Finding the Right Fit: Arizona Commits Share Their Experiences

The recruiting journey is one filled with emotion, uncertainty, growth, and unforgettable moments. For many athletes, years of hard work, sacrifices, early mornings, long travel weekends, and countless hours in the gym all lead up to one life-changing decision — finding the school that feels like home.   Recently, several Arizona athletes announced their commitments to continue their volleyball careers at the collegiate level, and each story behind those decisions is unique. From building relationships with coaching staffs to finding the right culture, academic fit, and opportunity to grow both on and off the court, these athletes shared what ultimately made their future schools stand out.   We also wanted to dive deeper into the emotions behind the commitment process itself — the moments they'll never forget, what this accomplishment means to their families, and what they're most excited to bring to the next level. Arizona continues to produce high-level talent across every class, and it's always special to watch these athletes take the next step in their journeys.   Take a look at what these recent commits had to say about finding the right fit and turning years of hard work into reality. While each athlete's journey looked different, every story reflects the dedication, sacrifice, uncertainty, and excitement that comes with the recruiting process. From Division I dreams to the community college level of volleyball, these 10 athletes each found the place they believe they're meant to be.    For Faith Stambaugh, finding the right fit came down to much more than just volleyball. From the very beginning of the recruiting process, the connection she felt with the coaching staff and team immediately stood out at California State University, East Bay. Feeling genuinely welcomed and supported helped Faith realize this was a place where she could continue growing not only as a volleyball player, but also as a student and person. In the end, it simply felt like home.   As she prepares for the next chapter of her career, Faith is most excited about the opportunity to compete at a higher level and challenge herself every day. Having started volleyball later than many athletes, the chance to play at the collegiate level means even more to her and reflects the amount of work, dedication, and perseverance she has poured into the game. She looks forward to bringing energy, resilience, and a strong work ethic to her future program while continuing to develop alongside other driven athletes.   One moment Faith says she'll never forget during her recruiting journey was receiving her very first college offer. After years of hard work, sacrifices, long practices, and moments of doubt, having a coach believe in her enough to offer an opportunity at the next level became an emotional and unforgettable milestone. More than anything, this commitment represents the people who helped her get there. Faith credits her family, coaches, and friends for the sacrifices and support that made this dream possible, making the accomplishment even more meaningful for everyone involved.     For Selah Wadsworth, UCSB quickly stood out as the right fit because of the environment the coaching staff and players created from the very beginning. The welcoming atmosphere and genuine support she felt throughout the recruiting process helped her feel comfortable immediately, making the decision feel natural and exciting. Finding a program where she felt valued both as a player and person ultimately played a huge role in her commitment.   Looking ahead to the next level, Selah is most excited about the opportunity to compete at a higher level while continuing to grow her game alongside strong teammates she can learn from and look up to. She's eager to challenge herself daily and embrace the growth that comes with competing in a high-level collegiate environment. Selah hopes to bring hard work, positivity, and leadership to her new team, while also pushing those around her to continue improving.   One of the most impactful moments in Selah's recruiting journey came when she had to reopen her recruiting process. While it was initially a scary and uncertain experience, it ultimately became a moment that strengthened her faith and taught her to trust that everything was unfolding the way it was meant to. In the end, that journey led her exactly where she believes she is supposed to be.   This commitment holds deep meaning for both Selah and her family because of the countless hours, sacrifices, and support that helped make this dream possible. Being able to stay close to home makes the opportunity even more special, adding another layer of excitement and gratitude as she prepares for this next chapter.     For Nia Curry, Coppin State felt like the right choice because of the sense of community she felt throughout the recruiting process. From the players to the coaching staff, she immediately noticed how welcoming, supportive, and genuine everyone was around the program. The positive energy surrounding the team helped her feel comfortable right away, and she never once questioned whether it was the right environment for her. Beyond the relationships, Nia was also drawn to the vision and competitiveness of the program. Coming off a MEAC Championship season and playoff appearance, she saw a team that continues to grow, evolve, and provide the type of challenging environment she was looking for as a student-athlete.   As she prepares for the next level, Nia is most excited about the opportunity to compete against elite athletes and continue elevating her game. Playing Division I volleyball has always been a dream of hers, and she's eager to learn from both her teammates and the high-level opponents she'll face throughout her collegiate career. She embraces the challenge ahead and looks forward to pushing herself in every aspect of the game.   Nia believes she'll bring energy, competitiveness, and a strong work ethic to the program. She takes pride in being coachable, working hard, and building meaningful relationships with the people around her. One of the moments she says she'll never forget throughout the recruiting journey was the overwhelming support she received from not only her family, but also her teammates and their families. During difficult moments in the process, having people who believed in her helped keep her motivated and reminded her that the journey would ultimately be worth it.   This commitment carries an even deeper meaning for Nia because of the opportunity to attend an HBCU and continue learning more about her culture and history as a Black woman. For her, the journey to this point represents perseverance, faith, and the importance of never giving up on something you've worked toward for a long time. Now, with her next chapter officially beginning at Coppin State, Nia is filled with gratitude and excitement for everything ahead.     For Lucy Schmidt, Tyler Junior College stood out as the right fit because of the environment created by the coaching staff and the genuine support she felt throughout the recruiting process. Coach Goldman made a strong impression on Lucy by making her feel valued not only as a player, but as a person, which ultimately became one of the biggest factors in her decision. She was also drawn to the program's reputation as one of the top JUCO programs in the nation, offering a highly competitive environment while still prioritizing athlete development and growth. Adding to the excitement was the comfort of knowing one of her close friends would be attending a school just minutes away, helping make the transition feel even more special.   As she prepares for this next chapter, Lucy is most excited about the opportunity to compete at a higher level while continuing to grow both on and off the court. She looks forward to surrounding herself with teammates who share the same passion, drive, and love for the game. Beyond volleyball, Lucy is excited for the experience of college athletics and the opportunity to continue preparing for her long-term future goals, including serving an LDS mission before eventually transferring to a university and continuing her playing career at the highest level possible.   Lucy believes she'll bring a hard-working and positive mindset to the Tyler program. She prides herself on being a dependable teammate who competes hard, brings energy daily, and supports the people around her through encouragement and consistency. She's eager to continue learning from those around her while doing everything she can to contribute to the success and culture of the team.   This commitment also carries deep meaning for Lucy and her family because of the sacrifices and support that helped make this opportunity possible. From countless hours in the gym to the time and energy invested throughout her volleyball journey, Lucy recognizes how much her family has poured into helping her reach this point. Being able to continue playing at the collegiate level is something she takes great pride in, and she views this commitment as just the beginning of the future she has envisioned for herself. With plans to serve an LDS mission and eventually return to continue competing and transferring to a university program, Lucy is excited for everything that lies ahead both on and off the court.     For [player_tooltip player_id='706296' first='Alyssa' last='Ortiz'], Fairleigh Dickinson University quickly became the right fit because it offered both a high-level volleyball opportunity and the chance to stay close to the people who matter most to her. With family spread throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania — along with her sister currently competing at the collegiate level in Connecticut — being able to remain near her support system played a major role in the decision-making process. Alyssa also spoke highly of Coach Martinez and the confidence she has in his ability to continue developing her game and helping elevate her to the next level as an athlete.   Looking ahead to the next chapter, Alyssa is most excited about the opportunity to challenge herself against elite competition and continue growing in a highly competitive environment. She's eager to compete alongside driven teammates who share the same pursuit of excellence and embraces the hard work, discipline, and commitment that come with playing at the Division I level. Beyond personal growth, Alyssa is focused on contributing to team success and helping her future program compete for conference championships.   As she enters the collegiate level, Alyssa hopes to bring reliability, strong communication, and a relentless work ethic to her new team. She wants both her coaches and teammates to know they can depend on her on and off the court, while continuing to push herself to improve every day as both a player and teammate.   One of the most memorable moments throughout Alyssa's recruiting journey came on June 15, when she finally had the opportunity to begin speaking with college coaches. For Alyssa, those conversations represented validation that the years of hard work and sacrifice were paying off. Another defining moment came when she officially realized Fairleigh Dickinson University would become her future academic and athletic home.   This commitment carries tremendous meaning not only for Alyssa, but for her entire family. With both her brother and sister having competed at a high collegiate level, continuing that tradition is something she takes great pride in. More than anything, Alyssa is grateful for the opportunity to live out her own dream while also fulfilling the dreams her family has had of watching her compete at the collegiate level over the next four years.     For Kamryn Moyer, Scottsdale Community College immediately felt like home the moment she stepped onto campus. From the welcoming environment created by the coaching staff to the connection she felt with the players, everything about the program stood out to her right away. Kamryn especially loved the balance Scottsdale offered — giving her the opportunity to experience independence and college life while still remaining close enough to home to stay connected with her family and support system.   As she prepares for the next level, Kamryn is most excited about the opportunity to continue elevating her game while competing in a more challenging environment. She looks forward to the experiences that come with college volleyball, including traveling, building relationships with teammates, and embracing the hard work required to continue improving as an athlete. For Kamryn, the next chapter is about both growth and enjoying the journey along the way.   Kamryn believes she'll bring competitiveness, leadership, and consistency to her new team. She describes herself as a player who always strives to give her absolute best during competition while also being someone her teammates can lean on during important moments. Her leadership mentality and drive to compete make her the type of athlete who naturally helps raise the level of those around her.   One of the most unforgettable moments in Kamryn's recruiting journey came when Coach Sarah officially offered her a spot in the program. In that moment, Kamryn said it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders, making it one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences throughout the entire process.   This commitment carries tremendous meaning for Kamryn because playing college volleyball has always been one of her biggest dreams. Reaching this milestone not only represents years of hard work and dedication, but also the support and pride of her family, who have been by her side throughout the journey. As she prepares for this next chapter, both Kamryn and her family are filled with excitement for everything ahead.     For Kristyn Grantham, Lubbock Christian University quickly stood out as the right fit because of the welcoming environment created by both the coaching staff and players. From the moment she stepped on campus during her visit, she felt embraced by the team culture and connected to the atmosphere surrounding the program and community. The positive energy throughout the school and town helped solidify that LCU was the place where she could truly see herself thriving both on and off the court.   What excites Kristyn most about playing at the next level is the opportunity to compete within a highly competitive program while being surrounded by talented teammates and coaches who will continue pushing her to grow. She's eager to challenge herself daily, continue elevating her game, and develop not only as a volleyball player, but also as a person through the experiences that college athletics will bring.   As she prepares to join the LCU program, Kristyn believes she'll bring positive energy, determination, and competitiveness to the court every day. She takes pride in being someone who competes hard, supports her teammates, and brings an uplifting presence to the team environment.   One of the most unforgettable moments throughout Kristyn's recruiting journey came when she finally found a school that checked every box she had been searching for. While the recruiting process was long and challenging at times, finding the right fit ultimately made every stressful moment worth it and brought a huge sense of relief and excitement for what's ahead.   This commitment carries a tremendous amount of meaning for both Kristyn and her family. Since she first began playing club volleyball at 10 years old, her family has supported her through countless practices, tournaments, and every step of her journey. Being able to continue her volleyball career at the collegiate level is something incredibly special for all of them and represents years of sacrifice, dedication, and unwavering support paying off.     For [player_tooltip player_id='878825' first='Katelyn' last='Hahn'], finding the right college opportunity meant discovering a place where she could pursue both of her passions at the same time. Entering a unique major connected to food and baking, Katelyn originally believed that path might have to wait until later in life. Instead, she found an opportunity that allows her to continue competing in volleyball while also pursuing the academic and career interests she's most passionate about. Being able to combine those two worlds made the recruiting process feel especially rewarding and exciting.   What excites Katelyn most about playing at the next level is continuing to compete in the fast-paced, high-intensity environment she loves so much. Even at the Division III level, she's drawn to the speed, competitiveness, and energy that come with high-level volleyball. For Katelyn, there's nothing quite like the feeling of being part of an intense match, and she's eager to continue experiencing that at the collegiate level while continuing to grow as a player.   As she prepares for this next chapter, Katelyn believes she'll bring positivity, support, and a strong work ethic to her future team. No matter what role she's asked to fill, she takes pride in working hard, staying coachable, and doing everything she can to help elevate the people around her. She values team culture and wants to be the type of teammate who brings encouragement and energy every day.   One moment in the recruiting process that Katelyn says she'll never forget came during a qualifier when she realized her future school had officially started recruiting her class. After already building a relationship with the coaching staff, that moment became the first time she truly understood that she had the opportunity to commit to a school she genuinely wanted to attend — not simply a place willing to take her. That realization made the entire process feel real and incredibly meaningful.   For Katelyn, this commitment represents the reward for years of hard work, sacrifices, and stressful moments finally paying off. More importantly, it gives her the opportunity to continue pursuing the two things she loves most: baking and volleyball. Being able to continue growing in both passions at the collegiate level makes this next chapter incredibly special and exciting for her future.     For [player_tooltip player_id='774402' first='Tessa' last='Larkin'], Stanford immediately stood out because of the culture surrounding the program and the genuine connection she felt during her official visit. From the coaches to the players, the environment felt incredibly close-knit and welcoming, giving her the feeling of being part of a family from the moment she stepped on campus. Beyond volleyball, Stanford also offered a rare opportunity to pursue elite academics while competing at one of the highest levels in collegiate athletics — something Tessa recognized as truly special and difficult to find anywhere else.   As she prepares for the next chapter of her volleyball career, Tessa is most excited about the opportunity to experience such a high level of competition while surrounding herself with exceptional athletes and people. Competing alongside some of the best players in the country is something she embraces, and she's eager to continue growing both on and off the court in an environment built around excellence.   Tessa believes she'll bring competitiveness, discipline, and a strong work ethic to the Stanford program. She's excited for the opportunity to challenge herself daily while contributing to the culture and intensity that make the program so successful. More than anything, she's grateful for the chance to compete alongside athletes she deeply respects and admires.   One moment Tessa says she'll never forget throughout her recruiting journey came during her official visit, when she realized Stanford truly felt like home. The warmth and support from both the players and coaching staff gave her confidence that she had found a place where she genuinely belonged, making the decision feel natural and exciting.   This commitment carries tremendous meaning for both Tessa and her family, and she's incredibly grateful for the support they provided throughout every step of the recruiting process. Reaching this milestone represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, and now she's excited to officially begin the next chapter of her journey at Stanford.     For Katelyn Barton, Phoenix College quickly felt like the right fit because it offered the perfect balance of opportunity, support, and closeness to home. Staying near her family was something that mattered deeply to her throughout the recruiting process, and the encouragement she received from the coaching staff made the decision feel even more comfortable and exciting. The trust, support, and opportunities presented by the program helped Katelyn feel confident that Phoenix College was the place where she could continue growing both athletically and academically.   What excites Katelyn most about playing at the next level is the chance to compete against stronger competition while surrounding herself with athletes who share the same drive, ambition, and goals. She's eager to challenge herself daily and continue developing her game in a highly competitive collegiate environment.   As she prepares to join the program, Katelyn believes she'll bring strength, confidence, and versatility to the court, particularly through her ability to impact the game as a setter in both the front and back row. Her all-around skill set and adaptability make her a valuable asset, and she's excited to continue evolving her game at the collegiate level.   One of the most defining moments in Katelyn's recruiting journey came when she tore her TFCC in her wrist just before June 15th entering her junior year. At the time, the injury created uncertainty and fear that she might miss out on important recruiting opportunities. However, hearing from college coaches during that difficult stretch gave her reassurance, confidence, and hope that she would overcome the setback and continue pursuing her goals. That experience became a reminder of her resilience and ability to push through adversity.   This commitment carries tremendous meaning for both Katelyn and her family. She's incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue both her academic and athletic career on a full-ride scholarship, something that represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance paying off. Being able to stay in-state and remain close to her family while continuing to chase her dreams makes the opportunity even more special as she prepares for this next chapter.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   No two recruiting journeys are ever exactly alike, and that's what makes these stories so special. Every athlete featured in this piece took a different path to reach their goals. Some committed early, while others faced setbacks, uncertainty, injuries, or moments where they questioned if the process would work out. Some found opportunities close to home, while others chose to chase new experiences across the country. No matter the division, school, or timeline, each story is a reminder that success in recruiting doesn't look the same for everyone.   What stands out most is the amount of perseverance, faith, sacrifice, and trust each athlete showed throughout the process. Behind every commitment are years of early mornings, long practices, travel weekends, difficult conversations, and support from family members, teammates, and coaches who helped make these dreams possible. These commitments represent far more than just choosing a school — they represent growth, resilience, and the reward for staying committed through the highs and lows of the journey.   Whether you're currently navigating the recruiting process yourself or simply looking for inspiration, we hope these athletes' experiences serve as a reminder that there's no single blueprint for success. Every journey unfolds differently, and sometimes the right opportunity comes at the exact moment it's supposed to. Trust your path, continue working, and remember that the right fit is always about more than just volleyball — it's about finding the place where you can grow, compete, and truly feel at home.   Arizona volleyball continues to produce talented athletes with bright futures ahead, and we're excited to continue following these players as they begin the next chapters of their careers at the collegiate level.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Want More Exposure?</h2>   Part of the recruiting journey is making sure you're seen! Be sure to register for our upcoming showcases and use code MarissaMorah10 for a discount.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-prep-dig wp-block-embed-prep-dig"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://prepdig.com/events/ </div></figure>

The recruiting journey is one filled with emotion, uncertainty, growth, and unforgettable moments. For many athletes, years of hard work, sacrifices, early mornings, long travel weekends, and countless hours in the gym all lead up to one life-changing decision — finding the school that feels like home.