Triple Crown Prep: Athletes’ Voices - Part Three

In 2013, Triple Crown Sports brought together 25 elite club directors to discuss the landscape of high-level volleyball. From that meeting, the 2014 Triple Crown Volleyball Championships were born in Salt Lake City, UT, with 38 teams—including powerhouse programs like Coast and Tstreet—laying the foundation for what would become one of the most prestigious events in club volleyball.   Fast forward to today, and Triple Crown NIT has evolved into one of the most competitive tournaments in the country. The 2025 event, set for President's Day Weekend (February 14-17, 2025), will bring together over 670 teams, 7,000 athletes, and 800 college coaches for a high-stakes weekend of elite competition. In my opinion, this is the most important recruiting event of the year, where the best of the best face off to prove themselves on the biggest stage.   With powerhouse California teams heading to Kansas City, I connected with some of the top prospects to get a glimpse into their goals for this monumental event. Their insights will be featured in a four-part series rolling out this week.   Here's Part Three:    [player_tooltip player_id='475609' first='McKenna' last='McIntosh'] has been eagerly anticipating Triple Crown NIT, and her enthusiasm for the tournament is unmistakable. Known for its high energy and elite competition, she's ready to showcase her versatility, whether it's attacking from the left or right side or demonstrating her hard-earned defensive improvements. As a six-rotation outside hitter, McKenna understands the importance of excelling in both offense and defense, and she has worked diligently to refine her all-around game.   Since the fall, McKenna has been training with Chris Austin at @hittercollegevb, sharpening her skills and competitive mindset with top-tier coaching. This focused preparation has strengthened both her physical performance and mental resilience, ensuring she's prepared for the challenges ahead.   Her Vision 16Gold team has made significant strides this season, and McKenna is confident they will make a statement in the Power Pool. She knows that facing tough competition requires staying positive, focused, and composed—qualities that not only uplift her teammates but also showcase her maturity and leadership to college coaches. Determined to make an impact, McKenna is ready to leave it all on the court at Triple Crown NIT. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='546919' first='Lauren' last='Green'] is ready to make an impact at Triple Crown NIT, showcasing her hitting and blocking—two key areas where she can be a game-changer for her team. Her ability to control the net and provide offensive firepower will be instrumental in her team's success throughout the tournament.   Her goals for Triple Crown are clear: lead her team to victory while bringing her best effort to every play. She is locked in on competing at the highest level, ensuring her presence is felt in every moment on the court.   Lauren's preparation is comprehensive, combining nutrition, endurance training, and skill refinement in key areas like serving and serve receive. She remains disciplined in weight training, reinforcing her commitment to strength and overall athletic excellence.   What will undoubtedly stand out to college coaches is Lauren's explosive vertical jump and the raw power behind her attacks. These attributes, coupled with her relentless work ethic and sharp focus, make her a formidable competitor and an undeniable asset to any team. Expect her to leave a lasting impression on the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='617115' first='Lilia' last='Decker'] is ready to showcase the hard work and growth she has achieved in both defense and hitting at Triple Crown NIT. After refining her line swings and hard off-the-hands shots, she feels her expanded skill set has elevated her game to the next level. Now, she's eager to put that progress on full display for both college coaches and opponents.   Her goal for the tournament is clear: play her best volleyball and demonstrate the skills and effort she has invested all season. Lilia is determined to be a dominant presence on the court, racking up kills and digs while focusing on competing and winning alongside her teammates. She also recognizes the importance of enjoying the experience, cherishing the bonds she has built with her team throughout the year.   Lilia's preparation for Triple Crown NIT extends beyond the physical. She prioritizes mental and physical readiness, incorporating meditation and focus exercises to maintain a sharp mindset. She also emphasizes rest and hydration to ensure peak performance throughout the tournament.   What will truly set Lilia apart to college coaches is her versatility and high volleyball IQ. Whether stepping into any role the team requires or maintaining a calm and positive presence, she consistently finds ways to contribute. Her well-rounded abilities and steady demeanor make her a standout—both on the court and as a teammate. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='536075' first='Audrey' last='Simic'] has been fine-tuning her blocking strategy and transition game as a right-side hitter, particularly after overcoming an ankle injury earlier in the season. At Triple Crown NIT, she aims to establish a strong, disciplined block against powerful outside hitters, focusing on hand shaping and inward pressing to control the net. Additionally, she has emphasized quick, balanced transitions off the net, ensuring stability and keeping pace with the game's speed.   Her top personal goal for the tournament is simple: give maximum effort every moment on the court. She approaches each point and set with full focus and preparation, knowing that consistency is key. As a team, Audrey and her teammates are striving to build unity and reach a flow state, which they achieve through constant communication and trust in one another.   Audrey's preparation has been comprehensive, incorporating strength training, plyometrics, clean eating, and extra ball touches outside of practice. She dedicates time to watching game film, analyzing her team's play to pinpoint areas for improvement and sharpen her decision-making. Filming practices and private training sessions have also been valuable tools in fine-tuning her technique and overall performance.   What Audrey believes will stand out to college coaches is her ability to stabilize her team's energy in high-pressure moments. Whether through positive communication, an uplifting attitude, or mental and emotional resilience, she strives to keep her team composed and engaged. Her ability to bring consistency, confidence, and leadership makes her a valuable asset and a key contributor to her team's success at Triple Crown NIT. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='492745' first='Kate' last='Jackson'] is eager to take the court at Triple Crown NIT, recognizing it as a unique and highly competitive tournament. “Triple Crown is such an incredible and unique tournament, so to compete against the best and gain exposure from college coaches has me focusing on my mindset,” she shares. Over the past six years, she has earned the trust of her teammates and coaches, proving herself as a reliable two-way player in high-pressure moments, including national championships.   Her approach to success is deeply rooted in mental preparation. She incorporates visualization, positive self-talk, and mindfulness to maintain mental toughness and composure under pressure. By staying calm, focused, and present, Kate ensures she can deliver consistent performances, a quality that is vital in volleyball.   Beyond her individual mindset, Kate values the power of a collective approach. She and her teammates journal together regularly, a practice that strengthens team cohesion and contributes to their shared success on and off the court.   Her goals for Triple Crown are clear—showcase her impact as a six-rotation starter, highlighting both her offensive and defensive versatility while demonstrating how seamlessly she works within her team's system. Kate's consistency and reliability are qualities she takes pride in and aims to showcase as she competes at the highest level. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Georgie Lee has fully embraced the challenge of transitioning from Middle Blocker to Outside Hitter, dedicating herself to refining her serve receive and defensive skills after six years in the middle. While the adjustment has required intense focus, she thrives on the energy and excitement of delivering a powerful swing that ignites her teammates and the crowd. At Triple Crown NIT, she looks forward to seizing big moments and making a lasting impact.   Her goals for the tournament are simple: be a great teammate, stay prepared, and enjoy the experience. Traveling from Hawai'i to Kansas City is a long journey, and she is focused on keeping both her mind and body ready to compete. While final scores may fade, she values the friendships, bus rides, and sideline moments that will last a lifetime.   Preparation has been a major priority, with a strong emphasis on recovery and balance. Competing in indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, and tennis, she often juggles multiple workouts a day. She has been diligent about hydration, nutrition, and recovery routines, incorporating rolling out, massage gun therapy, and ice baths into her schedule. Understanding the challenges of travel, she prioritizes quality sleep, limits screen time, and maintains proper nutrition—a commitment she credits her mom for helping her manage.   What Georgie hopes college coaches will notice is her relentless work ethic. A dedicated competitor, she balances the demands of a rigorous prep school while maintaining a 4.0 GPA, all while competing at the 17U national level—at just 15 years old. Representing Hawai'i and her club is something she takes great pride in, bringing passion, energy, and positivity to every match. Above all, she is committed to being the best teammate possible, bringing a strong, uplifting presence to the court—regardless of the outcome. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable    The Triple Crown NIT is more than just an elite competition—it's a stage where athletes reveal the passion, preparation, and perseverance that drive their success. The insights shared by these athletes provide a deeper understanding of what fuels them both on and off the court. From overcoming challenges to setting ambitious goals, their mental toughness and relentless determination are just as vital as their technical skills.   These athletes embody the dedication, resilience, and leadership that college coaches seek in their future players. As Triple Crown continues to showcase the nation's best, their voices serve as a testament to the hard work and mindset required to compete at the highest level.   I look forward to bringing you the last installment of the "Triple Crown Prep: Athletes' Voices" in Part Four, where we'll continue to explore the mental strength and competitive drive that set these rising prospects apart. Stay tuned!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachable247/?hl=en">Coachable247</a>, for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.   Together, we're building a positive platform to celebrate players, empower families, and connect with the volleyball community. Thank you to all of our subscribers for being an essential part of this journey. Let's keep growing the game and creating unforgettable memories.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a></h4>

In 2013, Triple Crown Sports brought together 25 elite club directors to discuss the landscape of high-level volleyball. From that meeting, the 2014 Triple Crown Volleyball Championships were born in Salt Lake City, UT, with 38 teams—including powerhouse programs like Coast and Tstreet—laying the foundation for what would become one of the most prestigious events in club volleyball.