2028 Leaders College Coaches Need To Know

When college coaches evaluate prospects, they're looking for much more than physical tools, highlight plays, and statistics. They're searching for athletes who can positively impact a program's culture, elevate the players around them, and remain steady when adversity strikes. Leadership has become one of the most valuable traits in recruiting, and the athletes featured in this article have proven they possess it.   The Class of 2028 is loaded with talent across Arizona, but what separates these players is their ability to influence matches beyond the score. Some lead through relentless communication and defensive consistency. Others lead through positivity, resilience, and the ability to keep their teams focused during high-pressure moments. Whether overcoming injuries, helping teammates navigate adversity, or serving as the emotional heartbeat of their teams, these athletes have shown that leadership comes in many different forms.   As the recruiting process continues to heat up for the 2028 class, college coaches aren't just identifying skilled volleyball players—they're searching for future captains, culture builders, and competitors who make everyone around them better. These are a few of the leaders who have caught our attention and continue to prove why they're recruits college coaches should know.    Leadership comes in many forms, and for [player_tooltip player_id='942240' first='Ysange' last='Dsamou'], it starts with consistency, communication, and the ability to stay composed when the pressure is at its highest. She demonstrates this time and time again, making her one of the most respected leaders in Arizona's 2028 class.   One of the best examples of that came at the Boston Qualifier during a critical match against Tampa Bay. After dropping the second set, Dsamou could feel her team's energy begin to slip. Rather than allowing the momentum to continue shifting, she embraced her role as a leader from the back row.   "A moment that really stood out was after we lost the second set," Dsamou said. "I could feel our energy drop, and I knew we needed a reset."   As a libero, Dsamou takes pride in being the steady presence on the court. She elevated her communication, brought more energy, and focused on leading through her defensive effort. The result was a third-set victory that kept her team's bid hopes alive and pushed them into the Gold Bracket.   "I felt like my role in that moment was to steady the team, keep everyone confident, and make sure we stayed aggressive," she said.   That ability to remain composed while helping her teammates do the same is one of the reasons Dsamou has become such an important piece for her squad and why she'll be a huge asset to a college program.   What stands out most about her game is how much confidence she gives the players around her. Whether she's laying out for a ball, taking command of serve receive, or helping organize the defense, her teammates know exactly what they're going to get every time she steps on the floor.   "I think it's my consistency and the way I compete," Dsamou said. "My teammates know I'm going all out for every ball and doing whatever it takes to keep plays alive."   Her communication is equally valuable. Dsamou is constantly talking, organizing the court, and helping teammates process what she sees in real time, making her an extension of the coaching staff on the floor.   Looking ahead, Dsamou is excited for what's next. She looks forward to competing this summer, continuing to build relationships with college coaches, and taking on an even bigger leadership role for her team.   "I'm excited to keep building relationships with college coaches and showing how I impact the game as a libero," she said.   As the recruiting process continues, don't be surprised to see Dsamou continue climbing the radar. She's proving that leadership isn't just about having a voice—it's about having an impact. And that's exactly what she does every time she steps on the court.     Leadership often reveals itself during adversity, and for [player_tooltip player_id='913242' first='Colleen' last='Brousseau'], that moment came after suffering a concussion that sidelined her for nearly two months.   Rather than disconnecting from her team, Brousseau remained invested every step of the way. When she finally returned to the court, her focus wasn't just on her own performance—it was on reassuring her teammates that they could still rely on her leadership.   "When I came back, I focused on encouraging my teammates, staying positive, and leading by example through my effort and attitude," Brousseau said.   That team-first mentality is something that consistently stands out about her game. Brousseau takes pride in her ability to adapt to whatever her team needs in the moment. Whether it's finding smarter ways to score, making adjustments in serve receive, or communicating with teammates to solve problems on the court, she values flexibility and collaboration.   "I focus on adjusting to whatever my team needs," she explained. "Open communication helps all of us adapt quicker."   As recruiting continues to ramp up for the 2028 class, Brousseau hopes college coaches recognize the mindset she brings to a program. She holds herself to a high standard regardless of her role and believes team success will always outweigh individual accomplishments.   "My top priority is playing for my teammates and doing whatever helps the team succeed," she said.   Brousseau credits much of her leadership development to the coaches who have guided her throughout her volleyball career. Watching them remain composed during difficult moments has taught her the importance of patience, trust, and consistency when leading others.   Looking ahead, she's excited for the next chapter of her high school career. She enjoys competing alongside teammates from different clubs and backgrounds and values the opportunity to learn from players with varying experiences and perspectives.   For us, Brousseau's leadership is rooted in resilience, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to her teammates. Whether she's on the court or supporting from the sidelines, she consistently puts the team first—and that's exactly the type of leader coaches love to have in their gym.     Leadership isn't always measured by what happens when you're on the court. Sometimes, it's revealed by how you respond when you're suddenly taken off of it.   For 2028 libero [player_tooltip player_id='888797' first='Kameron' last='Russell'], one of the defining moments of her season came just two months in when she suffered a broken hand during practice. She was having an absolutely dominant season as a libero, and the injury came at a critical point in the year. While the setback could have easily sidelined her mentally as well as physically, Russell made a different choice. Instead of stepping away from the team, she leaned further into her role as a leader.   "When I broke my hand at practice only two months into the season, I was obviously disappointed," Russell said. "But I made the decision to continue showing up for my team at every practice, training, and match."   That mindset speaks volumes about the type of player and teammate Russell has become. Her leadership isn't dependent on statistics or playing time. Instead, it's rooted in accountability, positivity, and an unwavering commitment to the people around her.   "I never missed an opportunity to support and encourage my teammates or help keep the team's energy high," she added.   When she is on the floor, Russell provides the type of stability every team needs from its libero position. Her teammates know they can count on her communication, defensive presence, and consistency.   "I think my communication and defense give my teammates confidence because they know I'm going to be vocal, consistent, and do my job on the court," Russell explained.   One of the things that stands out most about Russell is her maturity. She approaches the game with a level-headed mindset and an eagerness to learn that coaches at every level appreciate. As recruiting continues to pick up for the 2028 class, Russell hopes college coaches recognize the intangibles she brings alongside her skill set.   "I want college coaches to know that I'm level-headed, coachable, and always willing to give 100% effort for my team," she said. "I take feedback seriously and am always looking for ways to improve."   Looking ahead, Russell is especially excited about experiencing Nationals for the first time and continuing to build on the chemistry her team has developed throughout the season. Her hand is healed, she's back on the court, and she's ready to compete.   "This team was almost completely new to each other at the beginning of the season, but we found a way to really connect both on and off the court," Russell said. "I'm proud of how much we've grown together and excited to see what we can accomplish moving forward."   The defensive skills are there. The communication is there. But perhaps most importantly, Russell understands that leadership is about showing up for your team no matter what. That's exactly what she's done all season long, and it's a big reason she's a recruit college coaches should have on their radar moving forward.     One of the most valuable qualities a player can bring to a team is the ability to stay positive and confident when the match gets tough. That's exactly what has helped this 2028 prospect become a leader for her team.   Throughout the season, she found opportunities to guide her teammates through challenging matches by bringing consistent energy and encouragement to the court. Whether her team was facing adversity or building momentum, she understood the importance of staying composed and helping those around her remain confident.   "There were several moments this season where I felt my leadership made a difference was being able to guide my teammates through tough games and radiate positive energy and confidence," she said.   That positivity is paired with a relentless work ethic that gives her teammates confidence whenever she's on the floor. She takes pride in her determination, hustle, and willingness to do whatever it takes to keep a play alive.   "I let my teammates know I always have their backs, and I will better the ball any chance I get," she explained.   As recruiting continues to pick up for the 2028 class, she hopes college coaches recognize the complete game she brings to the court. While she can impact matches offensively, she also values the defensive side of the game and takes pride in her coverage, effort, and willingness to do the little things that help her team succeed.   "I want coaches to recognize my energy on the court and the tools I bring as an offensive player, as well as my hustle and coverage as a defensive player," she said.   When it comes to leadership, she credits much of her growth to her parents. Their determination, athletic backgrounds, and unwavering support have helped shape the player and person she is today.   "I look up to my parents a lot as leaders," she said. "They've both supported me through everything and helped me grow into the person and leader that I am today."   Looking ahead, she's excited to continue expanding her game and learning from new coaches. One skill she's especially focused on developing is her cut shot from the outside hitter position, something she hopes will become a major weapon moving forward.   For us, what stands out most is her combination of positivity, competitiveness, and team-first mentality. She understands that leadership isn't always about being the loudest voice on the court—sometimes it's about bringing energy, supporting your teammates, and competing with relentless effort every time you step between the lines.     Sometimes Leadership is about providing steady encouragement, keeping teammates engaged, and helping everyone stay confident when the pressure starts to build. That's exactly the type of leadership [player_tooltip player_id='888794' first='Kenzie' last='Schwab'] brings to her team.   One of the moments that stood out most to Schwab this season came during a highly competitive match against A5. With points going back and forth and emotions running high, she understood how important it was to keep her team focused and positive.   "The points kept going back and forth, and it was a very tense environment," Schwab said. "Staying cheering and positive helped us win that first set."   That ability to bring energy in pressure-filled moments is one of the reasons Schwab has become such a valuable teammate. Whether she's on the court or on the sideline, she understands the impact positive leadership can have on a team's performance.   What stands out most about Schwab's game is her communication. She takes pride in making sure her teammates know they have someone in their corner, no matter the situation.   "I think my constant communication helps give my teammates confidence," she said. "I want everyone to know that I have their back."   As recruiting continues to ramp up for the 2028 class, Schwab hopes college coaches recognize the team-first mentality she brings to every gym. While she's always willing to compete for opportunities, she also understands the importance of supporting those around her and contributing however she can.   "I will work hard for a spot, but if it's not the right timing, I will be the loudest cheerleader and help in any other way," Schwab explained.   When it comes to leadership, Schwab looks to two of the game's most respected liberos for inspiration: Laney Choboy and Kalli Lipo. What stands out to her most is their ability to lead regardless of their role on any given day.   "Even when they aren't always in the libero jersey, they're still the loudest ones on and off the court," she said.   Looking ahead, Schwab is excited for the opportunities this summer will provide. Between attending college camps and competing at Girls Junior National Championships, she's eager to continue learning, competing, and showcasing her game against top-level competition.   For us, Schwab's leadership is rooted in positivity, communication, and selflessness. She understands that great leaders don't just focus on their own success—they elevate everyone around them. Those qualities, combined with her competitive drive and team-first attitude, make her a player college coaches should keep an eye on in the 2028 class.     For [player_tooltip player_id='888725' first='London' last='Clark'], leadership starts in the gym every day.   While Clark is viewed as a leader during matches, she believes some of her most important contributions happen during practice. Whether her team is battling through difficult drills, conditioning sessions, or challenging stretches of the season, she works to keep the energy high and her teammates motivated.   "I feel like my leadership especially makes a difference in practice," Clark said. "I encourage my teammates to push through the hard drills and conditioning. I also try to stay positive and loud to keep a good vibe."   That mindset has helped create an environment where teammates support one another and continue working toward a common goal.   "I think our team does so well because we're always lifting each other up and never blame one another," she added.   When Clark steps onto the court, one of her biggest strengths as a leader is her communication. She understands that confidence can often come from simply knowing your teammates are supporting you and helping you see the game clearly.   Whether she's calling for help on a ball, organizing the defense, or providing coverage behind her hitters, Clark's voice is a constant presence. Her communication helps create trust among her teammates and allows them to play aggressively knowing someone is always behind them.   "I feel like my voice behind the hitters gives them confidence to swing because they know someone is covering behind them," she explained.   Those leadership qualities are a big reason Clark continues to stand out among Arizona's talented 2028 class. Her ability to communicate, encourage others, and bring positive energy to every environment makes her a valuable piece of any team she's part of.   Looking ahead, Clark is excited for the opportunities still to come this summer. She's eager to continue competing alongside her club teammates and see the hard work they've put in throughout the season pay off on some of the biggest stages of the year.   "I am also super excited for Nationals and Summer NIT with my club team," Clark said. "We have been working so hard in and out of practice, so hopefully it pays off."   For us, Clark's leadership is a great reminder that some of the most impactful leaders aren't always measured by statistics. They're measured by the energy they bring, the confidence they instill in others, and the culture they help create every single day. Those qualities make Clark a player college coaches should continue to keep an eye on as the recruiting process unfolds.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We LOVE What We Do</h2>   It's been an incredible club season, and the growth of Arizona volleyball continues to impress us every step of the way. From major qualifier performances to breakout individual seasons, this year has once again shown just how much talent exists across the state. We're excited to keep the momentum going this summer as we continue coverage at Festival Fiesta Classic and Nationals, where even more athletes will have the opportunity to make a name for themselves on big stages.   Our mission remains the same — to continue shining a light on the hardworking athletes, coaches, and programs that make Arizona volleyball so special. 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When college coaches evaluate prospects, they're looking for much more than physical tools, highlight plays, and statistics. They're searching for athletes who can positively impact a program's culture, elevate the players around them, and remain steady when adversity strikes. Leadership has become one of the most valuable traits in recruiting, and the athletes featured in this article have proven they possess it.