Volleyball Players Who Go the Extra Mile

PrepDig recently traveled to Bakersfield, California, to witness the intense rivalry match between the Frontier Titans and the Centennial Golden Hawks. The Bakersfield volleyball community has shown tremendous support for PrepDig, and we were excited to give back by engaging with fans, making a donation to the students supporting the Honor Flight Network, and offering some fun giveaways.   For college coaches, it's important to recognize the unique commitment these athletes bring to the court. Many of them travel over three hours just to compete in “local” club tournaments, demonstrating their dedication and passion for playing at the next level. When evaluating potential recruits, consider the added effort and determination that athletes from Bakersfield consistently display. Their commitment goes beyond talent—they embody the perseverance needed to thrive in college volleyball.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Centennial Roster</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/10/image_c1c998.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-709927" style="width:287px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/golden_hawks_volleyball?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photo Credit</a>: </figcaption></figure>   Kate Johns (Sr.)   Alex Marshall (Fr.)   [player_tooltip player_id='580617' first='Brooke' last='Towle'] (Fr.)   Tatum Forbus (Sr.)   [player_tooltip player_id='580076' first='Addison' last='Carter'] (Sr.)   Lexi Fountain (So.)   Morgan George (Sr.)   Natalie Alcorn (Sr.)   Cooper Madison (Sr.)   [player_tooltip player_id='475355' first='Jordan' last='Kennedy'] (Jr.)   Hannah Ratliff (Sr.)   [player_tooltip player_id='433715' first='Kathryn' last='Wulff-Smith'] (So.)   Ila Rose (Jr.)   Bailey Burke (Sr.)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frontier Roster</h2>   Anahi King (Sr.)   Alexis Tinnin (Sr.)   [player_tooltip player_id='528262' first='Ruby' last='Roberts'] (So.)   [player_tooltip player_id='507980' first='Ameira' last='Hardin'] (Fr.)   Maya Torres (Sr.)   Ellie Cloyd (Sr.)   [player_tooltip player_id='576741' first='Emily' last='Barr'] (Fr.)   [player_tooltip player_id='507916' first='Addisyn' last='Gardenhire'] (Fr.)   Lainey Sterling (Sr.)   Emmaleigh Stephens (Fr.)   [player_tooltip player_id='534240' first='Brooklyn' last='Tramel'] (Jr.)   Teagan Lee (So.)   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prospects to Watch</h2>    Ila Rose was undeniably the standout player of the night, showcasing a level of talent that positions her as a top-tier Division I prospect. A lefty right-side hitter with an explosive skill set, Ila's game is marked by her quickness in both transitioning and attacking. Her approach to the ball is smooth, and her lightning-fast arm swing, paired with her left-handed snap, makes her nearly impossible to block. On the right side, she's a dynamic and versatile weapon who can change the momentum of the game with a single swing.   Beyond her offensive prowess, Ila's all-around game is equally impressive. Her serve receive from the back row is consistent and reliable, giving her team a solid foundation to transition into offense. Defensively, she's equally engaged—her strong effort and quick reflexes make her a force to be reckoned with. At the service line, Ila strategically places the ball in difficult zones, then immediately hustles into defensive coverage, further demonstrating her high volleyball IQ.   What truly sets Ila apart, however, is her mental approach to the game. After the match, in conversation, Ila reflected on her performance with maturity and insight, showing a deep understanding of both her individual role and the team dynamics. It's clear that she not only has the physical tools but also the mental sharpness to excel at the next level. Coaches looking for a player who can make an immediate impact both offensively and defensively will find Ila Rose ready for the challenges and demands of Division I volleyball.   Michelle Bamford ~ PrepDig      [player_tooltip player_id='475355' first='Jordan' last='Kennedy'] continues to make a significant impact as a dominant middle, showcasing her growth and versatility on the court. Her court awareness and speed at the net are exceptional, allowing her to be a constant presence both offensively and defensively. Built with natural athleticism, Jordan reads the game well, anticipating plays and positioning herself to make crucial stops. Her quick lateral movement along the net enables her to put up a formidable block, shutting down opposing hitters and frustrating offenses.   On the offensive side, Jordan is a dynamic threat. She has the ability to cut the ball at sharp angles, making her difficult to defend. Her impressive reach allows her to adjust to even the most challenging sets, keeping plays alive and finding ways to score. What sets Jordan apart is her ability to consistently elevate her game. Despite already performing at a high level, it's clear that she hasn't come close to reaching her full potential. Every time she steps on the court, she brings something new, showing improvement and adding more to her skill set.   For college coaches, Jordan is the type of player who will continue to develop and thrive in a competitive environment. Her athleticism, court sense, and willingness to push herself make her an exciting prospect with a bright future ahead. If she continues on this trajectory, Jordan will be a force to be reckoned with at the next level.   Michelle Bamford ~ PrepDig     [player_tooltip player_id='433715' first='Kathryn' last='Wulff-Smith'] is a quick, focused, and dynamic player who consistently stands out on the court. If the ball is anywhere near Kathryn, you can count on her to get a touch on it—her instinctive ability to read and react makes her a defensive maganet. She approaches every play with a go-getter mentality, which leads to game-changing moments, and her commitment to making big plays is evident in every match.   Her serve receive is textbook, with flawless form and precision in her mid-line, and she consistently delivers great passes, giving her team the edge in transitioning to offense. Kathryn's defensive coverage is relentless, and her ability to dig balls that seem impossible to reach showcases her grit and hustle. Her reads on attackers are sharp, and her coverage is nothing short of impressive.   What truly sets Kathryn apart, though, is her mindset on the court. While she's constantly evaluating her own performance and adjusting in real-time, she does so with an infectious positivity. She's always in tune with the game, and her self-awareness combined with her upbeat attitude creates a calm yet competitive presence that elevates the play of those around her. College coaches looking for a dynamic defender who not only performs under pressure but also leads with a positive and growth-oriented mentality should have [player_tooltip player_id='433715' first='Kathryn' last='Wulff-Smith'] on their radar.   Michelle Bamford ~ PrepDig     [player_tooltip player_id='507916' first='Addisyn' last='Gardenhire'] is a highly skilled and intuitive setter with exceptional court awareness and a smooth touch on the ball. Even as a freshman starting on varsity, she shows maturity beyond her years, running a quick tempo offense with finesse and precision. Her setting is both smart and strategic, consistently putting her hitters in great positions to score. Addisyn excels at hustling to the ball and setting against the grain, catching defenses off guard and keeping them on their heels.   Her quickness on the court allows her to direct a high-level offense, transitioning from defense to attack with ease and speed. What truly elevates Addisyn's game is her remarkable block awareness. She has an innate ability to read the opposing defense, positioning her sets perfectly to give her hitters the best possible shot at avoiding the block. Her decision-making on the fly ensures that the offense remains fluid and unpredictable, which is a key factor in her team's success.   For a freshman setter, Addisyn's poise, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game are highly impressive. Her leadership on the court, combined with her advanced technical skills and game sense, make her a standout player with a bright future ahead. College coaches looking for a setter who can not only distribute the ball well but also lead an offense with intelligence and composure should keep a close eye on [player_tooltip player_id='507916' first='Addisyn' last='Gardenhire'].   Michelle Bamford ~ PrepDig     [player_tooltip player_id='528262' first='Ruby' last='Roberts'] is a force to be reckoned with on the court, playing with focus and authority at the net. She has a commanding presence, consistently delivering sharp, well-placed cuts with her offensive hits that make her a go-to option in attack. Ruby's ability to execute under pressure is one of her greatest strengths, as she maintains her composure while making smart, aggressive plays.   Defensively, Ruby is equally effective. She puts up a solid block, using her quick reads to anticipate opposing hitters and shut down scoring opportunities. Her timing and positioning at the net are sharp, making her a difficult obstacle for opponents to get around. Ruby's all-around skill set, combined with her determined mentality, makes her a standout player who contributes significantly on both sides of the ball.   For college coaches, Ruby's ability to impact the game offensively and defensively, while maintaining high energy and focus, makes her a player to watch. Her dedication and authoritative style on the court reflect her readiness to compete at the next level.   Michelle Bamford ~ PrepDig     [player_tooltip player_id='507980' first='Ameira' last='Hardin'], a freshman outside hitter, is definitely one to watch as she continues to make a statement on the court. Only a freshman, Ameira already displays an impressive combination of strength and skill that sets her apart. Defensively, she holds her own at the net with solid blocking and quick reactions, but it's her offensive game that truly shines.   Ameira plays with power and confidence, and she's not afraid to challenge the block—often powering the ball right through her opponents. Her swings are lethal, delivering hard, fast hits that are difficult to defend. When Ameira goes up for an attack, she's not just aiming for the court—she's putting down bullets. Her aggressive approach, combined with her ability to consistently put the ball away, makes her a dangerous weapon on the outside.   For college coaches, Ameira's physicality and offensive prowess are clear indicators of her potential to compete at higher levels. As she continues to develop, she's sure to be a standout player with a bright future in the sport.   Michelle Bamford ~ PrepDig    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If you loved this article, please follow our Instagram page, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a> for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.</h2>   After following our page, take the next step and subscribe to PrepDig! By subscribing, you'll not only stay connected to the latest coverage of your favorite events, but you'll also be helping to shine a spotlight on rising volleyball talent.   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PrepDig recently traveled to Bakersfield, California, to witness the intense rivalry match between the Frontier Titans and the Centennial Golden Hawks. The Bakersfield volleyball community has shown tremendous support for PrepDig, and we were excited to give back by engaging with fans, making a donation to the students supporting the Honor Flight Network, and offering some fun giveaways.