Spotlight on Rising Stars at GJNC in Dallas

As the evening pools kicked off on Day 1 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas for the Girls Junior National Championships, one thing was clear, this was a gathering of talent from across the country, with each athlete seeking her moment in the spotlight. Walking through the gym, several players stood out not just for their performance in the moment, but for their potential and upward trajectory.   These athletes are rising in a crowded field, and college coaches would do well to take note. Their performances reflect both immediate impact and long-term upside, the kind of steady growth and competitive mindset that college programs are built on.    [player_tooltip player_id='752557' first='Blair' last='Smith'] is the definition of athleticism. Each time I've seen her take the court this season, she's leveled up, refining her reads, sharpening her decision-making, and bringing more consistency to her all-around game. On the outside, she knows when to swing with power and when to get creative, adapting well to what the defense gives her.   What separates Blair is her presence at the net. She plays it with confidence and physicality, turning defensive stops into immediate offensive opportunities. Her combination of athletic instincts and steady development makes her a high-upside prospect college coaches should be watching closely. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   <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/DLVvvpqMHQd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </div></figure>     Payton Osegueda brings a versatile offensive toolbox to the court. She knows how to mix up her tempo, swinging hard when it's there, but just as comfortable placing a smart shot when the situation calls for it. On the block, she's a problem. Her press over the net is consistent and aggressive, making her a major presence at the net on both sides of the ball.   What truly stands out is her mindset. Payton is hungry to grow, highly coachable, and locked in on playing at the next level. That mix of skill, motor, and maturity makes her a serious prospect who will only continue to rise. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   <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/DLWSPHtMl49/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </div></figure>     Zarah Ghadban plays fast and with purpose. She is a go-to option in both the front and back row, consistently delivering clean, high-contact swings that translate into points. Her ability to terminate plays across multiple rotations gives her team a reliable offensive presence and adds significant value at this level of competition.   Fresh off earning Top Performer honors at the Nevada Showcase, Zarah has brought that same intensity and execution to the national stage. She stays focused, plays within herself, and knows how to finish a rally. College coaches looking for a dependable, six-rotation threat should keep her firmly on their radar. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Peyton Jacobs brings intensity and poise to the setting position. She consistently moves into position to square up, even off of broken plays, and puts her hitters in rhythm. Her one-handed athleticism is a standout trait, whether it's a tight pass or a fast transition, she finds a way to deliver a hittable ball with accuracy.   Her back sets are particularly sharp, reaching the pin cleanly and allowing her attackers to stay aggressive. Peyton also adds an element of deception with well-timed two-handed dumps that catch defenses off guard. Her blend of court awareness, creativity, and athleticism makes her a setter that elevates everyone around her. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   <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/DLXyHEkM22o/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stay tuned for much more coverage...</h2>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, please help us keep the momentum going!</h3>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/image_b3bd7c.png" alt="" class="wp-image-770392" /></figure>     ✨ Help a player get discovered — share this article using the share buttons and tag us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCa</a>!   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/image_ff10cb.png" alt="" class="wp-image-770394" style="width:98px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   🚀 <a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a> — exclusive rankings, in-depth analysis, and access to the full <a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/">prospect index</a>.     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Together, we're building a positive platform to celebrate players and connect the volleyball community through exposure and opportunity.   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As the evening pools kicked off on Day 1 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas for the Girls Junior National Championships, one thing was clear, this was a gathering of talent from across the country, with each athlete seeking her moment in the spotlight. Walking through the gym, several players stood out not just for their performance in the moment, but for their potential and upward trajectory.