Juneteenth Spotlight: Looking Back at 10 Athletes Who Inspired Us

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we're taking a moment to look back at 10 athletes whose stories left a lasting impression on us last year.   Each athlete featured in this article shared what their African-American heritage means to them and how it influences the way they compete, lead, and pursue their goals. Their reflections were thoughtful, honest, and powerful reminders that volleyball is about more than what happens between the lines. It is also about identity, resilience, family, opportunity, and the people who help shape our journeys.   While these stories were originally published in 2025, their messages continue to resonate today. On a day dedicated to honoring freedom, perseverance, and progress, we felt it was worth revisiting the voices of athletes who inspired us then and continue to inspire us now.   We hope you'll enjoy looking back with us.    [player_tooltip player_id='888357' first='Kendall' last='Omoruyi']'s story has only grown stronger since we first featured her in this Juneteenth spotlight.   As the No. 1-ranked player in the Class of 2027, a Nebraska commit, a member of the USA Volleyball Women's U21 National Team, with a ticket to play in this summer's UA Next All-America Game in Orlando, Kendall continues to demonstrate the same resilience, work ethic, and leadership she spoke about a year ago.   Kendall has always drawn deep pride and motivation from her African-American heritage. To her, it represents resilience, community, and perseverance, values that continue to fuel her pursuit of excellence at the highest levels of the sport. Her heritage has helped shape the mindset that has made her one of the nation's most accomplished young athletes while inspiring her to lead by example on and off the court.   Kendall credits her mother and longtime club coach, Terri Spann, as two of the most influential figures in her journey. Her mother's unwavering support taught her the value of hard work and perseverance, while Coach Spann helped shape both her game and her character through an emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship.   Her message to younger African-American athletes remains as powerful today as it was when she first shared it:   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Embrace your heritage as a source of strength, believe in yourself when the path gets difficult, and surround yourself with people who support your growth. </blockquote>   For Kendall, success has never been just about personal achievement. It is about creating opportunities, inspiring others, and leaving a lasting impact on the next generation.   ~ Michelle Bamford @coachable247     When we first featured Memphis Burnett in this Juneteenth spotlight, she spoke about representing something bigger than herself every time she stepped onto the court. Today, that same mindset has carried her from one of California's top high school athletes to the collegiate level at the University of California, Irvine.   Now a member of the UC Irvine volleyball program, Memphis continues to build on the foundation that made her one of the most respected athletes in her class. Her impact extends beyond the court as well. With her own <a href="https://nil.store/uc-irvine/uci-memphis-burnett-81?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnBhoxg4hTbcqTYq0JiQzV_Y5MlIvRp1jyWvQSq7-YcRGNcm9SmyvvDrgN_y0_aem_B5pqrxZ9YuLYzlBaWtfKIA" type="link" id="https://nil.store/uc-irvine/uci-memphis-burnett-81?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnBhoxg4hTbcqTYq0JiQzV_Y5MlIvRp1jyWvQSq7-YcRGNcm9SmyvvDrgN_y0_aem_B5pqrxZ9YuLYzlBaWtfKIA">NIL merchandise line</a>, Memphis is embracing the opportunities available to today's student-athletes while continuing to represent herself, her family, and her community with pride.   For Memphis, being African-American has always meant strength, resilience, and identity, especially in spaces where she may be one of only a few who share her background. She understands that she represents generations of people who worked tirelessly to create opportunities for those who followed. That awareness has shaped her work ethic and her commitment to showing up every day with purpose.   Her greatest inspiration remains her father. Raised by a widowed Black mother, he overcame significant obstacles on his way to the NFL and built a life grounded in perseverance, determination, and love. Memphis credits him for instilling those same values in her and for continually reminding her of the legacy she represents and the opportunities she has because of those who came before her.   Her message to younger African-American athletes is as relevant today as ever:   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> You belong. You belong in every gym, on every team, and in every dream you pursue. Stay true to yourself, embrace who you are, and never allow being different to make you feel smaller. </blockquote>   Memphis' journey from high school standout to Division I athlete serves as a reminder that authenticity, confidence, and perseverance can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.   ~ Michelle Bamford @coachable247     When we first featured [player_tooltip player_id='708497' first='Lailah' last='Clayborne'] in this Juneteenth spotlight, she spoke about defining success on her own terms and embracing the unique path in front of her. Over the past year, she has continued to do exactly that.   A rising Class of 2028 prospect, Lailah has made significant strides in her development both indoors and on the beach. During her most recent beach season, she earned her team's Most Improved Award, a reflection of the work she has invested behind the scenes. She has also increased her standing vertical jump to 24 inches, tangible evidence of her commitment to growth. This summer, she will continue exploring her future opportunities through college camps at Howard University, Morgan State University, George Washington University, and UC Santa Barbara.   For Lailah, being African-American means being strong, beautiful, and empowered by the resilience of those who came before her. That identity continues to shape not only who she is as a person, but also the impact she hopes to make within the sport. She wants young Black girls to see themselves represented in volleyball and understand that they belong in the game.   Her parents remain her greatest influences. They have instilled a deep sense of cultural pride while creating an environment where she can grow with confidence, humility, and purpose. Their support has helped her become an athlete who is comfortable being herself and capable of connecting with people from all backgrounds.   Lailah's advice to younger African-American athletes remains as relevant today as it was a year ago:   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Don't compare your journey to someone else's. Growth happens at different times for different athletes. Stay coachable, stay consistent, and trust the work you're putting in. </blockquote>   Lailah's recent accomplishments are proof that when athletes focus on their own development rather than measuring themselves against others, meaningful progress follows.   ~ Michelle Bamford @coachable247     When we first featured [player_tooltip player_id='538286' first='Trinity' last='Wright'] in this Juneteenth spotlight, she spoke about perseverance, self-worth, and refusing to let others define her potential. Those qualities continue to shape her journey today.   Now competing as a middle blocker for [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar'], Trinity continues to develop into a player worth recruiting in the Class of 2028. She recently helped her team earn a strong finish at the Far Western National Qualifier and remains focused on finding the college program she will eventually call home. As her game continues to evolve, so does her confidence in the path she is creating for herself.   For Trinity, her African-American heritage represents the strength and perseverance of the generations who came before her. That connection has helped shape her mindset as an athlete, encouraging her to compete with purpose, hold herself to a high standard, and remain proud of who she is regardless of the environment around her.   While several people have influenced her volleyball journey, her greatest inspiration is her mother. From practices and tournaments to the countless sacrifices required to support a young athlete's dream, her mother's commitment continues to motivate Trinity every day. Knowing how much her family has invested in her success pushes her to keep working toward her goals.   When adversity arises, Trinity has learned the importance of staying steady and going with the flow rather than allowing setbacks to define her. Her advice to younger African-American athletes reflects that perspective: the beginning may be difficult, and there will be moments when you feel different or out of place, but approach the journey with confidence. Believe in yourself, trust your work, and never allow others to place limits on what you can achieve.   As Trinity continues her recruiting journey, the same resilience and pride she shared last year remain at the center of everything she does.   ~ Michelle Bamford @coachable247     When we first featured [player_tooltip player_id='714028' first='Yemaya' last='Chappell'] in this Juneteenth spotlight, she shared a simple but powerful belief: the first step to becoming great is developing the mindset of a great athlete. Over the past year, she has put that philosophy into action.   Yemaya has experienced tremendous growth both as a player and as a competitor. She earned an invitation to the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP), one of the highest honors available to young athletes in the sport. She recently attended Texas A&M's Maroon & White Camp, hosted by the reigning 2025 NCAA National Champions, and will continue her recruiting journey this summer at Nebraska's 2026 Dream Team Camp. These opportunities allow her to challenge herself against elite competition while gaining valuable insight into the collegiate game.   For Yemaya, her African-American heritage remains central to who she is. It has helped shape the confidence and self-awareness she carries both on and off the court. By embracing her identity and understanding her value, she has developed the ability to compete with purpose, confidence, and presence in every environment she enters.   Her father continues to be her greatest inspiration. As a former Division I basketball player who competed at Duke, won an NCAA National Championship at Michigan State, and played professionally overseas, he understands what it takes to succeed at the highest levels. His lessons about preparation, discipline, goal setting, and mental toughness continue to guide Yemaya's development as an athlete and young woman.   Her message to younger athletes remains unchanged:   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Success begins with mindset. Set goals, stay focused, and be willing to put in the work long before anyone sees the results. </blockquote>   Yemaya's recent accomplishments are proof that confidence, preparation, and consistent effort can create opportunities far beyond what many young athletes imagine possible.   ~ Michelle Bamford @coachable247     When we first featured Anaya Francois in this Juneteenth spotlight, she spoke about defining success on her own terms and staying motivated by her goals rather than outside expectations. Over the past year, her accomplishments have shown exactly what that mindset can produce.   Anaya has enjoyed an exceptional final chapter of her high school career. She earned All-Tournament Team honors at Nationals, was recognized as the CIF Female Athlete of the Year, and announced her commitment to continue her academic and athletic career at Colby College. Each accomplishment reflects years of dedication, discipline, and a commitment to maximizing the opportunities created through her sport.   As an athlete of African-American and Haitian-American heritage, Anaya continues to draw pride and motivation from the strength, resilience, and determination of those who came before her. She was raised to understand the significance of that legacy and to honor it by pursuing excellence in everything she does. Whether competing on the volleyball court or in the classroom, she has embraced the responsibility of representing herself, her family, and her culture with pride.   Her mother remains her greatest inspiration. Through countless early mornings, long tournament weekends, words of encouragement, and unwavering support, she has consistently reminded Anaya of her potential, even during moments of doubt. That belief has played a major role in helping Anaya develop into both an accomplished athlete and a confident young woman.   Her advice to younger Black girls entering the sport remains as meaningful today as it was when she first shared it:   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Stay internally motivated, focus on your own goals, and avoid measuring your success against someone else's journey. Define success for yourself, trust the process, and continue building habits that move you closer to your dreams. </blockquote>   Anaya's journey from high school standout to collegiate athlete is proof that when preparation meets purpose, opportunities follow. ~ Michelle Bamford @coachable247     When we first featured [player_tooltip player_id='745713' first='Rhylie' last='Fairley'] in this Juneteenth spotlight, she spoke about working hard when no one is watching and believing that your difference can be your strength. Over the past year, she has continued to embody that message through an unwavering commitment to growth.   Now competing with [program_tooltip program_id='913397' first='Surfside' last='Volleyball Club'], Rhylie has embraced every opportunity to improve her game. She has worked diligently alongside Coach Uche, Raki, and The Jump Lab, investing countless hours into her athletic development. She also attended the UA Next Middle School Camp and continues to immerse herself in the sport by attending college camps and matches whenever possible. For Rhylie, improvement isn't something that happens by chance. It's the result of consistent effort and a willingness to learn from everyone around her.   Her African-American heritage remains a source of pride and motivation. To Rhylie, it represents courage, resilience, and hard work. She understands that every opportunity she has today was made possible by those who came before her, and that awareness inspires her to approach volleyball with gratitude, purpose, and determination.   Coach Uche continues to be one of the most influential figures in her volleyball journey. His belief in development through repetition, discipline, and confidence has helped shape Rhylie's approach to training. Through his guidance and the support of those around her, she has learned that growth comes from embracing challenges rather than avoiding them.   Though she is still early in her volleyball journey, Rhylie continues to share a message that athletes of any age can learn from:   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Work hard even when no one is watching, be proud of who you are, and never be afraid to stand out. </blockquote>   Her dedication to learning, improving, and chasing opportunities suggests that this is only the beginning of a very exciting journey. ~ Michelle Bamford @coachable247     When we first featured Samira Washington in this Juneteenth spotlight, she spoke about honoring the sacrifices of those who came before her by refusing to settle for mediocrity. Looking at her accomplishments over the past year, it's clear she has continued to live out that mindset.   Recognized on the 2025 AVCA Phenom Watchlist, Samira continues to make her mark as a multi-sport athlete. She recently set a personal best of 12.22 seconds in the 100-meter dash and earned both the Most Rushing Yards Award and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors on the football field. No matter the sport, Samira approaches competition with the same determination, discipline, and belief that excellence is earned through hard work.   For Samira, her African-American heritage represents the freedom to define her own path rather than follow the expectations others place upon her. It means pushing beyond limitations, overcoming challenges, and honoring the sacrifices made by previous generations. Every time she steps onto a court, track, or field, she competes with purpose, understanding that the opportunities she has today were made possible by those who fought for them before her.   The person who continues to inspire her most is her maternal great-grandmother. Born into circumstances that required incredible courage and resilience, her story remains a source of motivation whenever Samira faces adversity. That legacy reminds her to keep pushing, keep improving, and never take opportunities for granted.   A year later, Samira's story continues to reflect the same message she shared then: embrace your journey, honor those who paved the way, and never stop pursuing your full potential.   ~ Michelle Bamford @coachable247     When we first featured Mackenzi Law in this Juneteenth spotlight, she spoke about resilience, strength, and the importance of believing in yourself. One year later, those words feel even more meaningful.   Now a San José State University commit, Mackenzi has turned a longtime dream into reality. The versatile Class of 2027 athlete continues to build her legacy both on and off the court, embracing opportunities to lead, inspire, and share her voice. Beyond volleyball, she is also the creator of the "What We Don't Talk About" podcast, using her platform to have meaningful conversations and encourage others to think beyond the game.   Mackenzi has always carried her African-American heritage with pride. For her, it serves as a daily reminder of resilience and strength, qualities that have shaped her approach to competition, leadership, and personal growth. Those same qualities have helped guide her through the recruiting process and toward her future as a Division I student-athlete.   She draws inspiration from her father, whose basketball journey through college and into the NBA left a lasting impression on her. His ability to overcome obstacles helped shape the mindset that continues to drive her pursuit of excellence and reminds her that big goals are achieved through hard work, perseverance, and self-belief.   Her advice to younger African-American athletes remains simple and powerful:   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Always be yourself, and never let anyone limit or define what you can achieve. Mackenzi's journey is proof that when talent, belief, and determination come together, dreams can become reality. </blockquote>   ~ Michelle Bamford @coachable247     When we first featured Kamryn Jackson in this Juneteenth spotlight, she spoke about resilience, community, and staying true to yourself. Today, she is living out those values as a collegiate student-athlete at North Carolina A&T State University.   Kamryn's journey from club volleyball in Oklahoma to competing at one of the nation's most respected Historically Black Colleges and Universities reflects the determination and purpose she shared when we first told her story. Her commitment to embracing her identity, trusting her support system, and believing in her potential helped carry her to the next level both academically and athletically.   For Kamryn, her African-American heritage has always represented resilience, strength, and community. She draws inspiration from a rich cultural history and the accomplishments of those who came before her. That legacy continues to motivate her as she navigates the opportunities and challenges of collegiate athletics, reminding her that she is part of something much larger than herself.   Her parents remain the foundation of her success. Her mother has been her biggest supporter since the beginning, encouraging her through every stage of her volleyball journey. Her father has served as both trainer and mentor, helping her develop the confidence and discipline needed to pursue ambitious goals. Kamryn also continues to draw inspiration from her younger sister, hoping her own journey demonstrates what is possible through hard work and perseverance.   Her message to younger African-American athletes remains just as powerful today:   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> You do not have to conform to anyone else's expectations or narrative. You are enough exactly as you are. Stay rooted in your truth, continue working with purpose, and trust the path in front of you. </blockquote>   Kamryn's journey to North Carolina A&T is a reminder that authenticity, faith, and determination can open doors to incredible opportunities.   ~ Michelle Bamford @coachable247    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   If you're an athlete looking to explore opportunities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, don't miss the HBCU Showcase in Las Vegas. While this is not a PrepDig-operated event, both Vegas Scouts Kantessa Bryant-Miller and I will be in attendance and scouting talent.   📆 Date: July 18, 2026 ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM 📍 Location: It's All Volleyball, 530 E Pamalyn, Las Vegas 🔗 Register: <a href="http://www.blackvolleyballcircuit.com" class="">www.</a><a href="http://www.blackvolleyballcircuit.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blackvolleyballcircuit</a><a href="http://www.blackvolleyballcircuit.com" class="">.com</a> Use Code: JUNETEENTH   This event provides athletes with an opportunity to gain exposure, build relationships, and learn more about the opportunities available at HBCU programs across the country.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going</h3>   🔥 Athletes   One year ago, the athletes featured in this article shared what their heritage meant to them, who inspired them, and the values they hoped would guide their journeys.   Today, many of those same athletes have earned college commitments, national team invitations, championship recognition, recruiting opportunities, and personal milestones that once existed only as goals. What stands out most is not simply what they have accomplished. It is how they have accomplished it.   They have remained committed to growth. They have continued to work when nobody was watching. They have embraced challenges, trusted their support systems, and stayed connected to the values that shaped them long before the recognition arrived.   As you read their stories, pay attention to the themes that appear again and again: resilience, gratitude, confidence, family, identity, and perseverance. Those qualities continue to open doors long after a match ends.   📣 Club Coaches & Directors   Thank you for helping develop the athletes featured throughout this article.   The achievements highlighted here are built on countless hours of practice, coaching, mentorship, and opportunities to compete in challenging environments. Every invitation, award, commitment, and milestone reflects the collective effort of athletes, families, and coaches working together toward a common goal.   If one of your athletes is featured, celebrate them. Share this article, tag @PrepDigCA, and continue highlighting the impact your program is making on the next generation of student-athletes.   🎯 College Coaches   This article offers more than a list of accomplishments.   It provides insight into the character, mindset, and support systems behind the athletes. Long before commitments, awards, and recognition arrived, these athletes were already talking about accountability, confidence, resilience, and personal growth.   As their volleyball journeys continue, those qualities will remain just as important as any measurable statistic. The athletes who continue to thrive are often the ones who understand who they are, why they compete, and how to respond when adversity inevitably arrives.   🙏 Parents & Supporters   Behind every athlete featured in this article is a family, mentor, coach, or supporter who helped make the journey possible.   The early mornings, long drives, difficult conversations, sacrifices, encouragement, and unwavering belief all helped shape the young women whose stories are featured here today.   On Juneteenth, we celebrate progress, opportunity, and the individuals who paved the way for future generations. These athletes are building on that legacy through their own journeys, creating opportunities not only for themselves but for those who will follow.   Thank you for believing in them.   And thank you to the athletes who shared their stories with us last year. Watching your growth over the past twelve months has been one of the greatest reminders that dreams backed by purpose, preparation, and perseverance can become reality.   🚀 <a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a> Access exclusive rankings, deeper analysis, and the full Prospect Index to follow every athlete's journey.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   Want More Exposure? The PrepDig Showcase Series is designed for athletes who want to take ownership of their recruiting journey and better understand how visibility, evaluation, and opportunity work together. These events offer more than competition. They provide athletes with a chance to learn how exposure works, compete in front of evaluators, build confidence, and gain valuable insight into what coaches are looking for at each stage of development.   Whether your goal is to improve communication, showcase your skills, earn recognition, receive meaningful evaluation, or simply learn how to stand out in a competitive environment, each showcase is built to help athletes grow both on and off the court. If you're ready to invest in your development, tell your story, and put yourself on the radar, <a href="https://prepdig.com/all-events/?type=Showcase" id="https://prepdig.com/all-events/?type=Showcase">registration is open</a>.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/image_7a4b01.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-991561"/></figure>   Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we're taking a moment to look back at 10 athletes whose stories left a lasting impression on us last year.