Who’s Growing Right Now? Athletes Reflect on Their Weekend

<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 took the time to reflect on their weekend performances, not just on what went well, but on how they impacted their teams, where they are growing, and what they are intentionally working toward next. Each player competed across different events, shared honest takeaways from the court, and offered insight into who they are beyond volleyball, along with where they will be playing next. The common thread across all seven is not stats or hype, but reflection, coachability, and a genuine commitment to getting better.    At the Salt Lake City Showdown in 18 Open, Olivia evaluated her weekend as a developmental success, even without strong win-loss results. She contributed through consistent serving in crucial moments, effective blocking against physical hitters, and high-energy leadership both on and off the court. She emphasized her ability to react quickly and support the back row, while also leading her team's communication and bench energy. Olivia's current development focus is improving her connection with her setters and becoming more available in transition, guided by coaching feedback to open up her approach and expand her hitting range.   [player_tooltip player_id='733154' first='Olivia' last='Contreras'] will next compete at the Sierra National Qualifier in San Mateo from February 28 to May 2.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Layla helped lead her team to a 5-0 weekend and a second seed at the Power League Qualifier in San Mateo, highlighting her communication, leadership, and consistent support of her teammates. She expressed pride in applying the skills she has been developing to become a more complete and confident player on the court. Her next area of focus is expanding her attacking range and recognizing when different situations call for more aggressive shot selection, rather than playing it safe. Off the court, Layla enjoys spending time with her family, dancing with teammates and friends, and recently completed her High School Placement Test as she prepares to begin high school this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='752867' first='Layla' last='Marquez']'s upcoming events include Power League 1 on February 7 and Triple Crown from February 14–16.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Avery had a strong showing at the NCVA Power League Qualifier in Sacramento, where she contributed through long serving runs, fast-paced offensive plays as an opposite, and smart decision-making as a setter. She described her impact as running the team's offense with precision and bringing intensity in close games, making herself someone her coaches and teammates could rely on. Her development focus is on improving defensive readiness, staying on her feet longer, and refining her timing on faster sets. Off the court, Avery balances high-level athletics with academics, maintaining a 4.3 GPA, earning varsity spots in both volleyball and basketball, and helping her high school team reach the NorCal State Semifinals.   [player_tooltip player_id='780988' first='Avery' last='Bartelink']'s next events include NCVA Power League #1 on February 8 and the SCVA Las Vegas Classic from February 14–16.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Johanna stood out in San Mateo as a consistent force at the net, noting how her blocking and attacking from the middle forced opposing teams to adjust their offense. She took pride in her timing on overpass kills and her ability to deliver both blocks and terminal swings in key moments. Her primary technical focus moving forward is continuing to “press on the block” to become even more effective defensively. Outside of volleyball, Johanna is actively involved in FFA, recently acquiring two lambs and placing 9th in the sectional speaking contest for the FFA Creed.   [player_tooltip player_id='697336' first='Johanna' last='Lawler'] will compete next at Power League #1 on February 7 in Roseville.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Abigail competed at the NCVA Power League Qualifiers in Sacramento and approached the weekend with a growth mindset, focusing on swinging aggressively, reading blockers more effectively, and improving shot placement. She identified her front-row attacking as a key way she helps her team compete, while also embracing her role as a captain by prioritizing communication, emotional control, and creating space for teammates to learn and make mistakes. New to the outside hitter position after two years as a middle, Abigail is intentionally working on serve receive, defensive reads, and technical elements of her attacking mechanics to improve consistency and reduce injury risk. Off the court, she balances volleyball with qualifying for USA Track and Field Regionals, participating in a juried art show, and conducting marine research on tidepools and salinity.   [player_tooltip player_id='701239' first='Abigail' last='Wunderlich']'s next tournament is NCVA Power League #1 on January 8.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Competing at the SCSN Girls 14U Event 2, Dylan highlighted her team's resilience in a three-set comeback, pointing to her defensive contributions through key digs and clean passes that directly led to scoring opportunities. Playing up as the youngest athlete on a 14-1 squad at just 12 years old, she emphasized how meaningful it has been to compete alongside older players and “hang with them.” Looking ahead, Dylan is focused on becoming more aggressive and consistently vocal on the court, while also improving her speed and footwork to get into better passing and digging positions.   [player_tooltip player_id='849386' first='Dylan' last='So'olefai'] will next compete at Combine 1 from February 14–16.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Competing at SCSN #2 in Ladera Ranch, Jessi contributed across all phases of the game, recording assists to every hitter while taking particular pride in her digging and passing. She is focused on developing quicker releases, continuing to deliver consistent sets to all attacking positions, and learning to better read the game to identify dumping opportunities. Turning 13 during the tournament, Jessi celebrated both her birthday and her team's undefeated 3-0 (6-0) performance, describing the experience as a memorable and meaningful milestone.   [player_tooltip player_id='778837' first='Jessi' last='Duran'] will next compete at Coastal Combine #1.   ~ 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. 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