Avoli Committed Athlete: Georgia Freshman Stock Up Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>This article is sponsored by Avoli.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Dig has teamed up with Avoli, the volleyball brand built specifically for female athletes, to present Committed — a spotlight series celebrating standout athletes at each 2026 Prep Dig Showcase. These athletes are chosen for their leadership, sportsmanship, and relentless work ethic — the same values Avoli champions on and off the court. Pending eligibility requirements, each featured athlete receives the opportunity to become a local Avoli brand ambassador. Learn more about Avoli and explore their performance-driven footwear at avoli.com.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With that being said, I am proud to announce <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='993887' first='Katie' last='Waples']</strong> as an Avoli Committed Athlete from the Georgia Freshman Stock Up Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["993887"],"_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-6a83c2702134e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Katie brought the type of defensive effort that asks an athlete to stay ready even when she may go several contacts without touching the ball. She remained active in the backcourt, continued adjusting her positioning and showed a willingness to pursue opportunities instead of waiting for the play to come directly to her. That mentality is important for defensive specialists, whose value often comes from anticipating what is developing and being prepared before everyone else realizes where the ball is headed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What stood out was Katie's willingness to keep working from one repetition to the next. Showcase volleyball can be difficult for defenders because communication and seam responsibilities change constantly with new teammates, but she continued adapting rather than allowing unfamiliarity to become hesitation. Those are habits that can eventually turn a good defender into someone teammates rely on to stabilize the court. Katie still has years to expand her range and sharpen first contact, but the effort and willingness to compete through every opportunity already give her an important foundation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ <strong>Samantha Fitzgerald | Prep Dig Georgia</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note to GA Athletes:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>If you'd like to be considered for future coverage, please send me your high school season schedule</strong> and share a little bit about yourself so I can come support you and share your story. Let's keep building Georgia volleyball together! Fill out the "Cover My Game" Link in my bio @benchtobeast-prepdigga on IG.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following&nbsp; </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/benchtobeast/"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><strong>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></a><strong>&nbsp; for exclusive Georgia content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're on a mission to spotlight talent, uplift families, and bring the volleyball community closer than ever! Huge shoutout to our amazing subscribers — you're the heartbeat of this movement. Thank you for your help growing the game, and making every moment unforgettable. The best is yet to come — let's get it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Work hard, Play hard. ~ S.Fitzgerald @</em></strong><strong>BenchtoBeast_prepdigga</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->