SLC Showcase: Outside Hitters Forcing Coaches to Stay Longer

<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>   At every showcase, there are hitters who create early interest, and then there are the ones who make evaluators stay through another rotation, another set, sometimes another match. This group stood out through their own reflections, not because they all play the game the same way, but because each one revealed something college coaches consistently recruit, decision-making, emotional control, communication, adaptability, and the ability to stay productive when the first option disappears. The athletes below did not just describe what they do well. They revealed how they think, how they compete, and why their recruiting conversations may be getting longer.      Power gets attention. Shot selection keeps it. [player_tooltip player_id='769255' first='Evelyn' last='Anderson'] is already bringing both. The 2030 outside hitter describes herself as athletic, competitive, and high-IQ, and her responses backed that up. Whether she is taking a big swing in transition or mixing in tips and placement late in a rally, there is intentionality behind what she is doing. Film study, detail work, and a willingness to evolve beyond pure power are already becoming part of her offensive identity.   What separated Anderson's responses was how often composure showed up. When momentum shifts, she talks about controlling effort, mindset, and decisions instead of chasing points. She communicates, stays positive, and continues finding ways to impact the match even when she is not the one scoring. Add in AP coursework, volunteer work, and a clear understanding of the type of school she wants, and this feels like an athlete who understands both development and fit. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Some outside hitters bring offense. Others bring solutions. [player_tooltip player_id='966387' first='Deanna' last='Ho'] falls into the second category. The 2029 pin from TVC takes pride in being a true utility player, someone who can pass, dig, set, and still stay aggressive at the net. “I will hit the ball the majority of the time and will not free ball it unless I absolutely have no choice.” That mentality shows up in how she sees the game. If the outside is getting sealed, she is already talking with her setter about shifting tempo or moving the offense somewhere else. That kind of awareness keeps hitters on the court longer and keeps evaluators watching longer.   Her leadership may be just as recruitable as her skill set. Deanna described being down ten points and refusing to let the energy drop as team captain, continuing to communicate, encourage, and keep everyone engaged. She processes mistakes quickly, resets fast, and values programs built on loyalty, development, and shared investment. Competitive maturity, communication, and genuine team leadership travel at every level. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='936622' first='Sophie' last='Ortiz'] is learning something many hitters do not figure out until much later, smart points count the same. The 2029 Fresno Heat pin talked about using roll shots, tips, and vision to beat organized blocks, especially when plays break down. Her example of seeing a loaded block and dropping a deep roll shot to zone four tells you she is not just reacting, she is reading, processing, and solving. That kind of problem-solving keeps defenses honest.   What made her responses stand out even more was her mental growth. Ortiz openly talked about moving away from frustration and into positive affirmations, point-to-point focus, and tuning out outside noise. She is applying coaching, staying grounded academically, and looking for a program that challenges both athlete and student. There is toughness here, but it is controlled toughness, and that matters. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Height may grab a coach's eye, but energy often keeps them watching. [player_tooltip player_id='963715' first='Catherine' last='Cashman'] brings that kind of energy. The Colorado outside hitter plays fast, jumps well, serves aggressively, and takes obvious pride in how she communicates. Her ability to score line, attack hard cross, and still value the back row says a lot about how she sees the game. She does not want to be defined by one phase of it.   Her responses consistently came back to details. First-step movement, reading the set, getting back to fundamentals, raising her energy when things get tough. Those are coachable habits, and more importantly, they are habits already being applied. With a strong academic foundation and a desire for balance between classroom and competition, Cashman feels like a player whose best volleyball is still in front of her. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     One of the quickest ways for a hitter to earn a longer look is by showing she can score without being predictable. [player_tooltip player_id='943226' first='Alexandra' last='Schenkelberg'] gave exactly that. The 2029 outside talked about opening up angle, then snapping line for a clean kill. That is not just mechanics. That is deception, confidence, and timing. Her ability to tool the block and change what defenders think they are seeing makes her offensive game interesting.   Her growth this season has been technical and personal. Adjustments to her backswing, approach speed, and arm path not only improved production, they eliminated shoulder pain and brought more control to her swing. Just as important, she leans on positive self-talk and spends as much energy supporting teammates as improving herself. Programs built around connection, accountability, and healthy competition should like what they see here. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='966139' first='Cassidy' last='Johnson'] loves to hit, loves the game, and plays like someone who knows exactly why she is on the floor. The 2029 [program_tooltip program_id='575264' first='Torrance' last='Volleyball Club'] pin kept her responses simple, but there was confidence in that simplicity. Her offensive mindset is clear, and so is her willingness to keep swinging. Sometimes recruiters are not looking for a perfect answer. They are looking for conviction.   When matches tighten, Johnson talks about pulling her shoulders back, lifting the energy, and moving forward. That may sound simple, but body language under pressure matters. Coaching feedback around spacing is already becoming part of her offensive growth, and her interest in the Division III path suggests an athlete who is thinking about where she fits, not just where she lands. That awareness matters. ~ 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. 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