2027 Players Separating With How They See the Game

<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>   For the 2027 class, this is the point in the process where identity is solid.   Not just position, not just skill set, but how each player understands the game. How they describe what they do, what they value, and how they respond when things aren't going perfectly. Those details matter, especially for college coaches trying to get a clearer picture beyond highlights or a single match.   These athletes were given the opportunity to explain their game in their own words. What stands out is the level of awareness, the ability to adjust, and the consistency in how they approach each phase of play.    Lauren consistently comes back to leadership and energy in how she describes her game. She sees her role as someone who brings confidence, communication, and presence to every phase of play.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Don't let the ball control you, you control the ball. </blockquote>   That mindset shows up in how she approaches defense and ball control, staying disciplined and intentional with her platform and reads.   She also understands how her energy impacts others, using communication to keep her team engaged and connected throughout matches.   Lauren reflect a player who values responsibility and influence, someone who helps shape how her team plays, not just what happens on a single touch.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Angelica describes herself as a well-rounded pin who plays with discipline, effort, and intention every time she steps on the court. What stands out in her responses is how clearly she understands her role as a decision-maker, not just a scorer.   She talks about seeing the block, mixing shots, and making smart choices within the flow of the play, which is exactly where her game is starting to separate.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> I'm doing a better job of seeing the block and not forcing swings… using my shot selection allows me to stay effective and a reliable hitter. </blockquote>   There's also an awareness of how to adjust beyond just the swing. She references changing tempo and working through different offensive options when something isn't clicking, which shows a higher level understanding of how to stay productive within a system.   Angelica's game reads as controlled, intentional, and coachable, with a clear foundation in consistency and decision-making that translates at the next level.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Kelsey approaches the game through mindset first, which shapes how everything else shows up on the court. She talks about volleyball as a mental sport, and her focus is on staying steady, engaged, and connected to her team regardless of what's happening in the match.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> I take pride in moving on and staying strong… not only so I can play at my best ability but so I can also be in the best mindset for my team. </blockquote>   Her energy and communication are consistent themes, and they are not surface-level. She uses them to keep her team aligned, competitive, and focused.   She also embraces versatility, seeing it as a way to better understand the game and contribute wherever needed.   Kelsey's game feels adaptable and team-centered, with a mindset that allows her to stay effective across different roles and situations.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Parker is a player who is starting to think more intentionally about how she scores. She focuses on reading the court and making decisions based on what is available rather than forcing a single option.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> I try to hit to areas rather than just swinging down. </blockquote>   That shift toward placement and awareness is allowing her to become more efficient at the net. She's also applying technical feedback, particularly with spacing, which is helping her create cleaner angles and better contact.   Her mindset in tougher moments is simple but important, slow the game down and make the right play for the team.   Parker is trending toward controlled and purposeful, with growth coming from how she processes each touch.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Sierra's perspective shows a deep connection to the game itself. She talks about studying opponents, recognizing patterns, and adjusting based on what her team needs in the moment.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> I was able to read the other team… and adapt to what we needed to do to get back up. </blockquote>   That ability to process and respond is what allows her to lead an offense beyond just delivering the ball.   She also emphasizes energy and communication, understanding how both affect performance across a match. Her mindset around mistakes is especially telling, owning them, adjusting, and immediately moving forward.   Sierra's game reflects a setter who is actively shaping the match, not just running it, with a strong sense of awareness and control.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Ava defines her game through effort and pursuit, and everything in her responses reinforces that identity. She plays with a mindset of going after every ball, which naturally expands her range and impact in the backcourt.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Relentless pursuit of the ball with the mindset ‘go after everything.' </blockquote>   What stands out is how that energy is paired with improving awareness. She talks about reading the ball, understanding positioning, and staying ready, which is allowing her to turn effort into consistent defensive production.   She also recognizes the importance of presence, both in her energy and in how she leads her team between points.   Ava's game reflects a libero who brings intensity and discipline, with a growing ability to anticipate and control the defensive side of the court.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Angelique's voice comes through immediately as someone who refuses to take plays off. She describes a game built around effort, but what stands out more is how she's learning to turn that effort into smart decisions.   She isn't just trying to win points with power, she's actively looking for ways to create advantages.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> When there's a block up I'll tip it to a spot nobody is at… or push the ball to get them out of rotation. </blockquote>   That ability to recognize what's available and adjust on the fly keeps her involved in every rally. She also brings a strong internal approach to the game, relying on self-talk, confidence, and quick resets to stay present.   Angelique reflects a player who competes with belief and awareness, someone who can impact the match even when the play doesn't unfold perfectly.   ~ 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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