A Look Back: First Ones In. Last Ones Out

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We deeply appreciate the unwavering dedication needed to achieve athletic aspirations, and at PrepDig, we're excited to showcase athletes who embody such remarkable commitment. This article delves into the journeys of those promising prospects who served as sources of inspiration, offering a glimpse into their incredible determination and hard-earned success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are excited to introduce these exceptional athletes to you and share their training routines in their own words!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["483655"],"_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_0_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022yiv5244102684p1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022yiv5244102684s1u0022u003eAs a student athlete there are lots of actions, I take outside of practice to keep myself in the best condition for volleyball. Keeping my body healthy and strengthened is an important aspect to me.u003cspan class=u0022yiv5244102684Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003ernu003cp class=u0022yiv5244102684p1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022yiv5244102684s1u0022u003ePhysical recovery and training:u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003ernu003cp class=u0022yiv5244102684p1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022yiv5244102684s1u0022u003eFor many years, the person that has helped me recover from injuries or growing pains has been Ryan Guzman PT, DPT, CSCS from Prosport in Laguna Hills.u003cspan class=u0022yiv5244102684Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eHe always knows exactly what to do to get me healthy and how long it will take to be 100% again.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003ernu003cp class=u0022yiv5244102684p1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022yiv5244102684s1u0022u003eChris Vu from Training Matrix is a trainer that I go to and he is awesome. He knows so much about volleyball specific training and he works to keep me healthy, make me stronger, and expand how I perform as an athlete.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003ernu003cp class=u0022yiv5244102684p1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022yiv5244102684s1u0022u003eMentality training:u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003ernu003cp class=u0022yiv5244102684p1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022yiv5244102684s1u0022u003eMental training is something I do before every practice and before tournaments. I use the app NeuroFuel. I do visualizations for goal setting and also do deep breathing. I feel that doing work on visualizations is just as important as work done on the court. I am also listening to the book “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon on my drives to practice. Quote provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDigu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003ernu003cp class=u0022yiv5244102684p1u0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022size-medium wp-image-508841u0022 src=u0022https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-08-163533.png?w=300u0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022300u0022 height=u0022235u0022 /u003eu003c/pu003ernrnPhoto: @tilted_pics","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65693e6422214"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/C2lfrgYRSjj/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/C2lfrgYRSjj/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["295471"],"_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_0_evaluation":"u003cdiv class=u0022x9f619 xjbqb8w x78zum5 x168nmei x13lgxp2 x5pf9jr xo71vjh x1uhb9sk x1plvlek xryxfnj x1c4vz4f x2lah0s xdt5ytf xqjyukv x1qjc9v5 x1oa3qoh x1nhvcw1 x193iq5w xeq5yr9u0022u003ernu003cdiv class=u0022x9f619 xjbqb8w x78zum5 x168nmei x13lgxp2 x5pf9jr xo71vjh x1uhb9sk x1plvlek xryxfnj x1c4vz4f x2lah0s x1q0g3np xqjyukv xuk3077 x1oa3qoh x1nhvcw1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x1i0vuye xl565be x1s688f x5n08af x1tu3fi x3x7a5m x10wh9bi x1wdrske x8viiok x18hxmgju0022 dir=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022x1lliihq x193iq5w x6ikm8r x10wlt62 xlyipyv xuxw1ftu0022u003eAriel Chimeu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/divu003ernu003cdivu003eu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003cdivu003eAs an athlete that aspires to play D1 collegiate volleyball. I have been privileged to be mentored by many coaches at the highest level in college volleyball.  Recognizing that I discovered volleyball late in life and my drive to play at the highest level, motivates me to create a regimen that has supported me to enhance my skill set. These includes arriving 15 minutes before practice, driving two hours for private lessons, and strength and conditioning training with Roy Casiano.  Not everyone has the privilege to have so many resources available to improve and succeed in their ability to play volleyball like I do. But your will and determination to succeed in this game will outweigh all the costs and expenses that comes with it. You don't have to train with the most in demand personal trainer or play in an open division to see improvements. All you need is a wall, YouTube and your hunger to strive towards being great and achieving your goals.u003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c9c817bc795"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/C2wDEK1rxVZ/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/C2wDEK1rxVZ/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["391082"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Addison CoadyrnrnMy workout schedule is always adapting to my current situation and needs, so I don't really follow a specific routine. I do however, make sure I'm in the weight room 3-4 times a week with my private trainer @training_matrix, who is just incredible and always makes sure I'm strong and healthy. I also lift 2-3 times a week at my high school while I also try to get in 1 at home workout, just a quick 20-30 minutes of polymerics to work on increasing my vertical. u003cspan class=u0022yiv8862277472Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e u003c/spanu003eOn the volleyball aspect, I practice 3 times a week with my incredible team while also lifting 1-2 times a week before or after practice as a team. I try to also get in a private or two during the week to really dial in my game and work on my target goals. On the nutrition side I really try to make sure I'm eating good, clean, healthy foods But especially before tournaments and games I really strive to have very little to no sugar during the week so I can make sure I'm at my best when I play. Another extremely important part of my routine is SLEEP!! It's so important to how I play and really affects my power and ability to track the ball. I strive for 8-9 hours before tournaments. My final key part of my routine is recovery. I always make sure to stretch before and after anytime I play. I also use my massage gun and normatec recovery pants constantly to get my muscles prepared to play, and to loosen knots I might have after.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65cc0c70bb501"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/C2QHz07PL9U/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/C2QHz07PL9U/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":"","_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c9c817bc7f8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["459746"],"_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_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='459746' first='Sahasra' last='Vellanki'], 2025rnrn5'5u0022 Libero/DS [program_tooltip program_id='429395' first='Encore' last='Volleyball'] Club 17 GT #5University Prep Academy Varsity Volleyball #5 X: @sahasravellankirnrnu0022Thank you so much for featuring me in this article, honestly a year ago if someone had told me I would be here today the low-confidence athlete I was wouldn't have believed them. This past year I've grown tremendously physically and mentally as I've tapped into what it truly means to be an athlete. I focus on training my mind, taking each rep and each pass and focusing in on one thing at a time. Outside of team practices, I spent this past summer at various volleyball camps, including overnight college camps, skill development camps and positionals, I went weeks where I played around 6 hours a day for 6 days a week. Recently, I've done private lessons honing on serve receive and passing consistency and have been conditioning consistently around 4 days week. I focus on sprints and building endurance, and also lifting with a trainer, working each muscle group for injury prevention.rnrnFor example, squatting with two plates and focusing on resistance on my way up for 25 reps and then immediately transferring that resistance to box jumps to translate the explosive movement in athletic training. My volleyball club, Encore, also offers in house recovery and I have been able to use our cryotherapy machines in order to give my muscles the recovery they need. I have also been consistently implementing steam therapy into my routine at least once a week, especially after tournaments. With my team, I practice 3 nights a week and additional lessons 1-2x a week. I watch a lot of film as well, trying to analyze my mistakes, even when it's hard to watch myself mess up but ultimately it's the only way to push past my mistakes.u0022 Quote provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c5b2d01abed"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/C124WvVv0mz/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/C124WvVv0mz/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["504824"],"_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_0_evaluation":"u003cdivu003ernrnrnMy volleyball journey began in my freshman year of high school when I joined the freshman volleyball team. Before then, I had never stepped foot on a court nor watched any volleyball games; it was a completely new sport to me. After the high school season, I joined a local club team for more playing time, but I didn't learn much from that season. Over the summer before my sophomore year, I realized my passion for volleyball and my desire to play in college, but I also acknowledged that I was behind other girls who had years of experience playing libero. Feeling demotivated, I even considered switching to golf, a sport I also love, but it didn't excite me as much as volleyball.rnrnRecognizing my passion, my parents helped me find different camps and training opportunities. During that summer, I attended camps at Coast and Wave volleyball clubs in San Diego almost daily for two weeks, dedicating 4-6 hours each day to volleyball. These camps helped me learn the basics and get plenty of practice in setting, hitting, and passing. By my sophomore year, I made it onto the JV team. Although I performed well, I knew I needed to improve to compete with other liberos. So, after the high school season, my parents arranged for a personal trainer whom I see 3–4 times per week. With my trainer, I focus on plyometrics, weight training, speed training, and agility, which has shown significant improvement in my speed, endurance, and power.rnrnOn weekends or days without training, I incorporate runs into my routine, aiming to beat my previous times. Running helps me control my breathing and prepares me physically for long games.rnrnAdditionally, I have 2-4 private sessions each week with a volleyball trainer who pays attention to detail and helps correct my technique.rnrnNutrition is also crucial to me, as my parents emphasized its importance in maintaining energy levels on the court. With guidance from sources like Training with Coach Kiy and the Libero Academy, I've developed personalized meal plans focusing on protein for muscle strength, carbs for energy, and fruits and veggies for overall health. Proper hydration is also a priority.rnrnI find it helpful to rewatch my games along with other players, analyzing my performance to identify areas for improvement. I've watched each game about 20 times, focusing on my technique and reactions to plays. I take both physical and mental notes, aiming to improve by 1% each day.rnrnMoreover, I'm participating in the Zoe Fleck Film Study Masterclass Mentorship to enhance my game awareness, mental preparation, performance analysis, and skill development.rnrnAdditionally, I read self-help and leadership books, watch YouTube videos, and listen to podcasts to improve myself mentally. Some of the books I've read include u0022Atomic Habits,u0022 u0022The Power of Now,u0022 u0022The Tipping Point,u0022 and u0022Seven Secrets of Highly Effective Teens.u0022rnrnFinally, I've created an Instagram page to share and document my journey, inspire others, and build a community of individuals passionate about hard work, commitment, and dedication to reaching their goals.rnrnHere is an overview of my weekly activities. It may seem like a lot, but I prioritize listening to my body and taking breaks or rest days as needed:rnrnAgility, Mobility, Strength, and Conditioning Training: 1-hour sessions 3-4 times a week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.rnrnExamples:rnrnAgility Training:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eCone Drills (to increase the ability to rapidly change directions)u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e2 Foot and 1 Foot Plyometrics (to develop strength and joint stiffness for handling higher forces seen in games)u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernMobility:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eDeep Squat/Leg Press (targeting key muscles needed to maximize leg strength and mobility)u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eHip CARS (isolating hip stabilizers to assist in gaining more range of motion, which can improve efficiency and prevent injury)u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernConditioning:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eInterval Sprints and Bounds (sprinting at full speed to train the body and nervous system at high velocities, with long breaks to allow ATP restoration and optimal recovery, improving overall speed)u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernPrivate Volleyball Skills Training: Usually 1-hour lessons 2 times a week, sometimes more based on the availability of coaches and courts, totaling 3-4 times a week on Tuesday u0026amp; Thursday, and occasionally on Friday and/or Saturday.rnrnClub Practice: 1-hour sessions 3 times a week on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday.rnrnMeal Prep: Spending 15-30 minutes daily to prepare 5-7 meals depending on activity, including breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, pre-workout/practice snack, and post-workout/snack.rnrnMindset: Devoting 2-3 hours a week, or more when time permits, to reading, watching videos, listening to podcasts, and engaging with positive and motivational social media posts. I often do this during downtime or free time, including reading during travel to and from practices.rnrnFilm Review: Conducting one session per month via Zoom with Zoe Fleck, spending 5-6 hours reviewing post-game films, and watching online training courses/videos for 30 minutes every other day.rnrnOnline Training Courses: Libero Academy, Volleyball University, SM Nutrition for High School Athletes.rnrnu003c/divu003ernu003cdivu003eu003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ca6628a8277"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Ku002du002d7Dv2n-/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Ku002du002d7Dv2n-/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Allie Yeargin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp id=u0022yiv1509542273docs-internal-guid-638bcff4-8ec7-abb8-4792-4d464f763087u0022 dir=u0022ltru0022u003eSince discovering a love of indoor volleyball while playing on my school's 4th grade volleyball team, I've come a long way from serving underhand and running sprints races against my brothers at the beach. After 7+ years of playing competitive indoor volleyball, I've found that a multifaceted program results in the greatest benefits and performance on the court. In addition to team practice 2 hours a day, 3 days a week, I really enjoy working with my private volleyball trainers 2 - 3 times a week, ideally on days when I don't have club practice so I can implement what I learn in training in our next practice.  Performance training, using a combination of plyometrics, agility, jump, speed and strength training at least twice a week, has helped me grow on the court, minimized injuries and boosted my athletic confidence. Beach volleyball is another activity I use to get additional reps and it's a great workout!u003c/pu003eu003cp dir=u0022ltru0022u003eTo give me the energy to function at my peak performance level, I eat a lot of protein rich foods and protein shakes with bananas after strenuous workouts.  Before tournaments, I typically eat a strawberry banana protein smoothie and toast with sunflower butter drizzled with honey.  For a quick pick me up, I will often eat a mini almond snickers or salted pretzels.u003c/pu003eu003cp dir=u0022ltru0022u003eFor recovery, I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.  Epsom salt baths, massage, ice therapy, and heat therapy also are key for recovery after rigorous training or a multi-day tournament. Stretching, using bands and rolling out with a foam roller or ball before practice and play is also key.u003c/pu003eu003cp dir=u0022ltru0022u003eTo continue improving my skills, I watch film after each private training session and tournament, to reflect on what I did well, what I can improve on and what I need to share with my trainers and coaches to advance my skill.u003c/pu003eu003cp dir=u0022ltru0022u003eAs the level and speed of play has increased, I've recently added in Sports Vision Enhancement Therapy 3 - 5 days a week.  This has really helped with reading the ball in dim or shadowed lighting, improving my reaction time and my overall performance on the court.u003c/pu003eu003cp dir=u0022ltru0022u003eLiving in Southern California, I've also had the benefit of attending numerous college camps and skill clinics.  The overnight camps are really fun and give one a chance to experience a day in the life of a college level volleyball player and to meet people from all over the country.  The camps are great opportunities to learn from many different coaches and get great tips for improvement.u003c/pu003eu003cp dir=u0022ltru0022u003eAs a scholar athlete, with a 4.5 GPA, to balance sports and academics, I utilize a planner to organize academics and schedule out my training and practices. I plan my training and workouts monthly which helps me stay on top of things and results in a stress free me!u003c/pu003eu003cp dir=u0022ltru0022u003eTo grow in the mental side of volleyball, I read inspiring books by athletes (such Kobe Bryant and Chris P. Austin). Watching videos and reading articles from inspiring coaches, especially by coaches and trainers that I've had the privilege of learning from in the last 7 years is extremely beneficial. I also listen to upbeat music and motivational podcasts (often on the drive to tournaments or practice).u003c/pu003eu003cp dir=u0022ltru0022u003eAll of the things I do make me a better athlete, student and overall person. The sense of accomplishment, knowing that putting time in off the court leads to improvement and success on the court is one of the greatest and most rewarding aspects of training.  Of course, the exhilaration of winning, the laughter and encouragement from teammates and coaches, and just the pure fun of competition is why I love volleyball and what motivates me to strive for improvement each day.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c6c5f0e1d82"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/C206AfeRbqs/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/C206AfeRbqs/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ari James","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Sunshine 16-Westside","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Ari JamesrnrnOur club practices 3 days a week and those practices generally are late in the evening on weekdays and early weekend mornings. This is where most of our team's technical work is done. I'm lucky that everyone on our team is a hard worker and takes practice seriously. But, I am also really lucky because the majority of my team, including myself, also seeks out extra work with various volleyball trainers in the area. Knowing that my teammates are so interested in being their best makes me want to be my best as well.rnrnMaximizing technique is only part of the process. Another really important aspect is the fitness component. I am fortunate or maybe unfortunate to have a dad that has been a trainer for nearly 20 years LOL. Whether I want to or not, weightlifting, agility training, and endurance work is something that we work on 4-5 days a week. In the weightroom, we primarily focus on force development and multi joint lifts, such as hex bar deadlifts, squats, hang cleans, push press, and Romanian deadlifts. We also do a lot of balance and coordination work using water tanks for balance training.rnrnThe goal in any physical training that I do is to get comfortable being uncomfortable. When I am training, as difficult as it may be, I know that I have to embrace the pain. After all, not every point in a volleyball game is going to be easy. Sometimes we have to play out of system, and in other uncomfortable settings. In addition to training my body in a training session, I am also training my mind to handle those times that are uncomfortable.rnrnI would say the hardest part about training and developing is knowing when to take a break to recharge and rest. I think that the most growth happens during the rest and reflection period. After training hard and working toward a tournament or event, I think we all should take some time to reflect on how it went. For me, as soon as our team videos are up, I like to watch the full games and not just the highlights. It's always fun to watch the highlights, but watching the full tape and the moments where you might NOT have done something well is where the real adjustments can be made.rnrnAs a setter, I may have had several good assists that made the highlight reel, but looking at the full game I can better see when I missed a set or when I misread a blocking scheme. When I can see on film things that I missed in a game, it allows me to be intentional in the work I need to focus on in our next practices. And again, this is not always comfortable. Sometimes I feel like face-palming at a play that I missed, and while this is uncomfortable I know that there will be opportunities to get better. I'm committed to getting better. I would say overall, the most important piece of advice I could give to anyone would be that you don't have to be THE best at everything to do YOUR best in anything. Everybody's best is different, and if we all strive to do OUR best in all the things we do, we help ourselves and our teams get better.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c9c817bcbaf"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Sj1rGxJzo/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Sj1rGxJzo/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":"","_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ca6628a83a5"} /-->