These Freshmen Are Closing the Gap Faster Than Expected

<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>   There is usually a gap, in speed, in strength, in decision-making, and in how quickly players can process what is happening around them. For most, that gap takes time to close.   This group is not waiting.   Coming out of a competitive stretch of the season, these 2029 athletes are already showing signs of adjustment. Not just in how they are playing, but in how they are thinking the game. They are identifying what worked, owning what didn't, and taking coaching feedback into their next training block with intention.   What stands out is not perfection, it is awareness. The ability to stay composed when the game speeds up, to make better decisions in real time, and to understand how their role impacts the team. Those are the indicators that translate.   For college coaches, this is where the evaluation starts. Not just who can compete today, but who is already learning how to close the gap, and how quickly they are doing it.    [player_tooltip player_id='767151' first='Gemma' last='Davis'] made a noticeable impact at the net, using her blocking presence to slow opposing offenses while continuing to build connection with her setter. She showed improvement in timing and offensive execution, converting opportunities efficiently and contributing as a front-row scoring option. Her ability to impact both blocking and attacking phases reflects growing awareness of her role and how to influence points beyond just swings.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> “I am focusing on improving my backrow passing so I can be more effective… and being able to keep my team active.” </blockquote>   Mid-season, Davis is identifying the importance of expanding into a more complete player. Her focus on back row consistency and serve reliability shows an understanding of how versatility increases her value and keeps her on the court in more rotations.   Off the court, Davis describes herself as outgoing and creative, enjoying time with friends and family.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='803651' first='Gia' last='Johnson'] competed with discipline at the net, showing timing on blocks and awareness in short serve coverage. Her ability to recognize setter tendencies and step into defensive plays, including blocking a setter dump, reflects developing read progression and attention to detail. She contributed in controlled moments rather than forcing plays, which supported team stability.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> “I will focus on improving my blocking footwork.” </blockquote>   Her mid-season focus is direct and aligned with her role. Refining footwork will allow her to close seams more effectively and improve timing, which is critical as the speed of play continues to increase.   Off the court, Johnson is expanding her athletic profile by participating in high jump for her high school track team.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='955975' first='Hassanah' last='Ramsey-Gilbert'] used her size and timing to impact the match defensively, creating momentum shifts through consecutive blocks that disrupted opposing hitters. Her ability to take away primary scoring options and force adjustments showed awareness of how to influence match flow. Offensively, she contributed as both a middle and right side, demonstrating positional flexibility and a willingness to take on different responsibilities.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> “I am focusing on being more diverse with my attacks on the right side.” </blockquote>   Her mid-season reflection highlights shot selection and offensive variety, showing an understanding of how to become less predictable as a hitter. The focus on reading the block and expanding her scoring options points to strong processing and coachability.   Off the court, Ramsey-Gilbert recently earned a spot on a competitive EYBL basketball team, reflecting her athleticism and commitment across multiple sports.     [player_tooltip player_id='730245' first='Katherine' last='Deng'] showed adaptability and composure stepping into a setting role, gradually increasing her confidence and offensive control throughout the tournament. She demonstrated growth in tempo decisions, becoming more aggressive with setter dumps and fast-paced plays as the weekend progressed. Her ability to build connection with her middles and create scoring opportunities through communication and adjustment reflects strong court awareness and processing.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> “I want to work on reversing the flow… while keeping the location ideal for my hitters.” </blockquote>   Mid-season, Deng's focus on expanding range and decision-making under pressure shows advanced understanding of offensive distribution. Her attention to manipulating blockers and maintaining options across different pass scenarios reflects a high level of volleyball IQ for her class.   Off the court, Deng balances creativity and service, earning recognition in the Scholastic Art Competition while also volunteering and coaching younger athletes.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='731707' first='Sofia-Rose' last='“SR” Husband'] made a strong defensive impact at the net, using her blocking to directly influence scoring runs and slow opposing offenses. Recording 13 blocks over the tournament, she showed timing, discipline, and the ability to compete against high-level opponents. Her willingness to embrace challenging matchups and stay engaged reflects competitiveness and resilience.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> “I plan on fine tuning my blocking technique by angling my right hand more towards the court so not to get tooled.” </blockquote>   Her mid-season reflection shows attention to technical detail, particularly in hand positioning and body angle, which are critical for improving blocking efficiency. Her focus on small adjustments indicates strong coachability and commitment to refining her craft.   Off the court, Husband recently participated in her school's father-daughter dance, earning third place in a competitive event and highlighting her outgoing personality and school involvement.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='956210' first='Taylor' last='Darby'] showed composure and leadership in guiding her team through a higher level of competition, helping stabilize offensive flow in a new division. She demonstrated the ability to stay focused and competitive, contributing to her team's ability to adjust to increased speed and pressure. Her willingness to take risks, including delivering a one-handed set, reflects confidence and creativity within the offense.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> “I am working on running my middles off passes that aren't directly to target and becoming more effective with lower, tighter passes.” </blockquote>   Mid-season, Darby is identifying the importance of out-of-system efficiency and maintaining offensive options under pressure. Her focus on working with imperfect passes shows an understanding of how to keep her team effective even when plays break down.   Off the court, Darby highlighted a moment of creativity and confidence through her one-handed set, reflecting her willingness to expand her game.   ~ 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? 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