2028: Which Players are Impacting 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>   The 2028 class is at the stage where habits are turning into identity.   What stands out in this group is not just what they do, but how they describe it. The way they talk about their game, how they adjust, and what they take pride in gives a clearer picture than any stat line. You can start to see decision-making, composure, and awareness taking shape.   This isn't about finished players. It's about players beginning to understand how they impact a match, and how they continue to grow into that role.    Ella Liebrecht's game is built around steadiness and control, but what separates her is how intentional she is with it. She talks about being competitive and consistent, but backs it up with how she approaches each phase of the play.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> I focus on reading the hitter early, and staying steady in serve receive… making the game easier for my team. </blockquote>   That early read is a clear point of growth. She explains the shift from reacting to anticipating, recognizing the setter's hands and the hitter's approach before contact, which is translating into more balls being picked up and more plays staying alive.   Her presence also shows up in pressure moments. She references being someone her coach trusts because she stays calm and focused, which is a defining trait for a libero managing high-level matches.   Off the court, that same discipline carries into how she approaches everything. She holds herself to a high standard and will fit well in programs that value detail, consistency, and team culture.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Payton Osegueda centers around ownership of her game. She's not trying to play like anyone else, she's focused on understanding what works for her and leaning into it.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Not everyone's play style is the same… accepting that has made me a better athlete. </blockquote>   That confidence shows up in how she attacks. She describes swinging with intention, not just to swing, but to score, using different shots and locations to stay effective.   Her ability to stay connected to the match stands out just as much. When one part of her game isn't clicking, she shifts her focus rather than letting it affect everything else.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> If I am not passing well, I make sure I stay focused on hitting… if I am down on all areas I put extra into my teammates. </blockquote>   That balance between self-awareness and team impact is what keeps her steady across long matches.   Off the court, she's more reserved, but that contrast shows up when she competes. She is looking for a college that values discipline, composure, and athletes who bring intent to every play.     Zuri Karuletwa defines her game through presence at the net, and it shows in how she describes her role. She takes pride in disrupting offenses and setting the tone defensively, not just finishing plays.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> I take pride in owning the net and setting the defensive tone every match. </blockquote>   What stands out is the impact she connects to her presence. She notes how the offense changes when she enters the match, forcing teams to adjust their shot selection and creating opportunities for her team to regain control.   Her approach in pressure moments is grounded in discipline and awareness. She's not just reacting, she's looking for adjustments the other team is making and responding to them in real time.   Off the court, she brings accountability and creativity, and she clearly values strong team environments. For college, she wants a competitive programs that demand energy, connection, and high standards across the board.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Emily Penuel's game revolves around finding ways to score, not just relying on power but recognizing space and making plays that keep the offense productive.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Scoring points doesn't just have to be on hard driven swings… they can be smart plays as well. </blockquote>   That mindset shows up in how she adjusts. When things aren't going cleanly, she simplifies, resets, and focuses on keeping the ball in play rather than forcing a perfect outcome.   She's also developing a quicker reset between points, which is allowing her to stay positive and continue contributing even after mistakes.   Her game feels practical and adaptable, focused on staying effective regardless of the situation.   Off the court, her goals are clear, both academically and personally. She wants to play at the next level with a program that values driven athletes who are focused on both development and long-term goals.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Natalia Godoy describes her game as aggressive but composed, and that balance shows up in how she leads her team. She's not just distributing the ball, she's actively creating pressure and controlling the pace of the match.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> I'll find ways to gain control over the game. </blockquote>   Her growth this season has come through becoming a more active threat. She talks about attacking alongside her hitters, which forces blockers to make decisions and opens opportunities for the offense.   She also shows awareness in how she supports her hitters, adjusting set height and communicating what she sees to help them make better decisions.   Her game reflects a setter who is learning how to influence the match, not just manage it.   At the next level, she is looking for a program that pushes her, which aligns with her approach to development and competition.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Emily Werner is a player who values adaptability and understands how that impacts her role. She has transitioned between positions and embraced the responsibility that comes with it.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> I have fully embraced my role as a middle… being able to adapt to whatever position I am placed in. </blockquote>   That versatility is not just positional, it's mental. She talks about competing, putting the team first, and maintaining effort regardless of role, which allows her to stay effective across different situations.   Her “snap back routine” stands out as a tool she uses to stay locked in, resetting quickly and keeping her focus on the next play.   Her game is built around effort, adaptability, and mindset, which makes her valuable in multiple phases.   Off the court, she brings leadership and involvement, with a clear vision for the type of environment she wants. She is looking for a college that is value driven, engaged athletes who contribute beyond the court.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Violet Dougherty describes herself as an aggressive, power-oriented hitter, and her focus on scoring shows up immediately in how she approaches the game.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> I focus on scoring kills, taking big swings… and bringing high energy to the net. </blockquote>   That energy carries into her serving, where she consistently looks to create pressure from the back line.   Her mindset during play is centered on maintaining enthusiasm and keeping her team engaged, recognizing how much energy impacts performance.   She also highlights a key piece of coaching that has stuck with her, the idea that every ball is playable, which is shaping how she approaches both offense and defense.   Her game reflects a hitter who brings energy and intent, with a focus on continuing to expand her range and impact.   Off the court, her curiosity and love of learning stand out, and she is looking for a program that values growth both academically and athletically.   ~ 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. 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