High School Season Kickoff: Meet the Players of Queen’s Court

The high school volleyball season officially begins this morning, and there's no better way to launch it than with the Queen's Court Tournament in Irvine. With teams from across Southern California taking the court, this two-day event marks the first major look at new rosters, returning talent, and rising stars.   Ahead of the today's action, I caught up with a group of athletes who are ready to leave their mark. In their own words, they share what they've been working on, who they're excited to face, and what makes this season so meaningful.    [player_tooltip player_id='542713' first='Madison' last='Goodrich'] enters the season with sharpened instincts and a clear focus on defensive growth. “I have worked hard to improve my reading game on defense this season,” she said. “I hope that it helps me to be quick on my feet and have fast reactions to hard driven balls.”   As a key member of JSerra, Madison points to team culture as their foundation. “My high school team is so special because of our culture,” she said. “I'm so excited to show that we have all improved since last year.”   She's especially looking forward to the energy that comes with a rivalry match. “Santa Margarita, because it is always fun to play our rivals,” she said.   Though she now anchors the back row, Madison's roots in setting add depth to her game. “I used to be a setter for two seasons and love setting in addition to passing.” Her diverse skill set and game IQ make her a strong presence as the season kicks off at Queen's Court.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='579970' first='Isabella' last='Faro'] has transformed her serve into a weapon. “From float to top spin, I want my serves to be a weapon on the court this weekend,” she said. With a tight-knit group of seniors who have grown together since freshman year, Cypress enters the tournament with something to prove.   “We all started in JV and have been playing together the last three years. This tournament we want to prove that hard work over the years pays off. We want to show a strong bonded team.” She's especially eager to face Orange Lutheran, calling them “such a great team competitively,” and says she loves the level of challenge they bring. Off the court, Isabella is a Marvel fan, especially drawn to Scarlet Witch for her power and confidence.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='328173' first='Cedra' last='Talaga'] has been dialing in her offensive efficiency, with an emphasis on smarter, more controlled swings. “I've worked on recognizing the block better and adjusting mid-air to place the ball smarter, not just harder,” she said.   Coming off a Division III championship, Cedra knows her team may still be underestimated, but that's part of what fuels them. “We're still not the team people expect to go far, but we've got heart, grit, and a relentless mindset.” She's focused on staying disciplined, playing her game, and continuing to build team chemistry, no matter who's across the net.   I asked Cedra for a fun fact that she would like college coaches to know and she shared she was honored with the opportunity to play in the Samoa Bowl in American Samoa. The experience gave her a chance to compete internationally while connecting with her roots, learning more about her family history and culture. “It was a truly humbling experience, one that means a lot to me and that I'll always carry with me.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='526268' first='Sage' last='Tamondong'] steps into the season with a new challenge and a team-first mindset. “I've been working pretty hard during my offseason,” she said. With only one setter on the roster, Sage has taken on the role while also learning to play right-side defense, something outside her usual comfort zone. “I'm still learning how to be a setter, and I think it'll help me improve as a libero in club.”   Even with the added responsibility, Sage is energized by her team's connection. “Everyone is close to each other. We've been practicing, getting reps, and having a lot of fun,” she said. If she could face one team this weekend, it would be Cerritos, where one of her closest friends plays. A naturally adaptable player, Sage has experience at opposite, libero, and now setter, ready to fill any role her team needs.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='807639' first='Aleeya' last='Salima']'s offseason has been about more than mechanics. She worked on her vertical, quickness, leadership, and mental toughness, with one goal in mind: to lead with strength and grace. “I've been putting in the extra reps and learning how to stay locked in and lean on God when myself and my team face adversity,” she said. She's proud to represent a young but fearless Long Beach Poly squad.   “We're the defending CIF champs. We push each other, lift each other up, and we're proud of the name on our jerseys.” She's hoping to match up with Long Beach Wilson, where two of her best friends play. Off the court, her faith is central to her identity. “I play for more than just wins. I play for God. Volleyball is my passion, but honoring Christ through the way I play and treat others is what matters most to me.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     For [player_tooltip player_id='740877' first='Alison' last='Wetteland'], discipline outside the gym has been just as important as reps on the court. “I've been getting to bed early, preparing for next year's AP classes and the SAT, and eating properly,” she said. “I hope these help me show up fueled and ready to do what needs to be done.”   On the court, she sees potential in the team's growing chemistry. “With more reps together, not only will our skills improve but so will our confidence in each other.” She's not focused on a particular opponent, just on helping Poly prove that their talent and work ethic will carry them through. Off the court, Alison finds calm and joy in reading, one of her favorite pastimes.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='748107' first='Brooklyn' last='Hill'] is a 2029 setter already setting the tone for her high school career. This season, she's focused on building rhythm and defensive consistency. “I've been working on setting tempo and defense,” she said. “Running a quicker offense and digging more balls are my priorities right now.”   Brooklyn is one of seven strong freshmen on San Clemente's JV roster, backed by a tight-knit school and city community. “We have seven strong freshmen, three sophomores, and one junior. Our community is super supportive: ‘One Town, One Team.'”   She's looking forward to a potential matchup with JSerra, where several of her former club teammates now play. Off the court, Brooklyn brings her own style, sharing that she loves clothes and shopping for new looks whenever she can.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='845516' first='Lauren' last='Foster'] enters the new season with connection and leadership at the forefront of her game. “I have worked hard to build connections with my teammates both on and off the court,” she said. “I hope the connections I've made result in having a smooth offense and instill confidence in my teammates.”   After helping lead Long Beach Poly to a CIF Championship last season, Lauren is determined to keep that same standard alive. “Our sisterhood, grit, and perseverance guide us to victories others may find impossible. I'm most excited to prove that our program still holds a high standard and will continue to hold our standard.”   She's not focused on one opponent, just the opportunity to compete. Off the court, Lauren is creative and driven, with a passion for both singing and cosmetology. She hopes to one day turn that passion into a career.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='478843' first='Neariah' last='Fasavalu'], a pin hitter for Adolfo Camarillo, has focused her offseason training on agility and explosiveness. “I've been working on my agility, hoping to become faster and quicker with my steps getting to the ball,” she said.   While there's been a lot of change within the team, Neariah is embracing the opportunity for growth. “I am very excited for our scrappy team to play out this week,” she said. “I'm embracing that change.”   She was hoping to face Newbury Park, a program known for its competitiveness and full of familiar club faces. When asked what drives her, Neariah pointed to her mindset. “I'm self-motivated. Being ambitious helps me feel capable of doing anything if I put my heart into it.”   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <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" />   Throughout August, as tryouts, preseason training, and early matches unfold, high school players enter a critical stretch of growth, leadership, and visibility. 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Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

The high school volleyball season officially begins this morning, and there's no better way to launch it than with the Queen's Court Tournament in Irvine. With teams from across Southern California taking the court, this two-day event marks the first major look at new rosters, returning talent, and rising stars.