Advice From Fellow Players 2028 Addition

We wanted to put together an article that allows players to help players. This is not an easy sport, especially if done at a high level. The amount of skill it requires to pass a ball with no spin coming at 30mph or timing an up tempo set correctly so that you can properly make contact with the ball in such a way that it goes cross court into the area you are aiming for. There is also the way to handle teammates, handle your coaches and how we handle both failures and success. We have asked a few players who play alongside you HOW THEY DO IT. Thank you to those players taking the time to help others.

Marley Robbins Marley Robbins 6'1" | MB/OH Oklahoma Christian | 2028 State OK Middle Blocker for OCS:

Why is your position so important to the game as a whole? “My position is important because the middle does a lot of the work that keeps the team connected and running at a high level. We have to be disciplined, fast, and ready to compete every play because blocking and transition can completely change momentum in a game. As a middle, I'm constantly reading the court, communicating with my teammates, and working to create opportunities offensively while shutting things down defensively. It's a position that takes a lot of effort and preparation because you have to stay mentally locked in and physically ready from the first play to the last.”

What's a strategy you use when taking in and applying the coaching you receive? “A strategy I use when taking in coaching is treating every correction like an opportunity to improve instead of taking it personally. I put a lot of time into my training, so I try to be very intentional with details and reps. I focus on applying one adjustment at a time at full speed until it becomes natural. I also spend time outside of practice working on weaknesses, watching film, getting stronger, and learning the game because I know growth comes from what you do when nobody is watching.”

How do you go about being a great teammate? “I go about being a great teammate by leading through consistency, effort, and attitude every day. I think being a great teammate means pushing the people around you to be better while also supporting them through hard moments. I always want my teammates to know they can trust me to work hard, compete hard, and stay committed to the team's goals. Volleyball is such a connected sport, and strong teams are built when everyone is willing to put in extra work for each other.”

Cali Mcreynolds Cali Mcreynolds 5'8" | S/RS Yukon | 2028 State OK Setter for Yukon:

Why is your position so important to the game as a whole? “As a setter I run the offense at a fast tempo and set my hitters up for success.”

What's a strategy you use when taking in and applying the coaching you receive? “My strategy is to always have intentional reps and it is always great to implement new techniques.”

How do you go about being a great teammate? “I keep my team focused with accountability and positivity.”

Kaidyn Johnson Kaidyn Johnson 5'8" | S/RS Booker T Washington | 2028 State OK Setter/Right Side Hitter for BTW:

Why is your position so important to the game as a whole?
"My position is such a key role to the game because essentially I am the quarterback. I am the person who has to give every second ball and think strategically about the game. Not only do I have to execute physically but also mentally, encouraging and helping my teammates and putting them in the best situation."
What's a strategy you use when taking in and applying the coaching you receive?
"A strategy I use when taking in and applying coaching is knowing that it is going to get much worse before it gets better and being patient and trusting the coaching that I am receiving."
How do you go about being a great teammate?
"I think that the most important thing about being a great teammate is knowing that they can support and trust you. So I try to make sure that I encourage my teammates while also at the same time making sure that they are doing their job and I am doing my job on the court."

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