Summer NIT Begins: Time to Turn Words Into Action

<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>   The first day of Triple Crown Summer NIT has arrived, and this group of younger athletes shared their voices in the run-up to the first whistle. Now they have an opportunity to turn those words into action.   Many talked about testing themselves against the best competition they can find. They aren't looking for easy matches. They're excited to play unfamiliar opponents, see different styles of volleyball, and learn where they stack up against teams from across the country. For athletes this age, that's exactly the mindset you want to see.   Another theme was growth. Nearly every athlete referenced improvement, whether it was becoming a better teammate, becoming more confident, improving a specific skill, or continuing to push themselves when things get difficult. They understand that exposure is valuable, but development is what creates long-term opportunities.   Today, they get their chance.   The courts are full. The competition is here. And over the next few days, these athletes will have an opportunity to show college coaches, opponents, teammates, and themselves exactly how much they've grown.    Victoria Flores is bringing energy, competitiveness, and a season's worth of defensive growth into Summer NIT. She is excited for people to see how much her team has improved and hopes their level of play reflects the work they have put in throughout the year. For Victoria, this event is about more than exposure. It's an opportunity to compete against some of the strongest teams in the country while preparing for the challenges that await later this summer.   The chance to face programs such as A5, Skyline, and Arizona Storm is exactly the type of competition she has been looking forward to. Off the court, Victoria enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, playing beach volleyball, and being with her family. She already has her eyes on the future and would love the opportunity to play at Nebraska one day. As she prepares for one of the biggest stages of her season, her advice to younger athletes remains grounded in the values that have helped her get here: dedication, consistency, hard work, and never stopping believing in yourself.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Isabella Sklaver is excited to bring energy and leadership to the court at Summer NIT. With the season quickly winding down, she is focused on helping push her team to perform at its highest level. More than anything, she hopes college coaches and spectators notice her genuine passion for the game. While she takes pride in her consistency and ability as a setter, she also wants to be known as a positive contributor and great teammate both on and off the court.   One of the reasons this event is so meaningful to Isabella is the opportunity to show how much she has grown since Winter NIT. She is eager to compete against teams outside the SCSN region, experience different styles of play, and challenge herself in new competitive environments. Away from volleyball, Isabella is a dedicated student who values academics, friendships, and community. When she begins exploring college opportunities, she hopes to find a program that promotes excellence in both academics and athletics while providing a strong support system. Ultimately, she is looking for a school that believes in her abilities and supports her growth not only as a player, but also as a teammate and person.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Steadiness is the word Alison Tam hopes people take away from watching her compete at Summer NIT. The Sunshine libero is looking forward to bringing consistency, positivity, and a calm presence to one of the biggest stages of the summer. While the level of competition will be high, Alison wants people to notice her ability to stay present in difficult moments and the way her team continues to support one another regardless of the score.   For Alison, Summer NIT represents another opportunity to improve. She views competing against some of the best teams in the country as a chance to measure her growth and continue developing her game. Away from volleyball, she enjoys journalism and literature and values academics just as much as athletics. Looking ahead, she hopes to find a college program with strong academics and a culture that challenges athletes to become their best both on and off the court. Her approach to competition is simple: play with gratitude, stay in the moment, and enjoy the opportunity to compete.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Few athletes described Summer NIT with as much excitement as Sophia Kiely. She is eager to bring her team's competitive spirit and versatility to Arizona while showcasing herself as an all-around athlete who competes with grit, humor, and an unwavering competitive mindset. Sophia loves the challenge of facing elite opponents and believes some of her biggest growth opportunities happen when the level of competition rises.   What makes Sophia particularly interesting is the balance she brings between intensity and curiosity. She thrives in the mental and physical battle of volleyball, yet also enjoys cross-stitching, building Legos, and exploring creative projects with friends. She embraces the role of the underdog and is drawn to high-academic, high-level programs that will allow her to continue exploring all sides of herself. More than anything, she appreciates the older athletes who have inspired her along the way and hopes to make the most of every opportunity she earns at Summer NIT.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Summer NIT gives Presley Farnes exactly what she is looking for: exposure, elite competition, and an opportunity to see how her game stacks up against some of the strongest teams in the country. The Arizona Storm pin hitter is excited to compete in the Power Pool and test herself against high-level opponents while helping her team showcase its competitive spirit and ability to have fun while competing.   At just 14 years old, Presley understands that her recruiting journey is still in its early stages. Off the court, she describes herself as a good friend and teammate who is continuing to learn more about the type of college environment that will eventually be the right fit. What she does know is that confidence and accountability matter. Her advice to younger athletes reflects the mindset she brings into every opportunity: hold yourself accountable even when nobody is watching because that's often what separates good from great.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Kate Fernsten is excited to bring confidence and energy to the court at Summer NIT while helping her team showcase the chemistry and support system they have built throughout the season. When people watch Surfside compete, she hopes they notice more than just the volleyball. She wants them to see a team that works together, encourages one another, and competes for each other every point.   For Kate, one of the most exciting parts of Summer NIT is the opportunity to face talented teams from across the country, particularly programs from Texas that she has followed from afar. Off the court, she describes herself as hardworking and dedicated, qualities that also shape the type of college environment she hopes to find one day. She is drawn to programs that combine structure, accountability, and a competitive culture. Her advice to younger athletes is simple but powerful: work hard, choose confidence, and be the best teammate you can be both on and off the court.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     As a middle blocker, Kendall Kim takes pride in doing the little things that help teams win. She is looking forward to bringing a strong block, quick offensive tempo, positive energy, and vocal leadership to Summer NIT. More importantly, she wants people to notice the way her team competes. Full effort, discipline, resilience, and teamwork are the qualities she believes define their group, and she hopes those traits are evident from the opening whistle.   Summer NIT represents an opportunity for Kendall to compete against some of the top teams in her age group and continue pushing herself to improve. Matchups against programs like A5, Skyline, and TAV are exactly the types of challenges she is looking forward to. Away from volleyball, Kendall enjoys spending time with family and friends and has interests that range from fashion and beauty to music. Looking ahead, she is drawn to programs that offer both a strong academic experience and high-level volleyball, ideally close enough to remain connected to the people who matter most to her. Her message to younger athletes reflects the work ethic she tries to live every day: put in the work when you don't feel like it, because eventually the results will show.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going</h2>   🔥 Athletes   The talking is over. The courts are full, the competition has arrived, and now it's time to compete. The athletes featured here spoke about growth, leadership, confidence, accountability, and embracing challenges. Over the next few days, they will have an opportunity to turn those words into action. Whether you're playing in Arizona or following from home, pay attention to the athletes who continue competing with energy, resilience, and purpose when the level rises.   📣 Club Coaches & Directors   The excitement, confidence, and maturity reflected throughout this article didn't happen by accident. They are the result of the culture, standards, and daily investment happening inside your gyms. Thank you for helping develop athletes who are eager to challenge themselves, compete against the best, and represent their teams the right way. If your athletes are featured, celebrate them. Share this article, tag @PrepDigCA, and help others follow their journey throughout the weekend.   🎯 College Coaches   Summer NIT provides a unique opportunity to evaluate athletes in an environment filled with unfamiliar opponents, national competition, and meaningful pressure. The athletes featured here have shared what they hope to bring to the court. Now comes the opportunity to see those traits show up in real time. Continue tracking their development, competitiveness, leadership, and response to adversity throughout the event.   🙏 Parents & Supporters   Thank you for helping make opportunities like this possible. From practices and tournaments to flights, hotels, and long weekends, your support allows these athletes to step onto stages that challenge them and help them grow. Enjoy the experience, celebrate the moments, and appreciate the journey. These are the weekends they will remember for years to come.   🚀 <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"/>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If you are serious about being seen and evaluated on one of the biggest stages in club volleyball, the USAV Girls Junior National Championship Showcases offer a powerful opportunity to do exactly that. These sessions go beyond match play and give college coaches a closer look at how you communicate, process feedback, make adjustments, and compete rep after rep. Whether you are heading to Columbus or Indianapolis , this is your chance to step into an environment built for visibility, growth, and real evaluation. If you are ready for that kind of opportunity, <a href="https://prepdig.com/all-events/?type=Showcase" id="https://prepdig.com/all-events/?type=Showcase">registration is open</a>.</h2>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">📌 REGISTER NOW!</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2193/register/usav-junior-club-championship-showcase"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/image_bd8b8e.png" alt="" class="wp-image-984473" style="aspect-ratio:0.7466522386040849;width:241px;height:auto"/></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2194/register/usav-gjnc-showcase-session-1"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/image_5347fa.png" alt="" class="wp-image-984472" style="width:242px;height:auto"/></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2195/register/usav-gjnc-showcase-session-2"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/image_44936c.png" alt="" class="wp-image-984474" style="aspect-ratio:0.7558452430783951;width:245px;height:auto"/></a></figure>   Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

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