Scouting Practice: City Volleyball Club

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PrepDig recently attended a 14u practice at [program_tooltip program_id='429361' first='City' last='Volleyball Club'] in North Hollywood, California, and it quickly became evident that this club is exceptionally well-organized and polished. From their empowering mission for the next generation of female leaders to the inspiring facilities, including extensive workout areas, team lounges, coaches' quarters, a snack bar, and well-maintained hardwood courts, [program_tooltip program_id='429361' first='City' last='Volleyball Club'] has created an inspiring environment for its athletes. &nbsp;The writing is literally on the walls further underscoring the dedication and commitment to the development of these young athletes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":519892,"width":"295px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/03/IMG_7423.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-519892" style="width:295px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the clock approached 5:00 for the start of practice, the court was already alive with an intense game initiated by the players. This provided an opportunity to engage in a conversation with Coach Mitch Kallick, who not only currently serves as the Director of Recruiting and Technical Director at City Volleyball but also holds the position of Girls' Volleyball Program Head at Harvard Westlake. With a rich collegiate coaching background, he has served as an assistant coach at esteemed institutions such as NYU, Tennessee, Cal State Fullerton, Maryland, and Central Michigan, and held the role of Head Coach at the University of Hartford from 2015-18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Assisting him was Jade Mitchell, who graduated from North Torrance High School and played at a collegiate level at San Jose State and Los Angeles Harbor College.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":519894,"width":"296px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/03/IMG_7438.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-519894" style="width:296px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 5:00, the girls were summoned to the start of practice following a huddle, and the official warm-up began with ball handling, animated conversations, and a delightful amount of giggling from the 14-year-olds. Witnessing high-caliber players relishing the camaraderie within the team was refreshing. Coach Mitch, who has observed some of his players evolve since the age of 12, remarked, "This group just loves to play, they go without having to tell them to go."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I started jotting down notes on standout players, I asked Coach Mitch about his most coachable player. After a moment of contemplation, he looked around and provided the ideal coach's response: "All of them. They all want to get better."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite the time change and the approaching spring break, practice maintained its momentum without any slowdown. These dedicated athletes are gearing up for the upcoming SCVA Event #4 on March 16.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at some of the practice standouts:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["474505"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eRaneighla Gonzalez stands out with a unique athletic build and a level of on-court concentration that defies her 14u status. Her dedication to her craft is evident not just on social media but also in person, where her focused practice reveals genuine commitment beyond the camera. Raneighla has a powerful swing that she delivers with a lot of power. What intrigues me most is her position, while she appears more suited to a pin position than a middle, only time will reveal her ultimate role. As I remind all athletes, positions are fluid, and adaptability to any called-upon role is a valuable asset. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDigu003c/spanu003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f22b870143e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["507975"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eEllouisa Quiel stands out as a tri-sport athlete, showcasing remarkable coordination, athleticism, and an engaging dynamic on the volleyball court. Watching her, it's not just a girl playing volleyball; it's witnessing an athlete dominating the sport. With her loud and purposeful communication, strength, and goal-oriented leadership, Ellouisa not only keeps practices and drills moving but also motivates her teammates to achieve practice goals. Whether she opts for the softball field or the basketball court, it's evident that her considerable talent will allow her the freedom to make a confident choice in the future. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDigu003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f22b87014c9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["506242"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eAylee Pizzo not only grasps the team's practice goals exceptionally well but also maintains unwavering concentration and active engagement in each drill. With impressive fundamentals, she seems to navigate through her team's drills effortlessly, showcasing excellent ball control and unwavering focus as a player. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDigu003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f22b870152b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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":"Nasiyah Chapman","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_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":"City 14 Gold","_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eNasiyah Chapman exhibits impressive speed and agility, evident in her swift movements during challenging practice drills. One such drill, u0022touch two,u0022 derived from Coach Mitch's collegiate experience as a middle hitter and Hall-of-Fame inductee at NYU, showcased Nasiyah's tenacity as she successfully chased down balls across the court. Notably, after completing the drill, her immediate response was, u0022I want to go again.u0022 At the net, Nasiyah showcases a powerful swing and the capability to effectively hit through blocks. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDigu003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f22b8701587"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4ZmpNbuFpF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==","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/reel/C4ZmpNbuFpF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </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":"Kate Williams","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_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":"City 14 Gold","_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eKate Williams brings five years of volleyball experience to City, transitioning from the Austin Performance club team in Texas, where she notably played on a 12s team that clinched a national championship. Renowned for her composed leadership and delivering consistent, powerful kills on the 14s team, Kate highlighted the distinction between Texas and California volleyball, noting that while Austin helped her with the basics, City has truly refined her understanding of the game. Kate's formidable hitting is characterized by a solid snap, showcasing her prowess on the court. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDigu003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f22b870165f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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":"Talia Mardrussian","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_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":"City 14 Gold","_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eTalia Mardrussian, a disciplined Libero and versatile utility player, excels at leading her team through drills with precision. Her outstanding work ethic is evident as she hustles, communicates effectively, and enthusiastically cheers for her teammates, showcasing her all-around contribution to the team.u003c/spanu003e u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eTalia's disciplined platform, coupled with her speed, enables her to effectively make plays on the majority of balls directed towards her.u003c/spanu003e u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eMichelle Bamford @ PrepDig u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f22b8701707"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":"","_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f22b870172f"} /--> <!-- 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":"Zoey Hudis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_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":"City 14 Gold","_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eZoey Hudis excels as a communicator, actively guiding her teammates through most drills with verbal encouragement and engaging in constructive self-talk. Her practice concentration is particularly noteworthy, evident in her precise execution of a ball handling drill where she seamlessly one-armed bumped to the right, then left, skillfully used her left hand for setting, transitioned to her right side, and deftly tipped the ball to her partner. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDigu003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f22b87017c1"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4ZWyzExDJ_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==","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/reel/C4ZWyzExDJ_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->