What Coaches Are Starting to See in This Freshman Group

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/" id="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">This article was shared with 150+ college coaches. Join PrepDig with 30% off using code: Coachable247</a>   What coaches are starting to see in this freshman group is not just early skill, but early awareness. At this stage, the physical side of the game is still developing, but the habits are already forming. How players respond after errors, how they process what is happening on the other side of the net, and how consistently they stay engaged across every phase of the rally are the details that begin to stand out.   For this group, those patterns are showing up. There is a growing understanding of when to stay aggressive and when to manage the play, how to communicate through momentum shifts, and how to contribute even when they are not the primary option. These are not finished players, but they are starting to show the traits that coaches track early, the ones that tend to carry forward as the game gets faster and more demanding.    [player_tooltip player_id='913217' first='Addison' last='Mendes'] is already showing an understanding of how to manage the game beyond just swinging hard. Her ability to stay consistent and keep the ball in play, especially in imperfect situations, reflects a player beginning to value efficiency over force. That shift is important early.   “All my swings may not be the prettiest or kill every time but i'm able to keep the ball in play and be consistent even when the play isn't perfect.”   Her development this season has centered on reading the defense and making smarter decisions.   “Now I have realized that it's much better to pay attention to the other team defense and carefully analyze my shots.”   She brings energy and connection to her team while maintaining a next play mindset, and her investment outside of practice, from beach volleyball to strength work, supports that growth.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Alex Schenkelberg brings one of the more complete developmental profiles in this group. She is actively building into a six-rotation outside, with a clear focus on expanding her shot selection, improving her serve receive, and becoming more reliable across all phases.   “I would describe my overall game as versatile and still developing… I am focused on continuing to grow into a reliable, all-around player.”   Her growth has been intentional, especially in her offensive mechanics.   “I have learned to be more patient with my approach and not rush.”   What stands out is how she processes the game and resets herself.   “I try to talk to myself the way I would talk to a teammate… ‘I've got the next one.'”   Her training includes private lessons, strength work, beach volleyball, and even mindset coaching, which shows a player investing in both physical and mental development early.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='954615' first='Carly' last='Stidham']'s game is built around consistency and effort, two traits that translate quickly as players move up levels. She is focused on improving her arm swing and ball placement, while continuing to develop her footwork and agility.   “I take pride in consistency and being a leader on and off the court.”   Her mindset is simple and effective.   “I can fix the next play but I cant change the last.”   She is training consistently through performance sessions and practice, while maintaining strong academics and showing a willingness to improve across all areas. That foundation is what allows development to accelerate over time.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='725912' first='Nalani' last='Catlin'] brings a mature understanding of the game for her age, particularly in how she approaches adversity and growth. She is focused on becoming a complete player and understands that development is both physical and mental.   “I've grown to understand that the game is just as mental as it is physical.”   Her improvement at the net, especially in blocking and reading the offense, reflects a player beginning to process the game at a higher level.   Her mindset stays grounded in composure and presence.   “When I make a mistake, I don't dwell on it. I quickly assess what happened and focus on doing better the next play.”   She is consistently training, attending clinics, and building her game with intention, while maintaining a clear goal of reaching a high-level program.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='783231' first='Samiyah' last='Brown'] competes with energy and effort, but what stands out is her focus on being a strong teammate and staying composed during matches. She is developing her transition game, particularly her pass to approach, which is starting to show up more consistently.   “I think i'm competitive and i think i have drive which pushes me to always give my max effort.”   Her ability to stay calm under pressure is a key strength.   “When things aren't going my way i use breathing exercises… and think about the next play.”   She balances multi-sport training and continues to work toward improving her overall game, while emphasizing personality, sportsmanship, and connection with her team.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='959100' first='Savannah' last='Tannler'] brings versatility and a willingness to compete in any role needed. She is focused on learning multiple positions and expanding her understanding of the game, which gives her flexibility early in her development.   “My willingness to compete at any position needed to help my team.”   Her mindset is centered on adjustment and awareness.   “My mindset is next point. How can I adjust to make a difference.”   She is training across multiple environments, including home, gym, and private sessions, while continuing to build her skill set and confidence. That openness to learning is what allows players to grow quickly.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='956790' first='Silver' last='Eatherton'] brings a well-rounded game with a strong focus on consistency and competitiveness. Her transition from middle to outside has pushed her to expand her skill set, particularly defensively, where she is now more confident reading hitters and controlling the ball.   “I take pride in my competitiveness and consistency… I work hard to be reliable in every rotation.”   Her mindset is disciplined and repeatable.   “I focus on having a ‘next play' mindset and not letting mistakes affect me.”   Her training volume stands out, with consistent strength work and multiple additional sessions focused on building endurance and power. Combined with her academic performance and team-first mentality, she is building a strong foundation early.   ~ 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 one trait from this group, whether it's communication, composure, or decision-making, and apply it to your game this week. Want to take the next step? 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