My name is Manaia Ogbechie. I am a 2025 Middle Blocker committed to the University of Nebraska. I have been attending the NTDP training series since December 2022. NTDP has single-handedly been the best thing that has ever happened for my volleyball career and personal growth.

I will always look forward to the opportunity to learn from the best, especially right before Nationals. As an athlete, I believe that it is extremely important to take advantage of any opportunity to learn and grow. From previous NTDP training sessions, I have learned a plethora of new abilities, such as how to run a slide and jump serve, as well as more technical techniques such as breathwork and self-positivity.

Every session provides access to the best upcoming volleyball players and coaches in the world, but showing up with a growth mindset and the positive attitude to combat any adversity is what really allows me to absorb the valuable information that NTDP provides. NTDP has taught me that the best volleyball players are not afraid of a challenge and welcome adversity with a smile on their face because within a challenge is the best opportunity to grow.

Provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig

Manaia Ogbechie

“Triple Crown is a BIG deal this year! There has never been as much excitement for volleyball as there is now in the United States. With the Olympics around the corner, the launch of a new professional league, and the exciting conclusion of a historical college season, the scene has been set for high level club volleyball and Triple Crown is the kick-off! For so many athletes, Triple Crown also marks the start of recruiting hype and big qualifiers!

Last year, the competition at Triple Crown set our standard of competitive and physical play and we went on to National qualifiers to earn an OPEN bid and battle at Nationals. This year, Sports Academy 17-Jen Premier has improved – we are bigger, stronger, smarter, deeper, and our expectations are higher! I welcome the National stage and an amazing club season ahead!” Quote provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig

#15 Manaia Ogbechie Manaia Ogbechie 6'3" | MB Oaks Christian | 2025 State #19 Nation CA MB, 2025 – Committed to Northwestern and USA NTDP athlete.

“I’m one of 2 Middles (alongside Sarah Shaw Sarah Shaw 6'2" | MB Chaminade College Prep | 2025 State CA !!) and enjoy playing in Coach Jen’s physical & disciplined defense and dynamic offense where I can run traditional attacks, quicks, slides, and opportunistically hit from the pins depending on matchups and rotation. I’m excited to be with my club team again and share the experiences of not only playing high level volleyball, traveling, and competing against the best players and teams in the country but also preparing myself to compete on the next stage in college and beyond. My Goals > Build my skillset, improve my athleticism/strength, and raise my court awareness as an attacker and defender; > Earn consideration as the best 17U team in California; > Finish top 10 at Triple Crown; > Earn an Open bid at each of the 3 national qualifiers we have entered (Sunshine Classic, Pacific Northwest, Salt Lake City Showdown); and > Finish top 5 at the National Championships.”