AVCA Girls High School Player of the Year Watch List: Region 9

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe" data-type="link" data-id="prepdig.com/subscribe">Use code Coachable247 for 30% off</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The AVCA released its 2026 Girls High School Player of the Year Watch List this month, and Region 9 (CA, AZ, NV) tied Region 3 for the most representation on the list with eight nominees. Nationally, 34 players from 16 states made the cut, including 22 seniors, 8 juniors, and 4 sophomores. The list is presented by Nike Volleyball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four Player of the Year finalists will be named November 18, alongside the AVCA Girls High School All-America team reveal. The national Player of the Year will be announced December 18 at the AVCA All-America Banquet in San Antonio, with the AVCA covering hotel and travel for all four finalists. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 9's eight nominees represent some of the deepest volleyball in the country. We asked each of them what the nomination means to them and what's starting to click in their game this season. Here's what they had to say, in their own words.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["482032"],"_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-6ab42c612acaa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I think for me, especially because of everything that has happened over the past few months since last high school season, this means so much. It's incredibly rewarding to see the work, time, and effort I've put in finally paying off, but more than anything, I'm grateful for the people who have been there throughout it all. I've found a support system and a community that has pushed me, believed in me, and allowed me to grow into the player and person I am today. Being recognized for something like this is an amazing feeling, but I know I wouldn't be here without the people who have supported me along the way. From my teammates and coaches to my family, friends, and everyone who has encouraged me through the highs and lows, I genuinely could not be more appreciative. This means more to me than just the recognition itself. It's a reminder of how much can change when you surround yourself with people who believe in you and continue to put in the work, even when things don't always go as planned. I'm so grateful for this community and for everyone who has been a part of this journey."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On what's clicking: "I am working on passing and it's still a work in progress."</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":["338908"],"_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-6ab42c612ace6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"It's awesome! But even if I don't win, to be recognized is an honor in itself. I'm just blessed to be mentioned among other amazing athletes."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On what's clicking: "I've been working on my connection with all the younger girls and I feel like we've all gotten more comfortable with each other. Everything is slowly coming together and I'm excited for the remaining of the season and the future of this team."</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":["774402"],"_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-6ab42c612ad08"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I think it's really cool to be put on this list and I'm super excited for my senior season with my team."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On what's clicking: "I have been working a lot on my range and serving aggressively and I think both of them are definitely getting better the more I do 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":["545271"],"_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-6ab42c612ad26"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I am really honored to make the AVCA Girls HS Player of the Year Watch List. It feels satisfying knowing hard work is noticeable and does pay off!"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On what's clicking: "This season, I have worked a lot on blocking and my topspin serve which I feel has helped my game significantly."</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":["500618"],"_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-6ab42c612ad44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I was so excited to be named among such amazing athletes and people, especially to be on a watch list for such an incredible award."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On what's clicking: "I feel like my eye work is starting to click!"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Five voices, five different paths, one shared thread: each of these athletes is putting in work that's being nationally recognized. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also nominated from Region 9: [player_tooltip player_id='492164' first='Megan' last='Hodges'], [player_tooltip player_id='482047' first='Westley' last='Matavao'], and [player_tooltip player_id='888357' first='Kendall' last='Omoruyi'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- 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>Take time to explore the player profiles featured in this article. Look at how they built their profile, how they presented themselves, and what their evaluations say about the habits that got them there. If you're still early in your own recruiting process, this is not the time to compare your timeline to theirs. It's time to be honest with yourself about what's left to do. Reach out to coaches. Follow up on interest. Make sure your film, your evaluations, and your profile reflect where your game is right now, not where it was last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">📣 Club Coaches &amp; Directors</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Celebrate the athletes from your program who were featured. Some of your athletes are already building real momentum with coaches. Others are still figuring out what the process looks like, and this is the stretch where your guidance matters most. Help them understand which conversations to prioritize, which opportunities are worth chasing, and how to present themselves as they head into a new high school season. Share this article and keep the sense of urgency honest without making it feel like pressure. 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><a href="https://prepdig.com/college-subscribe/">Use a Premium College Subscription</a> to identify additional sophomore prospects who may still be flying under the radar this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🙏 Parents &amp; Supporters</h3> <!-- /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:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachab</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading -->