Names Building Momentum Across the Country before 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>Durango's field doesn't just reward the names already on a national radar. Every year, there's a group of athletes who use this weekend to change how far their name travels, whether that's a freshman getting her first taste of elite competition or a senior who already knows exactly where she's headed. This group spans Arizona to Illinois, and it includes three athletes who have already made their college decision.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["886724"],"_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-6aa8579aa2b02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grace Gelder <strong>Committed:</strong> Texas A&amp;M University-Corpus Christi</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grace plays every spot at the net, and she treats that as a strength rather than a compromise. "I'm best known for my versatility at the net, as I play every position well. My teammates and coaches can count on me to play anywhere anytime, which I am proud to have. It's one of my strengths because I adjust fast and well to wherever I am playing."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her focus this season is specific. "I am focusing on my blocking and moving across the net well wherever I am. I am really focusing in practice to make my blocking presence known." She's already committed, so this weekend is about growth, not recruiting pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Outside of volleyball, Grace says she loves being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.</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":["484323"],"_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-6aa8579aa2b97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cheyenne Reyes <strong>Committed:</strong> Texas State University</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cheyenne's serve is where she says she does her scoring. "Serve and serve receive. I am pretty consistent, not perfect, but I stay calm, focused, and confident. I view serving as my opportunity to score, keeping it strong and aggressive."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's also clear about the role she takes on when a match tightens up. "I naturally try to be the voice and energy my team needs. When things get difficult, I focus on staying calm, encouraging my teammates, and helping everyone reset and play the next point." That's paired with a real goal for her senior year: her program's 26th state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cheyenne played softball from age five until her freshman year of high school and is now committed to Texas State, where she's aiming for PAC-12 championships and NCAA appearances. </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":["725196"],"_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-6aa8579aa2c15"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bergen Stiff <strong>Committed:</strong> Harvard University</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bergen's game is built on efficiency. "A combination of kills and blocks, with quick transitions leading to high kill percentage," is how she describes her strength, and it's the kind of two-way production that made her a Harvard commit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's not coasting on the commitment either. "I'm working on more variety of shots," she said, a small addition that could make an already productive middle even harder to defend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Outside the gym, she's outgoing, loves hot yoga, and says sushi is her favorite meal. Bergen and Harrisburg are aiming to win Durango outright this year. </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":["1037690"],"_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-6aa8579aa2c8c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yasmine's team is undefeated heading into this weekend, and she knows exactly what that means. "My team and I are currently 9-0, so we are for sure looking to compete against the best of the best and see where we stand against a Sierra Canyon or a Mater Dei."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her communication is what she leans on. "My communication and leadership is something my coaches can always count on me for. When someone is in their head while I'm on the court, I'm someone they can look up to, to let them know focus on the next play." She's also candid about the mindset behind her consistency: "I'm putting myself in pressure-like situations where when we need a pass and the ball comes to me, I'm already expecting it, so I can make my setter shine."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yasmine is a leukemia survivor, diagnosed between the ages of three and six and is targeting Division I. </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":["936613"],"_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-6aa8579aa2cf8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a freshman, Makenna is walking into Durango treating it as a proving ground. "I am excited for the experience, as this is my freshman year, but I am most excited to compete and prove that we belong."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blocking is already her calling card. "I would say my blocking is one of my most known parts of my game," and she's pairing that with intentional training this season, focused on her vertical and footwork on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Makenna is just beginning to build her college list, with a Division I program as her long-term goal. Outside volleyball, she plays multiple sports and enjoys spending time with friends.</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":["546846"],"_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-6aa8579aa2d60"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Haven runs an offense that's already produced a milestone. "I just surpassed 1,000 assists as a sophomore," she said, a number that tells you as much about her durability as her decision-making.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She describes her value in a single line that most setters would sign up for: "Setting and opening hitters and net presence." She's also taking on a leadership role beyond just running plays, pointing to defense as the area she's building next.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Haven is communicating with college programs with Division I volleyball as her goal.</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":["787889"],"_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-6aa8579aa2dc8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaycie is already producing at a varsity level as a freshman. "I am constantly in the top 10 for blocks and hitting percentage in my CIF section. I am also known for my high energy and excited celebrations."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That energy is intentional, not incidental. "I take on the energy level. When things get tough, I try and create momentum through intensity and fun." For now, her focus is close to home. "I am playing high school to enjoy my time with my sister and dad," though she's already eyeing Division I volleyball down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Outside volleyball, Jaycie is a devoted Christian who enjoys crocheting and bedazzling.</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: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 --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->