Never Standing Still: SoCal UpNext DS/L Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe" data-type="link" data-id="prepdig.com/subscribe">Join PrepDig with 30% off using code: Coachable247 to read about the Top Performers at the SoCal UpNext Showcase</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the SoCal UpNext Showcase in Irvine, CA, a group of defensive specialists and liberos separated themselves through communication, discipline, and refusal to let a ball drop. These are the DS/L Top Performers from the UpNext Showcase in Irvine, California.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1023804"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9387be0a224"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Violet Faamafoe earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Violet Faamafoe brings a disciplined, quick read on defense and makes difficult plays look routine. She reads serve receive well, moves her feet to adjust, and plays with an aggressive mentality that shows up in the coverage she provides her hitters. She talks constantly and stays consistent with her energy from first point to last, cheering her teammates through mistakes rather than letting the mood drop. Her willingness to move between positions adds real value for a program looking for flexibility in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1014500"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9387be0a28f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Julia Shi earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Julia Shi passes the ball with the kind of footwork discipline that shows up first in serve receive. She moves early to get her platform in position rather than reaching, and that quickness lets her stay clean on contact even when the serve is tough. Coaches evaluating a young libero want to see that habit form early, and Shi already has it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1010373"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9387be0a2de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teagan Deckert earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Teagan Deckert plays with hustle that shows up in her positioning before the ball ever arrives. She consistently beats the ball to her spot, which tells a coach she reads the game rather than just reacting to it. That kind of anticipation is a foundation skill for any back row player looking to move up levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["724991"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9387be0a324"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Iyana Carter earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Iyana Carter operates as a true team player, and her value shows up as much in her talk as her ball control. She communicates constantly even when the ball is not near her, tracking the play with disciplined eyes so she is ready before the ball arrives. That kind of awareness is what separates a good all-around defender from one who is simply reactive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["849386"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9387be0a366"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dylan So'olefai earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dylan So'olefai plays with a hustle level that does not let anything drop, including against bigger blocks that force a tough transition. She reads the play and gets into position with a high entry, which shows a defender who understands footwork matters as much as effort. She continues to compete through adversity rather than letting a difficult rally take her out of a play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1014298"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9387be0a3a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brooklyn Nguyen earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brooklyn Nguyen runs the defense with a loud, organizing presence that keeps her back row aligned. She dives for balls without hesitation and communicates through mistakes, hyping her teammates back up rather than letting an error linger. She sets her teammates up well, provides reliable backup coverage, and adds a strong serve to a complete defensive profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1014741"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9387be0a412"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Saleena Rayan earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saleena Rayan plays with real versatility, moving between positions throughout the showcase without losing her defensive identity. That dynamic quality gives a coach more ways to use her, since she has shown she can adjust to whatever role a lineup requires.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1014488"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9387be0a45c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mikayla Correia earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mikayla Correia goes for every ball and leads her back row with a vocal presence that never turns negative. She talks before, during, and after the play, which keeps her teammates locked in regardless of the score. That kind of consistent leadership is a trait that translates directly to the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1014251"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9387be0a4a7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Penelope Nguyen earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Penelope Nguyen plays with high energy for the entire match, and her positivity does not waver whether she is on the court or on the bench. She continues to bring that same level of effort point after point, which is exactly the kind of consistency coaches look for over a long season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1012392"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9387be0a4f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sofia Kiel Pasigpasigan earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sofia Kiel Pasigpasigan resets fast after every play and gets back to her base quickly, which keeps her ready for the next ball rather than caught out of position. She hustles for every opportunity and shows the kind of effort that does not fade as a match wears on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1016535"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9387be0a535"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elle Nguyen earned Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase, August 29, 2026.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elle Nguyen plays with a willingness to help wherever her team needs her, and she is consistently the first one on the court and ready to compete. That kind of eagerness is often the first sign of a player who takes her role seriously.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🔥 Athletes</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A back row player's value is built on the habits behind it communication, platform discipline, reading the game, these are exactly what evaluators are trained to notice. These defenders are proof that showing up ready to talk, move, and compete gets seen. PrepDig gives you three ways to build on that visibility: showcases like UpNext put you in front of real evaluators outside of regular season play, our social media turns performances like these into content coaches and clubs actually see, and our articles start building your name around the habits that matter most in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">📣 Club Coaches &amp; Directors</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back row development often gets less attention than hitting and blocking, but the liberos and defensive specialists in this article show what it looks like when platform discipline and communication are being coached well. Showcases like UpNext give your defensive players a chance to be evaluated specifically for those habits, outside of pool play pressure. PrepDig works as an extension of your program at every position, whether that means getting your back row athletes seen or building recognition for the players who make everyone else's job easier on the court. Keep your club updated with the <a href="https://prepdig.com/california/clubs/club-programs/">California Club Program Database</a> and stay connected to every opportunity we create for exposure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🎯 College Coaches</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group represents defensive specialists and liberos whose court IQ, platform consistency, and communication stood out at the SoCal UpNext Showcase. PrepDig exists to make long-range evaluation easier, combining live scouted events, consistent coverage, and detailed athlete profiles so you can track the defenders who make a system run before they show up on your radar organically. <a href="https://prepdig.com/college-subscribe/">Use a Premium College Subscription</a> to start building a book on this class as their games continue to evolve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🙏 Parents &amp; Supporters</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back row performance often gets overlooked next to kills and blocks, but the coaches evaluating your daughter's game know exactly how much a disciplined platform and consistent communication are worth. PrepDig helps you understand that value through events that put her in front of real evaluators and articles that tell her story as a defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🚀 <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a></strong><br>Access exclusive rankings, deeper analysis, and the full Prospect Index to follow every athlete's journey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://prepdig.com/events" data-type="link" data-id="prepdig.com/events">N<strong>eed More Exposure? Attend a PrepDig Showcase</strong></a></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Use Code: MichelleBamford10 for $10 off on all Showcases</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our showcases are 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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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"><strong>registration is open</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":1014117,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2436/register/prep-dig-vegas-showcase"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/image_d44281.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1014117"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":1023459,"width":"355px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.7607768620605846","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2508/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-norcal"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/image_d759b6.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1023459" style="aspect-ratio:0.7607768620605846;width:355px;height:auto"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":1023460,"width":"362px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.738161635305266","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2509/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-socal"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/image_784f29.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1023460" style="aspect-ratio:0.738161635305266;width:362px;height:auto"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->