2029 Top 10: The Voices Behind the Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Class of 2029 California rankings. Did you make the list? Unlock full profiles with code Coachable247 for 30% off.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PrepDig released the 2029 California Rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top 10 have habits, résumés and trajectories that college coaches are already watching. Sophomore year is the year to appear at the top of a college recruiting board, and we have given each athlete a voice to go with her ranking. Each athlete answered questions about growth and pressure, and their answers show who is building something real.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few habits repeat across the list. They train the weak spot, not the highlight. They reset after a mistake by breathing and playing the next point. They apply coaching right away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Statistics cited are sourced from MaxPreps and entered by coaches through the MaxPreps Team Admin system, as of October 2026.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["700675"],"_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-6ae4bc0f486ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='700675' first='Baylee' last='Wilson'] forces defenses to rebuild their strategies. At the 2026 USAV Girls Junior National Championships, she showed the power to terminate through the block from the front row and the back row. What impressed me most was her decision-making. She recognizes when defenders are sitting on her swing, attacks the deep corners and mixes in tips and off-speed shots. Out of system, her arm speed never changes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She is running it back at Wave with Coach Scott's 16-1s, the group that won the USAV National Championship together last season. She also earned an invite to the 2026 NTDP Summer Training Series (U17) in Hamilton, Ohio.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The numbers show the jump. As a freshman she had 81 kills hitting .181. This season she has 401 kills in 85 sets, 4.7 per set, hitting .405 on 771 attempts. She also has 387 career digs and 51 aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her biggest jump since summer is in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I've spent a lot of time developing my back-row attacks, including pipes, bics, and D balls. I've worked closely with my setters in practice to build timing and consistency, and I've been able to transition that work into matches and see the results on the court.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She did not add a shot. She built timing with her setters until the shot held up in matches. That is how a pin becomes a six-rotation threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“When a match gets tight, I try to be a steady presence on the court. I communicate constantly, encourage my teammates, and help keep everyone focused on the next point.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She also explains why she does the work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Volleyball brings me joy, and I love competing alongside my teammates and building relationships through the sport all over the US and internationally.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coaches looking for a pin who can score, lead and keep improving should start here.</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":["748210"],"_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-6ae4bc0f4870d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every once in a while, an athlete steps onto the court and changes the feeling of the match. [player_tooltip player_id='748210' first='Jael' last='Smith'] is that type of player. Every time the ball is set in her direction, you start anticipating something special. She influences winning volleyball as an attacker, a blocker and a competitor, and she has the tools to project at the Division I level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The production backs it up. She has 129 kills this season while hitting .363 on 262 attempts with 34 errors. Her career line includes 226 total blocks, 41 of them solos. She stayed with SC Rockstar because the culture made it feel like family.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her biggest jump since summer is her blocking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I've done countless training sessions with multiple coaches to gain new information that I not only included in my practice, but put into play.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That last part matters. Plenty of athletes collect information. She puts it into play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“When a match gets tight, I reset by taking a deep breath, and always try to consider what I can do better on in the next play. Whether it was covering, blocking, being available for my setter, etc.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She resets by looking for the next job, not the last mistake. Mater Dei and the NTDP taught her where that habit comes from.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“There will never be a moment where you're successful 100% of the time. Those are the moments where you learn, move on, and improve your game.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her best volleyball is still ahead of 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":["778947"],"_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-6ae4bc0f48744"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='778947' first='Daisy' last='Brown'] is a sophomore at Sierra Canyon and plays on SG Elite's 17 Rosh team. At Sierra Canyon she has a high caliber setter, Lucky Fasavalu, to learn from, and she stayed with SG Elite because she loves her teammates and trusts the coaching. She has logged 72 varsity sets across two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She was asked what a season on a team this talented has taught her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“This season has taught me how important it is to push myself every day and learn from the talented players around me. Being on a team with so much talent has helped me become a better player and teammate.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She treats a deep roster as a classroom.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“It's taught me to stay confident, work hard, and always look for ways to improve especially from the player above you.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sophomore who studies the player above her gets better faster than one who only competes against 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":["765623"],"_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-6ae4bc0f4877c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='765623' first='Lily' last='Vandeweghe'] plays beach and indoor at Mira Costa. She stayed with SC Rockstar and is playing down with the 16s this season. She described the training at the Mac as hard and purposeful. She also earned an invite to the 2026 NTDP Summer Training Series (U15-U16) in Hamilton, Ohio.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She has 273 kills in 76 sets this season, 3.6 per set, on 708 swings. She also has 205 digs, 57 total blocks and 22 aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her growth is in efficiency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I have been working a lot with my team on back row attacking and efficiency with kills around the court (not just go's and 4's). I've trained and logged a lot of hours in the gym with my setters so I believe that's what has helped me and is what will continue to help me throughout the last parts of this school season.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Not just go's and 4's” is a hitter who understands that variety beats force. She is hitting .206 on that volume, so efficiency is the right next step, and hours with her setters tell me she knows who makes it happen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I take deep breaths and know that my teammates have my back. I think my team counts on me to be a calm leader and slow down the game, especially when we start thinking too far ahead in the match.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A calm leader who slows the game down is valuable at the end of a set. She also does not hide her edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I'm a fierce competitor and will do anything to win!”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Calm and fierce is a combination coaches want.</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":["569569"],"_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-6ae4bc0f487b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='569569' first='Anaya' last='Dela Fuente']'s game is centered on patience. She told me in May that her coach challenged her to earn her spot, and she has built a move toward outside hitter on passing, defense and back-row attacking. She was an NTDP Spring invitee in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She chose Sunshine VBC 17 LA after attending pre-tryout clinics with several clubs. She wanted a team that could compete at a high level and make a real postseason run. At Sierra Canyon this fall she has 16 kills in 19 varsity sets, hitting .333.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her biggest jump since summer is not a shot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I would say my consistency has improved the most since summer. I've been working hard in practice, putting in extra reps and focusing on getting better every day. I've also been working on trusting myself more and playing with confidence.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Consistency and confidence feed each other. When an outside trusts her passing, she attacks with more freedom.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I'm most proud of becoming more well-rounded as an outside. I've been working on improving every part of my game, especially my defense and passing, while still being aggressive offensively. I want to be someone my team can rely on in every situation.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She wants to be reliable in every situation, and that is the standard coaches use for an outside who plays all six rotations.</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":["999031"],"_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-6ae4bc0f487ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='999031' first='Tyleani' last='Allen'] has been a steady name at SC Rockstar since her early club seasons, and she stayed because it felt like the best place to keep growing and compete at a high level. She is a right side who has learned the position by adjusting, not by forcing it. She has a strong approach with a high caliber swing and snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She sees her progress in two places.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Throughout the seasons, I feel like my hitting and confidence have gotten better because I've been working hard and trying to improve.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She credits her environment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Staying with SC Rockstar has helped me grow a lot as a player, and my coaches and teammates always push me to do better. I also got more comfortable playing right side and learned how to adjust to the position.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Learning to adjust to a position is a skill. Right sides carry a heavy load, and she has handled the learning curve in a competitive club.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I want college coaches to know that I'm hardworking, I care about my team, and I'm always willing to learn and get better.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She keeps her message simple, and it matches how she plays.</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":["770227"],"_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-6ae4bc0f4881c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='770227' first='Zoe' last='Merz'] continues to make meaningful adjustments to her offensive game. She has created more space in transition, which lets her attack with more efficiency and a cleaner approach to the ball. What stands out most is how quickly she applies coaching. Corrections do not linger. She processes feedback, implements it almost immediately and keeps building better habits through the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She is back at Wave with Coach Scott's 16-1s, reunited with most of the group that won Nationals together. She has 91 kills in 63 sets this season, 1.4 per set, with 16 errors on 168 swings. Across two varsity seasons she is hitting .389.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We asked about the best piece of coaching feedback she has applied recently. Her answer is about the mistake that comes after.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“One of the biggest things I've been working on is staying aggressive and trusting my training, even after making a mistake. I've learned that the next point is a new opportunity, and I can't let one play affect the next.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That is a middle who forgets the last swing. It also explains why her corrections stick.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“When a match gets tight, I focus on taking a breath, staying present, and focusing on the next point instead of the score. My teammates can count on me to keep competing and bring positive energy.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her culture answer is just as clear.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I'm competitive and want to win, but I also care about being a great teammate and contributing to a strong team culture.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coaches who value a middle who applies feedback fast should put her on the board.</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":["999032"],"_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-6ae4bc0f4884b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='999032' first='Brooke' last='Proctor'] glides across the court with an efficiency that catches your attention. She rarely wastes movement, arrives balanced to the ball and gives her hitters clean sets. Defensively, she is disciplined with her blocking press and shows excellent timing at the net. Offensively, she attacks with setter dumps that force blockers to respect her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The numbers match the eye test. She has 175 kills this season at 1.9 per set, hitting .369, up from 146 kills and .314 last season. Her career line includes 1,570 assists at 7.3 per set, 125 aces and 460 digs. Those are setter numbers with attacker production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She knows where the growth came from.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I have really tried to improve offensively, both as a setter and hitter. I played a lot of beach volleyball over the summer, which helped me work on my hitting, and I have also tried to get in a lot of setter dumping reps.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She also studies the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I also love watching college volleyball and studying the setters to pick up different offensive tactics.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Then there is the part of her story a stat sheet will not show.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Three years ago I was the third setter on a team and had a hard time getting on the court. It was really difficult, but that experience fueled me to put in extra work. It paid off. This past year my team won the national championship.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A setter who has been the third option knows how to earn trust. She is now the one setting the standard.</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":["953055"],"_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-6ae4bc0f48878"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='953055' first='Ingrid' last='Howse'] runs an offense that rarely feels rushed. Her feet are constantly working underneath her, which lets her arrive balanced and deliver the ball with consistent tempo and accuracy. She is coachable. She listens during timeouts, applies corrections right away and carries them into the next rally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The numbers back it up. She has 785 assists in 94 sets this season, 8.4 per set, along with 275 digs, 34 aces and 17 total blocks. She is also hitting .335 with 90 kills on 212 swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She moved from Vision 15s to Synergy Force and joined the 16-1s this season. She told me then the coaches and girls were inviting and that she could tell they want to win. Now she explains what drew her there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“When I went to work out at Synergy the energy there was unmatched which is important to me. I want to be part of a team that will compete at the highest level nationally.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her stat line backs up where she says she has grown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I feel like I have improved all around, but specifically in my defense and blocking. My goal since summer and high school volleyball was to prepare for this upcoming club season by becoming a more consistent all-around player.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next statement is the one I would underline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I have worked with my coaches to not only be a strong, fast pace setter but to also be able to extend rallies with defensive plays and to score points for the team, whether it's blocking or attacking.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She wants her setting to be dynamic and her game to be complete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I want to be known as a setter who brings dynamic energy to the court and one who brings out the best in my hitters and the team.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Setters who bring out the best in their hitters win matches, and she is already doing it for Menlo-Atherton and Synergy Force.</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":["787526"],"_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-6ae4bc0f488a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='787526' first='Tatyana Jade' last='Borovick'] is staying at Vision Volleyball Club on 16 Gold because she likes the team her coach has built and is ready to compete against high-level players. She also plays varsity at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, and her role keeps growing. She has 173 kills in 67 sets this season, 2.6 per set, hitting .259 on 378 swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She points to one tournament as the turning point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Ever since playing in the Arizona Nike tournament my game has changed. I feel I have more of a drive to win and I learned how much I really want this.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That kind of honesty matters. A high-level event showed her how much she wants it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“My goal was to play 6 rotations and I now get the opportunity this year to play all the way around some games.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing six rotations is a real goal for a pin hitter. It means serve receive, defense and attacking, and she is earning the chance to do all three.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I want college coaches to know I am very coachable and I put my whole heart out on the court.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coachable and driven is where a coach wants to start.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Michael DeLeon is the California Ranker:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>If you have anyone you think we should watch out for, please shoot me an email with some info at <a href="mailto:Michael@prepdig.com">Michael@prepdig.com</a>.  You can also DM me in Instagram and X by searching @CoachMikeDZ.  Also don't forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends.  Help us help them by simply retweeting on Twitter or sharing on Facebook.  Thanks for following us, Prep Dig Texas Family!  Don't be afraid to interact with us.  We love the likes, shares, and quotes/comments.  Keep them coming!</em>"</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:paragraph --> <p><strong>🔥 Athletes</strong><br><a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/">Update your PrepDig Prospect Index profile</a> so it's complete and current, with a photo, your club, your school and your latest film. 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Thank you for taking the time to read and support the exposure PrepDig provides for these athletes, and for helping us celebrate the work behind every name on this page.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🚀 <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">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 {"id":1058265,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/10/image_8e2649.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1058265"/></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 -->