A Small School’s Big Moment: Annapolis Area Christian to Durango

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe" data-type="link" data-id="prepdig.com/subscribe">Use code Coachable247 for 30% off. Subscribe to read about the biggest volleyball weekends of September.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not every program at Durango arrives with a national ranking attached to its name. Annapolis Area Christian School is walking into this weekend for the first time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"We're a small school in Maryland with not the greatest sports history in general, so for us to be able to put the school on the map in a way is such an honor," setter Dakota Pentorn said. That sentiment runs through this whole group. This isn't a program hoping to survive pool play. It's a program that sees this as its introduction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's are some voices from the team:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["753070"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa83d7509b71"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Avery Lettinga plays a full six rotations, and that's exactly how she wants to be evaluated. "My passing and defense as a six rotation outside hitter is something my teammates and coaches can rely on me for. I am a consistent passer that performs well in stressful, high pressure situations."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is also the first Durango invite for her program, and she's aware of what that means. "This is my high school team's first time getting invited, and I want to prove we belong." She backs that up with a clear read on her own game: "I think I make the right, smart decisions at the right time with my shot selection. My high level game sense and IQ is an asset to my game."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avery is building her college list with a Division I program that matches her academic focus as the target. She hopes to study engineering or architecture.</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":["748513"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa83d7509bd2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scarlett Netherton scores in more ways than one. "The best part of my game is finding how to get a point, whether that's tooling the block, tipping, finding an open spot on the court, and getting a kill. This definitely helps our team when we need a quick point."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She also brings the energy that keeps a bench engaged. "After a big play made by anyone, I make sure to get really hyped. If my libero gets an amazing save, I will make sure everyone knows she did that."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scarlett is building her college list with a goal of playing at the collegiate level. Outside the gym, she loves engineering and hopes to pursue it beyond high school.</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":["749757"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa83d7509c20"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dakota Pentorn runs the AACS offense, and her evaluation of her own game leans on something coaches always want more of: judgment. "I love learning about the game and when to do this situationally. I think my team can count on me making the right choice when the game's on the line," she said.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's just as clear about what she's building toward this season. "I'm working to improve on putting my hitters in the best possible position to absolutely terminate while I'm holding the block, setting up one on ones, and giving them angles to find holes." That's a setter thinking about matchups, not just sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dakota is uncommitted and building her college list. Off the court, she says what matters most to her is simple: time spent with people she loves.</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":["896390"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa83d7509c64"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harper Walker's defense is the anchor of this AACS group. "I am best known for my defense, my serve receive, and being a great libero," she said. "When times are tough with big hitters at the net, my coaches choose to take away the line and funnel cross to me so I can make a play."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What stands out beyond the skill is how she describes her role emotionally. "I naturally take on the role of being someone my team can land on, like a safety pad who's always there to help them back up when they're down." That's a libero who understands her job is bigger than digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harper is building her college list and actively in the recruiting process, with Division I as her goal. She's a ten-year Girl Scout at the Senior level and plays the alto saxophone.</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":["768704"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa83d7509ca8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophia Groshek has a specific matchup on her mind heading into Durango. "I hope to face Sierra Canyon because they are a powerhouse school and they have a Nebraska commit, so I think that would be super fun to play," she said.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her hitting is her calling card. "I can get on top of the ball and put it down line or sharp cross." She's also the one doing work that won't show up in a box score. "I'm running my routes to jam hitting lanes whether I get set or not, I'm covering the offside block, I'm encouraging my teammates, and I'm always getting hype and excited on the court and the bench."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophia is building her college list with Division I volleyball as the goal. Outside the gym, she's a talented singer with a background in theatre.</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":["781700"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa83d7509d38"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gianna Bonnett's evaluation of herself reads like a scouting report a coach would actually write. "My teammates and coaches should know that they can always count on me for my energy, communication on the court, hustle, and competitiveness. I take a lot of pride in being someone who can help change the momentum in a match no matter what the situation is."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's also candid about what she's still building. "I am really focused on becoming the most confident and consistent person on the court in defense and serve receive. I'm learning that it is okay to make a mistake because the most important thing is to move on and self correct for the next ball."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gianna is actively contacting college programs and has received interest, with the goal of playing at the highest collegiate level she can while pursuing a path toward pediatric medicine.</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":["545725"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa83d7509d80"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Abisola Adeyemo brings physical presence at the net. "A part of my game that I am best known for right now is my dominance on the court, being a big blocker, loud, and a hitter who can bounce ten feet. My teammates and coaches know they can count on me to score and be smart with how I play on the court."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She also points to something less visible on a stat sheet. "I have a high volleyball IQ, and I am always calling out what I see for myself and my teammates."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abisola is actively contacting college coaches and has received interest, with a Division I opportunity and a potential future in professional volleyball as her long-term goal. Outside of volleyball, she likes to cook and bake.</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:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- 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: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 -->