The Middle Schoolers Coming Up Next

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.prepdig.com/subscribe" data-type="link" data-id="www.prepdig.com/subscribe">Use code Coachable247 for 30% off. Subscribe to follow this class as their volleyball journeys develop beyond UpNext at prepdig.com/subscribe.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The UpNext Showcase lands in Irvine on August 29, and for a group of middle school athletes across Southern California, it's a chance to be seen. Some are back for a second look. Some are stepping onto the PrepDig Radar for the first time. All of them are chasing the same outcome: exposure for the next step in their journey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["949231"],"_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-6a906e4e3e5e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avi Diaz, a libero with secondary reps at defensive specialist, is direct about wanting to be uncomfortable. She said being around "coaches with different experiences and perspectives can help me grow as a player," and she's hoping UpNext pushes her "out of my comfort zone" so she can bring new skills back to her [program_tooltip program_id='876208' first='SC' last='Rockstar'] club. Avi is already thinking about the showcase as one stop in a longer development plan, not a standalone event.</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":["778837"],"_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-6a906e4e3e65f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='778837' first='Jessi' last='Duran'], a setter, called UpNext "an incredible opportunity to compete against talented athletes, challenge myself, and continue developing my skills." She is looking for growth through competition, gaining experience, learning from strong opponents, and using the pressure of the moment to get better rather than just to be seen.</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":["877379"],"_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-6a906e4e3e70a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='877379' first='Marli' last='Farrior'] is returning to the UpNext showcase, and her memory of last year is centered on texture rather than a single takeaway. She "really enjoyed the atmosphere and playing with different players," and said she "learned new techniques and got better." Marli is an outside hitter/defensive specialist still building out her game, and that kind of open-ended exposure, new faces, new looks, new information, is exactly the kind of environment that produces growth without her needing to name the specific skill in advance.</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":["852044"],"_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-6a906e4e3e6c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='852044' first='Natalia' last='Agustin'] is returning to UpNext after attending last year, and she's specific about why it mattered enough to come back. She said the event "gave me the opportunity to meet and compete with other athletes my age, which helped me grow both as a player and as a teammate." Natalia is a setter/opposite who cares about relationships on the court as much as skill development. This time around she is looking for continued improvement, tougher competition, more confidence, and more to learn from the coaches and athletes in the gym with her.</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":["785216"],"_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-6a906e4e3e76a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='785216' first='Demi' last='Farrior'] needed only one line to explain why she is returning to the UpNext Showcase: "It was amazing to play with so many talented players." Demi is a middle blocker/opposite, and last year's talent level itself was the draw, not intimidating, but energizing. I can't wait to see how she responds to being surrounded by good competition again.</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":["987520"],"_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-6a906e4e3e7ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madi Nance, an outside hitter and setter, framed her reason for attending the UpNext Showcase around wanting to understand what college volleyball actually looks like. She's hoping to "learn from coaches and players, improve my skills, and understand what I need to work on to reach my goals." She also named something a lot of athletes feel but don't always say directly: she wants to leave with a better sense of what the college volleyball experience is like, and more confidence in herself along the way.</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":["942467"],"_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-6a906e4e3e7f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='942467' first='Shanelle' last='Raine Caldoza'], a setter/opposite, is "always looking for opportunities to compete, learn, and improve my skills as a volleyball player." She's excited to face talented athletes and learn from experienced coaches, and she was clear that what she takes from UpNext isn't just volleyball. She expects to "learn more things that will help me grow as a person/player both on and off the court."</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":["1014481"],"_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-6a906e4e3e82f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1014481' first='Alyssa' last='Kouyoumdjian'], a libero, is simple and honest about why she is attending the UpNext Showcase: she loves playing volleyball and wants the chance to "show my skills and challenge myself." She's hoping to sharpen her all-around game and meet new people along the way, a straightforward motivation from a player who doesn't need to overstate the moment to take it seriously.</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":["1014888"],"_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-6a906e4e3e86f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1014888' first='Abby' last='Thamrin'], a pin hitter, wants to challenge herself and get better at the UpNext Showcase. Plainly stated and consistent with what she's hoping to walk away with: better technique and real improvement. She's not dressing up her goals, and that clarity is worth noting in itself.</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":["964758"],"_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-6a906e4e3e8d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='964758' first='Nicolette' last='Caldoza'], a setter/opposite like her sister, is excited to go to the UpNext Showcase. She enjoys "competing and learning new things that can help me become a better volleyball player," and she's looking to build confidence and pick up new skills that carry over beyond the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1006687"],"_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-6a906e4e3e934"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1006687' first='Analeya' last='Faith Silva'], an outside hitter, is interested in recruiting exposure directly. She's excited to "compete alongside other talented volleyball players and see where I rank," and she's hoping to showcase her skills, receive feedback, and gain exposure. She was clear about the priority underneath all of it: to "challenge myself, grow as an athlete, and use the experience to keep improving my game."</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":["1018205"],"_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-6a906e4e3e97a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dalin Reyes', a libero, goal for UpNext is "to gain exposure and be prepared for possible recruitment by coaches." At this age, that kind of directness stands out. Dalin already understands the showcase as part of a bigger picture.</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":["1009240"],"_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-6a906e4e3e9da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1009248' first='Kaya' last='Dooley'], a setter, is coming to UpNext because her friends invited her to join. She's hoping to learn, play volleyball, and have fun, a reminder that not every reason to show up needs to be strategic to be genuine.</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":[1018059],"_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-6a906e4e3ea1e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1022372' first='Kadynce' last='Hunter'], a middle blocker, wants to learn what it takes to play college volleyball and meet new people. Simple motivations, and ones that will matter just as much on August 29 as any recruiting angle.</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>UpNext is a chance to test yourself against new competition and see what you're really working with, on and off the court. Show up ready to learn, not just to perform.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">📣 Club Coaches &amp; Directors</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are your athletes in their own words, ahead of this event built to challenge them. Watch for who shows up hungry to be pushed. 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 is a young class, but the habits are already visible. <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>Every answer here reflects a kid figuring out what she wants from her own volleyball journey. That process matters more right now than any single result.</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:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":1003951,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"custom"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prepdig.com/recruiting-resources/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/07/image_3e909a.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1003951"/></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 -->