Advice From Athletes Who’ve Achieved What You Want
In this article:
Every younger athlete should have someone they look up to, a player who has already committed, earned the opportunity, pushed through setbacks, battled self-doubt, and lived through the seasons that tested whether the dream was truly worth chasing.
The athletes featured below are not speaking from theory. They are speaking from experience. They have navigated the recruiting process, fought through hard days, stayed committed to their goals, and earned opportunities at the next level.
If you are a younger player chasing college volleyball, take your time with their words. Your path may look different than theirs, but the habits, mindset, and work ethic it takes to get there often look very familiar.
Trisha Le Committed to Fullerton College
To my four years of playing club, I am so grateful for all the experiences I have gotten out of playing club volleyball. I've learned so much about myself and so many life lessons through club, and they'll be things I carry with me for the rest of my life.
It all went by so fast, and I can't believe it's coming to a close. I am so utterly blessed to have had the opportunity to play club, and I don't regret a single minute of it all.
I made so many beautiful memories that I will cherish and hold close to my heart. If I have ever played with or against you, thank you for being a part of my journey. I am forever grateful for all the friendships and connections I have made through this sport.
To my team, thank you for being my why. You brought back my love for this sport. I didn't think I would make it this far, but you all made the hard work and pain worth it.
You're all such positive lights, and I don't know where I would be without you guys. I haven't felt this happy in a very long time.
Thank you for all the memories, the laughs, the cheers, the screaming, and all the love. If I had 1,000 lives, I would choose to be on this team in every single lifetime.
To my teammates that I've had in the past, I've never once forgotten you and the part you played in my life. As someone who moved clubs every season, that just meant I had more people to miss as I moved from club to club.
I would do anything just to play on the same court as all of you again, even if it's just for a moment. I am so grateful to have developed beautiful friendships from those seasons, and I love you all so much.
To Coach Jacob, thank you for having faith in me when I didn't have faith in myself. You taught me that having a strong work ethic and immense passion for the sport will get me far.
You helped me become a more well-rounded player and improve my mental game. You had high expectations, and I hope I reached them. I'm so honored to have had you as my coach for my last season.
To volleyball, thank you for being my first love.
Much love,
Trisha Le #17 signing out.
~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247
Highlights
Dior Williams
Dior
Williams
5'10" | MB/OH
King Drew Magnet | 2027
State
CA
committed to San José State
No matter what battles you may face, always keep pushing. Never, ever give up!
~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247
Highlights
Blair Gardiner committed to Indiana Wesleyan University
One of the biggest things I've learned from playing club volleyball over the years is that hard work always pays off.
It is not easy to keep showing up every day, but my encouragement to all those who are chasing goals is to keep showing up even when you don't feel like it, don't feel good enough, or when things get hard.
I promise it will pay off in the future.
~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247
Highlights
Paige Bowyer committed to Cal Poly Pomona
My advice for younger volleyball players aspiring to play at the next level is to remember who you are and be willing to work hard every day for what you want. Don't focus on other players around you and how their recruiting process is going, because everyone's journey is different.
Because of that, don't lose hope or get discouraged. You need to believe there's a plan for you, and because of your hard work, you'll end up where you're meant to be.
~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247
Highlights
Rilyn Hanner committed to Reedley College
Never give up, and even on the days when you don't want to show up, show up. Be the first one in the gym and the last one out. Your effort will be seen!
~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247
Highlights
This article is free because the lessons being shared here deserve to reach every athlete chasing the next level.
💬 Athletes
If one of these messages hit home, do not just scroll past it. Save it. Share it. Apply it. The habits that lead to college opportunities are often built in the quiet moments, long before anyone is watching.
📣 Parents, Coaches & Teammates
If one of these athletes inspired you, help their words travel. Share this article, tag @PrepDigCA, and help younger players hear from athletes who have already walked the path.
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