Athletes Ready to Make Noise at UA Next Camp, Kansas City

<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>   Just ahead of the Triple Crown NIT, the UA Next Volleyball Camp sets the stage for a fierce group of athletes to compete in one of the most exclusive environments in the sport, an invite-only experience powered by Under Armour. This camp brings together top middle and high school athletes from across the country for elite training, high-level competition, and meaningful national exposure.   For athletes in the Class of 2027, the stakes are clear. A standout performance can earn a coveted Golden Ticket to the UA All-America Volleyball Game in Florida. For the Class of 2028, this opportunity carries even greater significance. With one of the biggest tournaments of the season approaching, the timing could not be better. This camp offers a chance to elevate a résumé, sharpen confidence, and make a strong impression before game play begins.   I connected with a group of athletes heading into camp to hear what this opportunity means to them, what they are excited to showcase, and who they would bring along if given the chance. Their responses reflect gratitude, competitive fire, and a clear understanding of what moments like this can unlock.    Tessa is most excited about the chance to reunite with friends from out of state and compete alongside them in a high-level environment. She thrives when surrounded by strong competition and believes being around top players allows her to flourish in the sport she loves. For Tessa, the invitation represents validation that the work she has put in on and off the court is paying off, and an opportunity to test herself against some of the best athletes in the country. When asked who she would invite to camp, she could not choose just one. Instead, she pointed to her entire club team, a group she deeply values and believes all deserve this moment. Arizona Storm 17 Thunder includes [player_tooltip player_id='806931' first='Nylah' last='Bibby'] committed to the University of Arizona, [player_tooltip player_id='520375' first='Fara' last='Bronson'] committed to University of Alabama, [player_tooltip player_id='888558' first='Adelyn' last='Chang'] committed to Temple University, [player_tooltip player_id='877226' first='Lila' last='Ellsworth'] committed to Utah State University, [player_tooltip player_id='805712' first='Hayes' last='Haan'] committed to Saint Mary's College of California, [player_tooltip player_id='557005' first='Kaitlin' last='James'], [player_tooltip player_id='603194' first='Pulelehua' last='Laikona'] committed to University of Nebraska, [player_tooltip player_id='888921' first='Kenzie' last='Maldonado'] committed to Seton Hall University, [player_tooltip player_id='775765' first='Emerson' last='Ortiz'] committed to California Baptist University, Jula Utash committed to Boise State University, [player_tooltip player_id='937920' first='Sadie' last='Wahlin'] committed to Pepperdine University, Brenna Walsh committed to California State University, Fresno, and [player_tooltip player_id='883370' first='Mikaela' last='Lee-Tsosie']. It is a group she sees putting in the work every day, a group she believes will be successful, and a group that will always hold a special place in her heart.   “It means a lot to be recognized and be able to be in the gym with other girls who are so talented and to compete with them.” [player_tooltip player_id='774402' first='Tessa' last='Larkin']     Avery is heading into camp focused on technical growth that translates at the highest level. She is most excited to showcase her improvement in eye sequencing and blocking, areas she has clearly invested time into refining. For her, this invitation represents recognition and opportunity, a chance to step into the gym with other highly talented athletes and compete alongside them. She values the competitive environment and sees it as a space to test herself and continue to elevate her game. If given the opportunity to bring a teammate, Avery would choose Lyla Alvarado, the setter on her club team, believing Lyla's athleticism and range would allow her to compete confidently and show her full skill set.   “It means a lot to be recognized and be able to be in the gym with other girls who are so talented and to compete with them.” [player_tooltip player_id='906588' first='Avery' last='Masters']   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Berkley is looking forward to showcasing her competitive side and her court IQ, two elements she takes pride in bringing to every match. She understands how much talent exists nationwide and views this invitation as meaningful recognition of the effort she puts into getting better every day. For Berkley, the opportunity reinforces her commitment to continual growth and hard work. If she could bring someone along to share the experience, it would be her longtime teammate [player_tooltip player_id='807547' first='Vega' last='Tunnell'], someone she values deeply as both a friend and teammate, and believes would make the experience even more special   “There's always someone waiting in line for you to fail, prove them wrong.” [player_tooltip player_id='808453' first='Berkley' last='France']   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Kennedy is eager to showcase her court presence and personality, qualities that define how she impacts the game from the back row. This invitation means a great deal to her, as it provides the opportunity to display newly developed skills and compete at a level where she can push herself toward earning MVP recognition again. She views this camp as an important step in getting her name out there as the recruiting timeline approaches and feels truly grateful to have been chosen. If she could invite a teammate, Kennedy would bring [player_tooltip player_id='888828' first='Laci' last='Noice'], someone she admires for her strong work ethic and commanding presence on the court.   “This camp is truly such a good opportunity to get my name out there and I'm beyond blessed that I was chosen.” [player_tooltip player_id='888735' first='Kennedy' last='Melashenko']   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Annaura is excited to compete at a higher level and play alongside athletes from across the nation. She looks forward not only to showcasing her ability, but also to learning, growing, and becoming a more experienced volleyball player through the process. This invitation is a privilege for her, offering wider exposure to college coaches and high caliber players she would not typically face in Hawai'i. She approaches the opportunity with gratitude and determination, fully committed to making the most of it. If she could invite one person, Annaura would choose her close friend Nora Carey Ramsey, someone she loves playing alongside and considers a true baller.   “I will not take this opportunity for granted and I will ball out.” [player_tooltip player_id='935313' first='Annaura' last='Florence Reid-Gillet']   ~ 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. 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