California Prospects at the Sunshine Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a coveted bid to the USA Volleyball Girls National Championship in Dallas on the line, three California teams made the cross-country trip to Orlando, FL, determined to make their mark at the Sunshine Classic National Qualifier. Competing against top-tier competition, these teams showcased resilience, skill, and a drive to compete at the highest level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='429449' first='Long' last='Beach Volleyball Club'] 17 GERALD</strong> battled through the 17 Liberty division, earning their place in the Gold Bracket, proving they're a team to watch as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='429449' first='Long' last='Beach Volleyball Club'] 15 GERALD</strong> took on the 15 USA division, securing a spot in the Silver B Bracket, displaying their grit and talent against a stacked field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LIV 15 Royal</strong>, in their inaugural season, competed in the 15 USA division and will play in the Jade A Bracket, gaining valuable experience at a major qualifier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond the bracket placements, individual performances have stood out, with several players making a strong impression on the courts. These athletes have not only stepped up in crucial moments but have also shown the potential to elevate their game to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of the California prospects who have been turning heads at the Sunshine Classic so far. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["708497"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c3c7f1b1b4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clayborne's athleticism and quickness make her a dangerous offensive threat. She works around the block effectively, finding ways to score against tough defenses. Her ability to adjust mid-play is impressive, showing strong court awareness. This Freshman is one to watch. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["511593"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c3c7f1b1bbb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nihipali's top-spin serve is elite, featuring a high toss and a powerful delivery that challenges even the best passers. She racked up aces, including a standout moment where the opposition didn't even move—unable to react in time to her blistering serve. Offensively, at the net, her cross-court shots are sharp and highly effective. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["524955"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c3c7f1b1c03"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lee moves with urgency and takes full command of her side of the court. Her quickness allows her to cover a lot of ground, and she remains composed while facilitating the offense. She consistently makes smart choices under pressure. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["502673"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c3c7f1b1c43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A high-IQ player, Hidalgo demonstrates excellent shot selection, knowing when to swing aggressively, roll, or tip based on the defense. She also delivers a reliable serve that applies pressure to opponents. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">LBVC 17 GERALD | 17 Liberty Division</span></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lauren Foster (#2 | Setter)<br></strong>A smooth operator on the court, Foster makes the game look effortless with her precise decision-making. She delivers clean, well-placed sets that give her hitters optimal opportunities to score. Her deceptive two-hand dump is a weapon, keeping blockers off balance and adding another dimension to her offensive game. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sianelei Purcell (#23 | Outside Hitter)<br></strong>A powerful and intelligent attacker, Purcell excels at tooling the block and finding seams in the defense. She plays with high energy and confidence, actively calling for sets and making aggressive plays at the net. Her ability to recover and transition quickly keeps her a step ahead of the defense. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Addison Roberts (#9 | Middle Blocker)<br></strong>Roberts brings a strong presence at the net, making smart, decisive plays in key moments. Her on-court communication is a major asset, keeping her team organized and engaged throughout play. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aleeya Salima (#5 | Defensive Specialist/Outside Hitter)<br></strong>Salima competes with high energy and relentless hustle. She is disciplined on serve receive, maintaining a strong passing platform. Defensively, she reads plays well and is quick to react, allowing her to extend rallies and create opportunities for her team. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">LBVC 15 GERALD | 15 USA Division</span></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josephine Yun (#21 | Outside Hitter)<br></strong>Yun has a knack for hitting around the block and taking creative angles on her attacks. She adjusts well to different sets, making her an effective option in transition. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">LIV 15 Royal | 15 USA Division</span></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ashley Deemer (#18 | Middle Blocker)<br></strong>Deemer plays with intensity and is a force at the net, excelling in both blocking and transition play. She communicates well with her setter, ensuring she's always available as an offensive option. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sydney Jensen (#6 | Outside Hitter)<br></strong>Jensen is a consistent presence on the outside, keeping plays alive and making smart, controlled swings to keep the ball in play. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Abigail Krogh (#14 | Setter)<br></strong>Krogh showcases strong footwork and adaptability, allowing her to set effectively off a variety of passes. She finds ways to create plays even in less-than-ideal situations. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Olivia Mape (#2 | Setter/Defensive Specialist)<br></strong>Mape's leadership and positive attitude stand out. She keeps her teammates engaged and motivated while ensuring smooth offensive transitions. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Camille McCarthy (#7 | Opposite/Setter)<br></strong>McCarthy is an explosive left-handed hitter who stays involved in every play. She brings versatility to the court with her ability to both set and attack, making her a valuable dual-threat player. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Katie Xie (#3 | Setter)<br></strong>Xie is a high-motor setter with quick footwork and the ability to distribute the ball efficiently. She mixes up her sets well, keeping opposing blockers guessing. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best of Luck to All the Teams Moving Forward</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sunshine Classic National Qualifier has once again provided an incredible stage for athletes to showcase their skills, resilience, and passion for the game. From dominant performances at the net to clutch plays in high-pressure moments, these California teams and players have made their mark in one of the season's most competitive events.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the tournament progresses and teams continue their journey toward the USA Volleyball Girls National Championship in Dallas, we wish each of them the best of luck. Whether competing in gold, silver, or beyond, every match is an opportunity to grow, compete, and prove that hard work and dedication pay off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To the athletes who stepped up and turned heads this weekend, keep pushing, keep improving, and keep making your presence known. Your talent and commitment to the game do not go unnoticed, and we look forward to seeing what's next for each of you.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best of luck to all teams in the remainder of the Sunshine Classic and beyond!</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a></strong>&nbsp;and<strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachable247/?hl=en">Coachable247</a></strong>, for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->