particularly in improving her serve receive, staying level in defense, and bringing consistent energy and encouragement to her teammates. Addison is currently focused on staying out of her head, improving her corner coverage, and reading hitters more effectively so she can anticipate and react sooner. Off the court, she's gearing up for her school soccer season as a goalkeeper after winning her division championship last year, showing the same competitive drive across multiple sports.   Addision will compete at the WCVBA Presidents' Day tournament in Rancho Cordova, CA.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Amaya competed at the Cal Kickoff in San Mateo in what was her team's first tournament playing together, and she came away proud of the group's potential and overall performance. As a team captain, she focused on leading by example and maintaining a positive presence while continuing to grow as both a player and leader. Her next area of focus is becoming even more effective in leadership and sharpening her offensive toolkit, especially tipping faster and deeper into the corners. Amaya describes herself as bubbly, kind, and someone who brings joy to those around her, often using humor to connect with her teammates.   Amaya will compete next at the Power League Qualifier on January 31–February 1.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Vivi brought high energy and consistency throughout the NorCal Winter Classic, anchoring her team with vocal leadership, effort, and composure in serve receive and defensive seams. One of her standout moments came on a scrappy block cover where she nearly backbent to keep the play alive before resetting and passing the next ball cleanly. She felt confident in her passing, serving, and out-of-system setting, helping Marin finish second in the gold bracket after a competitive final day. Vivi's main focus moving forward is refining her serve accuracy, particularly short serves, while continuing to lead and communicate at a high level. Off the court, she was recently recognized for her photography, which was featured in a magazine, and was accepted into her school's Community Action Leadership Council.   Vivian will compete next at Power League Qualifiers (Jan 31–Feb 1) and the Las Vegas Classic (Feb 14–16).   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Chloe helped her team by staying aggressive every play and keeping team energy high throughout the NorCal Winter Classic. She felt strong offensively and focused on reading the opposing side to place the ball in smart, aggressive locations. Her next area of improvement is working on lateral movement and staying loose defensively so she can cover more ground with efficiency. Off the court, Chloe describes herself as outgoing and recently found balance through hiking, exploring new places, and journaling, which has become a meaningful way for her to reflect and reset.   Chloe will compete next at the NCVA Power League Qualifier (Jan 31–Feb 1) and the West Coast Qualifier (April 2–4).   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Jada made a strong impact at the San Mateo tournament through consistent offensive production and disciplined defensive work at the net. A highlight moment came with a single-handed block against DVC 15-1s that helped shift momentum, while across the weekend she totaled 20 kills and six blocks, showing growth in timing and net presence. Coaching feedback has guided her next phase of development, with a focus on squaring her hips when attacking for better balance and efficiency, and improving her blocking fundamentals by sealing the net and pressing her outside arm over. Off the court, Jada is proud of her team's 6–1 record and her commitment to academics, often studying in the car and completing homework right after school to stay ahead.   Jada will compete next at League Qualifiers at Cal Expo on January 24–25.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Zuma competed at the Matt Hartner Memorial Classic in Eugene, where she adjusted to playing outside as an undersized athlete and focused on leading through communication and composure. She was especially effective from the service line, recording multiple aces with her jump float serve while staying calm and organized in serve receive and play execution. Her next focus is becoming louder and clearer on the court, expanding her shot selection, and learning to find holes more consistently from the pins. Off the court, Zuma was recognized as Student of the Month in World Languages for her critical thinking and exceeding expectations, reflecting the same discipline she brings to volleyball.   Zuma will compete next at the CEVA Presidents' Day tournament on February 14–16.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Camila competed at the NorCal Winter Classic with a steady presence, staying calm in high-pressure moments and distributing effectively to her hitters. She focused on using long-distance sets to create one-on-one situations at the net and felt proud of her ability to lead vocally when her team needed momentum. Moving forward, Camila wants to sharpen her ability to analyze opposing teams' systems so she can better exploit defensive gaps and create more scoring opportunities. Off the court, she enjoys volunteering with cats at the local SPCA and recently welcomed a new dog into her life, showing her nurturing side beyond volleyball.   Camila will compete next at the Power League Qualifier in Sacramento on January 24–25.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Cheska's team captured the NorCal Winter Classic championship in San Jose, and she played a key role in maintaining defensive consistency and communication throughout the weekend. She focused on making sure her teammates knew she had their backs, calling balls clearly and helping organize coverage, especially in the back row. Cheska is now working on playing smarter offensively by recognizing when to attack aggressively and when to place the ball with intention. Off the court, she's proud to have started her season with a championship win, setting a confident tone for the year ahead.   Cheska will compete next at Power League on January 24–25 in San Mateo.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Charlise opened her season with a strong all-around showing, finishing third in the 14 Open Elite division and making a clear impact through her defensive effort and court awareness. She was especially proud of how she read hitters more effectively with each match, earning quality digs and hustle touches that extended rallies and helped shift momentum for her team. Offensively, Charlise focused on making smarter attacking decisions, mixing in shots and rolls instead of swinging hard every time, which allowed her to score with more intention and efficiency. She also highlighted the importance of maintaining her nutrition and recovery routine while traveling, which helped her sustain endurance while playing six rotations and eight consecutive sets on the final day. Looking ahead, she's working on improving her ability to convert attacks into kills, guided by coaching feedback to find open spots more consistently. Off the court, Charlise brings the same discipline to her academics, currently holding a 4.0 GPA and challenging herself musically as she transitions from clarinet to French horn in her school's concert band.   Charlise will compete next at the NCVA Power League Qualifier on January 24–25.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Elin delivered a strong defensive weekend, standing out for her consistency in coverage and off-blocker defense while showing noticeable growth throughout the tournament. One of her favorite moments came when she anticipated an opposing right-side block, positioned herself early, and popped up a one-handed dig that allowed her setter to transition the play into a kill on the outside. She also highlighted an aggressive back-row play where she sprinted into the right corner of the ten-foot line and laid out for a one-handed diving save, keeping the rally alive. Elin felt she grew a lot as a player and is now focused on continuing to improve her serve receive, especially picking a side earlier to give her setter a more controlled first contact. Off the court, Elin is committed to serving her community, recently adopting a family over the holidays and preparing to join National Charity League in April. She also enjoys baking and recently made Funfetti Christmas cookies.   Elin will compete next at the Power League Qualifier on January 24–25.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Chloe competed in her very first club tournament and made an immediate impression as an smaller outside hitter, showing that strong technique and a disciplined approach can translate into powerful offense regardless of height. At 4'10, she took pride in demonstrating that she can still attack effectively by using proper footwork, timing, and swing mechanics. Looking ahead, Chloe is focused on improving her serve receive as she continues to develop her all-around game. Off the court, she stays active across multiple sports, including jujitsu, Muay Thai, and snowboarding, bringing a diverse athletic background to her development.   Chloe will compete next at the NVCA Power League Qualifier on January 24.   ~ 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. 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