2030 Outsides Building Their Case Before Rankings Drop

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">13 Class of 2030 outside hitters made this list. Did you? Unlock full profiles with code Coachable247 for 30% off.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2030 won't be ranked until January 25. That doesn't mean coaches have to wait to start paying attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These 13 outside hitters are two months into their freshman seasons, and they're already building cases that will be hard to ignore when rankings arrive. Their first seasons look different. Several are already contributing on varsity, and some are playing up in club. Another is earning her minutes on an 18-player roster. All of them are learning to score against older, faster competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What separates this group isn't a highlight swing. It's how they're responding to their first real test: more pressure, more competition and less guaranteed playing time. In their own words, they explain what high school volleyball demanded that they didn't expect, and how they're adjusting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Athletes are listed alphabetically. This is not a ranking. It's a look at who coaches should know now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Want to see this class in person? The PrepDig Exposure Tour freshman stop on November 22 at ProPlay in Orange is built for the class of 2030. <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2509/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-socal"><strong>Register here</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["985825"],"_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-6ad7945f9c0d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alegra "Ali" Arceo earned Top Performer at the NorCal StockUp Showcase in August with a workhorse mentality that showed up on every rotation. She takes strong angles in serve receive, manages the ball consistently, and has a knack for making plays when the set in front of her isn't perfect. She also contributes as a blocker, aligning with the middle and closing the block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now a freshman on varsity at Rio Americano, she's answering older competition with strategy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“As a freshman playing varsity, competing against older, more experienced players has been a new challenge. I've adjusted by becoming more strategic, for example being intentional about where I place my hits to be able to make kills. Similarly, I'm really focusing on my angles while blocking, as the hits are coming with more power.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She understands that against bigger, stronger opponents, placement beats power. A freshman who is already thinking about shot location and block angles is solving the problem the way college players have to. Coaches should notice how intentional her game already is on both sides of the net.</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":["988091"],"_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-6ad7945f9c0e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gabriella Cruz was named Top Performing Right Side at the July SoCal Freshman Showcase, where she stayed composed on first contact and kept her team in system with controlled touches. She competes for every point and communicates constantly, and she sees herself as a natural leader who stays positive no matter the situation. One coaching adjustment taught her to focus entirely on the next point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At Granada Hills, she's learning that commitment reaches well beyond the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“One thing that's been different from what I expected about playing at the high school level is definitely how much time and commitment it really takes. Between all of the practices, games, homework, and studying, I sometimes have to sacrifice my free time or miss out on doing the fun things with my friends. It can be hard to balance everything, especially when I want to do well in school and still make memories with my best friends. There have been times where doing it all doesn't seem possible but I know that with time and dedication it all will slowly come together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm adjusting by learning how to manage my time better, staying organized with schoolwork, and making the most of the free time I do have. Even though I sometimes have to sacrifice free time or miss out on things, I know it's always worth it because I genuinely love volleyball. At the end of the day I know the sacrifices are worth it because of how much I love this sport. Being able to play the sport I love, improve day by day, and be part of my team makes all of the time and hard work worth it.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She understands what it takes to sustain a commitment, not just start one. Time management and organization are the habits that carry a student-athlete through a college schedule, and she's building them now. Coaches should notice a freshman whose love for the game is already strong enough to outweigh what it costs.</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":["895395"],"_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-6ad7945f9c0f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Camille Day has already rebuilt her game once. She played middle in her 13u season, then moved to outside and had to learn out-of-system hitting from scratch, finding timing and control when the pass isn't perfect. She plays with craftiness at the net and real explosiveness in her attack, and she pairs them with the composure coaches look for in a young pin. She is with Momentous 15-1 Jordyn this club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her first high school season brought a different kind of adjustment: competing for a role instead of being handed one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I think as a freshman a big difference moving up to the high school level is having faster paced games and more competition with older girls. I have been adjusting by out working other players, and putting in lots of reps to be more consistent. Another big adjustment that I noticed is being on a larger team. My 14u club season my team was only eight people, so each player had a set role and didn't have to worry about their spot. Though, this school season my team was eighteen people and everyone had to work very hard to earn playing time. Overall, I think my first high school season taught me a lot that I will be bringing into this club season and farther along in the future.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She understands that consistency earns playing time on a deep roster, and she's answering that with volume. Coaches should notice that her response to more competition is more work, not frustration.</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":["727730"],"_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-6ad7945f9c102"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gia Bella Ellis stepped onto varsity as a freshman at Viewpoint with a clear vision: by 2030, she wants to look back and know she helped build the program into something special. She brings energy, athleticism and power in transition, and she pairs it with a defensive read that tracks the ball and keeps plays alive. One coaching shift changed how she attacks, swinging with purpose and confidence instead of holding back, and it made her a more powerful, more effective hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two months in, her view of the high school game is different from most of her classmates'.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“One thing that's been different than I expected is that high school volleyball feels much slower than club volleyball. My goal is to compete at the highest level, so I have been finding different ways to challenge myself. I'm staying consistent with training on the outside, strength training, and mentality training, and focusing on the things I can improve of myself every day. I try to push myself, stay sharp, and not get comfortable so I'm ready to compete at the highest level when club season begins.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She operates with a standard set by the highest level she has played, not the level in front of her. When the pace slows down, she adds training instead of coasting. Coaches should notice a freshman who refuses to get comfortable, because that habit tends to compound.</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":["917506"],"_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-6ad7945f9c10d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bryn Gardiner is already reading the game at the level she just stepped into. In her first weeks of high school volleyball, she identified the two adjustments that matter most for a young outside: bigger blocks at the net and tougher serves coming at her in serve receive. That awareness is where adaptation starts, and she named both the attacking and passing demands of the position, not just one side of it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She also noticed something many freshmen overlook: the culture around her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“As a freshman playing at the high school level, the blockers are a lot bigger than my age group in club, and the serves are also much tougher on serve receive. I was really happy to find that my team is so close and connected. Unlike a lot of teams, we don't have any unhealthy cliques and everyone really supports everyone, no matter their year in school. I am adjusting well to the high level of play and can't wait to transfer my high school experiences into club!”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She plays with a confidence that shows in how she talks about the jump, and she pays attention to what makes a team work. A freshman who values a connected locker room is likely to help build one. Coaches should watch how her serve receive and shot selection against bigger blocks develop when she brings these reps back to club.</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":["988190"],"_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-6ad7945f9c118"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CC Guy leads with quick arm action and a knack for finishing plays, and she builds her game through small technical details. Heading into her freshman season at Newport Harbor, she credited one simple fix, a split step before serve receive, with noticeably sharpening her passing. Her goal then was to do more than prove she belonged against older girls. She wanted to make a name for herself. She is playing up this club season with Balboa Bay 16s Blue, the club's top 16s team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two months in, she's adjusting to the speed of the high school game the same way: through her fundamentals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Playing at the high school level has been different in the aspect that it's much faster play since I'm playing with the older girls that have much more experience. I've adjusted by relying on my fundamentals and improving my court vision by tracking the setter's hands. I also get more reps outside of high school volleyball which helps me compete at the much higher level.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She understands that speed is solved by reading, not just reacting. Tracking the setter's hands is a habit many hitters and defenders don't build until much later, and it gives her a head start on every play. Coaches should notice a 5'10" pin who answers faster competition with better reads and extra reps.</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":["752867"],"_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-6ad7945f9c123"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Layla Marquez saw this challenge coming before she reached high school. Coming out of UA Next as a middle schooler, she pointed to communication and leadership as the strengths that carried her, and she explained that confidence isn't something a player builds once and keeps. It has to grow alongside the competition. She also named volleyball IQ as the piece she most wanted to build, because once the IQ is there, she believes everything else follows. She has already been one of the most viewed 2030 profiles on PrepDig.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now she's starting on varsity as a freshman and playing up in club, testing that belief on both fronts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“One thing that's been different from what I expected is how much more responsibility comes with playing at the varsity level, especially as a freshman. I knew the competition would be faster and more physical, but I didn't realize how important it would be to stay confident and consistent while playing with older athletes. Starting on varsity has pushed me to grow up quickly, communicate more, and trust my abilities. I'm also playing up in club, so I'm learning to compete against older and more experienced players there too. I think both experiences are teaching me to embrace being challenged instead of being intimidated by it. I'm adjusting by staying coachable, working hard, and focusing on getting a little better every day.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She operates with a maturity that shows in how she frames pressure: as something to embrace, not something to survive. A freshman starting on varsity while also competing up in club is getting a year's worth of older-level reps in both seasons. Coaches should watch how quickly that experience compounds.</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":["790117"],"_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-6ad7945f9c12d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophia Quinn plays all six rotations as an OH/DS/L, and at 5'10" with a 9'7" approach touch, she brings both range at the net and the ball control to stay on the floor. Her first high school season at Wilson put that range to the test against a much bigger block. She is with Embers 15-1s Elite this club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“I think for myself the biggest difference between my 14 season and high school season is the difference in the height of the block. In 14s you rarely see players getting part of their head over the net when blocking. In high school you were playing against players that are 17s and sometimes even 18-year-olds. I realized that swinging straight down wasn't always gonna be an option. When I was playing some of the best players in the country, the height of the block was higher than I had ever seen in 14. To adjust I started working on different shots and reading the block.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She understands that a big swing is only one tool, and she's building the rest of the toolbox now. A freshman who reads the block and expands her shot selection against 17- and 18-year-olds is learning the habits that keep pins productive at the next level. Coaches should notice a six-rotation player whose response to a taller block was to get smarter, not just hit harder.</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":["847746"],"_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-6ad7945f9c138"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eva Ramasar was already thinking about her attack with intention before she reached high school. Heading into the 2025 UpNext Showcase as an eighth grader, she said she was working on her hitting range so she could be more creative and stop hitting the ball just to hit it. She also named leadership as her personal goal: lifting up teammates and setting the example on the court. She is with Forza1 North 15-1 this club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two months into her freshman season at Orange Lutheran, that leadership goal has grown into something bigger.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“One thing that's been different from what I expected about playing at a high level is how important it is to have a strong mentality, especially on days when I'm not playing the best. I've learned that being a strong player isn't just about having a good game, but also being a consistent player, trusting my teammates, and leading the team on and off the court. I'm focusing on being a strong all around player, staying mentally tough, and being ready to step in when coach needs me. No matter what position I'm asked to play, I want to be someone my teammates and coaches can rely on.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She understands that reliability is what earns trust at the next level. Her willingness to play wherever she's needed, along with her focus on mental toughness on her off days, points to a player built for a team-first role. Coaches should track how her all-around game develops as she gets more reps against older competition.</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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad7945f9c143"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaycie Schnake leads with determination, both her own and her team's, and she takes pride in helping teammates work through problems on the court. A 5'11" pin with middle experience, she took one coaching tip to heart before high school: arm swing speed matters more than raw strength. She has been swinging faster ever since. Her goals reach high, a state championship and a Division I program down the road. She is with Brusa 15-Premier this club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now she's a freshman on varsity at Centennial, and the experience has gone beyond what she expected.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“One thing that's different from club to high school is the level of competition, the competition is a higher level and faster. Another thing I love is the age difference, since I am on varsity I am able to play with seniors. Being a freshman on varsity feels like I have many more older sisters, even though I also have my older sisters on my team. Even when I was in middle school I would go to the practice and games and watch every game and every practice, so I've been prepared but I'd never expect to have this much fun. Even though this is my first year of high school volleyball and it's coming to an end soon, I don't think I could've asked for a better first year. I love my team and my coaches and the environment we've made. High school and high school volleyball was not what I expected but the team I have and the high school I'm at I couldn't ask for a better environment.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She understands the program she's playing in because she studied it long before she joined it. Years of watching every practice and every game gave her a head start most freshmen don't get, and it shows in how quickly she has settled in alongside seniors. Coaches should notice a varsity freshman who already plays with the comfort of someone who has been there before.</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":["769741"],"_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-6ad7945f9c14e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jimin Seung was named a Top Performer at the 2025 SoCal UpNext Showcase and has been one of the most viewed 2030 profiles on PrepDig. At 6'1", she brings real size to the pin, but heading into that showcase as an eighth grader, the part of her game she was building was mental. She said she believed mindset shapes how a player performs, and she set a goal of becoming a more adaptable athlete who builds chemistry quickly with new teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now a freshman at Mater Dei, she's found a gym that matches that standard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Especially with going to a high school which is held at a high standard with holding the name of being #1 in the nation it's really special. It isn't just practice or typically games every week. We always practice with an objective whether it's a team goal or individual goal. What I really like about Mater Dei is the competitiveness because every single person on this team wants to get better. There's not a single person who slacks off. Everyone keeps each other accountable because we all want to get better. It's super easy to play with a team like this because not only do I want to get better but I know they have my back to push me harder especially since they are older than me too. The girls and coaches have made it incredibly easy to adjust.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She understands that the standard in the gym is what drives development, and she's embracing accountability instead of feeling pressured by it. The goal she set as an eighth grader, adapting and building chemistry fast, is exactly what she describes doing now alongside older teammates. Coaches should notice a 6'1" freshman who thrives in a demanding environment.</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":["1009100"],"_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-6ad7945f9c159"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Teana Simmons never gives up on a play, and she brings that same energy to passing, hitting and cheering on her teammates. She takes coaching well and is always looking for ways to improve. Before the season, one piece of feedback reshaped her mental approach: focus fully on the next point. It took practice, but it gave her more confidence and consistency through a match. She also said she was excited to face older, bigger and stronger opponents, because she saw it as a real measure of how much she could improve. She is with WAVE 15-Brennan this club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two months into her freshman season at Temecula Valley, that measuring stick has taught her something new.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“One thing that surprised me about high school volleyball was how much faster the game is and how good everyone's volleyball IQ is, especially playing against older girls. The players are really smart about where they place the ball, so I've had to learn to read the court better and react faster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Something that really helped me was having such supportive teammates, especially the juniors and seniors. They trusted me on the court even though I was just a freshman, and that helped me feel more confident and grow as a player.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She understands that the gap at the next level is as much mental as physical, and she's closing it by reading the court earlier. A freshman who notices opponents' shot placement is already thinking like a defender a level above her age. Coaches should notice that the trust she has earned from upperclassmen came quickly.</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":["536858"],"_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-6ad7945f9c164"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Journey Steel earned Top Performer at the NorCal StockUp Showcase with communication that stood out from the first rally. She pairs it with a disciplined platform that held up all day, plays off the hands of the block well, and terminates at a high rate, all with a visible smile that makes her easy to play alongside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a freshman at South San Francisco, she has stepped into a bigger role than she expected.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“One thing that's been different than I expected is being a freshman on varsity, taking on a main role, and playing multiple positions. It's pushed me to be more flexible and ready for whatever my team needs. I'm adjusting by relying on Jehovah God and Jesus Christ, strengthening all parts of my game, and staying open to new challenges. I'm just trying to keep improving, gain confidence, and do whatever I can to help my team.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She brings the versatility her profile has suggested all along, and her team is already putting it to use. A freshman trusted with a main varsity role at more than one position is getting reps most players won't see for another year or two. Coaches should watch how her all-around game develops as her confidence catches up to her responsibility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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. Explore the player profiles featured in this article and see how other athletes are building their stories. Then share this article and tag your teammates. Visibility grows when you're part of the conversation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>📣 Club Coaches &amp; Directors</strong><br><a href="https://prepdig.com/california/clubs/club-programs/">Keep your club updated in the California Club Program Database</a> and stay connected to every opportunity we create for exposure. Celebrate the athletes from your program who were featured, and use this article to start a conversation about trajectory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>🎯 College Coaches</strong><br><a href="https://prepdig.com/college-subscribe/">Use a Premium College Subscription</a> to learn more about the whole athlete: full profiles, rankings, evaluations and the stories behind the stat line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>🙏 Parents &amp; Supporters</strong><br>Download the Prep Network app (<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/prep-network/id6761510133">iPhone</a> | <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prepnetwork.app">Android</a>) to follow your athlete's journey and share this article with your family, your club and your community. 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":1058263,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/11/image_16c1a8.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1058263"/></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 --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->