Why These Athletes Are Getting Noticed Right Now

<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>   At this stage of the club season, getting noticed is no longer about who can execute a clean swing. It starts to show in how athletes respond when the play breaks down, how they process information in real time, and how consistently they stay effective when the game is not perfect.   For front row players, especially pin hitters, the role is demanding. They are asked to score, manage out-of-system balls, contribute defensively, communicate, and stay composed when momentum shifts. The athletes who are starting to get attention are not waiting for ideal conditions. They are finding ways to impact the match anyway.   This group reflects that shift. What is showing up is not just physical ability, but decision-making, mindset, and intentional development. These are the traits that are starting to separate them and why their names are beginning to come up more often.    [player_tooltip player_id='958210' first='Camilla' last='Schwarm'] brings a steady presence that shows up in both her leadership and her ability to process the game. She is beginning to read opposing offenses with more intention, allowing her to make smarter decisions as an attacker rather than reacting late. That shift, from playing fast to thinking fast, is what keeps her effective in longer rallies.   Her leadership is consistent and visible.   “I take the most pride in my ability to remain focused, give my full effort, and lift my team up even throughout tough matches, especially as a Captain.”   That composure is something she actively manages.   “During matches I take a deep breath and remind myself to trust my team and my abilities.”   Her development is intentional. She is training through both strength work and track while setting specific goals to improve her jump serve placement and expand her offensive tempo with quicks. That combination of awareness and work ethic continues to move her forward.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Hana Engelhardt brings energy, but more importantly, she brings control within that energy. She is an all-around outside who can create offense through placement and variation, using her wrist and vision to manage the ball instead of forcing swings.   Her biggest growth this season has been mental.   “I've been working to minimize mental errors and execute aggressively in close matches or right after an error.”   That shows up in how she resets.   “When things aren't going my way, I take a deep breath, visualize my technique, and exaggerate my movements to execute.”   She is building her game through consistent training, lifting, plyometrics, and multi-event track work, while also doing detailed skill work on her own. That level of investment, paired with her mindset of “no regrets,” reflects a player actively shaping her development, not just participating in it.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Kadyn Angulo plays with a high level of awareness that allows her to create offense without relying on size. She reads the block in real time, identifies seams, and adjusts her attack accordingly, which is a key separator as the game speeds up.   “I am always looking for holes in the block… or spots to place the ball away from defenders.”   Her ability to process extends across her entire game. She stays calm in serve receive, applies pressure with her float serve, and consistently looks to make the best decision for the team.   Her mindset has shifted in a way that supports that consistency.   “I try to keep a next ball mentality… reflect, then move on and execute the next point.”   Combined with her training across indoor, beach, and strength work, she is building a well-rounded foundation that translates to multiple systems and roles.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='956458' first='Colbie' last='Netzley'] brings a strong defensive presence at the net, with blocking as a clear identity piece in her game. She reads hitters well, sets the block with intention, and works to be a reliable presence both defensively and offensively.   Her development this season has been centered around timing and adaptability.   “By starting my approach at the right moment and staying aggressive, I've seen increased power and consistency.”   What stands out most is how she manages herself during matches.   “I focus on quickly self-correcting and not letting my errors affect the way I play moving forward.”   Her training volume reflects that commitment, lifting, agility, and daily individual work, along with intentional recovery. She is building toward becoming an all-around player, not just a positional piece, which aligns with what she is asking for at the next level, a competitive program that values accountability, growth, and consistency.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='708497' first='Lailah' last='Clayborne'] plays with presence. Her communication, intensity, and willingness to impact the game beyond her assigned role allow her to influence rallies even when she is not the primary attacker.   “I want coaches to notice how I demand the ball, lead on the court, and still do my part even when I'm not being set.”   Her transition into playing opposite has expanded her game, forcing her to think more about block positioning, coverage, and offensive range. That development has been both physical and mental.   “A big part of my growth has been maintaining an attacker's mindset and staying relentless.”   Her mindset is rooted in team connection and accountability.   “I focus on being the teammate I would want… making sure my energy and communication never drop.”   That combination of competitiveness, awareness, and connection makes her a player who can elevate the environment around her.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='568762' first='Nahla' last='Gababa'] competes with a level of intensity that shows up immediately. Her competitiveness drives her game, and it is something she leans on in both her offensive and defensive development.   “It separates you… it's something that drives my game. I have a constant desire to win.”   Her growth this season has been centered around expanding her game, particularly in serve receive, where she is actively working to close gaps and become a more complete player.   Her mindset is grounded in perspective and connection.   “When things aren't going my way, I remember I have people who love me… it helps me reset and play for something bigger.”   She is also processing the game more quickly, learning to expect plays earlier and stay present instead of lingering on mistakes. That shift allows her to stay engaged and continue improving both offensively and defensively as matches progress.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='952930' first='Deion' last='Washington'] brings physical presence at the net with strength as both a hitter and blocker, and she competes with a willingness to take on challenges. What stands out most right now is her awareness of her own development and her commitment to improving the mental side of her game, which is often the difference-maker at this stage.   She is actively working to build confidence and consistency within her play.   “My mindset is something I've been working on… I'm learning how to stay confident and not get in my head.”   Even as she works through that growth, she stays connected to her team.   “I continue to stay uplifting my team and not show negative emotions.”   Her training as a multi-sport athlete, including time on the track, supports her physical development while she continues to improve her serve receive and overall game. That combination of self-awareness, effort, and willingness to improve is what allows her to continue progressing.   ~ 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? 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. We continue tracking their growth through Recruitable Credentials, the indicators coaches trust. Follow their progress and keep these prospects on your radar.   🙏 Parents & Supporters Thank you for being the backbone of this movement. Your subscriptions, shares, and belief in your athletes make this work possible. Help a player get discovered, share this article and tag @PrepDigCA.   🚀 <a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/" id="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a> Access deeper evaluations and the full Prospect Index to follow every athlete's journey.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">📌 In Case You Missed It</h2>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://prepdig.com/california/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here are a few recent stories gaining traction across California.</a></h3>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/image_dacc8e.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-960469" /></figure>   Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

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